This past winter season was a mild one for the Adirondacks, with relatively high temperatures a common occurrence. While many of us appreciated fewer sub-zero days, the warmer temperatures were not ideal for one of the Adirondacks’ most iconic birds, the loon.
The common Adirondack loon typically takes flight in November and December to avoid the region’s long, cold winter. Usually, the birds are gone before the lakes and ponds freeze over, but this past winter was different. The surprisingly warm weather affected the loons’ natural instincts, so when freezing finally happened, they lost their water runway and couldn’t take flight. Multiple stories of loon rescues were reported as a result.
The Burlington Free Press reported about loons trapped in Lake Champlain in late February! As the rescued loons were 1-2 years old, it’s believed they had undergone molting (feather shedding) and couldn’t fly; this trapped them on the icy lake.
In addition, rising temperatures in the region are creating a favorable environment for the avian malaria parasite, typically found in warmer, more southern parts of the country. Ellen Martinsen, an associate with the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, told the Eagle Tribune, “the concern is that the birds may not have the defenses to protect them against an infection.” Only 12% of loons have tested positive for the parasite thus far, but researchers are continuing to survey the situation.
These newer developments are in addition to already identified conservation concerns, which include: ongoing impact from mercury pollution and acid deposition, loss of breeding habitat from shoreline development, fishing line entanglement, lead toxicity from ingestion of lead fishing tackle and other threats.
Interested in learning more? The Common Loon is designated as a Species of Special Concern in New
York State, as well as being protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty. The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation offers educational resources and works to ensure loons continue to thrive in the Adirondack Park for generations to come.
Sources:
- Burlington Free Press – Loons rescued from Lake Champlain
- The Post-Star – Local loon rescues
- Eagle Tribune – Loon’s malaria death seen as sign of climate change
