Might this be the Year You Help with The 40th Annual Loon Count?

I look forward to the loons every summer.

Every year when we open up camp, it doesn't feel official until the first screech of the loons off the lake. I also look forward to seeing the little bebe loons perched atop Mom's back as they meander about the lake. My mom is super serious when it comes to the babies too. If she sees a bald eagle or an osprey, she'll holler at them from shore, haha.

The population varies from year to year on our lake, and sometimes even in different parts of the summer, the number changes. Some years we've just had a pair and theyir baby, other years I've seen as many as seven communing together. But it's something I passively keep an eye on from year to year.

It's especially of interest in July.

Every year on the third Saturday of July, Maine has it's annual Loon Count, and this is actually the 40th year it's been done. Each July, the Maine Audubon Society conducts the census in conjunction with the Maine Loon Project to not only help determine the population, but also as a data point to help figure out which areas need the most help when it comes to managing their loons.

According to WABI, the Audubon Society is hoping as many folks around the state as possible will help to get an accurate glimpse into the current state of Maine's loon population. But they need folks to do the counting wherever they can, and then send in their results.

The count will happen this year on Saturday July 15th. On average, more than 1500 volunteers across the state participate. Maybe this will be the year you finally get on board? There's plenty of info about how to get involved right here...

Keep scrolling and see if loons made this list...