NY Annual Loon Census
THe 2024 NY Loon Census is Saturday, July 20, from 8-9am
The New York Annual Loon Census is held on the 3rd Saturday of July each year, from 8:00-9:00 a.m., to provide an annual "snapshot" of the breeding loon population in the state. Results of the Census over time provide valuable information regarding the status and trends in New York's summer loon population.
The Census was initiated in 2001, and has been held annually since then. We are most grateful to the former Wildlife Conservation Society’s Adirondack Program for their collaboration in coordinating the NY Loon Census from 2010-2018.
People all across New York are invited to participate in the Annual Loon Census and submit their observations from any lake in New York. We are not currently accepting sign-ups for the 2024 year.
REGISTRATION FOR THE 2024 NY ANNUAL LOON CENSUS WILL OPEN IN EARLY SPRING.
email ny-loon-census@adkloon.org with questions.
To Participate in New York's Annual Loon Census:
Note: If you observed on a Census lake last year and want to do the same lake this year, you can skip Step #1, as you do not need to sign up again. It is assumed you will participate on the same lake this year unless you contact us to let us know you won’t be able to do so, or would like to change to a different lake.
To Observe on A Former Census Lake:
Open the NY Loon Census Map and click on the pencil icon in task bar on the top left of the map.
Click on the green dot for the lake where you want to conduct your observations.
This will open up a box. Fill in all of the information and your edits will automatically save. Once you are done. Click the ‘x’ to exit the box.
To confirm your submission, click the “Refresh” button on your browser. The dot should now be red and none of your information will be visible.
Need to review the instructions? Please click the information icon on the main task bar.
To add a new Census Lake:
If you would like to survey a lake that has not been done before:
Open the NY Loon Census Map and click on the pencil icon in task bar on the top left of the map.
An ‘Edit’ box will appear in the top right corner. Click the ‘New Feature’ button .
Using your computer mouse, click on the lake of your choice. A pop-up box will appear.
Fill in all of the information and please record the name of the lake in the comments section. Then click the ‘x’ to exit the box - you are all done - Thank You!
Need to review the instructions? Please click the information icon on the main task bar.
Don’t Want to Select Your Lake Online?
If you do not want to select your lake online, please contact the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation at ny-loon-census@adkloon.org or call (518) 354-8636 to let us know which lake you have selected.
Please provide us with the lake name, county, and township, and your contact information.
NY Loon Census forms will be sent by mid-July to those who do not have email.
3. Look for loons on your Census lake from 8-9AM on Census Day
Conduct your observation from a motorboat, canoe, or kayak to give you the best chance of observing loons on your census lake. Binoculars or a spotting scope will also help you see loons and other wildlife.
4. Report Your Results by August 1, by Mail or email
Please return your Loon Census form by August 1st via email or mail to enable us to double-check the online data entry. If sending your form in, please mail it to:
Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation
PO Box 195, Ray Brook, NY 12977
If you are sending back your results by mail, please also include a map of the lake where you conducted your survey, and note on the map where you saw loons.
Your observations help conserve and protect Adirondack loons and the lakes where they live.