On the third Saturday of July each year from 7 to 7:30 am, more than 1,800 volunteers venture to over 400 lakes and ponds across the state to count loons. The observations recorded by our community scientist volunteers provide an excellent “snapshot” of the loon population in Maine. Since 1983, volunteers have been counting loons on Maine lakes to help monitor the health of the population.
In this special video (at the bottom of this page), you’ll hear from biologists and loon count organizers at Maine Audubon as well as some of the loon count volunteers to find out what makes the count so special, why the data is important, and how easy it is to be involved!
We’re always looking for new volunteers to help expand our coverage of the state, whether by boat or from the shore. Contact us at conserve@maineaudubon.org to learn more about getting involved.
For more than 40 years, community scientists have helped us collect invaluable data to chart the status of our loon population over time. Open the interactive data dashboard (New! Best viewed on a computer) to view a map of annual loon count results for each lake and explore historic population estimates, survey lakes, and volunteer effort (updated 2025). You can also visit the interactive map on Lakes of Maine to view historic loon count results across Maine lakes alongside other lake data (updated 2024).
Do you live north of the 45th parallel? Are you looking for an adventure and want to travel to a remote lake? Maine Audubon is seeking more volunteers to expand our coverage in the northern part of the state. We currently survey around 120 lakes, but need more to be able to confidently estimate the northern loon population.
As many of these lakes are in remote areas, may lack boat launches or easy cartop access, or require hiking to access, we’re looking for adventurous volunteers to participate in our extended duration surveys. These surveys give volunteers a week to scout, access, and conduct a one hour survey of their lake. If this sounds like a challenge you want to embark on, please contact us at conserve@maineaudubon.org.
The 42nd Annual Loon Count took place on Saturday, July 19, 2025. It was another great year for the Loon Count and for Common Loons. Every single number associated with the Annual Loon Count was higher in 2025 than it was in 2024—the number of adult loons, loon chicks, lakes counted, and volunteers—and scientists at Maine Audubon say it’s a great indication that the Common Loon population is healthy in Maine.
Read the full results and details here
Each year, our estimate is for Maine south of the 45th parallel—roughly south of a line from Rangeley to Calais—which is the area where we have enough lakes covered by counters to make a reliable estimate.
News from the 2025 count:
Maine Audubon estimates a 2025 population of 3174 adults and 568 chicks for the southern half of Maine
• Maine Audubon Annual Loon Count to Take Place July 19
• A New Way to Get Involved with the Annual Loon Count
News from the 2024 count:
Maine Audubon estimates a population of 3146 adult Common Loons and 420 chicks for the southern half of Maine.
• Maine Audubon’s 41st Annual Loon Count Results Show Healthy Loon Population
• Maine Audubon Annual Loon Count Set for July 20
News from the 2023 count:
