If you find an injured loon…
We receive reports every summer of injured loons on our lakes and ponds or loons with their bills wrapped in fishing line. Unfortunately, Maine Audubon is not equipped to assist with any loon “rescues.” Here are some organizations that may be able to help:
- The Warden Service at the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife: 207.287.8000.
- Avian Haven, an excellent rehab facility that can answer questions about sick or injured loons and provide guidance on what to do: 207.382.6761.
- Biologists from Biodiversity Research Institute are sometimes out trapping loons and may be able to assist if it is convenient to their work site, 207.839.7600.
If you find a dead loon…
Should you ever find a dead loon, please report the loon to Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIFW) at 207-287-8000. Here is link to the Maine Warden Service information page.
Next, the Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) collects dead loons from across New England to determine the cause of death. If you come across a dead loon, please call BRI (207-839-7600) to let them know. Please take photos of the loon, note the location, and whether the loon is banded – this is all very helpful information and assists BRI in determining what may have happened.
If you are able to safely collect the dead loon, while wearing gloves, please double bag the loon in plastic bags, then get it into a freezer quickly. DIFW will accept bagged carcasses, Avian Haven will also accept dead loons, and Maine Audubon can occasionally accept drops-offs. Please call 207-781-2330 ext. 219 or email conserve@maineaudubon.org to arrange a drop-off. Please note that Maine Audubon offices are closed at this time and will have very limited ability to accept dead loons.
If you find a loon egg…
Please do not collect loon eggs that you find floating or find on a nest that you believe to be abandoned! Egg collection is not allowed/permitted by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife under state law. You may be trying to do a good thing, but mistakes can and have been made. Don’t risk being responsible for a loon pair’s nest failure. Instead, please take a photo and mark the location. Send the photo, location information, and any information you have as to the approximate date and cause or suspected cause of the floating egg or nest abandonment to Maine Audubon at conserve@maineaudubon.org.