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.
Also call the Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) at (207) 839-7600 if you come across a dead loon as their biologists also help in recovering loon carcasses. Please know that you are doing a great service to loons by reporting any loon deaths. Necropsies (“autopsies”) of loon carcasses can provide vital information about the cause of death, which is essential for tracking threats to loons on Maine lakes and targeting loon conservation efforts. Please take photos of the loon, note the location, whether the loon has colored or silver bands on its legs, and if there are any other clues as to what caused the loon’s death–this is all very important information in determining what may have happened–and what might be done in the future to prevent such deaths.
Do not attempt to touch or collect the dead loon. There are diseases, like Avian Influenza, that can be spread through touch and/or contamination via clothes. For your own safety, and the safety of other birds, please allow DIFW or BRI handle collection and transportation.
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.