Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute

Contact InformationErica LeMoine
LoonWatch Program
1411 Ellis Avenue
Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute
Ashland, WI 54806
(715) 682-1220
Email

Home / Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute / LoonWatch / Learn About Loons

Learn About Loons

Loons are considered one of the most primitive birds on earth. They have not changed from their current form for the last one million years. The first loon relative appeared about 25 million years ago and measured about six feet from beak to tail. There are five species of loons in the world: Common Loon (Gavia immer), Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii), Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica), Arctic Loon (Gavia arctica), and the Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata). Only the Common Loon breeds in the lower 48 states and usually nests on inland lakes.

LoonWatch focuses on the protection of common loons and their aquatic habitats through education, monitoring, and research.
Loon Identification—What does a common loon look like?
Loon Behavior & Vocalizations—Learn how to identify the diverse behaviors of loons and what they mean.
Loon Ecology—Learn about the life cycle of a loon and loon habitat.
Frequently Asked Common Loon Questions—Do loons mate for life? Are loons protected? How many eggs do loons lay? Look here for the answers to these and other frequently asked loon questions.
Other Loon Groups & Resources—Visit these websites for information and news about loons across North America.
Loon Artificial Nesting Platforms—Determine if your lake is a good candidate for a nesting platform and find out what you need to do to acquire a permit or notify the Wisconsin DNR about your platform project.

Event Calendar
September 2012
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Chequamegon Bay BioBlitz
Sep 21, 2012, Sep 22, 2012
Northland College

Chequamegon Bay BioBlitz

Sep 21, 2012, Sep 22, 2012

Location Information
Northland College

Chequamegon Bay BioBlitz

The Chequamegon Bay BioBlitz is a free event open to people of all ages who want to come learn about the creatures with whom they share the Chequamegon Bay. Centered on the Northland College campus, the BioBlitz will feature experts in many fields of science who will lead field trips into the Ashland area and teach participants about their area of expertise. Experts in birding, botany, mammals, fish, insects, reptiles, and many others will all be featured. The goal of the BioBlitz is to get a count of all possible species in the Chequamegon Bay and to collect information that will be useful for wildlife and land management in the Ashland area, as well as to educate citizens about the unique and diverse ecosystem around them. Field trips will take place in two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon with a break for lunch in between.

Schedule of Events

Friday, September 21, 2012 - 6:15 p.m. - Bat Field Trip to Bayfield Hatchery

Saturday, September 22, 2012

8:30 a.m. at the Alvord Theatre, Introductions, Welcome to the BioBlitz!
9 a.m. - First field trips go out
Topics:
Waterfowl with Nick Anich (WDNR)
Birding: Ryan Brady (WRNR)
Birding with Katie Stumpt (Northland College)
Small Mammals with Paula Anich (Northland College)
Geology with Tom Fitz (Northland College)
Aquatic Inverts with Tracey Ledder (WDNR)
Plants with Sarah Johnson (Northland College)
Fish with Northland College AFS and Scott Braden (WDNR)
Noon - Field trips arrive back at Northland's campus
12-1 p.m. - Lunch
1 p.m. - Second field trips go out
Topics:
Butterflies/Dragonflies with David Bratley and David Hanson (Naturalists)
Birds with Linda Parker (Forest Service)
Geology with Tom Fitz (Northland College)
Mushroom and Fungi with Matt Welter and Betsy Bartelt
Aquatic Inverts with Tracey Ledder (WDNR)
Plants with Sarah Johnson (Northland College)
Fish with Northland College AFS and Scott Braden (WDNR)
4 p.m. - Field trips arrive back at Northland's campus
5 p.m. - Closing statements, species count

** The expert list will keep growing as we talk to more people and get more commitments

Transportation
Transportation will not be provided by Northland College. Participants will be asked to carpool in their own vehicles, those of the experts, and/or other members of their trip to get to the locations of field trips. All locations will be within 15 miles of Northland's campus, so driving time and gas use should be minimal.

Pre-Registration
Please pre-register for trips as most ofhave a 15-participant limit. Participants can pre-register by e-mailing or calling Peter Aerts at Aertsp01@myemail.northland.edu or (920) 328-4594.

Lunch
We are able to provide a free pizza buffet for the first 50 pre-registered participants.

Contact Information

(920) 328-4594
Aertsp01@myemail.northland.edu

Photo Gallery

Wing Flap

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Ways to Support LoonWatch

Supporting LoonWatch can include donating your photography, volunteering to be a citizen scientist for research projects, giving a cash donation that ensure LoonWatch will be here to help loons thrive in the Northwoods. For more information, please contact Erica LeMoine at (715) 682-1220 or email at loonwatch@northland.edu.