Maine Audubon’s 42nd Annual Loon Count brought good news to loon lovers. Data gathered by 1,848 volunteers who monitored 427 lakes and ponds across the state showed increases in both the number of adult common loons and loon chicks.

The survey is divided into southern (south of the 45th parallel) and northern areas. Maine Audubon’s calculations show a current population of 3,174 adult loons and 568 chicks for the southern half of Maine. That’s nearly double the population in 1983, when the count first began. In that year, the loon population was estimated at 1,417 adults and 176 chicks in the southern area.

In the northern half of Maine, volunteers surveying 121 lakes recorded 545 adults and 42 chicks in 2025. According to Maine Audubon, these numbers cannot be used as a direct comparison to the south, but it can serve as a reference for changes in loon numbers on individual lakes over time.

The organization feels that the survey is a great indication that the common loon population is healthy in Maine, and also shows that there are enough clean water, healthy fish populations, and viable breeding habitat to support a stable loon population.

For more information about the Maine Audubon Annual Loon Count or to volunteer, contact conserve@maineaudubon.org or visit maineaudubon.org/loons.