Loon Counts

This rare flotilla of nine loons enjoying Deer Lake's pristine waters was captured by Dave Chatterton.

Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

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Volunteers needed to report on Loon Nesting for sensitive habitat study on Deer Lake

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Deer Lake Loon Count 2011
- Count conducted on July 13, 2011 by Joan and Gerry Ratzlaff, Trish
and Jim Bogenreif and Rob and Barb Baker.
- The count was forty four adults and six chicks (8 hatched)
- By observing during the nesting season we observed eight chicks that
hatched, two were lost before the survey was taken
- Two of the chicks that were hatched were from nesting platforms
- Happy to see our nesting pairs returned and were encouraged that they
were not affected by disasters in the Gulf.

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Deer Lake 2010 Loon Survey

The survey was taken on July 12 2010 by Joan and Gerry Ratzlaff- Trish and Jim Bogenreif and Rob and Barb Baker

The count was 38 adults 6 chicks (9 chicks hatched)

By observing during the nesting season we counted 9 chicks but three were lost before the survey of the 9 successful hatches were from nesting platforms.

Previous counts '05 32 adults-4 chicks '06 45 & 4- '07 43 & 4 '08 43 &2- '09 31 & 5 (7 hatched)

Necropsy Results from 2009

We sent one dead adult loon and 1 chick to the DNR to determine cause of death.

Results--the adult cause of death was determined to be an infection. Symptoms of infection severer enough to cause death were present, however the type of infection was undetermined. There was no evidence of lead toxicity. The chick cause was determined to be from trauma. The chick had hemorrhaged throughout the body cavity, injuries consistent with an attack from a predator.

Joan Ratzlaff

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2009 LOON COUNT

The results of the July count were-- 31 adult loons 5 loon chicks 7
chicks hatched- but only 5 survived through August.

A note from Joan Ratzlaff-- Loon coordinator

It is important for our lake that we have data on the number of nesting
pairs of loons on our lake. we are asking residents to notify me in May or
early June when they see a pair swimming together in one area- and if
possible to see where they are nesting.
Also notify me the number of loons seen gathering in Aug. and Sept. "loon
parties"

If you find a dead loon please call me-The DNR will send them to a lab to
determine the cause of death.

Joan Ratzlaff 218 246 9652 651 271 3341 or _joanandger@aol.com_
(mailto:joanandger@aol.com)

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The Loons are Nesting! Do Your Part to Protect Loons!

Watch loons from at least 500 feet away. Use binoculars from a safe distance.

Use non-lead fishing sinkers and jigs. Ingesting one sinker or jig will kill a loon.

Avoid islands before July 15th of each year. Human activity near a nest can cause the parents to leave it allowing the eggs to cool and die in as little as 15 to 45 minutes.

Keep dogs and cats away from loons and nests. Pets disturb nesting loons and destroy loon eggs.

Do not use fertilizer on shorelands. Fertilizer that finds it’s way into the lake through runoff or leaching increases aquatic plant growth, making it difficult for loons to swim and find food.

Be a responsible boater. Never chase loons or run motorboats over areas where loons have been seen. Loons and loon chicks have died from being hit by boats and propellers.

Don’t forget to look for the loon! If you know of a nesting pair on Deer Lake please notify Joan and Gerry Ratzlaff,

(218) 246-9652, or e-mail: JoanAndGer (at) aol.com

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The DNR is planning to collect dead loons again this year and determine the cause of mortality when possible. If you find a dead loon, put it in a plastic bag and chill as soon as possible (freezer is fine) to stop decomposition. Contact Pam Perry- (218) 833-8728 or pam.perry (at) dnr.state.mn.us she will arrange transport to a DNR office.

Income and property tax forms –

Your opportunity to make a tax-deductible donation to help loons and other wildlife.

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Past Counts:

THE 2006 LOON COUNT ON DEER LAKE was 35 adults and 4 chicks. (One chick was killed in the nest just before hatching.)

Jerry & Joan Ratzlaff report 4 new chicks and 32 adult loons for 2005. There were 6 "loonlings" originally but two disappeared after the big wind storm in June.

Deer Lake loon counts since 2001 counts are listed below.

Year        Number of Adults    Number of Chicks

2001                     35                        2
2002                    36                        5
2003                    40                        5
2004                    38                        4
2005                    32                        4

Itasca County Volunteer Loon Survey: 2006

Lake	Acres	Nesting	# of Pairs	Adults	Chicks
Deer	3926	Yes	5	35	4
Dunning	66	Yes	1	2	0
JackHorse	323	No	3	10	0
Jessie	1782	Yes	1	9	2
Johnson	437	Yes	2	5	2
Little Trout	78	Yes	1	2	0
Lorraine	31	Yes	1	2	0
McAvity	247	Yes	1	2	0
Mink	98	Yes	1	2	0
New	66	Yes	1	2	2
Shoal	259	No	0	2	0
Thistledew	317	No	0	6	0
3 Island	280	Yes	2	4	4
Turtle	2066	Yes	1	36	1
Wabana	2146	No	0	23	0