The population of the beloved common loon, a species of bird native to Maine, has experienced a slight decline for the second year in a row. However, wildlife surveyors have found hope in the increased number of loon chicks. Maine is home to the largest population of common loons in the eastern United States, making the state critical to the species' breeding population. While other New England states and beyond have listed loons as either endangered or threatened, Maine Audubon conducts an annual loon count and has projected a population of 2,892 birds based on this year's results. Although this number is slightly lower than last year's count, it is still a 16% decrease from the total in 2021.

Despite the decline, biologists at Maine Audubon remain optimistic about the future of the common loon population. They point to the significant increase in loon chicks, which climbed from 298 in 2022 to 411 this year. This surge in the younger generation suggests a bright future for the species. In fact, the total population of common loons has doubled since the counting began 40 years ago, according to representatives from Maine Audubon.

Hannah Young, the loon count coordinator at Maine Audubon, described the increase in loon chicks as a "huge jump." She expressed hope that this growth will translate into an increase in adult loons in the coming years. Common loons are known for their haunting, ghost-like calls and are considered a cultural icon in Canada. They are also a favorite among birdwatchers.

This recent decline in Maine's loon population is not unprecedented. Similar drops in population occurred from 2005 to 2007 and again from 2018 to 2020, as indicated by Maine Audubon data. Despite these fluctuations, conservationists have been dedicated to the long-term recovery of loon populations in the United States. Recent efforts have focused on phasing out the use of lead fishing tackle, which can be fatal to loons if ingested accidentally. Maine recently passed a bill that bans the sale and use of painted lead fishing tackle, a significant step towards protecting the birds. Lead poisoning has been identified as one of the leading causes of death for adult loons in Maine, according to Maine Audubon.

Conservation efforts to rebuild loon populations are also underway in other states, such as Massachusetts, which currently has only a few dozen breeding pairs of loons. With continued efforts to address threats like lead poisoning and habitat loss, there remains hope for the long-term survival of the common loon species.