Dr. Nina Schoch, DVM, presented an interactive lecture titled "The Adirondack Loon Program: A New Approach to Wildlife Understanding," on March 30. She explained in-depth not only the general background information of loons, but also the work of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society and the Adirondack Loon program. Schoch was a veterinarian in the Adirondacks who has given up her practice to devote herself to full time work for The Wildlife Rehabilitation Society in Adirondack Park.
Schoch began her presentation with a general overview of the mission of the Adirondack Loon Program; the program seeks to research the history of the common loon as well as "provide education programs" about the loons in the Adirondacks. According to Schoch, studying loons had great biological and ecological implications; as loons live longs lives, (25 to 30 years typically,) the birds are great indicators of ecological changes. Also, the species is a "special concern to New York," as loons are a symbol of the Adirondack wilderness.
After describing in depth physical characteristics of the bird, as well as explaining the mating patterns and habitation of the birds in general, Schoch provided the audience with an interactive vocalization presentation. As different hoots, wails, and yodels were played, audience members described possible situations and scenarios when loons would make such a noise.
Interestingly, not only do loons migrate for the winter (much like other birds), but they migrate from fresh water in the Adirondack Lakes to the salt water of the ocean. Schoch explained how young birds may stay on the coast for years at a time, while older birds will trek from the coast back to Adirondack Park on an annual basis.
"People care about these birds," Schoch said. However, although people do take interest in these extraordinary birds, humans often cause problems for the loons that can result in the death of thousands of loons each year. Mercury poisoning, fluctuating water levels, car emissions, acid rain, oil spills, and botulism are just some examples Schoch explained that humans either indirectly or directly affect the loon population.
The discussion then shifted to the Adirondack Loon Program, the ACLP's mercury research, the annual loon census, and the Adirondack Cooperative. Working in conjunction with many other research organizations, including the EPA Loon-Mercury Database, as well as the Northeast Ecosystem Research Cooperative, The Adirondack Cooperative Loon Program is able to capture, band, and study hundreds of loons in the Adirondacks every year.
More than 300 people participate every year in the Annual loon census, according to Schoch. Clearly, they are important to the nature of the Adirondacks, as well as to the people living in Adirondack Park. Schoch urged people to be environmentally friendly; "reduce, reuse, and recycle,"she advised, as these simple measures will help improve our environment in general, as well as help the loons in the Adirondacks.
This lecture was presented by the Comparative Literature department, with generous funding provided by the Levitt Center and the Dean of Faculty.
For more information, please visit: www.adkscience.org/loons.
-- by Emiy Lemanczyk '05
