Loons
Ten Steps to a Loon-Friendly Lake
Keep it wild
Work to preserve the wild parts of your lake.
Keep your shoreline natural
Vegetated shorelines provide shelter for both fish and loons.
Watch your wake
Use sensitive boating practices and steer clear of loons.
Don’t Discard
Return plastics, metals, fishing line, tackle and other refuse to shore and dispose of it in appropriate containers.
Test the waters
Help monitor your lake’s water quality. Find a program in your area or call us.
Be level-headed
Work to reduce large water level changes during the nesting season (May to July). Talk to your local officials.
Don’t mess with the food chain
Don’t feed nest predators such as raccoons or gulls. Dispose of your garbage properly.
Lobby for loons
Get involved in national air pollution issues and local water quality programs.
Spread the word
Place loon conservation messages on websites and in papers and newsletters.
Be a citizen scientist!
Watch over nesting areas and join the Canadian Lakes Loon Survey! For more information visit www.bsc-eoc.org <http://www.bsc-eoc.org>
Twelve Simple Steps To A Wildlife Friendly Waterfront
- Keep the lot well-treed — never clearcut.
- Protect shoreline vegetation; replant areas lacking shrubs and trees with native species.
- Start a buffer strip by leaving some grass uncut near the water.
- Build at least 30 metres away from the shore.
- Give clear instructions to your contractors and monitor their work.
- Avoid spilling fuels, antifreeze, paint thinner or other chemicals on land or water S clean up fast!
- Don’t use fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides near the water.
- Use only phosphate-free soaps, detergents and cleaners in your home.
- Pump out your septic tank regularly — every two to three years.
- Extend the life of your septic system by avoiding tank additives and minimizing water consumption
- Refuel your boat with care and don’t spill a drop.
- Watch your boat’s wake — it causes erosion!
These tips have been provided courtesy of the Living by Water Project (www.living <http://www.living> bywater.ca).
Are you causing harm?
People can harass and stress loons without even being aware they are doing so. While on the lake or shoreline keep an eye out for the following and, if seen, move away.
- A loon is splashing across the water, appearing to stand up.
- A loon is vocalizing at you.
- A loon is lying very flat on the shoreline with its head down. The loon is on its nest, and if approached, may slide into the water, leaving the eggs exposed to predators.
- Watch your pets as well; please keep them away from wildlife.
Kathy Jones
Aquatic Surveys Volunteer and Data Coordinator
Bird Studies Canada
P.O. Box 160, Port Rowan ON N0E 1M0
Phone: 1-519-586-3531 ext. 212 Toll Free: 1-888-448-2473 ext. 212 Fax: 1-519-586-3532
E-mail aqsurvey@bsc-eoc.org <mailto:aqsurvey@bsc-eoc.org> Web Page www.bsc-eoc.org <http://www.bsc-eoc.org>
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