Research
The National Loon Center aims to promote studies that address loon research needs at a national and international scale, emphasizing questions related to loon conservation.
Ricketts Conservation Foundation Partnership
Since 2025, the National Loon Center has partnered with the Ricketts Conservation Foundation to catalyze widespread support to protect loons for future generations while improving lakeshore habitats and freshwater quality, increasing loon populations, and reducing unnecessary human-caused loon mortalities.
Scientific Advisory Council
Council Chair
Director
Ricketts Conservation Foundation
Professor/Biologist
Central Lakes College
NLC Board of Directors
Research Wildlife Biologist (Emeritus)
U.S. Geological Survey
Professor/Biologist
Ohio Northern University
Professor/Biologist
St Joseph’s College of Maine
Associate Professor Emeritus
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
Tufts University
Director – Waterbirds and Wetlands
Birds Canada
Outreach Biologist
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Become a Loon Research Ambassador
Your generosity today helps drive international loon research, expand educational programming, and advance conservation initiatives that will be brought to life at the Center. We are excited to involve our Loon Research Ambassadors in shaping the future of loon science. Learn more about how you can become a part of our critical research:
2026 Research Projects
Common Loon Translocation Assessment – Minnesota | National Loon Center
This project will assess the effectiveness of Common Loon chick translocations to restore breeding adults in southern Minnesota via surveys in southern and northern MN counties.
Common Loon Genoscape | Bird Genoscape Lab, Colorado State University
The genoscape lab uses cutting-edge genomic tools to analyze genetic variation across individual loons from across their range, connecting breeding and wintering populations.
Addressing key knowledge gaps in a potential source (or sink) population of Common Loon populations East of the Continental Divide in Montana | Glacier National Park
The park will test methods to extract genetic information from egg membranes within Glacier National Park and the adjacent Blackfeet Tribal Lands, expanding partnerships with the Blackfeet Nation.
Investigating the effects of water clarity on Common Loon productivity across the breeding range | Birds Canada
A scientific publication will examine the indirect effects of climate change on Common Loons by investigating the impacts of declining water clarity from rain events across their southern range.
Engaging Northern Québec Communities in Loon Conservation and Lake Stewardship | QuébecOiseaux
Expand monitoring coverage by recruiting new volunteers, especially First Nations communities, in northern Québec in the Canadian Lakes Loon Survey.
How Wintering Strategy Affects Diet and Causes of Mortality in Common Loons | Tulane University
This innovative research will develop ways to test loons’ feathers to determine wintering habitats (marine vs. freshwater) and diet.
Developing improved tools for understanding Common Loon anatomy and performing necropsies | Tufts University
The development of an e-book and video on Common Loon anatomy and necropsy techniques will aid the international loon research & educational communities.
“Dark of the Loon”: Nonbreeding Life-History, Ecology, and Mortality | Independent Biologist
A scientific publication will pull together data from a 5-year intermittent study of Common Loon northern migration over the Florida Gulf Coast.