Common Loon Research Grant

Learn more about the research projects we fund below. Now accepting proposals for 2027:

About the Fund

The National Loon Center and Ricketts Conservation Foundation fund Common Loon research needs at a range-wide scale, with emphasis on questions related to survival, productivity, health, and conservation of Common Loon populations. These grants are available to non-profits, universities, Native nations, and government agencies. Individual applicants are preferred to be associated with an organization or have an organizational sponsor. The NLC’s Scientific Advisory Council identifies annual research priorities.

The window for 2027 proposals is now open until 11:59pm (CT) on September 30, 2026. Click the button below to view a document detailing grant guidelines and instructions. Please direct any questions to research@nationallooncenter.org.

2026 Research Projects

National Loon Center

Common Loon Translocation Assessment in Minnesota

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.

Colorado State University

Common Loon Genoscape

The genoscape lab uses cutting-edge genomic tools to analyze genetic variation across individual loons from across their range, connecting breeding and wintering populations.

Glacier National Park

Addressing key knowledge gaps in a potential source (or sink) population of Common Loon populations East of the Continental Divide in Montana

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.

Birds Canada

Investigating the effects of water clarity on Common Loon productivity across the breeding range

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.

QuébecOiseaux

Engaging Northern Québec Communities in Loon Conservation and Lake Stewardship

Expand monitoring coverage by recruiting new volunteers, especially First Nations communities, in northern Québec in the Canadian Lakes Loon Survey.

Tulane University

How Wintering Strategy Affects Diet and Causes of Mortality in Common Loons

This innovative research will develop ways to test loons’ feathers to determine wintering habitats (marine vs. freshwater) and diet.

Tufts University

Developing improved tools for understanding Common Loon anatomy and performing necropsies

The development of an e-book and video on Common Loon anatomy and necropsy techniques will aid the international loon research & educational communities.

Independent Biologist

“Dark of the Loon”: Nonbreeding Life-History, Ecology, and Mortality

A scientific publication will pull together data from a 5-year intermittent study of Common Loon northern migration over the Florida Gulf Coast.

2025 Research Projects

National Loon Center

Translocation Assessment Pilot Surveys & Moribund/Deceased Loon Reporting

Piloting surveys and a volunteer network in southern MN to assess translocation efforts and researching potential contacts for range-wide reporting & sampling of moribund & deceased loons

Colorado State University

Common Loon Genoscape

The genoscape lab uses cutting-edge genomic tools to analyze genetic variation across individual loons from across their range, connecting breeding and wintering populations.

Tufts University

Using molecular testing to screen loon tissues for emerging viruses & image and data collection for loon anatomy/necropsy atlas

Examining loon tissues samples screen for viruses of concern for loon population health and beginning efforts to compile and annotate images for a loon anatomy & necropsy atlas.

University of Southern Maine

Anatomy of the Common Loon Ear

An examination of the anatomy of the outer and middle ear of the loon to investigate individual differences and compare to other diving birds