Why is tracking loons important?
​Because the common Loon is a powerful indicator of lake health.  

Our one and only Kevin Pepper is our Salerno Lake Wildlife Steward, Loon Whisperer! Tracking, monitoring and reporting on Canada's most iconic and beloved inhabitant of our lakes - Common Loon.   

Kevin surveys our lake and others in the area at least three times per year, once in June (to see if loon pairs are on territory), once in July (to see if chicks hatch) and once in August (to see if chicks survive long enough to fledge).

He records the number of Common Loon pairs, and tracks the number of chicks each pair raises to adult size. He also records other bird species seen nearby. After the season is complete, he returns his forms to Bird Studies Canada or the information is entered online. The results are analyzed to help assess loon and lake health. 

If you wish to join Kevin on his early morning outings this season, drop him an email or wave him down as he passes by your dock. It would be a pleasure for him to have you join. Don't forget to bring your camera for some incredible photos. 
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Thank you to the Pepper family for volunteering to help with this program. 

​Kevin's updates can be found in our Sentinel Newsletters.​
More about the Loons... This ancient predator is undergoing systemic and increasing human pressure; pressures great enough that loons may someday be unable to maintain their current population levels. A concern verified by Canadian Lakes Loon Survey data suggests that Common Loon reproduction has declined over the last 30 years. 
Get involved and help us better understand the health of the Common Loon and other waterbird populations by participating in the Canadian Lakes Loon Survey. Other programs include the Aquatic Invasive Species and water testing. ​