Loon Research

to assist with loon research conducted by Voyageurs National Park (VNP) over the past several years. Conservancy members noted pairs of loons and loon nest locations on the Canadian side of Rainy Lake, providing this information to biologists at the Park.

Because water levels on the major lakes in the Rainy Lake basin are controlled by dams as well as by precipitation, there is significant variability in water levels from season to season and from year to year. There is evidence to support that artificial loon nesting platforms, strategically placed, increase the success rate of nesting loons. To this end, members of the Rainy Lake Conservancy researched construction and placement of the platforms. Using PVC pipes, sturdy wire grid, copper wire for securing the grid to the PVC, and chains to help anchor the platforms, members constructed six platforms. Each member received written instructions on when and where to place the platforms.