Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation Presents Loon Zooms
In this session: Loons of Mt. Desert Island—How geography shapes loon life
Loons, the iconic emblem of the Adiorndacks.
The Adirondack loon is more than a postcard-perfect symbol of wild waters—it’s a finely tuned survivor whose life is shaped by biology, geography, and constant challenges. On Thursday, December 18, 2025, loon lovers are invited to dive deep (without getting wet) during Loon Zoom #2, a fascinating virtual talk hosted by the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation (ACLC).
This one-hour Zoom presentation explores how loons live, compete, and raise their young on Mount Desert Island, Maine, offering insights that resonate far beyond the coast—and straight into the heart of the Adirondacks.
Event details at a glance.
What: Loon Zoom #2 – Loons of Mt. Desert Island: The Roles of Biological Specialization and Geography on Territorial Dynamics
When: Thursday, December 18, 2025
Time: 7:00–8:00 pm
Where: Virtual (Zoom)
Cost: $10 per session or $50 for all six Loon Zooms
Registration: Online in advance (required)
Meet the speaker.
The evening’s presenter is Billy Helprin, Director of the Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary on Mount Desert Island.
Helprin brings years of hands-on research and conservation experience, translating complex science into engaging, accessible stories that are deeply relevant to anyone who cares about loons.
His work offers a rare look at loon behavior in a coastal island environment—a vital comparison point for understanding loons in inland regions like the Adirondack Park.
Why loons are perfectly designed—and deeply vulnerable.
Loons are elite underwater hunters. Their dense bones, rear-set legs, and streamlined bodies make them remarkably efficient fish chasers. But those same adaptations create serious challenges on land, especially during nesting season.
During this Loon Zoom, Helprin will explore:
How anatomical specialization helps loons hunt—but hinders nesting success
Why loons are especially vulnerable to disturbance during breeding
How limited mobility on land affects egg survival and chick rearing
These biological tradeoffs help explain why loon populations are so sensitive to environmental changes—and why conservation efforts matter so much.
A coastal twist on territorial life.
What makes Mount Desert Island especially intriguing is its unique geography. Unlike Adirondack loons, which typically remain on inland lakes, loons on Mt. Desert Island interact constantly with the nearby Atlantic Ocean.
Topics include:
How ocean-dwelling, non-territorial loons frequently challenge lake-based breeders
Why territorial adults with chicks often split time between the lake and the ocean
How flight-capable chicks sometimes join parents on the ocean after fledging
One particularly fascinating observation: parent-offspring bonds don’t always end at the lake. In some cases, those relationships continue at sea—an entirely new environment for both adults and young loons.
Why Adirondack loon lovers should tune in.
While this talk focuses on Maine, the lessons are directly applicable to loon conservation in the Adirondacks. Understanding how loons adapt—or struggle to adapt—to different landscapes helps researchers and advocates better protect nesting sites, manage human impacts, and ensure healthy loon populations for generations to come.
By registering, you’re not only gaining knowledge—you’re actively supporting the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation and its mission to protect one of the Park’s most beloved species.
Make it a series
Can’t get enough loon science? Loon Zooms are available individually for $10, or you can register for all six sessions for $50, making it an excellent value for birders, paddlers, educators, and curious Adirondack locals alike.
For more information, visit the website.
Learn more about loons at the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, 75 Main Street in Saranac Lake, NY.
Find the best places to eat, shop, stay and experience near Saranac Lake.
Shop our store for unique Adirondack gifts, clothing, merchandise and cool stuff.
ADK Talks Podcast
Discover the best ADK holiday events, eats, and winter traditions. Your insider guide to a festive Adirondack season starts here.
Find ADK Talks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music.
