Volunteer LoonWatcher Survey

Do you live near a lake or have one you visit regularly? Do you love hearing a loon calling across the water? Then you may be perfect for the Volunteer Loon Watcher Survey, sign up today!

Who can become a “Loon Watcher”?

We are looking for volunteer “loon watchers” who:

• Can commit to visiting the same lake at least once per month during the survey season (May-August)
• Will gather data about loons on the lake
• Will report their findings to our Volunteer Loon Watcher Survey coordinator at the end of the season

Your observations provide the Nongame Wildlife Program with data on nesting success, number of loons observed, interesting occurrences and problems that may negatively affect the loons. This will help us better understand loons in Minnesota and guide conservation of our state bird.  

Interested in signing up?

To sign up, please email [email protected]. Please tell us the lake (or lakes) you’re interested in surveying and what county they are located in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the same as the Minnesota Loon Monitoring Program?

No. The Minnesota Loon Monitoring Program is a different project. There are a few key differences between the two; the Volunteer Loon Watcher Survey requires more frequent observations, and data can be collected from every lake in Minnesota with loons.

Do I need to live on a lake to participate?
No. We ask volunteers to survey their lake once per month from May-August.

Can multiple people survey the same lake?

Yes! More observers means more information about loons.

Do I need equipment or a boat to survey the lake?

No. We encourage the use of binoculars, but they are not necessary.

How many observations do I have to make?

We ask volunteers to commit to surveying their lake at least once per month from May-August.

How do I limit my disturbance to loons on the lake?

• View loons from a distance
• Enjoy their lovely haunting calls
• Give loons their space. They need solitude to breed and raise their young. Approaching too closely can cause adult loons to leave their nests, causing chilling of the eggs and nest failure.

What should I do if I see someone harassing loons?

Harassment of wildlife is against the law. If you see loons being harassed, report it to your local DNR office. You can find contact information at our office locator webpage.

What should I do if I see a sick or injured loon?

If you see an injured or deceased loon, please contact the Volunteer Loon Watcher Survey coordinator or a nongame wildlife specialist. We have resources on our website for additional information.

Survey resources

• Be Loon Aware brochure
• Survey Form example 
• Past volunteer letters
  • 2024 Loon Watcher Letter
  • 2023 Loon Watcher Letter
  • 2022 Loon Watcher Letter
  • 2021 Loon Watcher Letter
  • 2020 Loon Watcher Letter

More information about common loons

More information about the species

• MN DNR Common loon information
• The Common loon as our state bird
• Common loon calls
• “Hoot, tremolo, yodel, and wail”, Minnesota Conservation Volunteer article about loons
• University of Minnesota Common loon information
• National Loon Center

How the MN DNR is helping loons

• Minnesota Loon Restoration Project
• Minnesota Loon Monitoring Program
• MN DNR Get the Lead Out
• MPCA Get the Lead Out

Your donations to the Nongame Wildlife Program help support this project. For more information about donating, please visit our donation webpage.