Assist MFWP with surveys of loon territories and with identifying research in support of the Montana Comprehensive Fish and Wildlife Conservation Strategy Plan, including:

1. Working to develop new research projects and to maintain current projects to best guide conservation and management. Such projects include documenting adult and subadult site fidelity, tracking intra- and inter-seasonal movements for adults and sub-adults, and investigating risks from contaminants in breeding, staging, and wintering areas.
2. Expanding current monitoring efforts and strategies beyond traditional study lakes through collaboration and coordination with all members of the Montana Common Loon Working Group. Data obtained through monitoring will be used to (a) identify and maintain the current number and spatial distribution of nesting territories, and (b) identify and protect potential territories with suitable habitat quality.
3. Compiling and analyzing existing loon datasets (e.g., site fidelity, local movements, and reproductive success).

Surveying
Lakes will be observed using binoculars or a spotting scope to determine the presence or absence of loons. Kayaks or boats will be used to survey lakes when appropriate. If use of watercraft is not possible, lake perimeters where breeding is occurring or suspected will be searched on foot for the presence of nests.

1. Conduct surveys via shoreline, kayak, boat, and plane

• Assist survey efforts and document unpaired adults
• Assist in surveying lakes within MFWP study areas
• Track intra- and inter-seasonal movements of color-marked adults and sub-adults
• Assist MFWP biologist with coordination of return rates of loons and analyzing site fidelity

2. Assist MFWP with banding efforts

• Coordinate deployment of geolocators when necessary
• Assist with/coordinate diurnal capture
• Assist with nocturnal capture as needed

3. Coordinate loon egg and carcass collection

4. Set-up, monitor, and remove nest cameras when appropriate; disseminate photos, video, and information

5. Assist MFWP biologist with:

• Data management and analysis
• Manuscripts when appropriate
• Study design
• Additional loon-related projects as needed

6. Monitor lakes in Glacier National Park where gill-netting activities are occurring

7. Assist the Wyoming and British Columbia loon projects when necessary for capture or surveys

8. Implement/Initiate further research projects when relevant

State biologists, nongovernment agencies, national park biologists, tribal lands biologists, university scientists, as well as interested citizens and lakeshore homeowners, all work collaboratively to study and protect Montana’s Common Loon population.

• Montana Common Loon Working Group
• Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
• Montana Loon Society
• Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
• U.S. Forest Service Glacier National Park
• Plum Creek Timber Company
• Avista Corporation
• Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
• Private Citizens
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
• University of Montana