Common Loons are back and nesting on lakes, and we need your help to monitor their population! Since 1983, hundreds of volunteers have gone out to survey lakes and ponds across Maine on the third Saturday in July and collect loon data to give us a “snapshot” of the loon population. The 2026 Annual Loon Count will take place on Saturday, July 18 from 7 to 7:30 am. A huge thanks to all the Loon Count volunteers! If you’re a counter, please send us your photos, tag Maine Audubon if you plan on posting on social media, or use the hashtag #LoonCount2026.