YFBTA Loon Initiatives

	YFBTA Loon Initiatives
Common Loons on Madge Lake - Photo: Rob Wilson

1) Awareness and Concern

In 2001 a fellow by the name of James Martin released a report “Observations of Common Loon and Rednecked Grebe Populations, Nest Sites, Egg Counts, Hatch Success and Juvenile Survival Rates at Long Island Lake, North of Westlock, Alberta”. Within the “Summary” section of the report it was stated that “the ever-increasing size and frequency of waves from the wakes of recreational power boats is destroying most grebe nests and threatening many loon nests. Predation is a concurrent factor in the success of grebe hatches and may be compounded by the frequent disturbance of waves. Nests are easier to spot when they suffer frequent disturbance”. Mr. Martin continued data collecting in 2002, 2003 and 2004. A summary report for 2001 to 2004 was prepared.

The Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association (YFBTA) wondered if increasing human activity at Madge Lake (in the Duck Mountain Provincial Park in Saskatchewan) was creating negative impacts upon nesting loons and/or grebes. The YFBTA was surprised to learn that Saskatchewan Environment does not monitor the populations of these birds within the park and that no programs or policies existed to address this kind of concern.

2) YFBTA joins CLLS

In 2004, YFBTA decided to join the Canadian Lakes Loon Study (CLLS) to ensure that monitoring of loons occurred at Madge Lake. CLLS costs YFBTA $35.00/year. It is a national study conducted by Bird Studies Canada. Surveys are requested a minimum of three times each year (at least one prior to the middle of June to attempt to identify mated pairs and locations of nests; at least once in early July to count numbers of hatched chicks and at least once in middle to late August to count the number of juvenile birds that will likely survive to migration time). Data pertaining to loons was collected and submitted in 2005 and 2006 (See separate article). Decisions about 2007 have not been made as of this date.

3) YFBTA explores partnership

YFBTA has approached Nature Saskatchewan, Duck Mountain Provincial Park, and Saskatchewan Environment with a proposal that a partnership be formed. Nature Saskatchewan readily agreed and immediately joined YFBTA. YFBTA is currently working on a formalized partnership agreement with Duck Mountain Provincial Park and Saskatchewan Environment. YFBTA intends to invite the Madge Lake Cottage Owners’ Association to join the partnership. A formal invitation has not yet been extended.

4) YFBTA forms loon initiatives committee

In 2006 YFBTA formed a loon initiatives committee. This committee currently has five members: Rob Wilson, Jim Huziak, Margaret Graham, Bob Grahmam and Linda Oakes. The committee will meet throughout the winter and in the spring of 2007. The purpose of the committee is to attempt to develop strategies to promote awareness of nesting loons and grebes on Madge Lake. The committee believes that once the public is informed, many people will voluntarily adopt behaviours and attitudes that will permit Madge Lake to be a “loon-friendly” lake. The committee is also working on a loon sign which will hopefully be installed in the spring of 2007 and on the wording of a partnership agreement.

5) YFBTA prepares press releases

These press releases provide the results of the Canadian Lakes Loon Survey as they are submitted. Articles pertaining to loons are prepared and released from time to time. See additional articles on our website.

Love loons? Spend time at Madge Lake in the summer months? YFBTA invites membership and involvement.
If you are willing to help, please contact YFBTA.

Loon Initiative Reports by Year

2009 2010 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

Additional Archival files can be found at the bottom of this page

YFBTA Loon Initiatives 2009

Rob Wilson

Here is an update on some of the ongoing workings of the Loon Initiatives Committee of The YFBTA:

1. Completion of a loon video documenting loons nesting on Madge Lake. Raymond Lacusta intends to complete the filming at Madge Lake this summer. YFBTA hopes to have copies of Mr. Lacusta’s video for its own educational uses and for use by Duck Mountain Provincial Park before the end of the year.

2. Distribution of a coloured pamphlet educating park users about loons and about behaviours and/or actions that support the concept of Madge Lake as a “loon-friendly” lake. YFBTA through The Loon Initiatives Committee has received funding from a number of sources enabling plans for printing and distribution of a pamphlet throughout Duck Mountain Provincial Park to be realized.

3. YFBTA will pay for loon monitoring on Madge Lake throughout the summer of 2009. This includes recording and then reporting to The Canadian Lakes Loon Survey (CLLS) program (a component of Bird Studies Canada). Results will be shared with the park superintendent at Madge Lake. The cost to YFBTA is $35.00.

4. YFBTA through the Loon Initiatives Committee has extended an invitation to the Madge Lake Cottage Owners’ Association to join in the loon initiatives partnership. Arrangements have been made to have this invitation included in an annual mailing from the government to park lease-holders. Currently the partnership includes Nature Saskatchewan, The Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association (YFBTA) and Duck Mountain Provincial Park.

5. The Loon Initiatives Committee intends to meet this summer. We are looking for additional members, especially persons who spend a lot of time on Madge Lake. Contact YFBTA if you are willing to participate in surveys and / or if you have an interest in serving on the committee.

YFBTA: Loon Initiatives Committee: 2010

Rob Wilson

Here is an update on some of the ongoing workings of the Loon Initiatives Committee of The YFBTA:

See:

YFBTA Loon Initiatives Report I

YFBTA Loon Initiatives Report II

Results of Monitoring of Nesting Loons on Madge Lake in 2012

Rob Wilson

The monitoring of Common Loons attempting to nest on Madge Lake did not occur, this past summer, to the level of previous years. This was due to a number of factors... (full article)

2013 Madge Lake Loon Count Survey

Doug and Nancy Welykholowa are new members of YFBTA.

Doug led the loon counts at Madge Lake in 2013, and completed and mailed the year end reports for The Canadian Lakes Loon Survey, an arm of Bird Studies Canada. The YFBTA funded the 2013 surveys. Doug and Rob Wilson also prepared a press release; the photos in the release are Doug's.

Doug also prepared a digital map of Madge Lake identifying what we believe, after eight years of surveying, to be the loon territories of the lake.
Small file suitable for viewing Large file suitable for printing

Should you have any questions, or an interest in becoming involved with the ongoing surveys at Madge Lake, contact Rob at (306) 744-8140 or via email.

2014 Madge Lake Loon Count Survey

Presented by Doug Welykholowa, YFBTA member

Once again Doug presents a comprehensive report on the Loon population on and around Madge Lake,
and a good review of the large number of individuals and organizations involved.

2014 Report

2015 Madge Lake Loon Count Survey

Presented by Doug Welykholowa, YFBTA member

The Yellowhead Flyway Birding trail Association Loon Initiatives Committee (YFBTA LIC), lead by Doug Welykholowa and Rob Wilson, presents it's comprehensive annual report on the Loon population on and around Madge Lake.

Part 1:		View the interim July reports here.
Part 2:		Download the full Annual report:	4MB

2016 Madge Lake Loon Protective Signage

Presented by Doug Welykholowa, YFBTA member

The Yellowhead Flyway Birding trail Association Loon Initiatives Committee (YFBTA LIC)
reports on the Loon population on and around Madge Lake.

PROTECTIVE SIGNAGE REPORT
MID-YEAR LOON REPORT	1MB

2016 Madge Lake Loon Initiatives Final Report