Update December 2011
The Looncam has been seasonally offline. As we get closer to loon nesting time in the spring we will turn our attention to determine if the loon cam will be activated.
Common loons once were described as a fairly prevalent breeding species both east and west of the Cascade crest (Richardson et al, 2000), but likely declined between late 1800’s and early 1900’s throughout Washington. A number of lakes in Washington appear to have offered ideal conditions for loon nesting in the past. Although it currently is a common migrant and wintering species within the state, it rarely breeds here. For several years common loons have either attempted to nest or nested in some protected watersheds in western Washington. Since 1994, records indicate that common loons have nested or attempted to nest on the Howard Hanson Reservoir in the Green River watershed. During this period, only five chicks hatched and other nesting attempts failed with eggs preyed upon or lost. In an attempt to detect predators taking eggs or young, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in partnership with Tacoma Water and the Army Corps Engineers and working with Olympia Systems, designed and installed a loon cam monitoring system. This system will hopefully provide valuable information regarding the type of predator (avian or mammalian), and when the predation occurs. From this data, biologists may develop methods to prevent future predation and loss of eggs. These methods will help increase successful nesting and chick productivity for the long-term continuation of the southern-most common loon nesting territory in Washington--Howard Hanson Reservoir. In the meantime please enjoy the photos and related links to learn more about the fascinating life and ecology of the common loon.
Washington residents take note The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is interested in reports of loon sightings and breeding activities during the breeding season (April 1st – September 1st). Report loon breeding activities to your local WDFW Regional office
Visit the photo gallery to see the evolution of the looncam which uses wind and solar power to operate the camera system and send digital video data to biologists and a public website. As of early April 2010 a single loon has been observed on the reservoir and a Canada goose has been observed using the nesting platform.
