While many of us enjoy time on the water, especially during these hot summer months, it’s important to remember that we’re sharing local water bodies with the wildlife that live there ”“ and our actions can significantly impact their lives.
This is the time of year for wildlife surveys on the water, with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife gathering information about double-crested cormorants, black-backed gulls, herring gulls and loons.
We’re lucky enough to live in an area where we see these species regularly, from the graceful dive of an oil-black cormorant on the Saco River to the squawk of a herring gull along the sandy shorelines of Old Orchard Beach. Loons dot our lakes throughout the county, lending a picturesque feel with their collared necks and pointed beaks, and creating the soundtrack of a real New England summer with their distinctive calls.
The atmosphere of the waterfront would not be as vibrant, as alive, without the activity of shorebirds and waterfowl, and it’s horrible to imagine a day on the water without them.
Some of these species may be struggling, however, and upcoming survey results will show whether we need to be concerned about their populations. The outlook is mixed for loons, which were counted statewide by Maine Audubon Society volunteers this past weekend. Susan Gallo, director of the Maine Loon Project, said the number of chicks in the southern half of the state has not changed appreciably since 1983 and that the number actually dropped last year. In 2011, there were 619 chicks, an all-time high. In 2012, however, there were only 178 chicks.
The population of adult loons, however, has showed steady growth. All told, the total number of loons has grown from 1,800 from the first count to 2,977 in the 2012 Audubon count, which is promising. These birds in particular are an icon of Maine and a draw for nature-loving tourists.
The numbers of great black-backed gulls, herring gulls and double-crested cormorants don’t look as good, unfortunately. These birds appear to be in decline, according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service surveys. Between 1996 and 2008, there was a 42 percent decline in numbers of black-backed gulls; herring gulls dropped 30 percent; and cormorants saw a 45 percent drop in nesting pairs in Maine, according to DIF&W representative Mark Latti.
Those declines aren’t significant enough for action at this point, according to Latti, but this year’s numbers will show whether we need to be concerned. No research has been conducted as of yet to determine the cause for the decline, but IF&W spokesman Doug Rafferty reports that biologists believe declining food resources and more bald eagles preying on these birds are among the causes. Those aren’t factors in which we all have a direct role, but there are steps we can take to help ensure that shorebirds, waterfowl and other wildlife living near or in area water bodies have the best chance to thrive.
Maine Audubon offers several tips to help people protect loons and other shorebirds, including: When boating, stay at least 200 feet away from the shoreline to avoid disturbing nests with wakes, and if fishing, use only lead-free sinkers and jigs, as others are illegal because they are deadly to waterfowl. Those who live near the water should take care not to use pesticides on their lawn and to keep predatory wildlife at bay by securing trash and pet food. We can all do our part by discouraging development in key habitat areas of these birds and raising awareness about them.
Hopefully, the most recent bird surveys will show that populations of all of these birds are strong and thriving, and if not, measures should be taken to enforce behaviors that allow them to regroup.
If we all take care to make the least possible impact on the breeding and feeding grounds of loons and other shorebirds, we can keep these majestic creatures thriving on the water bodies we share for generations to come.
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Today’s editorial was written by Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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