While most Mainers are sipping their first cup of coffee, hundreds of loon-lovers will be paddling the state’s lakes and ponds this morning, conducting the 19th Audubon Society Loon Count.

Maine, with an estimated 4,300 birds, has the largest loon population in New England. And with more than 700 volunteers participating in the count, the state has a healthy population of loon advocates as well.

“People love their loons,” said Ali Chaney of Maine Audubon. “They develop a relationship with these birds that they see come back every year, and feel that the count is a way to contribute to their protection.”

Loons are a territorial bird with dedication to certain nesting spots. The same pair of loons, which mate for life, might annually return to the same small pond to raise many nests of chicks.

Maine Audubon founded its loon project in 1977, during an era when loons were struggling in the face of shoreline development, mercury and pesticide pollution, and the common use of lead sinkers.

Today, loon habitat has improved, and the population has rebounded throughout Maine.

“We’ve seen a steadily upward trend in the numbers of adult loons,” Chaney said.

Last year, about 700 volunteers counted more than 2,000 loons on 297 different lakes. A random data sample is used to estimate the total state population, Chaney said.

The volunteers count for the same half-hour on every pond, from 7 to 7:30 a.m. to ensure that birds are not double-counted.

Survey data is used by state biologists, Audubon researchers and even environmental organizations with broader goals.

“Because they’re fish-eating birds, they’re a really good indicator of the health of the ecosystem,” Chaney said.

For more information about the Maine Loon Project, contact Maine Audubon at 781-2330.

Youth field days

Maine kids can celebrate the end of summer learning to safely shoot a hunting rifle or drive an ATV at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s annual Youth Field Days, scheduled for September.

Sportsman’s clubs from throughout the state have volunteered to work with the department to offer boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 15 personalized, expert instruction in traditional outdoor skills.

Participants will rotate through different activities, including fishing, black powder rifle shooting, archery, shotgun skills, ATV riding and trapping. An outdoor barbecue is planned for lunch. The Field Days are free, but space is limited and fills up fast.

For more information, contact one of the following local coordinators:

. Penobscot County Youth Field Day in Brewer, Sept. 21: Woody Thompson, 876-3497.

. Washington County Youth Field Day in Princeton, date TBA: Harland Hitchings, 796-2282.

Forest photos

A photography exhibit featuring the Vaughn Woods Nature Preserve is on display at the Harlow Gallery, located on Water Street in Hallowell.

The exhibit features many Maine photographers and was co-sponsored by the Capital Area Camera Club and the Kennebec Land Trust.

An artist’s reception is scheduled for 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 2, and the free exhibit will remain on display through the end of August.

Bangor biking

The Maine Mountain Bike Association will hold the city’s biggest summer race Saturday, July 28, on Essex Street hill.

Registration for the Essex Woods XC Mountain Bike Race begins at 7:30 a.m., and races for a variety of ability levels are scheduled throughout the day.

Adults can participate for between $15 and $25, depending upon age and ability. Children under age 11 ride for free.

Proceeds will support the Police Athletic League mountain bike program for kids.

For more information, or to preregister for the race, contact Ski Rack Sports at 945-6474 or skirack@midmaine.com.

Items for publication in the Outdoor Notebook may be submitted to P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, Maine, 04402 or medgecomb@bangordailynews.net.