I was able to take part in the 19th Maine Audubon statewide loon count two years ago, and was glad of any excuse (as if I needed any!) to get out and see or hear a loon.

Most often, I would hear loons long before I ever caught sight of them. This is not surprising, since a loon’s voice can be heard over great distances -up to 10 miles if conditions are right.

Loons have three distinct calls. The wail call, which is the most popular signature of the bird and sounds like a wolf howl, is used by the birds to locate one another.

The yodel call, which starts off with a wail and is followed by several ululations, is used only by the male in territorial advertisement and defense.

The loon’s tremolo call is a short, quivering call, which is popularly termed its “laugh.” This bit of anthropomorphism is misleading, as the call is anything but an indication of good humor.

Instead, it is a sure sign that the bird is distressed, and this is where the human factor often enters the picture.

Although loons may give this call simply in response to the appearance of a strange loon, they will use it at other signs of disturbance, including the approach or proximity of humans. If you are near a loon on the water and hear this call, leave the area immediately (it is also a good idea to keep your distance from loons anyway, and enjoy them from afar). Besides causing unnecessary stress for the birds, you may be putting them in danger.

Chicks can easily become separated from their parents by boats, water skiers, and personal watercraft operator, and this leaves them extremely vulnerable to perdition. Loons can’t count; if they loose one of their chicks, they don’t seem to realize it. The separated chick is then eaten or dies from exposure or starvation.

Another direct human threat to the birds’ welfare is the use of lead sinkers and jigs from fishing equipment. Loons often ingest these accidentally along with the small stones they need to help them digest their food. In fact, biologists have identified lead poisoning to be the number one cause of death in adult loons.

As a result of this, Audubon’s outreach, education and activism led to the banning of the sale of lead sinkers weighing a half-ounce or less in January 2002.

To find out more about loons and the threats they face, try a sample of lead-free tackle, or turn in old lead sinkers, contact Maine Audubon at 207-781-2330, ext. 216, or visit their Web site at http://www.maineaudubon.org