Tracy Hart of Maine Audubon says she's cautiously optimistic after an annual count found more adult and chick common loons (Gavia immer) in southern Maine, estimating 3,174 adults and 568 chicks.Conservation measures such as bans on lead fishing tackle and boat speed limits appear to be helping, but experts including
Barb Haney of
Avian Haven warn it is too early to know if the rebound is sustainable and note winter ice and other threats still endanger the birds.