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Water Supply Protection Spotlight: Loons Call on the Reservoirs

Division of Water Supply Protection's Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs are particularly suitable for loons. Loons require vast areas of open, clear waters where fish can easily be seen while hunting underwater. Seeing loons living on a lake, pond or reservoir indicates clean, clear water. 

DCR stewards the largest loon concentration in MA

DCR Stewardship of Loons

Monitoring Loons 

DCR staff study loon pairs by locating nests, identifying individuals, and tracking the health of chicks. Loons are checked for their health, mercury or lead, and given a leg band for later identification. DCR tracks their well being, overall progress, and uses the data as a water quality indicator.

Loon Rafts 

Loons nest on islands. Reservoir water levels can change depending on precipitation and use. Since reservoir water levels cannot be controlled during the loon nesting season, DWSP staff have built and installed floating artificial nesting rafts.

Look Out for Loons! 

Loons are protected under the MA Endangered Species Act and sensitive to disturbance. Please stay at least 100 yards away. If loons approach your fishing line, please reel in until they have moved to another area to avoid injury. Click for video or go to www.mass.gov/doc/dcr-dwsp-loon-sign/download.
Find out about DCR's Division of Water Supply Protection, Office of Watershed Management Education Programs 

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