The Effects of Lakeshore Development on Common Loon (Gavia immer) Productivity in the Adirondack Park, New York, USA

Abstract

Abstract. The effects of lakeshore development on reproductive success of Common Loons (Gavia immer) were examined in New York State’s Adirondack Park. It was hypothesized that loon reproductive success would be negatively affected by the increased amount of shoreline development that has been occurring in the Park in recent years. Additionally, it was further hypothesized that the average distance from the nest site to the nearest point of development would be greater for successful nests than for failed nests. Historical nest productivity data collected from banded Common Loons on 53 lakes over a period of 7 years were evaluated along with residential development data collected during two field seasons in 2004 and 2005. Mean distance from successful nests (n = 28) to the nearest shoreline development unit (442.7 m, Range: 41.4–1,540.0 m) was greater than the mean distance from failed nests (n = 32) to the nearest shoreline development unit (343.1 m, Range: 2.2–1,222.9 m). Presence of nesting pairs was s...