Our Favorite Loon Stories
Thursday, April 11, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Dungeness River Nature Center – Rainshadow Hall
Speakers: Daniel Poleschook, Jr. and Virginia (“Ginger”) R. Poleschook
Price: $20.00
Daniel Poleschook, Jr. and Ginger Poleschook have been conducting research on Common Loons in the Pacific Northwest for 30 years. They studied stressors of the species on the southwestern edge of its breeding range and have used their determinations to direct active conservation measures for a small, banded population in Washington. Their applied conservation efforts, favorable natural and anthropogenic factors, and the great natural ability of Common Loons to persist and be successful have resulted in a steady population growth of the species in the region. Daniel and Ginger conducted continual comprehensive surveys and coordinated banding in their research area in northeast Washington from 1995–2024 while being scientists for Biodiversity Research Institute (www.briwildlife.org). They made positive identification of all Common Loon territorial adults and determined their longevity, productivity, and behavior over those years by acquiring photography and video using high-quality cameras and high-magnification telephoto lenses, while benefiting from having a substantial part of the territorial pairs and juveniles in Washington banded, to compile a robust demographic data set.
Rather than presenting a rigorous compilation of scientific results of their studies, as they have provided each year to biologists of state and federal wildlife agencies, their presentation will feature what they call “Our Favorite Loon Stories.” You will learn about how Common Loons are very territorial, and yet they can be very social. You will hear about incidents that demonstrate their very high intelligence and remarkable memory. You will also learn of their incredible navigation success on their migration pathways across western North America, and about many other amazing capabilities.
Daniel and Ginger will also talk about the photographic equipment they have used to compile a collection of nearly two million loon and other waterbird images and discuss some of their image processing techniques. Their loon and waterbird photography has been featured in four loon books, numerous scientific journals, in the production of their website LoonConservation.org and several other websites including MontanaLoons.org and OthelloSandhillCraneFestival.org!
Plan to join Daniel and Ginger for this highly educational and entertaining presentation. It will be a very memorable event!
