Saranac Lake, NY– The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation invites one and all to celebrate Common Loons, one of the most fascinating Adirondack icons, at the Paul Smith’s College VIC (8023 NYS Rte. 30) from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 9. This free, fun-filled day will feature activities for the whole family, including:

1-4:30 pm: Meet the Adirondack Loon Center staff, enjoy delicious food by Adirondack BBQ ($), a silent auction featuring beautiful loon-related items, a scavenger hunt, and children’s crafts.

1:00 pm: Poetry Reading and Book Signing by Yvona Fast, author of Loon Summer

1:15 pm: Loon Calling Contest

2:00 pm: Presentation by Jennifer Denny: A Year in the Life of a Loon

2:30-3:30 pm: Presentation by Dr. Jay Mager: A Light Lesson in Loon Music

3:30-4:30 pm: Music by Sara Milonovich and Greg Anderson

4:30 pm: Hornbeck Canoe raffle drawing

At the Loon Celebration, the winning raffle ticket will be drawn for a special Hornbeck canoe. Raffle tickets are $20 each or 6 for $100. To purchase raffle tickets or learn more, visit www.adkloon.org or call (518) 354-8636.

Dr. Jay Mager is a Professor of Biological & Allied Health Sciences at Ohio Northern University, where he teaches courses in ecology, ornithology, and animal behavior. He is also a book review editor for the American Ornithological Society. His current research focuses on loon vocalizations and wintering loon behavior. During the Loon Celebration, Dr. Mager will provide an entertaining overview of loon music and the acoustic structure and function of vocal signals in Common Loons.

“The day will be an exciting opportunity to learn about loon natural history, and our loon research and conservation efforts in the Adirondacks,” said Jennifer Denny, Education Coordinator for Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation. “We invite everyone to come enjoy Dr. Mager’s fascinating presentation, Sara and Greg’s wonderful music, excellent food by Adirondack BBQ, the great venue, and much more.”

The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation is a 501(c)3 non-profit that conducts scientific research and engaging educational programming to promote and inspire passion for the conservation of Common Loons (Gavia immer) in and beyond New York’s Adirondack Park.

To learn more about the Loon Celebration and the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation visit www.adkloon.org or www.facebook.com/adkloon, or contact the Center at info@adkloon.org or (518) 354-8636. The Adirondack Loon Center at 75 Main in Saranac Lake is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.

Photo at top: A paddler watches a group of loons. Photo provided by Jennifer Denny, Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation Communications Coordinator.