4 productivity = no. chicks fledged/no. territorial pairs

Campbell Lake is located in southwest Anchorage and empties into Cook Inlet. This large lake has a highly developed shoreline with little remaining natural habitat. There is a moderate amount of recreational activity on this lake that includes use of personal watercraft and floatplanes. In 2000, Red-necked Grebes (Podiceps grisegena) nested on the lake as did other waterfowl species. Few observations of single loons were limited to late August. Reports of Northern Pike (Esox lucius) in Campbell Creek, a tributary of the lake, warrant concern. These fish are voracious predators of native fish species and also prey upon young waterbirds.

Cheney Lake, located in East Anchorage, is stocked by ADF&G and is heavily used by humans. Sport fishing on this lake is very popular and is the dominant activity on the lake. A paddleboat rental station at the main public access off Baxter Road operates on the weekends. Many people visit the lake to watch (and sometimes feed) Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) and other waterfowl, take a leisurely stroll, or bring their children to the playground. The impacts of human activity on this lake are severe. Trash is prevalent along the shores of the lake and ranges from fast food containers to monofilament line. The observation of a Common Loon with fishing line caught in its throat serves as an ominous indicator of the pollution problem here.

Common Loons have been seen foraging on Cheney Lake throughout the spring and summer. Because of the intense human activity on the lake and its surrounding shorelines, I do not foresee the future use of this lake by breeding loons. Red-necked Grebes do nest on this lake, but were not successful this season. One pair nested five feet from a highly unprotected area of shoreline that experiences intense use by fishermen. This nest and was destroyed within a week of egg laying. Canada Geese, Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), and other waterfowl are common on this lake. Despite signs to deter citizens from feeding the geese, this activity appears to be a popular attraction to people visiting the lake.

Because of its importance as a foraging territory for loons and other waterfowl, the pollution problem on Cheney Lake needs to be addressed. There are several trash cans along the lakeshore trail, but litter is still prevalent. The hazards of monofilament line, lead sinkers, and hooks are considerable to loons, grebes, and other waterfowl. Because small fish are the main prey for loons and grebes, these birds are at risk of contact with the litter discarded by fishermen. Entanglement in monofilament line and the ingestion of toxic lead sinkers are potentially lethal to waterbirds. Reducing the pollution hazard at Cheney Lake should be a priority.

This mid-size lake is surrounded by boreal bog vegetation. Most of the shoreline is undeveloped with only one house set back from the shoreline and overlooking the lake. Access to the lake requires a 1/4 - 1/2 mile walk which might prevent recreationists from using it for on-water activities. The biggest disturbance I observed was that of people walking dogs along the lakeshore and playing fetch with them in the lake. I only observed a few people fishing; during most visits, I saw little or no human disturbance.

Pacific Loons have regularly nested on Connors Lake and did so again in 2000. They arrived in early May and initiated a nest late in the month on a floating platform. This nesting platform was placed on the lake by a Loon Watch volunteer and has been used by the loons for several years. Two chicks hatched on 18 June and remained on the lake until the end of August at which time both chicks disappeared. A pair of adult loons have remained on the lake through mid-September. Although the fate of the chicks is unclear, reports of chicks disappearing during this period in August have occurred the last three years and suggest the chicks may regularly fledge about this time.

Other waterfowl used the lake very early on in the spring, but use tapered off as the summer progressed. A few Red-necked Grebes were spotted on the lake, but I am unsure if nesting was attempted.

Because of limited access, there are no immediate concerns regarding loon conservation at Connors Lake. Placement of the platform on the lake after ice-out each year should be continued to ensure availability to the loons and is a key to the success of the breeding loons here. Educational signs were placed at two different lake access points along the lake trail.

Despite the current success at Connors Lake, there is concern over the lake’s future. Anchorage International Airport owns most of the land surrounding Connors Lake and there has been talk of developing this parcel. Although immediate development plans have been suspended, the threat remains and needs to be addressed. Even if the airport builds on land away from the lake, the impacts would likely be detrimental to breeding loons. Recreational use would likely shift to areas closer to the lake and result in increased disturbance. Proactive protection of Connors Lake is necessary if we are to insure the integrity of the lake for future generations of loons and humans.

DeLong Lake is a fairly large lake with approximately half of the shoreline developed. The one public access off Jewel Lake Road includes a paved path down to the lake, picnic table, benches, and a dock. One metal loon sign had been posted in the parking lot, and an additional one was placed along the pathway leading to the dock. This lake is stocked by ADF&G and is heavily used by sportfishermen. Fishing pressure was most intense early in the season and persisted in moderate amounts throughout the summer. Potential impacts of this intense fishing pressure include destruction of shoreline habitat, pollution of the lake with trash (hooks, sinkers, monofilament line), and preclusion of waterfowl from nesting. Other uses of the lake have included swimming and the use of recreational non-motorized craft, mostly for fishing. The presence of trash in and around the lake needs attention. Monofilament line was seen wrapped around the leg of a young Canada Goose.

Pacific Loons used this lake for feeding and have a history of nesting here. Traditionally, the nest site was situated in a cove at the west end of the lake which is surrounded by private property. Signs and a floating barricade have been used in the past to keep humans from disturbing the nest and adults during incubation. This year Pacific Loons arrived in early May and were observed flying from the north and landing on DeLong Lake. Around the end of May, the adults disappeared and it was thought that they may be using Meadow Lake, the adjacent lake to the north. Meadow Lake is large enough for Pacific Loons and is enclosed by barbwire fencing (this property belongs to the Anchorage International Airport). Jeff Fair and I were escorted to the lake by airport personnel and allowed access. A Pacific Loon was nesting on the western point of a peninsula on Meadow Lake. The loon was very sensitive to our presence and immediately slipped from the nest upon seeing us. This bird was unbanded and the nest contained two eggs. It was presumed that the Pacific Loons from DeLong Lake were nesting on Meadow Lake and using DeLong Lake for feeding. A visit to Meadow Lake in late June revealed that the nest had failed. The empty nest contained scattered eggshell fragments and no adults or chicks were seen. It appeared the eggshell fragments were about two weeks old; I was unable to determine the cause of this nesting failure. Airport personnel informed us that they routinely did searches for waterfowl around the lake but were very careful not to approach the loon nest. It is uncertain whether their presence influenced this particular nest failure. There was also one Red-necked Grebe pair on the lake that nested and produced chicks.

Airport personnel kept a log of the searches made at Meadow Lake and have reported all activity of loons and other waterfowl. This information has proved most helpful in investigating the use of this lake by loons and potential causes for the nest failure. Records revealed regular observations of a pair of Pacific Loons and, late in May, the presence of a Pacific Loon on a nest. In the middle of June, records indicate that a pair of Common Loons were observed on the lake and the Pacific Loons were absent. Ten days after this entry in the log, we searched the lake for the Pacific Loon nest site and found the empty nest with egg shell fragments. The presence of Common Loons may have initiated a confrontation with the resident Pacific Loons and led to a subsequent nest failure. Entries made after the Common Loons were observed on Meadow Lake revealed continued use by Pacific Loons, but renesting was not attempted. Pacific Loons continue to use both DeLong and Meadow Lakes.

Recommendations for DeLong Lake include limiting shoreline access to fishermen, increased trash control, and education. The hazards of monofilament line, hooks, and lead sinkers need to be reinforced to the public. The community around DeLong Lake is very supportive of loon conservation and is very willing to help. The continued monitoring of Meadow Lake by airport personnel is also recommended. Their recorded observations are a helpful resource and provide additional insight into lake use by loons in the area.

Goose Lake is located in central Anchorage adjacent to the University of Alaska Anchorage. There is a well-developed public access with a sandy beach, lifeguard post, and community building. The Municipality of Anchorage governs the activities permitted at the public access and the lake. During the summer, the beach is used by a considerable number of people, and swimming is the most notable human activity that occurs here. Canoeing and kayaking classes are also held at the lake, but participants most often remain close to the beach and are instructed to avoid nesting loons.

Pacific Loons have traditionally used this lake for breeding and did so in 2000. The Municipality of Anchorage placed the "Do Not Disturb Bird Nesting Area" floating signs along the southeast shore in the middle of May in anticipation of Canoe Fun Day (20 May). Nest initiation began at the end of May. Jeff Fair and I placed a barricade of ropes around the observed nest site to prevent potential disturbance by lake users. The loons were highly agitated by this activity and dove and called while we worked to get the barricade in place. Observations a week later indicated the loons moved their nest to a site outside of the barricade that we had made. Out of concern that further disturbance would result in nest abandonment, I decided not to reposition the barricade around the new nest site. As the summer progressed, the grass around the nest site grew tall enough that the nest was substantially hidden. Passing canoeists were not aware of the nest and the birds did not flush when the boats passed. During the Fourth of July weekend, two chicks hatched and remained on the lake until the end of August. By 5 September, only one chick remained on the lake. One of the adult loons observed early in the season was banded with a silver band on the right leg and a red band on the left.

Other waterfowl using the lake include Mallards, Canada Geese, and several gull species. The prevalence of nesting Mew Gulls (Larus canus) and Black-billed Magpies (Pica pica) could result in potential problems as they are both known to be avian predators of waterfowl eggs. Gulls were observed dive-bombing the loons on the lake to protect gull chicks along the shore.

Current management of Goose Lake seems to be very effective. Because most human activity occurs at the shore opposite the traditional loon nesting site, I believe this lake can continue to be a successful breeding territory. The placement of the floating signs and barricade is instrumental to this success. Although the loons nested outside of the barricade this year and were successful, the signs created an awareness and were obeyed by most recreationists. The availability of suitable habitat that experiences little human disturbance is also a key to the continued use of Goose Lake as a Pacific Loon breeding territory. Loon education signs were placed at each side of the beach area at the public access.

Jewel Lake is located in southwest Anchorage and experiences mild to moderate human disturbance. This lake is stocked by ADF&G and has moderate fishing pressure on its north and south shores. The majority (66%) of the lakeshore is developed and is privately owned. The lake is accessible from a parking area off Dimond Boulevard and from Jewel Lake Park at the end of 88th Street. The park includes a swimming area, beach, picnic area, playground, and baseball diamond. This park experiences moderate use by the public and provides fishermen access to the north shore.

A pair of Common Loons arrived at the lake in mid-May and remained throughout the summer. This pair did not attempt to breed, but appeared to be territorial. A third Common Loon was observed in August feeding on the lake. The resident loons responded with peering behavior, known to be behavior of territorial loons. In mid-June, a Common Loon was observed with its foot entangled by fishing line. The next day, the loon appeared to have freed its leg from the hazard. Neither territorial loon was banded.

Other waterfowl observed on Jewel Lake included Canada Geese, Mallards, and an occasional Red-necked Grebe.

At the beginning of May, the construction of a floating nest platform was completed. The platform was created for Jewel Lake and placement was intended for the south end of the lake between the public access and residential area. This site remains undeveloped and does not appear to be heavily used by humans. Recommendations were made to delay placement of the platform until a failed nest attempt on a natural site was made. There were no indications of attempted breeding this year or observations of an abandoned nest. The most suitable natural habitat available is heavily used by the public for fishing and experiences a level of disturbance believed to preclude any nesting attempts.

For Jewel Lake, I recommend the floating platform be installed at the beginning of May 2001 if Common Loons return. I believe the loons have few remaining options for successful nesting due to the disturbance of the available shoreline habitat and may use the floating platform. Increased pollution and litter control is also advised. Loon education signs were placed at each of the public accesses.

Little Campbell (or Campbell Point) Lake is located within Kincaid park in southwest Anchorage. The majority of its shoreline is undeveloped. There is a public access at the north end of the lake which includes a dock. A trail encircles the lake and provides access to the entire shoreline. Fishing is a popular activity at Little Campbell Lake. Because the lake is stocked by the ADF&G, fishing pressure can be intense, especially at the beginning of the summer. Not only are people fishing from the shoreline, but they are also using canoes, kayaks, and float tubes to access the entire lake. On-water activity is more prevalent here than on other area lakes. Pollution is moderate, and although not as extensive as it is at other lakes, it remains a hazard to waterbirds.

At the beginning of May, a single Pacific Loon was observed on Little Campbell Lake. It remained there throughout the spring but disappeared by mid-June. A pair of Red-necked Grebes nested in early spring at the edge of the west shore, but fishermen were later observed fishing within feet of the nest. The grebes were often kept off this nest by fishing activity that resulted in eventual nest abandonment. This pair renested off the east shore of the lake which appeared to offer them more protection from recreationists. The fate of nest is unknown because road construction prevented access to the lake for further observations. Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) also have been noted around this lake and may prove detrimental to the success of both loons and grebes.

Little Campbell Lake was once a Pacific Loon breeding territory and has potential to become one again. Stocking the lake insures a sufficient food supply and there is plenty of suitable natural habitat remaining. However, it would be imperative to close parts of the shoreline to fishing, and possibly place a floating platform on the lake. The placement of a rope barricade and signs around a nest would most likely be necessary in the event a nesting attempt was made. Education of lake users would be key to a successful transformation of Little Campbell Lake into a loon breeding territory.

Potter Marsh is located in south Anchorage and bounded by the New Seward Highway on the west and Old Seward Highway on the east. This wetland is a mosaic of shallow waterbodies connected by channels and punctuated by vegetated islands. There are two ponds in the marsh of moderate depth. Potter Marsh is used by numerous bird species, from waterfowl to raptors, and is inhabited by muskrats and beavers. Because of its shallow nature and protection by the State of Alaska, the marsh receives little boat traffic on its waters. Most human disturbance is restricted to viewing the marsh from road pullouts and from a boardwalk at the north end.

Pacific Loons have bred in Potter Marsh. They are often observed in early May from the southernmost pullout off the New Seward Highway. In May of 2000, two Pacific Loons were seen feeding, but were not detected on subsequent visits. Rick Mills and I paddled the marsh in early July to search for evidence of a nesting attempt or chicks. One loon chick and two adults were observed. The adults took flight and abandoned their chick upon our approach, but returned to their chick after we retreated. The chick appeared to be approximately two weeks old. Neither adults or chick have been seen since the visit in July. A nest site could not be found.

Red-necked Grebes and other waterfowl were successful at raising young on Potter Marsh.

Predation seems to be the biggest threat to the loons and grebes nesting here. Several raptors were spotted feeding in the marsh and previous nest failures of loons and grebes have been attributed to Bald Eagles that have nested nearby. The most imminent human threat to Potter Marsh is the proposed extension of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. The extension of the trail could pass next to, or through, the marsh and may increase pollution and human disturbance.

Sand Lake is a large lake located in southwest Anchorage and is stocked by ADF&G. There is one public access at the end of 80th Street, where a short channel leads to the lake. Most of the lakeshore is privately owned and is developed; there are few stretches of natural habitat remaining. Human disturbance is moderate on this lake and includes canoeing and kayaking, swimming, fishing, motorboat activity, personal watercraft activity (jetski), and float plane take-offs and landings.

Common Loons have been reported to arrive in early May, but usually disappear after a few weeks. In 2000, a Common Loon remained on the lake most of the summer. Lake residents reported an incident of a person on a personal watercraft attempting to run over the loon. Other waterfowl that used the lake included Mallards, Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula), and Red-necked Grebes.

Common Loons have made nesting attempts at Sand Lake in the past. There is enough suitable habitat remaining for loons to nest. I believe the amount of human disturbance on the lake is tolerable and would not preclude successful breeding. Education of lake residents is key to attract and maintain a breeding pair of loons. The use of signs and a rope barricade may prove useful if a nest site was located in an area of high human use. Trash is a problem at a few sights used for fishing. Several handfuls of discarded monofilament line have been retrieved from the lakeshore and trash can be seen on the lake bottom. Because most of the lakeshore is privately owned, a neighborhood or community effort may be the best approach for lake management and loon conservation.

Human refuse has posed many problems for loons and other waterbirds throughout the world (Di Labio 1985) and is a prominent hazard in the Anchorage area. Much of the litter in Anchorage lakes stems from the popularity of sport fishing. Discarded monofilament line, fishing hooks, and lead sinkers have often been found along lake shores and have caused numerous waterbird injuries.

The Bird Treatment and Learning Center (Bird TLC) in Anchorage admits many injured birds throughout the summer, and injuries due to monofilament line and fishing hooks represent about 5% of their cases each year. This estimate is considered to be low. Bird TLC personnel report that many birds admitted with injuries of unknown origin are suspected to be fishing related. In addition, Bird TLC personnel receive numerous calls throughout the summer regarding birds entangled in fishing line and hooks. Some of these calls result in admissions, but most birds cannot be captured for treatment or cannot be found when rescuers arrive at the site. Over a six year period, Bird TLC has taken in 40 birds that were entangled in monofilament line or caught by fishing hooks (either swallowed or imbedded in their body). Of the 40 birds admitted for fishing related injuries, 29 (72.5%) birds were released, 9 (22.5%) birds were either euthanized or died while in treatment, and the fate of two birds was unknown (Table 2).

In addition to cases reported by Bird TLC, I observed four waterbirds (two Common Loons, one Canada Goose, and one Mew Gull) entangled in fishing line during summer 2000. One loon apparently swallowed a hook as fishing line was observed hanging from its beak. Three other incidences were reported where loons were seen chasing fishing line; one person on the Kenai River actually caught a loon while fishing.

The prevalence of trash and litter in lakes is serious and needs to be addressed. Not only are the hazards of fishing line, hooks, and sinkers detrimental to the health of breeding waterbirds, but they are also a threat to migrant birds and other aquatic organisms. Public education and community clean-up efforts should be initiated to help prevent future injuries to loons and other waterbirds and to create respect for the local environment.

Education plays a tremendous role in loon conservation and is a fundamental goal of the Alaska Loon Watch. Many examples are available that demonstrate loons and people can live together if certain guidelines are followed. Informed citizens are eager to educate others about the needs of loons and can help create a community effort. The enthusiasm of local residents and their avid participation has been key to the Alaska Loon Watch’s success, and public education and involvement is imperative for continued success. Outreach efforts in 2000 included appearances at community events, distribution of literature, and recruitment of Loon Watch volunteers. Specific public outreach events and efforts are summarized below.

13 May 2000 - International Migratory Bird Day. This annual event held by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service celebrates bird migration and conservation efforts. Loon education included a booth with a video, a mounted loon, signs for lake residents, an Alaska Loon Watch sign -up sheet, loon brochures (Living with Loons in Southcentral Alaska and Get the Lead Out), North American Loon Fund posters, and a loon behavior sheet.

The children’s attention was captured by the mounted loon, and adults really enjoyed sharing their personal loon experiences. The loon behavior sheets were also popular; people wanted to learn more about the loons they were watching. To help eliminate frequent identification errors of loons and grebes, I recommend displaying a Red-necked Grebe mount next to the Common Loon mount at future events.

21 May 2000 - Canoe Fun Day (Doug VanEtten). This event was held at Goose Lake and was an effort to get people acquainted with recreation on lakes (canoes and kayaks). The Municipality of Anchorage placed signs along the east side of the lake where Pacific Loons nested in previous years in hopes of deterring people from disturbing the loons during this possible nest initiation period. The loon pair had yet to show signs of nest site selection or initiation. I had a booth set up with a mounted Common Loon, along with the brochures and information about the Alaska Loon Watch. Persons who participated at Canoe Fun Day were told at the registration table not to go near the signs at the east shore because of the loons. One of the volunteers of the Canoe Fun Day also "guarded" the area and deterred folks from going past the signs. I met Jackie Coletta with U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary who volunteered to distribute loon literature at Big Lake during the Memorial Day weekend. I brought binoculars and a spotting scope for public loon watching.

9 June 2000 - Goose Lake Walk (Sherry Dougan). I was asked to do a walk and talk about loons for a Project Wild Class. This class consisted of teachers from bush communities and local schools. The class walked to Goose Lake where I gave a short talk about the needs of loons and how we can help in the conservation effort through education. Binoculars and a spotting scope were used to view the loons and other birds on the lake. The loons had yet to nest but were feeding on the lake. People were really interested in all aspects of loon biology and conservation and had great questions. Afterward, I showed teachers the loon education kit and gave suggestions about becoming involved in loon education.

In May of 2000, packets were put together and distributed to Alaska Loon Watch volunteers in Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, and Kenai Peninsula. The packet included observation forms, information on loons, a loon brochure (Living with Loons in Southcentral Alaska), a pre-stamped return envelope, the Alaska Loon Watch database for the last five years, and a magnet for loonwatchers who returned data for the previous year.

Loon brochures (Living with Loons in Southcentral Alaska) were also distributed to Cliff Judkins with the Alaska Boating Association, Jackie Coletta with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for Big Lake on Memorial Day weekend, and John Wilbur with Nancy Lake State Recreation Area.

During May 2000, Diana Woods and Brad Andres mailed approximately 320 brochures (Living with Loons in Southcentral Alaska) to lake property owners in Anchorage.

Signs ("Loon Alert" on fence posts) were placed at public accesses on Connors (2), Delong (1), Jewel (2), and Goose (2) lakes during July 2000. Signs were also placed at the public accesses of several lakes on Fort Richardson and Elmendorf Airforce Base during August 2000. On Elmendorf Airforce Base, signs were placed at Green (2), Hillberg (1), Spring (1), Upper Sixmile (2), Lower Sixmile (1), Fish (1), and Triangle (1) lakes. On Fort Richardson signs were placed at Otter (2), Gwen (1), Waldon (1), and Clunie (1) lakes. Materials for signs and posts were donated by Anchorage Audubon Society, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Paul Cotter and Rick Mills assisted with the placement of signs.

The following recommendations have evolved from my personal experiences in the field, suggestions and questions from citizens, lake residents, and Alaska Loon Watch volunteers, and from actions taken by other loon groups in the North America.

1. Continue Alaska Loon Watch monitoring of lakes in Anchorage including those on the military bases, the lakes in the Mat-Su Valley, and the Kenai Peninsula. Help Liz Joziak and personnel at the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge enhance Alaska Loon Watch in the Kenai/Soldotna vicinity and recruit additional volunteers.

2. Continue and initiate participation at events such at International Migratory Bird Day, Canoe Fun Day, and the Great Alaska Sportsman Show.

3. Partner with Anchorage Audubon Society and other area businesses to coordinate some type of Loon Festival for 2001.

4. Partner with area businesses and ADF&G Division of Sportfish to persuade fishermen to trade in toxic lead sinkers for non-toxic alternatives. Emphasize the hazards associated with discarded monofilament line, hooks, and lead sinkers.

5. Develop a litter patrol through an Adopt-a-Lake program. Ask area businesses or groups of citizens to sign-up for a lake to periodically clean-up throughout the summer, picking up trash in and around the lake. Place more trash cans at lakes with heavy public use.

6. Create a website for the Alaska Loon Watch that includes upcoming events, who to contact about developing a lake management plan, provide links to sites about pertinent legislation regarding land and water use, and provide links to other relevant organizations.

7. Develop protocols on dealing with harassment of loons and other waterfowl, what to do with a carcass or loon egg, and develop an updated list of contacts. Make this available on the website.

8. Develop a guide to environmentally sensitive land development, specifically for lakefront property. Offer alternatives to commercial fertilizers and recommendations for sustaining important lakeshore habitat. Possibly organize a seminar by local landscape specialists.

9. Establish a quarterly newsletter (or update website) and share information with other Loon groups in the country and abroad.

10. Continue to distribute literature to agencies and concerned public groups.

11. Conduct aerial surveys of the Mat-Su Valley during the spring and fall to establish local population numbers and productivity. Possibly conduct aerial surveys in the Kenai Peninsula as well.

12. Initiate a loon banding program. A banded population would enable biologists to collect important data on many aspects of loon biology including population dynamics, territory and nest site fidelity, and mate fidelity.

The Alaska Loon Watch 2000 was supported by funds from USFWS (Nongame Migratory Bird Management) and the Anchorage Audubon Society. The accomplishments of the Alaska Loon Watch 2000 would not have been possible without the help of Dr. Brad Andres, Rick Mills, Jeff and Nancy Fair, Paul Cotter, Heather Johnson-Schultz, Linda White, Owen Hughes, Terry Shick (Fort Richardson), Allen Richmond (Elmendorf Airforce Base), Ray Jose and the Municipality of Anchorage employees, Anchorage International Airport personnel, and the tremendous dedication and effort of all the volunteers.

Di Labio, B. M. 1985. Hook, line and sinker in the stomach of a loon. Trail & Landscape. 19:243.

Fair, J. S. 1998. The Status of Loons in Anchorage and the Lower Matanuska-Susitna Valley of Alaska: A Summary Report of Alaska Loon Watch 1985-1997. Unpubl. rep., Anchorage Audubon Soc., Anchorage, Alas. 36 pp.