2012 SURF: Recording Underwater Behavior of Loons

Through a Glass Darkly: Attempts to Develop a Technique for Observing  Diving Behavior of the Common Loon, Gavia immer

Undergraduate Research Fellow: Matthew Shultz, Biology

Mentor: Dr. Jim Paruk, Biology Department; Director of Loon Center for Conservation, BioDiversity Research Institute

Common Loons are well studied in general, but their behavior underwater is a matter of speculation.  In Summer of 2012, we experimented with underwater filming methods on Little Sebago Lake in Maine.  Underwater video of loon behavior would be a valuable tool for understanding their diving and foraging behavior.  Because no methods presently exist, our primary research focus was the development of a technique into a viable research tool.  We tried cameras mounted on radio-controlled boats, as well as mounted on 2 meter poles.  In both cases we found  turbidity and the loons' aversion to approach by the camera prevented capture of viable footage.  The lessons learned have aided in development of a technique for future research, called a “camera web.”

Capturing the diving behavior of loons is still a work in progress, and it is important that this work continue.  Besides informing the field of loon biology, a better picture of their diving behavior could aid future conservation efforts. Although  loons are not presently endangered, there are threats on the horizon, such as lead from fishing weights and mercury poisoning.  The more we know about loons as a species, the better prepared we are for future conservation efforts.  It is our hope that the future work with the camera web concept may add to that knowledge.

Start Slideshow

Recording Loon Behavior 1: Construction A radio-controlled boat was constructed to carry an underwater camera. View Full-Size	Recording Loon Behavior 2: Deployment A canoe was paddled close to the loons and the camera-bearing boat was launched. View Full-Size
Recording Loon Behavior 3: Approach The boat was driven towards the loons at a slow pace to minimize disturbance. View Full-Size	Recording Loon Behavior 4: Photography The underwater camera provided clear photographs in water of low turbidity. View Full-Size
Recording Loon Behavior 5: Avoidance The loons showed a strong aversion to the boat and surfaced many meters away. View Full-Size	Recording Loon Behavior 6: New direction Loons proved too elusive for this method, so a new camera web will be developed. View Full-Size