Friends of Wilson Lake sponsors school loon program

WILTON – Academy Hill School 3rd grade students recently had the opportunity to participate in an educational outreach program on loons and loon research presented by the BioDiversity Research Institute (BRI) under the sponsorship of Friends of Wilson Lake (FOWL).

This is the fourth year that FOWL, a non-profit group based in Wilton, has funded a scholastic loon project in an attempt to raise children’s awareness of the value of this waterfowl breed that inhabits Wilson Lake. The group’s membership believes that educating children about loons will reinforce protection of these remarkable birds.

BRI outreach educator Patrick Keenan, assisted by FOWL member Nancy Prince, introduced a creative, interactive classroom presentation that personalized wildlife issues for the children. Students listened to recorded loon calls, observed the physical features of an adult male specimen in a glass case, and learned how loons are banded. They learned to identify the loons’ tremolo call that shows when the birds feel threatened. Keenan stressed the sensitivity of the loon nesting period and the need to keep away from nests and young loons.

During the session students acted the part of researchers identifying the special features of loons, loon nests, and their chicks. The children had the opportunity to share their observations with the group, helping them to recognize the role that scientific information has in promoting conservation efforts.

The Wilton students’ enthusiasm and desire to help protect loons demonstrates the positive results that can occur when community organizations collaborate to safeguard our natural resources.