Lead Poisoning

Tufts Wildlife Clinic is conducting an ongoing study on the prevalence of lead poisoning in aquatic birds, particularly the Common Loon. In addition to loons, frequent victims to lead poisoning include waterfowl and other aquatic birds, predatory birds, humans, and domestic animals.

Loon Biology

To learn more about loon biology, go to these sites:

• The Birds of North America Online: Common Loon
• The Loon Preservation Committee
• The Maine Loon Project Maine Audubon Society
• Michigan Loon Preservation Association
• Hinterland Who's Who Bird Fact sheets: Loons Canadian Wildlife Service
• Common Loon, Gavia immer National Geographic
• Common Loon All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Loon Calls

• Visit this site to hear loon calls: www.adkscience.org Adirondack Cooperative Loon Program

Lead Poisoning

• "Effects of Lead Tackle on Loons" Adirondack Cooperative Loon Program
• "Getting the Lead Out" National Wildlife Federation
• "Lead Poisoning" Michigan Department of Natural Resources
• "Lead Fishing - Sinkers and Animals" EPA
• "The Effect of Lead Sinkers on Waterfowl" The University of Vermont
• "Spreading the Word About Lead" New England Sportsman Network
• "Keep Getting the Lead Out - It's the Law" The State of New Hampshire

Alternatives to Lead Fishing Gear

For more information on where to find alternatives to lead hunting and fishing gear, look at the following sites:

• Non-lead alternatives for fishing tackle Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
• Flambeau Outdoors
• Fish Lead Free Canadian Wildlife Service
• Rocky Ledge Bass Tackle
• Loon Outdoors
• Wildlife Without Lead HawkWatch International

More Lead Info

To learn more about lead, go to these sites:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Lead by Elson M. Haas M.D. for Healthy.net