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A new app could help streamline loon data by enabling citizens to log observations

NPR | By Abagael Giles
Published June 20, 2026 at 6:41 AM CDT

Loons, beloved American waterbirds, face threats from climate change and pollution. An oil spill settlement funds a new phone app helping non-scientists to aid research on these birds.

Copyright 2026 NPR
Abagael Giles
Abagael is a digital producer at VPR