FALMOUTH — Maine Audubon will conduct its 28th annual Loon Count on July 18, bringing together hundreds of Mainers to survey lakes and ponds across the state and provide valuable scientific data for lake conservation efforts.

This year’s count takes place between 7 and 7:30 a.m. Counters are given areas to count from shore or by boat, and regional coordinators will compile the results and send them to Maine Audubon for analysis.

Last year’s Loon Count enlisted 960 volunteers to survey Maine’s lakes and ponds. Based on their reports, Maine Audubon estimates that 3,220 adult loons are living in Maine south of the 45th parallel, approximately from Calais to Rangeley — the highest number in the 27-year history of the count.

For more information, contact Susan Gallo at 781-2330, ext. 216, or email [email protected].