The Becker Index Area is located in the West-Central part of Minnesota, and has had 93 to 101 lakes surveyed per year between 1994 and 2002. Statistical analysis is ongoing, and has been completed through 2001.
In Summary:
- Loon abundance in the Becker Index Area ranged from 1.4 - 2.4 adult loons per 100 acres of lake between 1994-2001 (Fig. 1).
- There are no statistically significant changes in occupancy within the six index areas. Occupancy (likelihood of seeing a loon on a lake) was calculated as 62% - 84% in the Becker Index Area (Fig. 2), roughly the 2nd highest Index area, after the Itasca Index Area.
- Reproductive success was calculated as 0.38 - 0.70 juveniles per 2 adult loons in the Becker Index Area (Fig. 3).
- During the study period, the Kandiyohi and Otter Tail index areas were the only Index Areas to exhibit statistically significant increases in goose abundance. Adult goose abundance per 100 acres of lake in the Becker Index Area varied between 0 and 1.3 between 1994-2001 (Fig. 4).
 Figure 1. LOON ABUNDANCE - Adult loons seen per 100 acres of lake surface within the Becker Index Area. |
 Figure 2. LOON OCCUPANCY - Percent of lakes in the Becker Index Area with any adult loons. |
 Figure 3. LOON REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS - Juvenile loons for every two adult loons on a lake within the Becker Index Area. |
 Figure 4. GOOSE ABUNDANCE - Adult geese seen per 100 acres of lake surface within the Becker Index Area. |
| Year | Total Adult Loons | Total Juvenile Loons | Lakes with Adult Loons | Lakes with Juvenile Loons | Total Adult Canada Geese | Total Juvenile Canada Geese | Total # of Lakes Surveyed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 141 | 41 | 55 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 93 |
| 1995 | 174 | 53 | 71 | 36 | 240 | 40 | 95 |
| 1996 | 245 | 75 | 71 | 37 | 148 | 282 | 100 |
| 1997 | 290 | 62 | 79 | 32 | 106 | 145 | 101 |
| 1998 | 289 | 52 | 79 | 27 | 332 | 38 | 99 |
| 1999 | 307 | 64 | 80 | 32 | 160 | 136 | 96 |
| 2000 | 287 | 57 | 68 | 26 | 206 | 178 | 94 |
| 2001 | 280 | 66 | 75 | 35 | 92 | 140 | 94 |
| 2002 | 299 | 54 | 74 | 29 | 113 | 260 | 96 |
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the hundreds of volunteer observers who continue to make the MLMP a success. Without your persistence and hard work, the DNR would be without a means of reporting on the health of our state bird. We and Minnesota's loons appreciate your commitment!
We acknowledge the assistance of Dr. Douglas Hawkins, University of Minnesota, for statistical analysis, and Eric Hanson for the initial design and implementation of the MLMP.
Contact Information for the Becker Index Area
Katie Haws, Becker Index Area Coordinator
Minnesota DNR, Nongame Wildlife Program
2115 Birchmont Beach Road
Bemidji, MN 56601
Phone: 218/755-2976
E-mail: [email protected]