Dr. Paruk is a professor of biology at St. Joseph’s College, Standish, Maine and is one of the world’s leading experts on loons. He is delighted to share his knowledge of this magnificent bird with others.

Jim will give a comprehensive overview of the winter ecology of the Common Loon.

Dr. Paruk has been studying loons for the past 30 years. His research has taken him across North America to better understand the biology and life history of this iconic bird.

Jim will discuss his approach to studying loons and share some recent findings about loon biology as well as some personal anecdotes.

Jim will give an overview of loon biology and conservation. Also, he will read and share a few loon stories from his recently published book entitled Loon Lessons (University of Minnesota Press).

Jim Paruk has given us a wonderful, personal account of Loon biology. He recounts his 30 years of adventures with loons set in the context of their basic biology and behavior. This book is a highly readable summary of what is known about loons, told in an accessible and informal way. It should appeal to anyone who wants to know more about loons.

Charlie Walcott, Ph.D.

Emeritus Professor, Cornell University

"The magnificent loon is a stirring symbol of wilderness, captivating even for people who have never seen one. This account by one of the world’s top experts, authoritative and accurate but written in a lively, engaging style, opens up the mysteries of the loon’s world and makes it more fascinating than ever. "

Kenn Kaufmann

“If you love loons—as I do- then this book will amaze and delight you. It’s a marvelous, deep dive into these ancient, iconic birds: how they came to be as they are, from the conundrum of their unusual coloring to their strange and cunning habits and their haunting wails, yodels and tremolos that summon wild places. It’s also a moving and compelling story of a scientist’s passion for the bird he loves and the extraordinary lengths he’ll go to fully understand it.”

Jennifer Ackerman, author of the New York Times bestseller The Genius of Birds

"Anyone remotely interested in loons or birds in general will love this book."—Dan Tallman’s Bird Blog

In Loon Lessons, James Paruk offers a double treat: introducing readers to the amazing biology, migrations, and mysteries of these iconic waterbirds, while also sharing the challenges and rewards of studying a wary, powerful bird in remote wilderness settings.Anyone who has thrilled to the yodel of a loon on a moonlit lake will love this book.

—Scott Weidensaul, author of A World on the Wing

James Paruk is one of the world’s leading experts on the Common Loon. He has studied breeding and wintering loons across North America for the past 30 years. He recently published a new book on loons that summarizes our state of knowledge about these iconic birds (Loon Lessons: Uncommon Encounters with The Great Northern Diver). Paruk is a professor of biology at St. Joseph’s College in Standish, Maine, where he teaches ornithology and animal behavior.

Jim will share his diverse experiences, knowledge and new scientific findings of these iconic birds.

This program is specific for York County Audubon

Jim will cover three aspects of Common Loons, their different types of vocalizations, winter biology and conservation concerns.

Jim holding a rare Yellow-billed Loon on the North Slope of Alaska.

Jim shares his 29 years of experience researching the Common Loon across North America in an entertaining way!

In Loon Lessons, James Paruk offers a double treat: introducing readers to the amazing biology, migrations, and mysteries of these iconic waterbirds, while also sharing the challenges and rewards of studying a wary, powerful bird in remote wilderness settings. Anyone who has thrilled to the yodel of a loon on a moonlit lake will love this book.

—Scott Weidensaul, author of A World on the Wing