Vermont
Vermont’s adult loon population is at an all-time high, but fewer chicks are surviving – VTDigger
Vermont’s adult loon population is at an all-time high, but scientists have noticed a recent decrease in the number of chicks surviving.
In 2024, Vermont saw a record-breaking 123 nesting pairs, 11 of which landed at first-time nesting sites. Out of the 125 loon chicks that hatched in 2024, 65% survived through the end of August, slightly below the 2004-23 average of 76%, according to the Vermont Center for EcoStudies.
Eric Hanson, a biologist for the Vermont Loon Conservation Project, said the three main reasons for less chick survival are competition, habitat loss, and predation from eagles and other wildlife.
Flooding in Vermont in recent years has contributed to habitat loss and affected nesting success. Twenty-one nests were flooded in the summers of 2023 and 2024, a stark contrast to the one flooded nest reported during the drier summers from 2020 to 2022, according to the center’s 2024 loon season summary.
Nesting loons make their homes in smaller lakes when larger lakes are taken by other pairs of loons with established breeding grounds there. These sites tend to have more marginal habitat, often lacking protective features like marshes or islands. Nests built there are more exposed to predators, such as eagles and snapping turtles. Adults must also leave small lakes to feed in bigger areas where fish are plentiful, and the additional time spent away from their young can lead to their neglect, according to the season summary.
A higher presence of adult loons also creates territorial conflict, resulting in “turf battles” between loons that could prevent a pair from nesting, Hanson said. Chick casualties can also occur during these encounters.
However, lower nesting success rates are part of a natural process as the loon population begins to level out, he said.
“Loons overall are doing really well, and we don’t need to see success all the time,” Hanson said.
Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department Biologist Jillian Killborn said this new phase is a balancing act on the landscape. After years of great success in increasing the loon population, slower growth and productivity is to be expected.
“With any wildlife population, there’s natural checks and balances that are built into populations when they start to get too high or exceed carrying capacity on the landscape,” Killborn said. Now, scientists are figuring out how many loons will remain in Vermont long term and where, she said.
Despite the drop in chick survival rates, Vermont loon chicks do better than those in eastern Maine, New Hampshire and the Adirondack region, according to preliminary data from the Vermont Center for Ecostudies.
Since 1983, volunteers and biologists have been gathering on the third Saturday of July for LoonCount Day, a survey of adult and nesting loons in water bodies statewide. On July 19, Hanson said he expects more than 200 participants to visit 175 lakes in Vermont to tally the number of birds. These efforts are important for tracking loon health, nesting success and the identification of emerging threats, he said.
“We’re just trying to hit everything,” he said. “We’ve expanded that out as loons start to land on smaller ponds compared to what they used to do.”
In tandem with LoonCount Day, the Vermont Loon Conservation Project at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies organizes an annual loon monitoring program, during which volunteers take regular trips to lakes throughout the summer season to post signs in nesting areas and keep tabs on new and known nesting pairs.
 100vw, 2560px”><figcaption class=)
Volunteers paddle to shoreline nesting sites to place signs to alert the public of loon habitats on the Green River Reservoir in spring 2025. Photo by Fiona MacLean courtesy of the Vermont Center for EcoStudies
The nesting signs respectfully ask boaters to give the loons a little space since they are highly territorial, especially during breeding season. If humans get within 10 feet of their nest and the birds feel it’s threatened, they’re more likely to abandon it, Hanson said.
In attempts to curb disruptions along ecologically sensitive shorelines, Vermont passed one of the most protective statewide wake sport regulations in the country in April 2024. However, Hanson said kayakers and people fishing in boats close to the shore create more harm for loons than far-off wake boats.
 100vw, 2560px”><figcaption class=)
Volunteers contribute to monitoring efforts for Vermont’s loons by placing signs along shoreline nesting sites at Green River Reservoir in spring 2025. Photo by Fiona MacLean courtesy of the Vermont Center for EcoStudies
“If we can give them that little bit of space, they’re more likely to hunker down and watch you go by,” he said.
In addition to shoreline disturbances, recreational fishing poses another serious threat to loon survival. After a period of decline, loon deaths due to lead poisoning from ingesting tackle have risen again over the past six years, Hanson said. Ingestion of lead tackle, monofilament fishing line and fishing hooks remains the cause of more than half of loon deaths in Vermont.
Vermont banned the use and sale of small lead sinkers in 2007, but despite the ban’s initial success, loons are still ingesting poisonous tackle, according to Hanson and Killborn. To address the issue, the Vermont Loon Conservation Project partnered with lake associations and the Fish & Wildlife Department last summer to install lead tackle and fishing line collection sites at around 30 public boat access sites, which they plan to add to this year.
READ MORE
Responsible fishing, boating and recreation are vital to loon health and survival, Killborn and Hanson said. As Vermont’s loon population stabilizes, they emphasized that the next phase of conservation will depend on how well humans learn to share the landscape.
Either way, Killborn said loon numbers are increasing at a sustainable rate, and overpopulation is not yet an issue. “I’m not sure if we’ll ever get there, depending on conditions,” she said.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Vermont Lottery offers several draw games for those willing to make a bet to win big.
Those who want to play can enter the MegaBucks and Lucky for Life games as well as the national Powerball and Mega Millions games. Vermont also partners with New Hampshire and Maine for the Tri-State Lottery, which includes the Mega Bucks, Gimme 5 as well as the Pick 3 and Pick 4.
Drawings are held at regular days and times, check the end of this story to see the schedule.
Here’s a look at June 25, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Gimme 5 numbers from June 25 drawing
13-14-18-21-22
Check Gimme 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from June 25 drawing
Day: 2-1-4
Evening: 0-7-1
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from June 25 drawing
Day: 5-4-4-9
Evening: 5-5-1-1
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from June 25 drawing
03-13-14-34-45, Bonus: 01
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
For Vermont Lottery prizes up to $499, winners can claim their prize at any authorized Vermont Lottery retailer or at the Vermont Lottery Headquarters by presenting the signed winning ticket for validation. Prizes between $500 and $5,000 can be claimed at any M&T Bank location in Vermont during the Vermont Lottery Office’s business hours, which are 8a.m.-4p.m. Monday through Friday, except state holidays.
For prizes over $5,000, claims must be made in person at the Vermont Lottery headquarters. In addition to signing your ticket, you will need to bring a government-issued photo ID, and a completed claim form.
All prize claims must be submitted within one year of the drawing date. For more information on prize claims or to download a Vermont Lottery Claim Form, visit the Vermont Lottery’s FAQ page or contact their customer service line at (802) 479-5686.
Vermont Lottery Headquarters
1311 US Route 302, Suite 100
Barre, VT
05641
When are the Vermont Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Gimme 5: 6:55 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily.
- Pick 3 Day: 1:10 p.m. daily.
- Pick 4 Day: 1:10 p.m. daily.
- Pick 3 Evening: 6:55 p.m. daily.
- Pick 4 Evening: 6:55 p.m. daily.
- Megabucks: 7:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily
What is Vermont Lottery Second Chance?
Vermont’s 2nd Chance lottery lets players enter eligible non-winning instant scratch tickets into a drawing to win cash and/or other prizes. Players must register through the state’s official Lottery website or app. The drawings are held quarterly or are part of an additional promotion, and are done at Pollard Banknote Limited in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Vermont editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Champlain Valley senior Zoey McNabb has been named the Vermont high school girls track and field athlete for the 2026 season, Gatorade announced Thursday, June 25.
The Gatorade award recognizes athletes for their on-field success, high academic achievement and exemplary character.
In her first year as a competitive runner, the 5-foot-7 McNabb broke long-held state records in the 1500- and 3000-meter races this past spring with times of 4 minutes, 28.59 seconds and 9:24.58, respectively. At the Division I state meet, she swept both events to help the Redhawks claim a team championship three-peat.
Her 3,000 time ranked fourth nationally; her 1,500 performance was good for 12th. At the New England championship meet, McNabb took second in the 3,200 and third in the 1,600. She also ran in five events at New Balance Nationals, where she set the state record in the two mile.
An all-state basketball player for CVU, she has volunteered locally at the Green Mountain Montessori School in Essex in addition to donating her time as a youth basketball coach, according to the news release.
“Zoey was fearless this spring, attacking decades-old records and destroying them,” BFA-St. Albans coach Mike Mashtare said in a statement. “What made her special was how effortless she made it look with her smooth stride and relaxed running style.”
McNabb has maintained an unweighted 4.27 GPA in the classroom. She has signed a written letter of athletic aid to compete on scholarship at the University of Vermont this fall.
As part of Gatorade’s commitment to breaking down barriers in sport, every player of the year also receives a grant to donate to a social impact partner.
To learn more about the Gatorade Player of the Year program, visit playeroftheyear.gatorade.com.
Contact Alex Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter: @aabrami5.
Vermont Green men’s team Chris Taylor praises team after home opener
Vermont Green men’s team head coach Chris Taylor talks with the media following the Green’s home opener victory
The Vermont Green women’s team is predominantly a home for college players to play in a professional atmosphere during the summer. Yet there are a trio of seasoned overseas professional soccer players who are playing for the Green this summer to help them find their next stop.
Two members of that trio, defender Chloe Gorman and midfielder Brenna Connell, are both over the age of 30, playing with teammates nearly a decade younger while defender Hannah Kroupa graduated college in 2023. Yet, rather than taking time away from the pitch, they are spending the summer in Vermont.
Here’s why these professional soccer players opted to play for the Green, a short two-month season where the players don’t get paid.
Vermont Green is a launching pad to finding a new team
All three players learned about the team the same way — the Player’s Network, which is a group to share opportunities and resources among female soccer players around the world. Head coach Abby Carchio sent out a message in the group publicizing the Green. The trio all jumped on the opportunity.
Both Connell and Gorman have spent the last few months training and thought the Green was a great opportunity to get some minutes and film to help them sign with a new team later this summer.
“The desire of the club to truly provide a professional-level atmosphere and resources and the community is so behind the club, it seemed like a super unique opportunity,” Connell said.
Connell, Gorman and Kroupa are helping the Green make history in their debut season. The Green are currently one of eight undefeated teams still standing in the USLW with a 5-0-4 record.
Gorman has had a crucial role, playing every minute in the Green’s 10 games (which includes the Maple Cup) with she and Kroupa anchoring the back line. That defense has only conceded six goals entering Vermont’s final regular season game against New England Mutiny on Saturday, June 27.
Kroupa and Connell have appeared in a handful of games as well. The duo teamed up on a goal in Vermont’s 2-0 Maple Cup victory, with Kroupa earning the goal in her club debut. Both players have also contributed an assist in an official USLW match.
“I’m really thankful I have gotten a lot of minutes here especially after not being with a club for a year,” Connell said. “It felt good to prove to myself that I can still do this and contribute a lot.”
The Green can capture the Northeast Division title and earn a spot in the USLW playoffs with a win against Mutiny on Saturday, June 27.
Vermont’s amateur status impresses the professional soccer trio
Gorman, Connell and Kroupa have played all over the world, including stops in Greece, Hungary, Israel, Portugal and Germany among other countries. The aspect that stands out to them is how ingrained Vermont Green is to the broader community.
“It means a bit more here,” Gorman said. “It’s different to finish a game and have a 100 girls and parents come up to you and thank you, acknowledge that this is a big step in women’s sports.”
The organization takes great care of the players doing more than professional teams do. The team has found housing for everyone with Kroupa, Connell and Gorman living together in college-style housing.
“Playing abroad, it’s really hit or miss with what a club can provide for you,” Kroupa said. “Even having someone do the laundry of training gear that you wouldn’t think about in college … simple stuff like that is such a big difference.”
The older players are also surrounded by some of the country’s top college players such as Caitlin Mara, Brooke Birtwistle, Georgina Clarke and Olivia Grenda.
The main difference between college soccer and a professional team has been honing in on the details and adding extra care to each decision.
“Just being conscious of your play and decision making of the reasoning behind something and the cleanliness of the play,” Gorman said.
Besides serving as role models, the trio are helping Vermont Green remain feeling professional which is leading to results on the field of a winning club in Year 1.
Contact Judith Altneu at JAltneu@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter: @Judith_Altneu.
