Presented By: University of Michigan Biological Station
A Little Looney: Lessons Learned as a Loon Biologist
Dr. Jay Mager, Ohio Northern University
The Common Loon is an icon of the northern wilderness as well as an indicator of the health and integrity of aquatic ecosystems. Giving the Hann Lecture in Ornithology during the 2025 Summer Lecture Series at the University of Michigan Biological Station, Dr. Jay Mager will provide an overview of the life history of the Common Loon, share insight into the past work considering behavioral mechanisms by which loons select and defend breeding territories, and discuss current conservation practices by scientists and citizens to preserve and protect loon populations, including more recent work considering the behavior of loons during the non-breeding season.
Mager is a professor of biological sciences at Ohio Northern University, where he teaches courses in biology, ecology, animal behavior, and ornithology. He received his Bachelor of Science in biology at Hiram College, his master’s degree in zoology at Miami University, and his Ph.D. in neurobiology and behavior at Cornell University. Trained as a behavioral ecologist, Mager is fortunate to have spent most of his career studying various aspects of the life history of the Common Loon and applying what he has learned to a number of conservation and management issues facing this species.
The U-M Biological Station — the largest of U-M's campuses at more than 10,000 forested acres surrounded by lakes — is one of the nation's largest and longest continuously operating field research stations.
Founded in 1909, the Biological Station supports long-term research and education. It is where students and scientists from across the globe live and work as a community to learn from the place.
The Summer Lecture Series is a tradition at UMBS, where we explore scientific topics with distinguished guest speakers from across the country so our community can learn about our natural world.
The free, public talks are on Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. in the spring and summer in Gates Lecture Hall at the University of Michigan Biological Station, located at 9133 Biological Rd. in Pellston, Michigan — about 20 miles south of the Mackinac Bridge.
Mager is a professor of biological sciences at Ohio Northern University, where he teaches courses in biology, ecology, animal behavior, and ornithology. He received his Bachelor of Science in biology at Hiram College, his master’s degree in zoology at Miami University, and his Ph.D. in neurobiology and behavior at Cornell University. Trained as a behavioral ecologist, Mager is fortunate to have spent most of his career studying various aspects of the life history of the Common Loon and applying what he has learned to a number of conservation and management issues facing this species.
The U-M Biological Station — the largest of U-M's campuses at more than 10,000 forested acres surrounded by lakes — is one of the nation's largest and longest continuously operating field research stations.
Founded in 1909, the Biological Station supports long-term research and education. It is where students and scientists from across the globe live and work as a community to learn from the place.
The Summer Lecture Series is a tradition at UMBS, where we explore scientific topics with distinguished guest speakers from across the country so our community can learn about our natural world.
The free, public talks are on Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. in the spring and summer in Gates Lecture Hall at the University of Michigan Biological Station, located at 9133 Biological Rd. in Pellston, Michigan — about 20 miles south of the Mackinac Bridge.
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