Supporting conservation: How fiber internet helps the Loon Preservation Committee bring loons to the world

For many New Hampshire residents, hearing the distinctive call of a loon is one of the most anticipated signs of spring.

“If you hear that loon calling, that's a sound that all winter you look forward to hearing,” said Harry Vogel, senior biologist at the Loon Preservation Committee. “Seeing a loon on the nest, seeing the first time there's chicks ... it's that cycle of nature. It repeats, and it's comforting to us to be able to see that.”

For more than 50 years, the Loon Preservation Committee has worked to restore and maintain New Hampshire's loon population through research, monitoring, education and conservation. Today, one of the organization's most powerful tools for connecting people to that mission is the Loon Cam ― a live-streaming camera that gives viewers a front-row seat to the nesting season.

Making that experience possible requires reliable, high-capacity internet connectivity.

Connecting people to nature in real time

Operating cameras at loon nesting sites presents unique challenges. Many nests are in remote areas, making it difficult to deliver a high-quality live stream without interruptions.

“Sending field biologists and putting up cameras at loon nests in some pretty remote locations comes with some unique sets of problems,” Vogel said. 

That's where Fidium comes in.

“Thanks to Fidium, we've been working together to really address those issues and to be able to provide that streaming service,” he said. 

Fiber connectivity enables the Loon Preservation Committee to deliver high-definition video from the nest to viewers around the world.

According to Bill Gassman, a devoted volunteer, the organization currently streams in 1080p at 30 frames per second and is already exploring upgrades to 4K video because the bandwidth is available.

Reliability matters when nature doesn't follow a schedule

Unlike a scheduled event, wildlife doesn't operate on a timetable. A chick may hatch at any hour of the day or night, and thousands of viewers may tune in with little notice.

“When this is a live event, reliability matters,” Bill said. “We have had no network-related interruptions.”

That reliability is especially important during key moments of the nesting season, when audience interest spikes dramatically.

“We have hundreds of people watching, and sometimes during the hatch maybe 10,000 a day are watching that camera,” he said.

With fiber internet from Fidium delivering consistent performance around the clock, the Loon Preservation Committee can focus on monitoring and sharing the experience rather than worrying about connectivity.

A powerful educational tool

For Vogel, the impact of the Loon Cam goes far beyond technology.

“I think that the Loon Cam is by far our best educational tool to bring loons to the world from our little Loon Preservation Committee here in New Hampshire,” he said.

Last year alone, the camera generated more than 250,000 views from audiences across the globe.

“It's bringing loons to more people than anything else that we're able to do here at the Loon Preservation Committee,” Vogel said. 

The live stream helps viewers build a deeper connection to the birds and the ecosystems they depend on.

“Loons are more than just interesting wildlife,” Gassman noted. “They're an indicator of water quality and environmental health.”

Front-row seat to conservation

By giving viewers an intimate look at nesting loons, the camera helps turn curiosity into conservation awareness.

“The camera gives them that front-row seat to reality,” Gassman said.

“You feel like you're right there at that nest because you are,” Vogel added.

That connection can inspire people to learn more, become advocates and support efforts to protect New Hampshire's lakes and wildlife.

“I think it strengthens support for conservation locally,” Gassman said.

Fiber internet powers connections that matter

Fiber internet can do so much more than connect devices. It can connect people to experiences, communities and causes that matter.

Fidium is proud to support the Loon Preservation Committee's efforts to share the wonder of New Hampshire's loons with viewers around the world. Through reliable, high-speed fiber connectivity, the Loon Cam is helping educate, inspire and foster a deeper appreciation for one of the state's most beloved species.

To watch the live Loon Cams powered by Fidium, visit loon.org/looncam.