Loons are an overlooked animal symbol of Maine. They’re neither unique to our lakes and ponds, nor critical to our recreational or resource economies. They’re neither hunted nor harvested. It’s easy to forget they’re even there.

Unless, of course, they’re gone.

Which is why, Saturday, scores of searchers will paddle and putter across Maine tallying loons for the Maine Audubon Society’s annual loon count. Tabulators approach their duty with gusto – Peter and Judy Durgin of Auburn, for example, dub themselves “Loon Rangers” for their trip onto Taylor Pond.

A little loon lunacy, as it were. But for an important cause – adult loon populations dipped last year, a finding tempered by an increase in loon chicks. This year’s count should tell whether Maine’s loons are thriving, or surviving.

Saturday is also a special day for Mainers with loons on their license plates. The Department of Conservation is offering free admission to state parks and historical sites on Saturday and Sunday for anybody with a loon plate, the fees from which support state conservation and wildlife efforts.

There’s a census issue with these license plates as well. The DOC reports loon plates are becoming scarce, with only 63,425 existing loon registrations in 2007. This constitutes a precipitous 43 percent decline since the loon plate’s peak of popularity in 1998, when 110,265 were registered.

Since 1994, when the plates started into circulation, they’ve generated more than $14 million for projects by both DOC and the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, ranging from species management to commode construction.

Fewer plates means fewer funds for such efforts, though. The shrinking loon plate population is likely due to one paramount factor: success. Maine has scores of plates now, based on the same fundraising model of the loon.

It’s a jungle out there, too. Loons compete with lobsters, chickadees, black bears and sportsman for plate space.

The latest interlopers are farmers, whose plate is not only new, but also has spiffy red, orange and green hues.

What’s a little black-and-white loon to do?

Maine cannot lose loons, whether on lakes, ponds or vehicles. Not everybody can volunteer a Saturday morning in July to splash around in the lake, trying to count birds. Those who do might like being called a little “loony.”

There is something, however, most everyone can do. Put a loon on your license plate.

The more loons that are counted, the better.