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Loons eyed as lakes go higher


By GEOFF CUNNINGHAM Jr.
Staff Writer
 

LACONIA — Water on the state's lakes remains extremely high going into the prime nesting season for loons, prompting wildlife experts to wonder how the birds will fare going into the summer.

Officials with the state's Loon Preservation Committee say the dropping of water levels could result in the stranding of some nests, but express confidence that the birds will adapt to what is a natural flooding event.

"It's really going to be a wait and see (situation)," said Kate Taylor, the senior biologist for the Loon Preservation Committee.

Taylor said extensive flooding events in late May have certainly compromised the shoreline nesting area of a bird that is primarily aquatic and at its peak nesting stage in early June.

"Right now is when they are really trying to initiate nests," said Taylor.

New Hampshire has upwards of 600 loons spread in all regions besides the White Mountains.

The Loon Preservation Committee makes its headquarters in Moultonboro and monitors the activity of all nesting pairs. It has spent more than 30 years working with biologists to help protect and advocate for the birds.

Taylor said some of the loons' traditional nesting sites remain under water as a result of the flooding.

Loons make their nests at the edge of the water and studies show that they prefer islands and shelter coves.

"They are awkward on land because their legs are positioned so far back on their body," said Taylor.

The biologist said the heavy rains came early enough in the season to avoid flooding nests, but could have an impact as the birds set up shop in areas that are typically further up on dry land.

Taylor said the dropping of water levels could result in some nests being stranded if the birds encounter too much trouble reaching them.

"The more energy it takes to travel to a nest, the more of a risk there is for birds to abandon it," said Taylor.

Loons typically lay 1-2 eggs and will often "re-nest" if their initial efforts are not successful, according to Taylor.

Taylor said experts remain hopeful that the high water could actually have a positive impact on loon reproduction by lowering the number of early-season boaters on the lake.

"There are less people out on the water and people aren't going fast," said Taylor.

She said a similar flooding event in 1998 resulted in the Loon Preservation Committee documenting no lead tackle-related loon deaths until waters went down and more boat traffic hit the lakes. She said that storm showed little impact on the bird's reproductive activity.

One set of nests that certainly won't be impacted are the man-made flotation devices that the Loon Preservation Committee puts out to aid those loon pairs that have had problems reproducing.

Each year the organization puts out 40-45 approximate 5' x 5' log-based islands whose netting make a suitable nesting site for mating pairs. They are placed in sheltered coves away from heavy traffic and away from prevailing winds.

Taylor said approximately 50 percent of such man-made nesting floats are placed on Lake Winnipesaukee.

The biologist said her group will track the status of loon populations throughout the summer to monitor activity and only after time has gone by will they understand what impact the flooding has on them.

She noted that the Loon Preservation Committee is much more concerned about the long-term impact that humans have on loon populations than singular weather events.

"The birds can biologically handle some periods of low reproductive activity ... it's a natural event," said Taylor.

Geoff Cunningham Jr. can be reached at 524-3800 ext. 5931 or via e-mail at gcunninghamcitizen.com.

 
c. 2006 George J. Foster Co.

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Lake Winnipesaukee
 
   
Flooding challenges loons' nests

June 23. 2006 9:30AM

 
H
igh water from last month's flooding has ruined nesting sites for loons at Lake Winnipesaukee.

"Those are good nests, and they've produced chicks in years past, so what's happened now, is the loons are having to look for alternate sites, as many of traditional sites are under water," said Harry Vogel of the Loon Preservation Committee.

Many pairs nest on platforms put on the lake by the Loon Preservation Committee. But many also nest along the shore. They had to move to higher ground this year, but as the lake dropped, the nests were left high and dry, making the birds more vulnerable.

"A loon away from water feels less secure and are a little more likely to abandon the nest if predators come close," Vogel said.

The loon remains on the state's threatened species list, but the population has doubled in the last 30 years. Last year, there were 204 pairs of loons on lakes across the state, but Vogel said this could be a tough year.

The Associated Press

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