Happy Fall!  You may notice adult loons are starting to turn grey just behind the base of the bill as they begin to molt into their winter or basic plumage.  These feathers are the first ones to be replaced. 

Photo by Kittie Wilson

It's not uncommon to see groups of loons together in late summer and fall.  They often spend time socializing before heading to their ocean wintering grounds. The adults are less territorial because their chicks (now juveniles) are able to fend for themselves.  There is also a decrease in hormones at this time of the season so they don't feel the need to defend their territory like they did in the spring.

Photo by Kittie Wilson

As you already know, Governor Maggie Hassan signed Senate Bill 89 into law in a ceremonial signing at The Loon Center on August 27, 2013.  Nearly 100 members, volunteers and supporters came to witness this monumental event.

Pictured from left to right: Tom O'Brien, NH Lakes Association President; Harry Vogel, LPC Senior Biologist and Executive Director; Sheridan Brown, LPC Legislative Coordinator; Sen. Forrester; Gov. Hassan; Rep. Ben Lefebvre (Grantham); Kittie and John Wilson of New London (longtime LPC and NH Lakes volunteers).  Not pictured, unfortunately, are Sen. Odell and Rep. Dave Kidder, who also represent Upper Valley towns.  Photo courtesy of Debbie Brown.

 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our volunteers who helped during the field season and beyond. Without their help, we would not be able to accomplish our mission of protecting loons and their habitats in New Hampshire.

 

All the best,

 

  

Susie Burbidge

Outreach/Volunteer Coordinator
Loon Preservation Committee