March is here which means we are getting ready for the Northeast Loon Study Working Group (NELSWG) meeting at LPC in just a few weeks.  This 2-day annual meeting gives us a chance to meet with other loon researchers from non-profit organizations, state and federal agencies and universities to share ideas and develop cooperative research projects focusing on loons in the Northeast.  In addition to hosting the meeting, LPC staff will be giving presentations on milfoil, herbicides, and loons; an update on the Squam Lake Loon Initiative; an update on our lead-free tackle outreach efforts; and community-based social marketing to promote lead free fishing.  

We are also getting ready for our 3rd annual Spring Migration Event on April 12 at Magic Foods Catering on Route 25 in Moultonborough.  More details are coming soon!  The 2014 Summer Nature Talks Series schedule is shaping up. Topics include everything from loons to owls and bears to coyotes! Make sure to check our website this spring for the full line-up. The first talk is on July 10 and they continue every Thursday through August 21.  

In the last e-newsletter, I introduced you to the Pacific Loon.  This month we focus on a bird that was considered the same species until recently, the Arctic Loon (Gavia arctica). It breeds only in the far western part of Alaska in very isolated locations.  Click here or scroll down for more information about this interesting bird.

Given the extreme cold weather we've had this winter I am guessing we are going to have a late ice-out this year.  What do you think?  For those of you who enjoy birding along the coast at this time of the year, we'd love to hear if you are seeing any loons out there and whether they are starting to molt into their breeding plumage. Feel free to post your comments on LPC's Facebook page. 

All the best,