Happy Spring! We are finally experiencing spring-like temperatures here in NH, but there is still a lot of ice on the lakes. I doubt we will set any records for a late ice-out this year like in 1888 (see sidebar), but I think we are still several weeks away. The loons are getting ready though out on the ocean, molting into their beautiful black and white breeding plumage that we all recognize and love.
It's not every day that a banded loon is spotted on the ocean, but this female was seen in Biddeford Pool, Maine, the third week of March. It turns out she was banded on Mooselookmeguntic Lake in Oquossoc, Maine, in 2012 (try to say that three times fast!).
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Photos courtesy of Kittie Wilson
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You can see from the photos below that these adults are in very different stages of molt (and they were taken on the same day). It really is quite fascinating!
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Photos from the coast of Maine by Kittie Wilson
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The 25th annual NELSWG meeting was a big success. Approximately 40 people joined us at The Loon Center for the two-day meeting, for presentations ranging from loon communication networks to the effects of climate change on loons. Colleagues from over a dozen other non-profits, government agencies, and universities joined us for the event. There's still time to register for the Spring Migration Gathering on Saturday, April 12. Please click here for more information or call us at 603-476-5666. It's a great opportunity to mingle with LPC staff, Board and other loon enthusiasts in the Lakes Region. All the best, |
