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                                                    e-Newsletter Vol. 27
In This Issue
LPC's Spring Work Day

Upcoming Events

Squam Lake
Mondays & Fridays, 6/9-8/29; 3 pm

Summer Luncheon & Benefit Auction
June 29
Did You Know?
  The latest ice-out on Lake Winnipesaukee occured on May 12, 1888!
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P.O. Box 604
Lee's Mill Road
Moultonborough, NH 03254
  
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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!).  

Photos courtesy of Kittie Wilson
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!

 

Photos from the coast of Maine by Kittie Wilson

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,
 
 
RaftWorkshopLPC's Spring Work Day is April 19! 

Join us on Saturday, April 19 (rain or shine) from 10 am-2 pm to help build loon nest rafts and signs:
  • Come help LPC reach our goal of building a dozen rafts and signs (each!) this year.  Volunteers and LPC staff expect to float over 90 rafts and 70 signs this season.
  • Wear work clothes and bring work gloves, ear plugs and safety glasses if you have them (also available from LPC).  Cordless drills and basic carpentry tools may also be helpful-please check with us if you have questions about whether to bring them.
  • Bring a bag lunch. Snacks and beverages provided by LPC.
  • It's fine to attend for part of the 4-hour workshop.
  • Prep work and spring cleaning for Saturday will take place on Friday, April 18.  If you aren't available on Saturday but want to help, please consider coming on Friday instead.
  • RSVP to John Cooley by email (jcooley@loon.org) or telephone: (603) 476-5666.  If you can't attend the work day but need help building a raft or sign on your lake, please let us know.

Thanks to local supplier Middleton Lumber in Meredith for discounted materials.


Raft Building Workshop
Volunteers Dale & Bob Cunningham help John Cooley build loon rafts.
The Loon Preservation Committee is dedicated to restoring and maintaining a healthy population of loons throughout New Hampshire; monitoring the health and productivity of loon populations as sentinels of environmental quality; and promoting a greater understanding of loons and the natural world.
 
Sincerely,
 

Susie Burbidge
Outreach/Volunteer Coordinator
Loon Preservation Committee