Happy Fall!  The mercury dipped below freezing once this week which is a good reminder that it's time to winterize our boats. The Squam boat will be the last one, though, as Tiffany is working on a fall departure study, a project coordinated with our colleagues at Biodiversity Research Institute.  She is also presenting at the North American Loon Symposium this weekend in Wisconsin.  

In case you are wondering what the 2014 field staff has been doing since the field season ended, we have a few stories to share.  Meg Harrington (Monadnock region) spent a few weeks as a naturalist on-board a windjammer off the coast of Maine, teaching people about loons, seabird conservation and other local wildlife. Tim Demers, our Seacoast field biologist, channeled into his artistic side and created a masterpiece from his kayak paddle that broke during his final trip to Massabesic Lake. (see before and after photos below). 

In between her graduate studies at Plymouth State, Melissa Leszek, our Winnipesaukee field biologist, recently hiked 24 miles across the Presidential Range....in one day!

We were recently contacted about a possible dead loon on Silver Lake in Madison.  At a quick glance, the long bill and grayish back resembled an immature loon, but the small size, thin neck and lobed toes helped us to identify it as a Red-necked Grebe.  You never know what might turn up on the lakes during fall migration, so make sure to keep your eyes open.  I know the picture below is sort-of depressing, but it presents a good teaching opportunity.

Photo courtesy of Terence Traut.

Some people may not be aware that adult loons molt into a winter plumage (also known as basic plumage) in the fall.  At this time of year, the body feathers are replaced, followed by a complete flight feather molt while they are on the ocean during the winter months.  Loons are actually flightless for a few weeks until all of their flight feathers have regrown, making them quite vulnerable.  Although molting is physically demanding on all birds, it is a necessary process to replace old, worn feathers and it usually occurs at less stressful times in a loon's life cycle, such as after nesting. 

LPC's Holiday Open House is right around the corner.  If you can't join us on November 29, make sure to stop by The Loon Center to take care of your holiday shopping needs.  The Center is now open Thursday-Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm until mid-May.  You can also visit our online store for a great selection of "loony" gifts!

One last piece of news--we recently confirmed that Willem Lange will be the guest speaker at our Annual Summer Luncheon next year!  Please make sure to save the date: Sunday, June 28, 2015.

As always, we love to hear from you any time of the year. Feel free to send your favorite fall photos or post them on our Facebook page (you need an existing Facebook account to "like" our page).

 All the best,