History, Natural History & the Arts
On the New Hampshire lake where I spend much of the summer, loon calls are so common that I sometimes take them for granted.
The sounds of the common loon (Gavia immer) are iconic of wilderness and have been described as haunting, plaintive, maniacal, other-worldly, even wolf-like. [Read more…] about Loon Calls & Other Vocalizations
It is always difficult to predict when the ice will go out on a given body of water in the Adirondacks, however, it is easy to say when that waterway will be occupied by a loon, as this symbol of the northern wilderness always seems to arrive within hours of the ice disappearing.
The urge to return to its breeding territory is especially strong in male loons. Because of a recent population increase in this species, there can be intense competition for the remote sections of the large lakes and back country ponds that are highly attractive to this bird with the haunting voice. [Read more…] about When Ice Goes Out The Loons Arrive
On two different days this week, the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation received reports about Common Loons which had been iced-in on Lake George.
Ice fishermen Nick Weis and Mattie Riley found and protected two loons from an eagle attack on Sunday, and ice fishermen Jason Jordan and Tim Denno found a third loon on Tuesday. The fishermen caught and carried the birds to safety, then reached out to local wildlife professionals for help. [Read more…] about Iced-In Loons Rescued on Lake George
The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation has invited Adirondack anglers to participate in its “Lead Tackle Buy Back Program” to protect Common Loons from lead poisoning. Anglers can trade in their lead sinkers and jigs this summer by bringing them to any of the eight participating retailers around the Adirondack Park. [Read more…] about Adk Loon Center Offers Lead Tackle Buy-Back Program
The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation is one of six grant recipients in a natural resource damages settlement from the tank barge Bouchard B-120 oil spill that occurred in Buzzard’s Bay, MA, in April, 2003. More than 500 Common Loons wintering in Buzzard’s Bay were killed by the spill of No 6 Fuel Oil. [Read more…] about Loon Center Awarded Oil Spill Settlement Money
It is typically in November when ice forms on the many ponds and lakes across the Adirondacks. This inevitable transition from a watery world into an icy plain causes the loon to abandon its summer home in remote wilderness locations and seek out an environment in which it can survive until the spring. [Read more…] about Loons Are Migrating