ballenby

Morning on the lake is all about quiet waters. Geese rise through wispy fog. Loons move silently to morning feeding grounds. Their minds are quiet, focused on the day and the task at hand. Perception of their world is keen and sharp and accurate. As the loons groom, their bands become visible and remind us of the loons’ tolerance and goodwill as we strive to learn more about their lives.

John B. Wilson of Pleasant Lake in New London was awarded the 2017 John F. Morten Award for Exemplary Lake Stewardship. In an announcement made yesterday, Tom O’Brien, President of the New Hampshire Lakes Association (NH LAKES) and Board member’s from both NH LAKES and the Pleasant Lake Protective Association, gathered in New London to present the award to John Wilson – Mr. Pleasant Lake.

Morning fog is often unexpected. The forecast calls for a sunny day, but the lake has a different plan in mind. What a treat! So mysterious, and such a wonderful gift as the fog slowly lifts away and reveals many treasures. Look! A young mink is searching along the rocks for her morning breakfast. Beautiful Echinacea, Coneflowers, are now in bloom...such a showcase in the garden this time of year. And there are the loons, enjoying the peace of early morning.

Ping and Pong are growing by leaps and bounds! Their new gray contour feathers are readily visible now as more down feathers fall away. Flight feathers are growing as well. The chicks are much more streamlined. They are diving often and staying underwater for longer periods of time. And just look at those huge webbed feet! The family has had a good week with more peaceful hours.

A number of loons continue to drop in to visit Mother and Father Loon. Some of them stay to fish for a few hours, but most of them leave the lake after socializing. The biggest threat this week has been visiting eagles. Two, sometimes three eagles have been spotted cruising overhead, as well as perched in trees along the shoreline.

Loon Chicks Ping and Pong turned four weeks old on July 14th! They continue to grow and thrive under the loving care of Mother and Father Loon. Occasionally they find themselves left alone, as another loon might be on the lake that needs a visit from Mother and Father. Most of the time the family is happily together...feeding, cruising, teaching and learning all the hundreds of loon lessons that little loons must learn!

All about on the lake there are little ones, growing, growing so quickly. Mother Merganser has seven babies all full of energy as they zip along the shoreline. Mrs. Mallard and her three chicks look to be almost the same size. Mother Black Bear has scooped up fish for her two young cubs out on the raft.

You might be so fortunate as to have a fairy whisper in your ear one morning, “The new day dawns! Come and see!”. So easy to brush her aside and go back to sleep. But if you rise...what enchantment awaits! Primrose lines the garden path, all aglow in the early light. And there is heron, with the first catch of the day.

Ping and Pong, the loon chicks, are now five days old. They have been discovering their tiny wings! All is well with the loon family. Mother and Father Loon are providing the best of care to darling Ping and Pong. These images are sure to bring a smile!

To describe a rainy, dreary day as a beautiful day does not seem quite right, but actually, the lake and hills in shades of gray can be absolutely stunning! Lovely, old-fashioned Weigela is in bloom, branches drooping under the weight of hundreds of trumpet-like flowers. And hasn’t it been a wonderful spring for Iris? The flowers glow, even in the rain, and transform raindrops from clear to purple-blue.