Lots Going On With The Loons
2025, No. 07 — July 7th
|
Lots Going On With The Loons
|
Fireworks and lots of holiday activity around the lake, and continued interactions between our pair and other loons, seem to have led to some unsettled and worrisome situations. We want to assure you that Piper is doing well and is regularly fed and attended to by her mom and occasionally by her dad too. With one or both parents engaged with other loons, Piper has been left alone for periods of time.
While concerning, this is not unusual. Loons will leave a chick near shore or even on a beach while engaged with others.
If you notice Piper near shore or even on the beach, it is best to give her lots of room and keep an eye on her. A parent will probably return shortly. Jon sat in his kayak nearby Piper when she was alone twice in the past few days. Both times Mom showed up within 30-40 min and fed her (here a crayfish) and stayed close.
Several people around the lake have reported interactions among 2 or 3 adult loons recently. Jen was present for one of these between our female and another adult. Most interactions involve a lot of circling and looking underwater. In the photo below, the intruder is in front, and Mom is looking underwater to check for others approaching.
The interaction Jen watched got a bit more escalated. Mom (left) has her head feathers raised, and the other loon has its neck extended.
After several minutes of intense stare-downs, the confrontation ended. Mom took a bath and most likely returned to find Piper.
Yesterday, after circling the entire lake close to shore, Jon found Piper and her mom near a quiet beach and watched from a good distance. She was bringing lots of food, including a large fish. One is tempted to interpret the look on the weary female’s face.
Since the beach area was close to a lot of boat and paddleboard traffic, Jon stayed nearby, guiding people around the area. Piper continued to practice various loon behaviors to an audience including Mom, a nearby Mallard, and lots of blue damselflies.
During all this, the female kept making the “where are you” Wail Call. Once Jon heard an answer from the other end of the lake, presumably from Papa. After a half-hour or so, the female left the area. First, she did the following display.
It was not directed at Jon, but at a Common Merganswer and her chick. She escorted them out of the area, leaving Piper behind. Jon stayed around for another half-hour, keeping a safe distance from Piper (who started out on the beach – photo above), but left for open water when disturbed by activity on land.
This was not the first time Jon has stayed near a chick the parents had “stashed” in a safe place. He and Jen have had a lot of experience in keeping a safe distance and in monitoring the comfort behavior of Loons. Occasionally, they will drift close.
The photo below is from about 40 feet – uncomfortably close. So, Jon took a quick photo and backed away to a more comfortable distance. Here is a 60% crop of that photo taken with a 500mm lens.
The first two pictures in this newsletter were from at least 100 feet away (which is still a bit close). Piper as a tiny brown dot was taken with a 100mm lens and is the actual photo. The lead photo is an 85% crop of the original taken with a 500mm lens.
Please don’t get close to a chick alone. It is a normal part of their growing up. If you get too close and the chick moves away, it can end up in more danger. Thank you.
Bye for now … Jen, Jon and Piper
Text and Photographs by Jen Esten and Jon Waage
