New Tags for Mom and Prosper is Growing
Update on the Loons
The Loons have had a busy but safe time since our last report. We had noticed that our female’s leg bands were loose and in danger of falling off or getting caught on something. On the night of the June 16th, a crew from the Loon Preservation Committee came down from Moultonborough to catch and re-band the female. They first caught the chick so it would not be lost. After catching our female, they released the chick with the father and brought her to shore for the banding. Jen took a few photos with her phone.
With two Summer Interns (Phil and Toni) firmly but gently holding the female, Senior Biologist John Cooley and Biologist Carolyn Hughes set to work on all 4 of her bands. Everyone is wearing a mask and gloves because of the possibility of Avian Flu.
In addition to new bands, a blood sample was taken and two wing feathers were clipped. These will provide valuable information on her health. Extensive information on her condition, weight and new band numbers and colors were taken.
Above, Carolyn Hughes is attaching bands after taking careful measurements to make sure they would fit properly. Mama Loon was then weighed and released. Soon the pair were calling to each other and getting back together.
Early the next morning, they were relaxed and feeding Prosper.
Mama Loon was showing off her new bling as she preened. She now has blue and green soft plastic bands on the left leg and the Federal band plus a bright red plastic one on the right leg (below). These new colors makes it easy to identify her from a distance.
After an extended bout of preening she bridled, allowing us to see the missing feathers (one on each wing). These are not necessary for flight and she will replace them on the next molt. We are very grateful to the LPC crew for their professional expertise and dedication to the health and safety of New Hampshire’s Loons.
Prosper is Prospering
Despite the distractions, the chick is growing like a weed. Here is Prosper on June 15th with Dad.
On the 20th, Prosper is getting yet another Perch from Mom.
Prosper often gets two offers of food at the same time.
As a result, on the 24th, 9 days after the first photo with Dad above, Prosper has gone from being 25% of Dad’s length to 58%!
When not feeding Prosper, both parents are getting their share of food. Here is Mom with a Catfish for herself.
Loons will often stick out a leg and waggle it. According to LPC, “There are many theories as to its function—it could be a comfort movement used when loons need to stretch, it could be used to help loons reduce their body temperatures, or it could have another purpose that we are not yet aware of.” Let’s just say that sometimes we see it as a “happy” loon.
To be continued… Jon and Jen
Text and Photographs by Jen Esten and Jon Waage
