Hello there LSC, we have some fun loon related news to share.
In recognition of the tremendous support we've received from loon biologist Eric Hanson and staff from the Vermont Center for EcoStudies (VCE) for Lake St. Catherine's loons, the LSCA has made another donation to VCE.
Eric has travelled to Lake St. Catherine numerous times over the past several years in support of our increasing loon visits.
Most recently, Eric was here in May for the Libraries Love Lakes Spring Event at the Wells Lakeside Park. He was able to canoe over to the nesting loons to observe them, and he provided a report and a presentation to attendees. You can read more about that here: https://lakestcatherine.org/blog/13362265
Eric was also here in April, and we assisted in the construction and placement of a loon nesting raft. As we all know, the loons found their own nesting area, and successfully hatched 2 chicks in June. You can read more about that here: https://lakestcatherine.org/blog/13340050
Last May, he came to LSC to observe a pair of loons (now mom & dad loon) that had exhibited nesting activity in the Channel. Although they ultimately did not build a nest, Eric knew they would be back to try again - and he was right! You can read about his May visit here: https://lakestcatherine.org/blog/13207383.
Last August, VCE also provided a collection tube that we installed at the boat launch in Wells to collect lead tackle and old fishing line, both deadly to loons. You can read more about that here: https://lakestcatherine.org/blog/13235860
Eric was also at LSC twice in July of 2022 to participate in the first Libraries Love Lakes event, and to present at our Annual Meeting & Dinner. At that Annual Meeting, Eric gave a fantastic presentation about loons, which was recorded - and you can view that here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUrY1PqirzU.
In 2021, Eric also rescued a sub-adult loon on Lake St. Catherine that had been caught up with a lure and fishing line. You can read about that here: https://lakestcatherine.org/blog/12107471.
We were very happy to receive this nice note from Laura at VCE thanking the LSCA and our members for the donation, and inviting members to a special conversation with Eric about loons - this Monday, September 23rd - and we'd like to share it with you:
"Thanks to you, Vermont’s loons are truly thriving. Not only did the number of nesting pairs increase from 108 last year to 123 this summer, but they also called 11 new territories home!
These tremendous successes showcase the impact of your generosity and dedication. Thank you for supporting loon conservation research, field work, network building, volunteer coordination, and public outreach, and helping us meet our $50,000 matching requirement of this year’s portion of our five-year U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service loon repopulation grant.
I’m delighted to invite you to an exclusive Loon Zoom for 2024 Vermont Loon Conservation Project supporters on Monday, September 23 from 7 to 8 p.m. You’ll get to ask VCE Loon Biologist Eric Hanson your most pressing loon questions and hear the latest loon news and stories."
This is a great opportunity to learn more about Vermont's loons, Eric always gives a fantastic presentation, and we're pretty sure he'll talk about LSC's new loon chick!
To participate, registration is required.
Click HERE to register.
We hope to see you there!
