Catching Up On Questions

Good morning. As July swiftly approaches (too swiftly for many of us trying to saver the brief Maine summer), I'm trying to remain optimistic that our loons might still nest. That's a remote possibility, at this point. I do remind myself, however, that it's not uncommon for loons to surprise us, especially the minute we think we have them figured out.

Undoubtedly, the reason they haven't nested, so far, is the constant presence and disturbance from this other male. Despite many battles, the host, banded male has not been successful driving this intruder away. I'm quite certain that when Fidel and WOW report seeing three loons together, it is the banded male, his female mate, and this other male.

From our years of studying this species, this is usually a sign that the pair bond between our host pair has somewhat weakened, and the intruder senses an opportunity to take the territory. It's encouraging that the banded male is still hanging in there, battle scarred and all.

The eagles that have been perching in the tree would not have impacted the loons nesting. They don't have a nest on the pond, but do have one nearby, and often feed on the pond where these loons reside. They are a serious threat to the chicks, however, as residents have reported eagles taking chicks in recent years.

The loons on our loon cam install video are a different pair, unrelated to this nest. We thought everyone would like to see some actual footage of nesting loons, since this pair have been seen so infrequently, this year.

Floating a raft would not aid this pair. They have an excellent natural location, that has been very productive until the last two years. Rafts are great tools where natural nest habitat is poor, or where dramatic water level fluctuations frequently cause nests to fail.

As for the age of the banded male - that's unknown. Loon researchers have yet to figure out an accurate way to age loons. We do know that he has been in this territory since we first banded him in 2001. Whether he had another territory somewhere else, prior, is not known. He may have many years still to live, and breed, if he survives the spirited challenge of this newcomer. What we don't know, assuming he is fortunate enough to survive, is will he keep control of this territory. Stay tuned, and we'll all learn that together.

Lee

Loon Cam Install Video Posted

Have you noticed our new video, featuring footage of the BRI crew installing the loon cam system in 2008? It’s posted on the loon cam page. You may need to download the newest software (linked provided), and re-start your computer to view it.

BRI received funding, recently, to enable us to expand our education and outreach efforts to the general public. Part of these funds will be used to produce short videos like these, that we will post on our website. In the coming months, we hope to have Matt Fickett (videographer) film and produce more educational videos that will document the work of our field crews working with many species, including songbirds, raptors, and mammals.

This first video on the loon cam goes behind the scenes to see how the system works. This is our most complicated system, requiring remote power on the nesting island and microwave technology to transmit the video and audio across the water. I discuss some of the key things we’ve learned about loons since the camera was first installed back in 2003.

In reflection, I am reminded just how much we have learned about these great birds. We all share in the adventure of unedited wildlife at its best, with the joy of their successes, and the heartache of their failures. Both teach us a great deal about the species, and provide valuable lessons about what we can do to make this planet a better place for them to reside and raise their young. It’s a joy to share it with all the public that watches, and supports what we do.

Enjoy the video!

Lee



Watch above or click here for BRI LoonCam Installation 2008 in high-definition (HD)

For slower connections, press "play" then "pause" and allow the video to load before playing.

Last Stand?

Good morning from Grand Lake Stream, where the June steam heat has reached even us - 90 something in Calais, yesterday. Sure glad I remembered to pack a small fan for the cabin, last night.



If any of you have ever watched a Nature program where the aging male of some pride has to defend his turf, against younger males that would take it, that is what we are witnessing, here. Fidel did a terrific job of describing yesterday's battle scene. Wildlife interactions of this violent sort are always hard to watch, hear, or read about, as many of you have expressed. I know I'm upset.



While we don't yet know the outcome of this latest battle, it's safe to say that these intrusions are preventing the banded pair from nesting. As for Fidel's question about multiple mates, I don't have a definitive answer. I can't see that surviving for any length of time if the pair bond is strong. Seeing still three loons together in the territory after the latest battle is more likely a sign that the territory is still in jeopardy.

I, for one, pray the big male still has a few more years to reign. In time, we'll know.

Thanks for all the excellent reporting, Fidel!
Lee

Help On The Way

Good morning. We've scrambled the troops, and have someone headed to the loon cam, today, to try to resolve the problem. With some help from the techno Gods, we'll be back up sometime, today.

As you might imagine, the time and direct equipment expenses to keep a sophisticated system like this running are considerable. We continue to be dedicated to keeping all our cams free for all viewers, and we count on your donations to help cover our expenses. This would be a great time to make a donation, if you haven't already done so. Thanks!!

WOW writes of continued disturbance from other loons in the territory. While I remain hopeful for a nest this season, this pair really need some undisturbed time to focus on nesting. It's great, particularly since the cam only views the nest, to get great information from people on site. Thanks WOW!

Lee

More Equipment Issues

I'm sorry to report that I arrived back from doing loon surveys in Grand Lake Stream, yesterday, and received a message that we have equipment issues on site at the loon cam. We are doing everything we can to address the problem, but it is going to mean we need to get someone to the site - not an easy thing at this very busy time of the year.

We ask for everyone's patience and understanding while we work on this. It may take a few days to get it resolved.

Please do not call our office, or write a bunch of blogs about the system being down. I'm checking it every day (morning & night), and we'll do everything humanely possible to get it back up, and keep it up.

Thanks for your patience why we work on this. I miss seeing what's going on as much as all of you!
Lee

In The Field

Hello, from Grand Lake Stream, Maine. I've been up here since Monday, heading up a field project looking at the effects of water level changes on parts of the area, including loons.

As you can imagine, I was scrambling, yesterday, trying to troubleshhot the issue with our loon cam. Sure glad we got it resolved, this morning.

I haven't caught any views of the loons on camera, myself, but sure glad to hear that some of you have been seeing them. We're in a critical period, now, given the loons nesting history. If they are going to nest, it should happen in the next week or two.

One blogger asked about zooming the camera out, further. It's already zoomed out as much as possible. We're not seeing the loons in front as much, because the water level is lower. It's not something that will impact their nesting at this location, however.

Folks observing on site report multiple loons still on the pond, but less intrusions in the territory of interest to all of us. I sure hope that continues. The pair need peace and quiet to move ahead with nesting.

Lee