Looncam

Another Season Comes To An End

2011-08-15T03:37:00.000-07:00

All - I'm sure I share your disappointment with yet another year without any loon chicks. If there is a "silver lining(s)", I offer 1) we still have a nesting pair, and 2) the odds have to be turning in our favor.

As you may have read in recent articles, there is concern about a trend that we are losing breeding pairs in New England. While some might interpret the data as alarming, I would recommend patience to see if this is possibly a cyclical occurrence.

We will be removing the looncam system, this week, if weather allows. To me, it always feels like closing up camp, and a vivid marker of time passing all too fast for this middle aged man.

Have a great fall and winter!

Lee

Questions

2011-07-25T04:48:00.000-07:00

Good morning, all. I was on vacation the week of July 9, and scrmbling to catch up, last week, so I've had very little time to check in on the loon cam, and the status of the nest.

I am curious if folks have been witnessing the adults coming and going from the nest? If so, can you share the dates and tiomes?The best times to see this would be early morning (between 6-8 am) and evening (6-8 pm). This is the most common times when the adults will switch incubation duties.

If previous patterns hold up, the male will incubate during the day, and the female at night.

Lee

A Nest!

2011-07-06T11:42:00.000-07:00

All - given all the earlier nest visits by loons, copulation, etc., and yet still another year without a nest on the loon cam, I began to think pretty hard that we were missing something. That hunch led me to ask one of our staff members to do an on site survey, yesterday, and guess what - they found a nest.

The nest is located about 15 feet to the left of the historical nest location we have been monitoring. The nest has two eggs, and an unbanded pair are on territory.

Unfortunately, the camera can't see the nest, although we have adjusted it, so hopefully we can see activity when loons come and go. Moving the camera and the stand would risk too much nest disturbance, so we'll have to be satisfied with what we have.

One other item of interest was we observed the original banded male on the pond. It was on the other side, well away from the nest area, and it took flight, and likely flew to another water body.

We are sorry the sound isn't working, and are doing everything we know to get it fixed. We may make a site visit later this week, but if our suspicion is correct, and there is a problem with our equipment near the nest, we won't be able to do anything more.

Hope everyone had a great 4th of July!

Lee

Update

2011-06-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

All - I've been in contact with several folks who have been studying loons for much of their lives, and there is no record of previous confirmations of the unusual mating behavior we have been seeing. As I suggested in my last email, with so little data, any conclusions would be very premature. It is extremely exciting that the looncam has provided the technology to capture this for the first time, and we are extremely grateful for the dedicated viewers that helped point it out.

I've been asked if we will try to capture these loons. Trying to capture adults that aren't rearing chicks is very difficult, so I don't anticipate we will try to do that.

In the meantime, I'm still rooting for eggs, and a successful nest. We are approaching a critical window. If they don't put down eggs in the next couple of weeks, the odds of it happening are slim.

Lee

Rooting For Eggs

2011-06-09T05:12:00.000-07:00

Like all of you, I'm rooting for eggs, soon. When I get a rare moment to tune in to the live video, I've been lucky enough to see copulations, and I know many of our dedicated viewers have, as well.

Regarding the unusual copulation behavior seen recently, this is a first for me. This is the only cam we have on loons, and this behavior has caused quite a buzz around our offices. Good research is usually backed up by a large sample size over many years before scientists are comfortable drawing conclusions. Without that, we are often left to speculate.

I have reached out to other loon experts, and I hope to report back with further information in the next week or so.

Until then - happy viewing!

Lee

Activity!

2011-05-31T04:29:00.000-07:00

Good morning, all. I hope everyone enjoyed the summer-like temperatures and sunshine for Memorial day, yesterday.

I was excited to read blogs, this morning, beginning on 5/27, where viewers have written about seeing a pair of loons on the nest. There were reports of copulation. That's real-time video as it's unfolding. Aren't we lucky? Very exciting!

Someone asked if the loons might have abandoned this location and nested somewhere else. Not that we know of. Although, they have thrown curves at us like nesting somewhere else on this island.

Keep the blogs coming with your observations. I get VERY little time to actually watch:<( Such is the price of trying to manage a rapidly growing organization like BRI.

Lee

All Quiet

2011-05-23T07:49:00.000-07:00

It's been a quiet week for bloggers and loons. I noticed the water has risen with all the rain, but it isn't threatening the nest at this point.

Has anyone observed the loons visiting the nest? Day/time?

One blogger asked if the lake is large enough for a second territory. Yes, it is. It's a real mystery, to me, why we keep having intrusions by rogue loons in this territory, while the other potential territory remains unoccupied. A number of years ago, we did find an abandoned nest in the other territory, and collected a stinky, old egg. Since then, we haven't found any other signs of a pair there.

Lee

Too Many Loons :<(

2011-05-17T04:49:00.000-07:00

In the past week, on site observers have seen up to four adults on the pond, in the same general area. Let's hope this doesn't persist beyond the next few weeks. We want to see a strong pair bond on display, which would mean little tolerance for other loons in the territory.

One blogger asked about the juvenile loon. They often will be seen on lakes and ponds. I would call them nomadic at this point in their life, as they usually move from one water body to another, and don't really have a home.

In anticipation of folks asking us to change the view of the cam, so they can see the water, and hopefully loons, it is our intention in these early weeks to keep it pointed on the nest, so we can determine if they actually visit. This is important for our research. Thanks for your understanding.

Anybody else see the geese? I did!

Lee

The Loons & BRI Looncam Are Back!

2011-05-12T11:16:00.000-07:00

Greetings, all. I'm super happy to blog that we successfully installed the looncam for the 2011 breeding season, on Friday, May 6. The install went pretty smooth, and we went live that afternoon.

While on the pond, we observed a pair of adults moving around the pond. Before we departed, we spent about an hour monitoring them from a boat. We weren't able to see any bands. Our instincts and experience tell us it's an unbanded pair.

Local observers have reported three adults together:( Not what we want for best chance for successful breeding.

Lastly we observed a juvenile loon on the pond, alone. They are identified by there lack of breeding plumage, and often will move around from one pond to another.

Happy viewing, and please share any sightings, or significant events!

Lee

Where Has A Month Gone?

2010-06-22T04:43:00.000-07:00

All - my humble apologies for not blogging since late May. BRI has been called to play an important roll in the disaster down in the Gulf, and my time and that of all BRI staff has been stretched beyond capacity.

I share the disappointment of viewers who are anxious to see nesting loons. I felt very positive early on, but as some have commented, we are getting to the end of the most common nest period, and hopes are beginning to fade.

Because we are dealing with wildlife, and I've been surprised numerous times, I'm holding out hope that a nest could still happen. I'd say we have another week or two.

Lastly, I'd comment that it's important to remember that viewers are getting a rare chance to view the world of wildlife research, pure and unedited. That means the data we collect with our cameras counts just as much whether they nest or not. We'd like nothing more than to promise and deliver nests for all the species, all the time, but that's a promise we can't deliver. You are seeing our world and mission as we live it, and we have to make most of our decisions about the cams in the best interest of our research.

Thanks for your continued interest, and understanding. Happy summer!

Lee

Great Observations!

2010-05-21T05:03:00.000-07:00

Wow. If you haven't looked at the comments on the blog, check them out. Several viewers have shared detailed sightings of the loons, including copulation. Very exciting, and extremely rare to get to see! If anyone has pictures to post, that would be terrific for all that missed this action, including me.

The reports of geese sightings is not alarming, or unusual. They have nested in past years on the island (other end), as well, and their presence has not bothered the loons. Has anyone seen chicks with the geese? They usually have hatched by now.

In addition to a pond resident reporting that the banded female was spotted on the pond, they observed four loons together, this week, but no fights, so far. The frequent and somewhat routine nature of the loons appearing on camera and copulating, gives me hope for a nest attempt, soon.

I just scanned the area with the camera (8 am, 5/21) and didn't find anything. Please keep the great observations coming!

Lee

Mixed Feelings

2010-05-13T13:12:00.000-07:00

Greetings, loon cam fans.

I'm encouraged to report sightings of loons coming and going from the area currently in view. This is a good sign. If the birds get serious about nesting, this activity should increase dramatically.

Timing is anyone's guess. In the early years of the original pair, they were on nest within the next few weeks, but they also nested as late as the first week of June. Now that we have a new, unbanded pair, it's a whole new game.

Another development, which may not be good news, or it could be inconsequential, is the banded female has been seen on the pond. Obviously, that confirms she is still alive. My hope is she'll come and go without engaging the unbanded pair, and perhaps negatively influencing there nest activity.

Keep an eye out for any signs of bands on the loons we see on the camera.

Enjoy!

Lee

Low Water :<(

2010-05-05T04:06:00.000-07:00

Good morning. We pivoted the camera, yesterday, to look for a nest in the marshy area behind the island, and left it with a water view, hoping to catch views of the loons coming and going.

The spring in Maine has been extremely dry, and water levels are lower than I can ever remember. It would be hard for the loons to nest, right now, at their traditional location, so we will be watching attentively for any signs that they are nesting somewhere else. If they do something on the back side of the island, there is a good chance we'll see it, and will be able to catch the nest activity with the camera. If they move somewhere else altogether, we can't relocate the system.

Stay tuned!

Lee

Loon Cam Greetings - 2010!

2010-04-23T05:37:00.000-07:00

We're really excited to report that Wing, Patrick and I installed the loon cam earlier this week! I believe the refreshing still image is working, and Patrick hopes to have the live stream up and running very soon.

As many of you probably know, we had an extremely mild late winter, and thus ice was out very, very early. Local "eagle eyed" observers reported a single loon back on the pond the last week of March, and a pair on March 28. I don't know if we set any records, but the Maine Governor actually opened spring fishing early. If we can't pick up people's spirits with a robust economy, why not cheer up the angers among us with an early start to the season.

When we set up the system this past Tuesday, there were a curious pair of loons around the island for a brief time. Patrick and I got a good enough look at their legs to determine they are both unbanded. I guess that's good and bad. It's sad to learn that we may have lost the banded pair, but if this new pair is now firmly in control of the territory, it could mean a better likelihood of successful nesting:<)

Grab your popcorn, and your "undisclosed" beverage of choice, pull up a chair, and enjoy the 2010 loon cam. I'm looking forward to conversing with all of you, and I'm counting on your keen observations to help us keep track of the activity.

As in past years, I intend to blog once a week, minimally, and more frequently if and when my schedule allows.

Best regards,
Lee

P.S.

2009-07-30T07:57:00.000-07:00

I left out a very important part in my final blog. Prior to things wrapping up, next year, if people remind us we'll definitely rotate the camera after the nest period has been completed. Hopefully it will be to catch a glimpse of the adults with chicks!

Lee

Final Thoughts

2009-07-30T06:26:00.000-07:00

First, let me express my sincere gratitude to everyone. We've established quite a community of avid loon followers. All your thoughts, observations, questions, and dedicated viewing have enhanced the experience for all that continue to follow along.

Although we've heard many of you and your desire to rotate the cam, and leave it on for a little while longer, we really need to shut it down for many reasons. As you probably know, we had another storm pass through the area, last night, and the system is down, again! We've hit the warm, muggy part of the year here in Maine, and we risk losing valuable equipment to lightening strikes, every day we leave the system on. This system is particularly vulnerable to lightening damage, which has already happened twice in the past.

I won't bore you with all the other pressing issues that require us to shut the system down, but I hope you'll understand and recognize that we would gladly please all those still watching if we could.

In some recent blogs, at least one person asked about re-locating the loon cam, or having another one. Re-locating this system is unlikely, but we are always looking for new locations which have the right situation. We have at least one other site already identified, and if economic conditions allow, we could surprise everyone with a second loon cam, next year.

Enjoy the rest of the summer. We look forward to more loon viewing, next year, and interacting with all of you!

Lee

Making Plans To Shut Down The Cam

2009-07-27T04:50:00.000-07:00

Good morning, all. Just wanted to send word that we plan to shut down the loon cam, sometime soon. Sightings and activity on the blog have both pretty much ended.

I can share that the annual loon census took place on Saturday, July 18, and at that time three adults were still on the pond. When we do go up to remove the system, I hope to see if I can confirm if the banded male is on the pond. We identified the female, but we still need confirmation if he was on the pond.

If we don't find him, it's still possible that he was there at some point. When we get into mid/late summer, adults that don't have chicks will often move around quite a bit, including flying to/from different water bodies.

I plan to blog one more time to wrap up the season, and I'll update everyone, then, on what I found.

Lee

Cam Is Down

2009-07-17T07:15:00.000-07:00

All - just a quick note that we're aware the cam is down. We had storms passing through the state, yesterday, and I suspect there was a power outage at some point. Hopefully it's nothing more serious.

Unfortunately, we may not be able to get the system back up for several days. I'm waiting to learn more.

Have a great weekend!

Lee

Time Is Fleeting

2009-07-02T05:35:00.000-07:00

Good morning. I'm blogging prior to a much needed break. The office is closed, tomorrow, and I'm on vacation, next week. I kind of wish I was going somewhere other than gloomy, rain drenched Maine. Summer is still nothing more than a foggy memory from 2008.

We are really fortunate that water levels on the loon cam pond have still left suitable nest habitat on the island. In the past, we've had it totally submerge. We have had many other nests around the state lost due to rising water levels:(

If I do get to visit the pond in person after my break, I'm going to give the male that appeared on camera a "good talking to." The banded female, pardon my frankness (children stop reading), was in "the position", and eagerly awaiting .......... What's the matter with that guy?? To describe it within the context of human behaviors, he appeared distracted. He was looking around, like his rival might still be lurking. Just a guess, but time is fleeting, and he better get down to business.

We don't have a specific date to shut down the camera. We will certainly let it run for a few more weeks. If they don't nest in the next couple of weeks, we will likely shut it down later in the month.

This location has ideal habitat for nesting loons, including an abundance of material to build a nest bowl "fit for a queen." As one blogger shared, sometimes loons simply lay their eggs on a simple scrape on the ground. A nice bowl is better, particularly when they come and go, and can accidentally kick an egg into the water.

I hope all of you have a great July 4th weekend, wherever you celebrate. I'll return to the office on July 13, and hope to see something more than land and greenery through the camera lens.

Lee

Brief Update

2009-06-23T07:56:00.000-07:00

Greetings, and thanks for the updates of what you've been seeing, along with photos. With so little to watch, it gives everyone some evidence that the loons aren't a mirage, and most importantly, it really helps our research!

I just posted a blog about video from Willpat posted on UTube. Apparently it confirms the banded female. Can anyone post a link so we all can find this?

I did see in photos that the male that was copulating is unbanded. If time allows, I may try to visit the pond, and do a thorough survey. I'll post my findings if this happens.

One question was posted, asking if both males and females fight. The answer is yes. Like many species, there is constant competition for occupation and dominance in suitable breeding habitat. Although there are other nesting locations on this pond, there is only one island, and that's cause for a lot of competition.

Please keep up the blogs, even with few sightings of the loons.

Lee

More Fighting:<(

2009-06-11T06:56:00.000-07:00

Good morning. As some have reported on the blog, June 9 was a day of seemingly endless battles. This situation makes it apparent that a pair of loons have not established dominance in this territory. Other, unpaired loons are still vying for a "seat at the table."

While we all continue to watch and hear the season unfold, let me try to answer a few more questions. One blogger asked about reporting band information. If anyone recovers a dead, banded loon, the metal band has contact information, which includes a phone number to call.

We can adjust the time of day the infrared illuminator turns on, but we are limited in the settings. I will look at this, and see if it can be adjusted.

Panning the camera, as I've done a few times, is something we do with great caution. It moves via a motor that makes quite a bit of noise, and we don't want to disturb the loons. I try to do it when I'm reasonably certain they are not nearby. If we move it to view the lake, we can't move it back if the birds go on the nest.

As always, any blogs that report loon activity are very important. Please keep them coming. Thanks!

Lee

Some Answers Or At Least Speculation

2009-06-02T13:56:00.000-07:00

Many questions, and some recent activity have the blog buzzing. I know I'm glad to hear of some activity, although I haven't seen it, myself. Thanks for all the help sharing what you've been seeing and posting your notes so thoroughly on the blog!

While I've shared my concerns about three loons vs. a strong, distinct pair, I can only speculate about what that means for our chances of having a successful nest. Clearly, it would be better if the third loon wasn't around, as it makes it more challenging for a pair, when a third loon interferes. That said, only time will tell. I've seen many circumstances when I predicted a pair wouldn't be successful, only to be proven wrong.

Many have inquired about a second camera. Unfortunately, the company that makes this equipment isn't doing it anymore. Also, our donations have lagged well below our needs and forecasts, and our budget already exceeds our income. More donations would certainly be welcome! All of the money donated goes right back into the program.

We don't have any new news to share about bands. It seems quite certain that the banded pair are no longer together. There is at least one of the banded loons on the pond, and perhaps both. One may still be in the territory. We're still trying to figure this out, without disturbing the mating process. Updates will be posted as new information comes in.

For those of you that have been watching for many years, we are approaching "prime time." We're right in the middle of the nesting window, and very near the egg laying dates from the most successful years. More watching, could be rewarded.

If I missed some important questions, I'll try to catch them next posting. Have a great week, everyone!

Lee

All Quiet

2009-05-28T03:36:00.000-07:00

Good morning, all. Not much new to report from the looncam, at least from the camera's view. I wonder if Fidelio has anything to report from the pond?

One blogger expressed concern that's it's been a long time since the copulation. Like many species, loons copulate many times before successfully producing an egg.

A bigger concern for me is the strength of the pair bond. We're quite certain that the original banded pair are no longer together. A change like this can often take years to sort itself out, especially if one or both of the banded loons remain on the pond, and interfere with a new pairing in the territory.

Only time will tell. Regardless of the outcome, I still find the mysteries of wildlife completely captivating. I hope you do, as well.

Lee

Back Live - Just In Time

2009-05-18T08:17:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm sure glad we got the live video back up and running. On Saturday, two bloggers experienced the intimate site of a pair of loons copulating on the nest. Very exciting!

UK Pam was kind enough to post some pictures on the internet for everyone that missed it. Thanks, Pam!

One task is trying to figure out if either loon is banded. The images from Pam's photos weren't clear enough for me to determine. Did anyone see bands on one or both of the loons?

Keeping our fingers crossed for a good outcome, this year.

Lee

2009 Greetings From The Loon Cam

2009-05-08T11:27:00.000-07:00

Hello, all. Wing, Patrick and I traveled to the site, last week, and re-installed the system. All was working well when we left, and we were just waiting for a few things to get the live video up and going. Unfortunately, within a short time, technical issues came up which crashed the system:<(
We hope to have someone on site in the next few days to try to remedy the problem.

I can report that multiple loons returned to the pond just after ice out (their custom). Local observers have gotten some glimpses of bands, but we haven't confirmed anything 100%.

Stay tuned, and in the meantime, enjoy the great video of eggs hatching and chicks on the peregrine falcon cam, and eagle cam 2.

More soon.

Lee

Another Chapter Closed - Final Thoughts

2008-07-09T04:37:00.000-07:00

Good morning, all. When I opened the looncam, this morning, I noticed a beautiful still image of the pond grasses, appearing white against the black background. How stunning! Unfortunately, that's also an indication that the computer on site has locked up, again. For me, this is a clear sign that it's time to conclude another season of watching this loon pair.

We really appreciate all the gratitude we receive via your blogs, and for the recognition of the time and money it takes to provide this free opportunity for the public to get live viewing of what BRI wildlife research is all about. We're dedicated to keep it going, and to expanding the wildlife video program in the immediate future. Keep checking our website in the coming months for news of new wildlife cams we plan to launch.

I'd like to put to rest any notion that the looncam install video had ANY influence on the folks that went onto the island and disturbed our equipment. I can guarantee that this is not the case. We are looking into this on a local level. We believe the party was a group renting one of the camps on the pond, and obviously, they didn't respect private property.

Just as you all get to share in the highs and lows of wildlife activity in it's pure, natural state, you also get to witness the challenges of human disturbance issues in unedited ugliness. As unpleasant as this is, it is an opportunity to teach about respecting the world around us, and an opportunity to re-invigorate our faith in the underlying goodness of human beings. We will never eliminate these issues, but we can reduce there frequency, and there overall impact.

Thanks for hanging with us and the loons in what turned out to be another disappointing season. This is "our" reality as wildlife researchers. We believe there is underlying value in experiencing it exactly as we do. For those that want to learn about wildlife conservation, this is the ultimate "classroom". I hope to see an overbooked class again, next year!

Lee

P.S. Although we've ended the video for this season, check back on the blog before the end of the summer. I'm burning some brain cells, hoping to come up with a plan to blog some about loons over the winter.

Taking A Break

2008-07-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

Hello, all. Just wanted to let everyone know that I'll be away from a computer and access to posting blogs, tomorrow through Monday. I'll update the blog next on Monday morning.

Best wishes to everyone for a great 4th of July!

Lee

Catching Up On Questions

2008-06-23T04:35:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-12T15:02:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-06-09T03:40:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-07T03:30:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-06T02:55:00.001-07:00

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

2008-06-04T11:20:00.000-07:00

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

Island Intruders

2008-05-27T04:50:00.000-07:00

Good morning all. I've just returned to the office after being away all of last week. Thanks for all the continued blogs and information about loon activity on or near the nest.

The visit over the weekend from non-feathered beings was very disconcerting. We spend a lot of time and energy to educate the public to try to prevent these occurrences, and with good results. Unfortunately, it's never going to prevent it entirely.

Some asked about posting signs. We've done this quite a bit, and we've found that it often creates more problems than solutions. Humans our naturally curious about signs, which draws them in to see what it says, and then we've given away a nest location.

I'm making inquiries to folks that live on the lake, with the hopes that we can spread the word more thoroughly, to stay away from the island during loon nesting season. This is the best approach we have in this case.

Rest assured that the loons haven't nested somewhere else on the island, and the visitors didn't ruin a loon nest. I believe the nest they were referring to was the one from the geese. They nest on the island every year, as well.

The biggest challenge the loons appear to have remains the disruption by other loons on the pond. For the second year in a row, other loons have been challenging this pair, and that can prevent them from nesting, or from having a successful nest.

We're still well within the time frame of historical nesting for this pair, and I remain hopeful that nest activity will increase, and we'll have a loon on eggs soon.

Hope you all had a great Memorial Day weekend!
Lee

Territorial Disputes

2008-05-12T04:27:00.000-07:00

Good morning, all. Thanks for all your keen observations, and blogs that help us all track another breeding season for this pair of Maine loons. Keep it up. Your contributions are a big part of learning about the lives of breeding common loons.

Although there hasn't been a whole lot of activity around the nest, it has been fairly consistent, and right from the outset. This is very encouraging news about the intent of this pair to nest.

Perhaps the most significant development in recent days that has an impact on a pair preparing to nest, is the battle that was reported between the host, banded male, and an intruder. This can be very disruptive to the breeding effort, as the male is distracted defending the territory, and in this case, fighting to save his own life.

The banded male was successful in this case, as the intruder retreated. Let's hope things quiet down, and we see increased visits to the nest!

Lee

Technical Issues

2008-04-28T05:17:00.000-07:00

I just posted a bunch of new comments from the faithful loon cam fans, and yes, we have already experienced some technical difficulties. Something happened to the internet at the site over the weekend, and we lost the image. Such is life in rural Maine. It's been restored, now.

People are reporting audio issues. We are looking into this, and hopefully we can improve it.

This nest is located in mid-coast Maine. It's the only nest we've ever had the loon cam on.

When we installed the system, the second camera wasn't working. We have returned it for repairs. At this point, we're not sure if we'll have it, but we hope to.

Stay tuned for weekly updates.

Lee

Loons Are Back

2008-04-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hello, all. Wanted to share the exciting news that the loons returned, last week. We already know that at least one is banded, and we should be able to confirm if both banded loons are back very soon.

If the "God's of the electronic world" are with us, we should have the system up and running, tomorrow. Wing and I are setting out to the site bright and early, and the weather report is great, so keep your fingers crossed.

For everyone starved for interesting loon stories, I'm including the following news from a loon fan in Maine. It proves that although we don't have loon viewing on lakes in winter, watching the coast offers great chances to see loons.

Last week we were watching a Loon which was very close to the breakwater of Spring Point Lighthouse (on the west side) and we also we keeping an eye on a harbor seal in the same area. Well we suddenly heard the Loon call and it was quite odd to hear that call while at the ocean and not at the lake; looking at the loon we saw the seal very close to & facing the Loon - the stand-off lasted less than a minute when the seal dove under and was not seen again that evening! What a cool catch. Another cool catch for us was watching at Portland Head Light one Sunday afternoon about a month ago; we had Loons in the binoculars when suddenly a voice said,"Hey, wanna go up in the Lighthouse?" Say what!! Here's this young coast guard (he said) guy with a buddy and they're at the door of the lighthouse! At first we wondered if they just needed 2 more sets of hands to break the door in but no they had the keys!! And in we went and climbed to the top! It was quite a sight from on high, a bit breezy, but oh my! talk about the right place at the right time....thanks to the loons.

This person asked about winter plumage she was seeing. All loons, both adults and juveniles have rather drab gray/brown feathers during the winter. Adults that are at least two years old will develop the black & white summer plumage in the spring. Before that age, they have the winter plumage year-round. Although we don't know a lot about the movement of all loons, years of observation have shown that some remain on the ocean, even during the summer, while others (even some young loons without the black & white plumage) are seen on lakes.

Happy spring, 2008, all! I'm looking forward to blogging with all of you, again, this season. I'll do my best to blog at least once a week, and more frequently, when the loons nest. Notice I said "when." I'm spreading good loon nesting karma.
Lee

Taking A Break

2007-07-03T06:54:00.000-07:00

This is my last day in the office, and the confines of a desk chair and computer, until Monday, July 16. Hallelujah!! Tomorrow we're closed for the holiday, Thursday & Friday I'll be in the field, and then I'm on vacation for a week.

If you haven't already seen it, be sure to check out BRI's most recent paper about common loon rafts, just published in June issue of the Journal Of Wildlife Management. We have it posted on our website. Look on our homepage under "what's new." Why we all wait for the loons to do something to interest us, this is great reading for anyone that loves loons.

Speaking of the LOONS, historical records of typical nest periods for loons in New England would indicate that we've reached the end of the traditional nesting period. Leaving a healthy margin of error for the unpredictability of wildlife, we'll give them until sometime the week of July 16. If nothing happens between now and then, we'll remove the system from the field.

Thanks to all that have continued to keep watch, and blog what little they have seen. It may seem unimportant, but it all contributes to the research and conservation involving loons. It's the magic of the loon cam - we're all learning together.

I hope everyone has a great 4th of July!

Lee

PS

2007-06-26T04:43:00.000-07:00

Oops! I forgot to reply to one blogger that asked about the water level. It's been very dry, and the levels have dropped. The area in front of the nest is a gradual incline, so this isn't preventing them from reaching the nest. Unfortunately, the camera is zoomed out as far as it can go, so we can't see the edge of the water any longer.

Lee

Update

2007-06-26T04:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all your continued blogs about hearing, if not seeing the loons. Our "birds eye" observers on site continue to see the pair together, so that confirms that they haven't nested somewhere else.

In New England, the first week of July is historically about the end of the common loon nesting period. That means if they haven't nested by then, it is very unlikely that they will. With nature, I always like to give them the benefit of the doubt, so we'll probably leave the system in place for another couple of weeks.

Someone asked how many consecutive years this pair has nested. We know the last four for certain, and we believe it may be many more.

Regarding mercury toxicity. This pair were tested when they were captured and banded, and their levels were quite low. We don't have any reason to suspect that mercury contamination is an issue for this pair, that could cause problems with successful nesting.

During the thirty plus years that common loons have been monitored in New England, there have been many documented cases of pairs being on territory, and not nesting. Right now, I am monitoring quite a few other pairs as well, and there seems to be an unusually high number of pairs that aren't nesting. It will be interesting to see how the numbers add up at the end of the season.

Stay cool. The hot, hazy, southern air has finally pushed into Maine.

Lee

Always Learning

2007-06-20T04:57:00.000-07:00

Good morning. I share the disappointment that many of you have expressed in your blogs that the loons have not nested, so far, yet as a wildlife researcher, I remain aware that we are always learning. Regardless of the outcome, the camera, the folks on site, and all of you, have helped us gather some very important data, again, this year.

In terms of an update, little has changed. The frequency of visits to the nest area has remained fairly constant, but not what we've come to expect in years they have nested. I believe that there has only been one sighting of a loon actually on the nest, and that was very brief. Folks on site continue to see the banded pair together, sometimes with a third loon. An intruder can disturb the nesting activity of a pair, but this pair has dealt with that every year, with little affect. I don't see that as a viable reason that they haven't nested, so far.

I hope that everyone has noticed that thanks to The Kids In The Nest, we now have unlimited video viewing. Streaming video at the quality we are providing is very expensive, and we are extremely pleased that we can now offer unlimited viewing.

If you haven't already done so, we encourage you to donate, so that we can keep this program free for everyone. Thanks very much!!

Lee

Empty Chair

2007-06-06T04:46:00.000-07:00

Many of you have shown a great deal of interest in my level of comfort while I'm in the field engrossed in my loon cam duties, so I thought that I would share that the kind folks on site took pity on me, and outfitted me with a new wooden chair, that comes complete with a cane seat! Now, that's luxury. I might have wished for a nice recliner, but I do have to stay awake up there.

The only problem that remains, as all of you are well aware, is that the new chair sits empty, since the loons haven't nested. Let's go already!

Last word from the "eagle eyed" observers on site is that the banded pair swam by their den, this morning, which confirms that they remain a pair. They also observed more activity near the nest and island, earlier in the week. Those observations were late afternoon, so that pattern of visitation continues.

You may have noticed that we got a lot of rain over the last 48 hours, and water levels are up. This is nothing that threatens the current nest site, but it may offer us a better chance of seeing the loons in front of the nest. With any luck, many visits.

Lee

Patience All

2007-05-31T03:47:00.000-07:00

Good morning. It's 6:45 am in South Portland, Maine. I've just returned from a few days out in the field, training an intern that is helping with an ongoing loon study on Mount Desert Island, Maine. We had a glorious day on the water, yesterday, and were fortunate to find a few banded loons, including a banded juvenile that we banded as a chick back in 2005. Very exciting!

In catching up on all your blogs, I'm still reading that some of you are having troubles viewing the video. I can't really be of further help on this, as most are seeing it fine, so it must be something involving individual computers.

Some of your comments express anxiousness that the loons haven't nested, yet. Please remember that, last year, the loons didn't nest until June 6. The timing does fluctuate from year to year, and we still have plenty of time for them to nest. There were several blogs about the loons visiting the nest over the last few days, and if you look at the times, late afternoon continues to be a pattern. Tune in if you're near your computer at that hour.

One blogger astutely pointed out that they had read information about loons on our website that says loons don't nest every year. This is true, and it is possible that they will take a year off, but it's too early to determine that. I think we have at least another three weeks to wait and see - patience...............

Lastly, on the black screen, after two minutes. We provide the streaming video as a free service, and the cost of streaming is charged by the amount we use. When we can get this service donated or when we can raise enough funds from the public to cover the costs, we can allow people to view the live video as long as they like. If everyone can rally the viewers to donate, we can make this happen!

Thank you so much, for all of your ongoing blogs, your endless enthusiasm for loons, and for all the donations we've received, so far. Let's all hope for more frequent loon sightings in the days ahead. That would be a sure sign that they are intending to nest.

Lee

Limping To The Starting Line:<(

2007-05-25T04:16:00.000-07:00

As many of you have surmised, we've had many technical issues with the loon cam system, this year. Do to the remote nature of the location, this system is much more complex than the eagle cam system.

I was on site for a third time, this week, trying to correct problems with the second camera. I initially thought that we had successfully gotten video (no audio), but new issues have developed that may well mean we won't have a second camera, this year.

The good news is, we did go live, this week, and viewers have already recorded seeing both adults at the nest!! Activity does seem to be minimal, at this point, but we should see the frequency of their visits increase in the days, ahead.

I have received many blogs from viewers that mention they are still being linked to the eagle cam when they try to view the live stream. It's possible that this is being caused by your computer saving the original link on the loon cam page. Try refreshing the page on your computer. We are also checking some settings on our end.

By the way, the loons greeted me when I was on site on Tuesday afternoon. They were very vocal the minute I arrived, and when I checked the camera, they were both at the nest. It was around 3 pm EST. This marks several days that they have been seen visiting the nest in the mid/late afternoon. It's probably a good time to check in.

Happy Memorial Day to all. More next week.

Lee

Loon Sighting & Another Techinical Hiccup

2007-05-21T04:54:00.000-07:00

Good morning, all, from sunny Maine. It's the first we've seen the sun in quite a few days. Our solar system that powers the equipment on the island will be mighty grateful, as will the loons that count on the foliage of the surrounding shrubs to camouflage the nest, and protect them from too much heat on warm, sunny days.

Speaking of loons, note the two blogs that were submitted at approximately 4 pm on Saturday. Two different bloggers reported seeing a loon around the nest!!! This is a great sign for the likelihood of nesting, as is the blog from another viewer, that the pair our staying close together. The pair bond is critical to successful nesting, and defense against other adult loons that attempt to steal a territory from an existing pair.

On another note, I spent half the day on site, on Friday, trying to fix technical issues. While I was successful fixing the initial problem we had, another problem has cropped up. For some reason (unknown), we've lost the image on camera 2. Ugh!! We're going to be doing what we can, this week, to rectify this new problem, all the while being mindful that we have now seen a loon at the nest, and we may not be able to go to the island without disturbing them. That decision will be made as the circumstances dictate.

Thanks for your continued patience waiting for the live video to begin!! I can promise that unless there is some unforeseen calamity, we will go live, this week. I'll likely post another blog in the next few days.

Lee

Quick Update

2007-05-16T07:04:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update, to let everyone know that we are still having a few lingering technical issues with the looncam equipment. The latest development is that I may need to travel back up to the site in the next couple of days to get the problem resolved.

If all goes well, we hope to go live next Monday. I will post another blog on Monday to confirm this, or post an alternative date.

So far, I haven't seen any blogs confirming any nest activity. Has anyone seen anything?

Lee

Answers & More

2007-05-11T04:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday, all. This note comes from my desk at BRI HQ in Gorham, ME. Although there has yet to be any reported or viewed loon activity at the nest, I'm really enthused to see all you bloggers fired up for another year of looncam watching.

This is BRI's 5th year for the looncam, and based on prior years, the loons typically nest in late May (3rd/4th week). If that timing plays out again, this year, we should see some activity perhaps as early as next week. We're still ironing out a few bugs with the system, but we still hope to have the live video up by then. In the meantime, the refreshing still image is working, and thanks to Pam, an avid loon blogger, we now have some archived loon images from last year.

For those of you that may be new, take note of the bands you see on the loon's legs. Banding loons so that we can identify each individual, and test them for mercury levels, is a key component of our environmental contaminant research. This work by BRI has helped to confirm that mercury levels in wildlife in the northeastern US are high, and do impact a variety of species. To answer one blogger, the mercury pollution does come from industrial sources for the most part, including power plants, incinerators, etc. While many of these sources are outside our region, we also have to be mindful that they also exist right in our own back yard.

As one blogger urged, all of you can take action by supporting regional and national legislation initiatives, and by insisting that your elected state and federal officials do the same. BRI is extremely active in this regard. David Evers, our Executive Director, is considered to be one of the leading authorities on mercury contamination in the nation. In the past few years, he has spent a fair amount of time in Washington, DC, testifying about what BRI has learned about mercury in our environment. We have high hopes that major national news about this will be announced later, this year.

Also, if you want to help the fight against mercury pollution in another way, support BRI. We count on public donations to support all the work we are doing. Thanks!

To the bloggers that have commented on seeing a "flooded" nest. What you are actually seeing is the view from camera 2, which views the shoreline immediately in front of the nest. Thanks to donations from last year, we were able to add a second camera to the looncam, and from time to time, when circumstances dictate, we will switch to that view. We had hoped to have both cameras run simultaneously, but the system can't do that. That's on our wish list for next year.

One person asked about a good book for basic loon information, and we've got the perfect choice - Call Of The Loon. It was published, last year, by Willow Creek Press, and authored by Dave Evers & Kate Taylor. It's loaded with answers to many basic loon questions, and stunning pictures. BRI will send you a copy FREE with your donation of $100 or more, or you can simply order it through us. All the information is on our website.

I'm sure I haven't answered all the questions that came in. I'll try to keep up with them as time allows, and you'll also find that fellow bloggers are good at answering questions about past BRI looncam history. This is a huge help to me!

I'm certainly revved up for another year, and anxiously await the first sighting of our loons at the nest. Now - who will be the first blogger to write in with that sighting????

Lee

Update

2007-05-07T05:37:00.000-07:00

Good morning, all. It's 8:30 am here in Maine, on another glorious sunny day. It now seems like months since the Patriot's Day storm that ravaged the state, and claimed the vulnerable eagle chicks in the eaglecam nest. From what I've heard, many eagle nests fell victim to that storm.

As Wing reported, late last week, we installed the looncam system on Thursday. Interested observers will be able to see a refreshing still image, for now, with live video to follow sometime in the next week or so. If you do happen to click on the live video, you will be sent to the eaglecam video. We chose to do this, temporarily, instead of having a dead link.

Check back frequently thoughout the week, as I hope to post a date when we'll go live with the looncam.

Lee

Looncam Preparations Are Underway

2007-04-24T08:29:00.000-07:00

Greetings from BRI's looncam bunker. The ice is rapidly retreating from many Maine lakes, and "eagle eyed" observers from our looncam lake have already reported seeing two loons on the water, including the returning, banded male. As of this writing, we're still awaiting confirmation that the banded female has returned.

We are extremely busy preparing all the equipment, and we have tentative plans to set the system up late next week. If all goes well, we should have the system live for internet viewing by mid-May at the latest.

As I did, last year, I will post a blog weekly at a minimum, with more frequent posts if and when we near a successful hatch. Once the system is installed, I will post another blog that will give a more accurate estimate of when we will go live.

More soon!

Lee

Sad News

2006-07-14T04:59:00.000-07:00

I'm really sorry to have to report that a recent check of our looncam family only found the two adults by themselves. I was able to talk with several camp owners that watch the loons very intently, and they confirmed that both chicks were lost. No cause was observed, which is an ongoing frustration for loon researchers. If only we had the ability to have eyes on them 24/7 after they leave the nest.

As I've discussed in earlier blogs, loon chicks face tough odds for survival. The 30 year average productivity for nesting loons in New England (measured by chicks fledged per nesting pair, per year) is .5/year. That means it takes the average pair four years just to replace themselves, and we know virtually nothing about their survival rate after fledging.

Although this is a very sad ending for our 2006 looncam family, you should all feel good that organizations like BioDiversty are monitoring common loons very closely. Through our efforts, many loon pairs are assured of having excellent breeding habitat ongoing, giving nesting pairs a good chance to successfully hatch young. What happens after chicks hatch is largely up to nature, and survival of the fittest.

Please check back for blogs concerning next years looncam, and other miscellaneous looncam news, and thanks again for all your excellent blogs and support. We need that to successfully continue this vital mission.

Best wishes to all!

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

Link To WGME 13 News Video

2006-07-13T07:40:00.000-07:00

I just confirmed that the video airing on WGME 13 in Portland, Maine, last night, is now posted on their site. To find it, go to: www.wgme.com .
Click on the link to Doug's Discovery. Look for the links entitled " Watch Streaming Video", which are located underneath Doug's picture, and the title. Click on the viewing option that matches your internet connection setup.I just viewed it myself, to confirm it is working.

The closeup footage at the beginning of the segment is from this year's looncam nest. You will get to see great footage of the adults and the chicks.

The rest of the story was filmed on Little Sebago Lake, in Windham, Maine. When I was out with the TV crew, we checked on the status of four loon territories. We found two pairs that were without chicks, and two pairs that had two chicks each.

During our time on the water, I was also able to identify three banded loons that I couldn't confirm during an earlier visit. The data we collected is extremely valuable for our ongoing loon research & conservation efforts.

Hope you enjoy the story. It's so great that technology allows us to make this available to anyone around the globe that has access to a high speed internet connection.

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

News Story Airing Tonight

2006-07-12T07:48:00.000-07:00

For those of you experiencing looncam withdrawal, I wanted to let you know that WGME Channel 13 News in Portland, Maine will be airing a segment, tonight as a follow up to the looncam. It will air sometime between 6-6:30pm EDT, as the feature segment on Doug's Discovery.

For those of you from "away", you should be able to view the video segment on their website: : www.wgme.com . I believe you should click on the Doug's Discovery link, and it will have a listing of the latest stories that aired. The video may not be posted on their site until Thursday morning.

I hope that helps calm the loon DT's!

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

P.S. If you like auctions for a good cause - check back here for news on something REALLY SPECIAL. I hope to commission the creation of a unique collage, using chick downy & eggshell fragments from the 2006 looncam nest. It would be professionally framed, and signed by me. If I can pull it off, I will post it via the blog, and auction it off to the highest bidder as a fundraiser for next year's looncam expenses. Stay tuned!

Giving The Family Some Space

2006-07-10T16:33:00.000-07:00

Today was the first time I've had a chance to check our website for blogs about the loons, and I posted a number of the blogs earlier this afternoon. It's now 7:30 pm EDT, and I wanted to write a brief blog about what's going on.

Given the circumstances of the hatch, and the disturbance created by my intervention on behalf of #2, we have opted to give the family a week or more of quiet solitude, without disturbance from any data gathering researchers. While I know this will disappoint many of you that are anxious for an update on the family, and the fate of #2, it's in the best interest of the loons, and that is out highest priority.

It's possible that I will know something more by the end of the week. If I haven't posted a report by Friday, I definitely will by next Monday. We appreciate your patience and consideration of doing what's best for the loons.

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

P.S. On my way back home, last Friday, I called the office and jokingly told my assistant that I was going on maternity leave. From your blogs, I bet a lot of you can relate to that.

A Final Blog on the Fate of Lee and the Loon Chick

2006-07-07T11:22:00.000-07:00

Friends,

Lee has asked me send a final word on the events of these last few hours and the fate of the second loon chick. Based on the length of time the chick sat alone on the nest, it was determined by the biologists here at BioDiversity Research Institute that the chick had indeed been abandoned. It is a difficult scientifically to intervene in the natural fate of living things, yet not to give this chick a second chance weighed just as heavily on us. For the many that patiently kept vigil over these long weeks of incubation and kept Lee company during the tense days of hatch, we decided to step in*.

Lee set out in his kayak to the nest island and after much searching, found the chick hidden in the shallow waters around the island. He brought the chick within visual distance of the adults and placed it in the water. The adults responded to the calls of the young chick and soon the family was reunited. Although the adults were accepting of their young, the older chick was aggressive towards its sibling in a natural show of dominance. Sibling aggression dissipates readily if the chicks are of equivalent strength and can assert themselves with the adults during feeding bouts. In some cases, however, this can lead to the death of the younger chick through reduced feeding and abandonment by the adults. Though difficult to watch, sibling rivalry is a natural occurrence that works to ensure the survival of the stronger chick.

At this writing, the family is together but a steady wind across the water makes for much effort to keep up against the waves. The chick is significantly smaller than the first-hatched sibling and will need to fight for access to the feeding adults. The hours ahead will be long for the young loon but this timeless struggle for survival in all species is both worthy and good.

Kate Taylor
Loon Biologist
BioDiversity Research Institute

…………………………………………………………………………………………
*What to do if with abandoned loon chicks:

There are many occasions when adult loons will leave chicks for short periods of time, such as when foraging for food. Loons may also stash their chicks for longer periods in emergent vegetation if a threat is perceived. If you think a loon chick has been abandoned, do not attempt to reunite it with the adults. Please contact your state’s wildlife agency or a certified wildlife rehabilitator.

We’d like to thank all of you who have participated in the events of this loon pair and it has been an honor sharing this unique viewing of a loon pair’s private world. Many have even sent donations and kind words of support, which are greatly appreciated. A special thanks to all those who helped keep Lee company in the days surrounding hatch.

Time to get some sleep, Lee.

Next Chapter

2006-07-07T09:04:00.000-07:00

The image that appears on the screen, now, is the cove where this pair always goes to brood their chicks. For the first 2 weeks, the chicks will spend time back riding, as previously described. They do this to rest, get warm, and to reduce the chances of predation. When the chicks reach two weeks of age, the adults will no longer tolerate this, and the chicks will remain in the water for the rest of their rearing.

I took a few minutes to pan the camera around, and we were all treated to live video of one adult with both chicks, slowly moving down the pond and into the brood cove. After they moved out of camera range, I took a few minutes to pan the camera across the scenery where this loon pair resides. Several of you asked to see more of that, and I hope you got to see it.

Although we will be terminating the looncam feed within the hour, don't disappear. After I catch up on all my other duties, I will try to get back in the groove of blogging once a week to update folks on the status of this loon family. I'll try to do this on Mondays. That should give all something to look forward to, to start a new week. So, check back, at least weekly.

Also, you've probably all heard that we hope to produce a documentary DVD all about the looncam. This isn't going to happen overnight, but check our website as well for news about progress on that. I hope to have some news posted by the fall.

Finally - thanks ever so much for making this a very special experience for all that found us, and for your very generous support. My plea for donations to purchase a second camera was extremely well received, and if we can keep gifts coming in, we can make that happen in 2007. Just think, when we're all sitting around our computers, watching double the video, you can tell your friends that your donation helped buy the second camera!

I look forward to sharing the 2007 looncam season with all of you.

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

Time To Take A Tumble

2006-07-07T06:18:00.000-07:00

9:15 am EDT - mom & #1 are very near the island. She is busy diving for those tiny minnows I described in an earlier blog, and feeding #1. She has called for #2 several times, and it's time for him/her to take a tumble down the embankment and join the family.

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

High Drama

2006-07-07T03:43:00.000-07:00

6:39 EDT - many of you may have heard a lot of loon commotion not long after the female & #1 entered the water. I had observed them sitting rather quietly near shore, and had returned to the camera and observation of #2. It was at that time that the host male could be heard yodeling, and at least one other loon was making a lot of noise. I ran outside to catch the end of a skirmish created by a rogue loon that had entered the territory. Unfortunately, this likely indicates that the rogue loons mission was to kill #1. The incidence of other adult loons killing chicks is quite well documented by loon researchers. This is just another predator that they need to fend off.

Now, before everyone panics, and goes into blogging hysteria, let me say that there is at least a 50/50 chance that #1 is hiding out somewhere, waiting for the "all clear" sign. Often times the host adults sense the danger, and they stash the chicks somewhere near shore.

At present (6:55am), both parents are a ways down the pond, and are engaged with now three other adult loons. When all is settled at that gathering of the tribe, I anticipate the parents will return, I will know if #1 is alive & well, and the fate of #2 will move forward.

I'll keep you posted on any happenings off camera, and keep the camera on the nest & #2 until
he makes his exit. When that happens, I will try to pan the camera within its limits to catch a few glimpses of #2's first swim.

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

Welcome #2!!!

2006-07-07T02:08:00.000-07:00

5:03 am, EDT - blogger biologist just observed two chicks, one under each wing. From reviewing all of your blogs over the last 4 hours, it appears the incubating female kept the hatching of #2 covered up the entire time.

One might wonder how a chick can emerge when it appears from camera view, that its smothered by the adult. I surmise that our view is somewhat deceiving, and that the adult likely rests its sternum on the front of the nest bowl, and uses its large webbed feet to hold up the back end, essentially creating a bit of a pocket.

Dawn here brings us all great joy to witness #2 coming into the world, along with chilly New England air, and pond mist that you may be seeing blowing by the camera lens. To all who know it, this is life in Maine at its very best.

Many thanks to all that propped open their eyelids with toothpicks, and kept up an all night vigil. I'm back in the saddle, now, and anxious to watch the events that will unfold on the looncam, today.

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

Blogging Off

2006-07-06T20:47:00.000-07:00

Okay all you west coast looncam bloggers, I'm counting on you to keep up the night time watch, and blog in any key observations until Pam UK wakes up across the pond. This looncam blogging biologist needs at least 4-5 hours of sleep after another 19 hours in the chair.

When I'm on site, I work out of a short basement (low headroom). I often feel like a bit of a troll, and I've come to nickname the space as the "loon dungeon". Actually, as field research environments go, this is pretty cushy. It's dry, bug free, and it doesn't smell too bad, except for days like, today, when the plumber was here clearing the pipes of a serious blockage - smelled a lot like loon .......

Thanks again to all for keeping up the blogging. Blog back around dawn.

Lee Attix
BioDiversity research Institute

P.S. Ever wonder why a spell checker on a blog site doesn't know the words blog, blogging, bloggers, and it always wants me to change my last name.

The "Wild" Ride Continues

2006-07-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

For a minute there, I thought it was snowing out, and all the bloggers that had grabbed their sunscreen and umbrellas were calling the news station, insisting that I be fired. Like some of you had concluded, I was certain the loons had abandoned the nest, and my earlier forecast was blown all to hell.

When the male & #1 last left the nest, just before dark, they swam all the way down to the brooding cove, some 1/4 mile from the nest. When that happened, last year, the adults never returned - thus my fear that my forecast was all wet.

Now that we have an adult incubating, again, there remains hope for #2, and perhaps a family of four for Friday, July 7. I don't know if it's the male or female on the nest, but it's a very good bet the male is out defending the territory.

While I'm blogging under the cover of darkness, you might be interested to know a little about the miracle of infrared technology, that allows us to watch these loons at night. On your monitor, you would swear that we have a massive spotlight blinding the loon on the nest. Not so. If you and I were to paddle out and try to see the loons with the naked eye, we'd likely crash into them before we would see them. It's totally dark out there., with the exception of whatever illumination the moon is providing. Tonight, that's actually quite a lot, as the sky is clear, and we have a moon somewhat over half.

Stay awake loon bloggers, you can always call in sick tomorrow. If your boss calls me, I'll deny I ever said that.

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

Hazarding A Guess - Educated I Hope

2006-07-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

Like a weather forecaster, I'm going to lay out my prediction for what's coming next, but keep your umbrellas and sunscreen handy. It's that unpredictable.

When the male returned to incubate, and the female went off on her own, I had a strong suspicion that #1 was hanging out around the back side of the island. He/she was out of view from land, off camera, and frequently calling, confirming my hunch. I did think, and hope we would see #1 make the journey back up the hill to, once again hang out in the relative safety of the nest.

Regretfully, #2 is really struggling to get free of that shell. Perhaps he/she began hatching a little prematurely. Nobody knows.

As long as some progress is being made, I wager that the adults will hang in there, incubating, at least through the night. After that, all bets are off on the fate of #2. My gut tells me tomorrow morning is a key time for this family to move along. Will #2 be a part of it?

Are all you night owls ready for another long night. I'm counting on your vigilant observations.

I was asked if common loons nest in salt water. I don't know of any confirmed cases. The changing water levels in tidal water would make it nearly impossible. Juveniles that reside along coasts until they reach adulthood are marked just like full adults in winter plumage.

Finally, I don't know for certain if all common loons are marked uniquely. I would venture to say that it's likely, but we haven't figured out a way to identify them this way - as researchers do with whales for example. That's why we use the bands, and each loon does have a unique band combination.

Lee Attix
BioDiversity research Institute

Questions Without Answers

2006-07-06T14:56:00.000-07:00

Many, many questions are coming now, and candidly, I don't have many, if any answers. I'm sorry.

The hatching event has been so unique, and so different than previous years, mostly what I can offer is that we are all learning together, and that's the beauty of an unedited wildlife viewing experience. It's raw, and wild, and beautiful, and ....... fill in the rest.

The male remains on the nest, incubating the second egg. I believe the chick is somewhere on the back side of the island, hopefully staying out of harms way. I think we are hearing it over the audio, as well as the chick from inside the shell.

People are blogging in about video, and/or refreshing still image problems. I've checked both, and both are operating properly, so the problem has to be with the individual(s) computer.

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

Tremelo Chorus Celebration

2006-07-06T13:27:00.000-07:00

4:20pm EDT - the tremelo chorus that we all just heard was the two adults and the chick swimming together on the pond. I believe they use this call both when alarmed, and when excited - happy excited. I'm observing them both diving for small minnows and feeding the famished chick. No danger evident.

This is a perfect example of how a second camera would improve our research, and your viewing, DRAMATICALLY. The family is just off the shore of the island, behind the camera, and unfortunately out of your view.

Now the male is yodeling, and I must run out to see what is happening. Be right back.

4:30pm - I saw one adult just south of the island, with chick #1. The other must be behind the island, hopefully ready to come back and incubate. The second chick is really making SLOW progress getting out of that shell.

One blogger asked if we ever intervene to aid the natural process - specifically if we have ever artificially incubated a loon egg. In general, as wildlife researchers and conservationists, we try by and large to let nature take whatever course it will take. We've never (male back on nest)
artificially incubated a loon egg, and I can't imagine us doing so. The only instance where we have taken action that would alter the natural outcome of a loon chick's life, is a few occasions where chicks have been separated from their parents, and we've gathered them up and performed a "chick drop". That means re-uniting the chick with the adults. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

Lee Attix
BioDiversity research Institute

Loons & Airplanes

2006-07-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

1:33pm EDT, and the incubating female just let out a single syllable wail call from the nest. This was in reaction to a plane that flew over head, which you may have heard over the audio.

Common loons appear to find airplanes quite disturbing, almost as if they view them as some sort of large avian predator. Often males will yodel when they fly overhead. It's a great chance for loon watchers to identify male loons.

My first paragraph mentioned the female made a one syllable wail call. Common loons make both single and multiple syllable wail calls. This should be demonstrated on most loon vocalization recordings.

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

P.S. Thanks so much to all the enthusiastic looncam viewers, for both your informative observations, and your generous support. Without your support, we can't keep this dream going, and we can't improve it as we move forward. Thanks very much!!

Appeal For A Second Camera!!

2006-07-06T09:28:00.000-07:00

Bloggers - before we lose all of you to whatever you do when the looncam isn't on, I want to make a special appeal for donations to purchase a second camera for 2007. If we can raise $4000 - 5000, we can add another camera on the shore, opposite the nest island. This new camera would allow us to observe all the loon activity that we miss, which takes place behind the current camera - on the water. It would be a huge addition to our research, and it would add fantastic video for all that watch on line.

If you want to help make that a reality, PLEASE make donations clearly marked for the looncam second camera. Donations can be made on line, via phone, or by mailing us a check, and all donations are fully tax-deductible.

Let's make this happen! Thanks very, very much!!

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

Quite A Mystery

2006-07-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

High noon, EDT, and I hve to admit that even after studying loons for more than a decade, the behavior I've seen on display over the past 1 1/2 hours is truly a mystery. I've been chewing my mustache, a lot, and that's a sign of stress.

During the last few chapters of the loon chick and partially hatched egg being left unattended, I've observed both adults just floating around the lake. I can't explain what they are doing, or why they are doing it, which drives wildlife researchers like me half crazy.

Just to keep everyone on the same page, the female is presently back on the nest. The male sat for several hours earlier, this morning, but the female has been on the last two times. With chick #1 getting awfully hungry (did you see it trying to eat some of its own membrane), and #2 needing further incubating to enter the world, she has her hands full. I've hypothesized that one adult would tend & feed the first chick in this scenario, while the other incubates the second egg. Perhaps that's wrong, or this pair follows a different strategy. Guess this stuff is what helps make this all so fascinating, and no more explanation is needed regarding how valuable a research tool these wildlife cams are. We're learning by the minute, and able to share it with all of you.

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

Blogger Blogging Down

2006-07-06T06:20:00.000-07:00

I think all you looncam fanatics are blogging the blogger down - I can't even get on to blog :(

I have to say that although we've seen some awe inspiring things from these loons over the past three years, the last 24 hours has surpassed all of that. I hope you all caught the chick tumbling halfway down the embankment when the female left the nest, and the male climbing up and sticking his bill right inside the small hole in the second egg!

The male has now assumed incubating duties. The chick slowly made the journey back up the slope, and is under the back wing of the male.

Now that we've seen a hole in the second egg, I'm feeling very good about it's chances of hatching. That should happen by the end of the day. If all goes well, its very first survival challenge will come from its sibling, which at just one day old, will have a huge advantage in strength. Be forewarned, that if you haven't witnessed it before, sibling rivalry can be hard to watch. When this happens with humans, we call it tragedy. In nature, it is simply the way it is - survival of the fittest. We can all hope that the little guy/gal has a strong spirit to survive, and that it will fight back with vigor.

The chick(s) first meal will not come until they leave the nest, and it will be very tiny minnows. It's amazing that adults can catch such small fish in their large bills, and not crush them. Their dexterity is something to envy. Chicks that are back riding are either sleeping or simply resting. Sometimes the adult that doesn't have a chick on the back will feed the one(s) back riding. Yes, sometimes both chicks are on one adults back.

The chicks remain all downy until 4 weeks of age. Their color will lighten, and they will begin to develop their first feathers from 4 weeks on. By 12 weeks their feathers are fully developed. They are a somewhat drab grey/brown in color as compared to the striking black & white speckled adults. They will not get the adult breeding plumage until they are three years of age.

Someone asked the age of this pair. We don't know their age. Nobody has figured out a method to accurately age common loons, but they are long lived - some 25-30 years on average.

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

P.S. I apologize if I don't answer all the questions that are posted. If I miss one of yours, we have a wealth of information on our website, as well as links to other sites where you can learn just about anything you might want to know about common loons. Check it out.

Songbirds Signal Dawn

2006-07-06T02:12:00.000-07:00

5am EDT in Maine. From reviewing the blogs written during the night, all has remained fairly quiet on the nest. Mom continues to guard the newborn chick, and incubate the second egg. Sounds like a number of you night owls got to see the chick pop its head out from under the wing, where Mom keeps it stashed for safety & warmth. I guess it even came fully out on at least one occasion, which is quite normal.

I was greeted, a few minutes before 5, by a mirrored pond with the male floating quietly to the left of the nest island. He wailed a few times, and otherwise didn't make a ripple on the water.

Today we should learn if this family will stay long enough to allow the second egg to hatch. Last year they abandoned the second egg. Several bloggers have written that we will be able to watch this family on the nest for 10 days or more. This is incorrect. It's true for pacific loons in western North America, but not so for common loons. This family will leave the nest within the next 24-48 hours, and will not return.

As you might imagine, taking a chick(s) that are just a day or so old onto the water, exposes them to a lot of risk of predation. They can be eaten by predators from below such as snapping turtles, and large fish, and they can be taken by avian predators such as bald eagles. Common loons defend against these threats in the first few weeks of rearing their offspring, by allowing them to ride on their backs. This protects them from predation during their most vulnerable period, and helps them to stay warm. This back riding behavior is easily seen by lake dwellers in New England, except when the adults hide the chicks under their wings. Only the trained eye knows to look very carefully for a back profile that is not quite right.

Check in often, now, as the sights and sounds of this years loon nesting season will be drawing to a close very soon. If technology allows, we will post some highlight video and/or still pictures a little later on. I will also post an occasional blog about how the family is doing. Be sure to check back.

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

We Can All Breath Easier

2006-07-05T18:15:00.000-07:00

Before checking in on new blogs, I can just imagine that I will find many expressing concern for the hours old, vulnerable chick, being left alone by its parents for 45 minutes. Even when I know that this is typical behavior from this pair, I still found myself extremely anxious watching, and listening to the chick cry out.

Don't assume that this is bad parenting, as humans are inclined to do. This pair has been together for at least five years, and they have successfully hatched chicks all but one of those years. Their overall productivity exceeds the average, and I have to think that it reflects well that they know what they are doing.

The female did take over incubation shortly after 9pm EDT, and she should remain keeper of the domain through the night. If you can stay awake, you should get to see the chick numerous times, and watch for signs of any holes in the second egg.

The camera is going to remain fixed until tomorrow am, as my body is growing very tired of sitting in this metal chair for most of the past 17 hours. I should return around dawn, tomorrow.
Please keep all posted with blogs of your observations. It really helps.

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

A New Common Loon Chick Enters The World

2006-07-05T15:26:00.000-07:00

It's official. At 6:16pm EDT, I observed a loon chicks head and eye from underneath the males's right wing. This chick will now remain in the nest, mostly covered by the adult, until it is fully dry.

I anticipate that the female will return near dark, and take over continued incubation duties from the male. For those that are up for an "all nighter" you should be able to observe mutiple viewings of the chick popping out from under the adult. If past patterns continue, it will sometimes be akin to the old Jack In The Box routine.

Don't know how many got to see the extraordinary behavior of the male when he returned to the nest. He used his bill to gently peel away some of the shell and membrane. This is the first time we've observed this particular behavior.

I believe the fate of the second egg will depend a lot on what transpires over the next 12-18 hours. If it begins to hatch in that period of time, I'd bet it will make it. If not, I would guess that it will be abandoned. Only time will tell.

Aren't we all lucky to see such intimate scenes of nature at work!!

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

Sorry For The Interruption

2006-07-05T12:48:00.000-07:00

We had to unexpectedly shut down for some urgent maintenance. All is back up and running, and I can report that you didn't miss anything, except the male panting away on the nest. He hasn't exposed the eggs at all.

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

Male Takes Over Incubation

2006-07-05T09:20:00.000-07:00

12:12pm - male arrives and assumes his incubation duties. I anticipate that he will remain on the nest for the balance of the daylight hours - giving the female time to rest & feed.

From the brief looks at the egg that is hatching, there seemed to be very little if any progress in enlarging the hole.

There have been a lot of blogs about identifying the loons by bands. It caused me to review what we've published on our website, and I'm embarrased to admit that the information listed is incorrect. For the record, here are the correct band combinations:

Male - Left Leg = White A3/Yellow, Right Leg = White Stripe/Silver

Female - Left Leg = Yellow/Yellow, Right Leg = Blue Stripe/Silver

Take note of the A 3 on the white band on the males left leg. This is clearly visible when the camera is zoomed in close. Sorry for any confusion our website created!

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

Female Doing Double Duty

2006-07-05T08:14:00.000-07:00

11:10 EDT, and for the second year in a row, we've witnessed the female stay with the eggs on the morning the first egg starts to hatch. She's left and returned twice, this morning. Interesting. The male should take over at some point later on, but we'll all have to wait and see.

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

Egg Tooth & Peeping

2006-07-05T07:19:00.000-07:00

It's a little hard to see in the sunlight, right now, but the egg tooth is visible. It's the small white area on top of the chicks bill, and it enables it to break away the shell - gradually. As you might determine from watching for the past 30 minutes, it can be a VERY SLOW process.

The female had returned after her morning dip, and I expect one of them to return soon. Usually we miss a lot of this action, as it takes place underneath an incubating adult.

A few minutes ago, you could hear the chick peeping inside the shell. Don't think you can have a more fulfilling wildlife viewing adventure than what you are witnessing "up close and personal" right now, and without disturbing the natural process. Quite something!

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

P.S. Next year we are going to add a disclaimer that BRI assumes no responsibility for general workplace disruption and loss of productivity. Sure hope none of you lose a job over this.....

Brief Look At Eggs Confirms Hole In One Egg

2006-07-05T06:32:00.000-07:00

For those with keen eyes, the female just turned the eggs, and I observed a small hole in the egg that is presently under her right side (cameras left). The hatching has begun, and will likely take quite a few hours before the first chick actually emerges, fully.

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

Nothing Yet To Confirm Hatching

2006-07-05T05:34:00.000-07:00

It's now 8:30am in Maine. The female left her incubating duties some 1/2 hour ago, and the eggs are now in plain view. This image does not show any holes, but it is possible that we can't see them.

I just took a peek at the pond, and interestingly, our pair were engaged with a third "intruder" loon. All three were together, circling around one another, shallow diving, etc. These intrusions by other loons can be very distracting to nesting loons. The intruder did leave the territory after a brief visit, and I watched as the nesting pair swam lazily down the pond. One would never know that they are nesting, and have a couple of eggs ready to hatch, unless you have a looncam that is.

At around 5am, this morning, the female was quite restless on the nest. She was exhibiting the flinching behavior I've described previously, but I've seen no visible signs of the eggs to confirm hatching is in process. My gut instincts tell me that something is going to happen, today. Ah, patience!!

Lee Attix

BioDiversity Research Institute

The Male Finally Relinquishes The Guard

2006-07-04T17:24:00.000-07:00

At approximately 8pm EST, the male finally vacated the nest, and the female took over night incubating duties shortly thereafter. For all those listening, when the nest was void of both adults, we were treated to a chorus of loon vocalizations, including - tremelos, yodels and wail calls. Pea soup fog has set in over the pond, and all is as it should be on a muggy summer evening, lakeside in Maine.

Note that male common loons are the only ones that make the yodel call. It's a sure way to identify males from females if you hear that call.

Some of you reported observing that around 6pm, both loons were seen in camera view. It was quite fascinating that the male called the female in with wail and tremelo calls, and she dutifully showed up, only to have the male sit there and look at her. After growing tired of his unwillingness to leave the nest, she slid back down the embankment, and I watched her swim slowly away.

It's now just past 8:30pm, and we've had many excellent closeup views of the eggs, today. I haven't observed any small holes, seen any movement of the eggs, or heard any peeping from a chick itching to break out of its shell. I've been known to pull "all nighters" as part of loon chick watches, but I'm leaning towards getting some sleep, tonight.

One person did ask if a chick could hatch at night. That is quite possible, but I doubt it would be fully hatched, tonight, given no signs of any progress. In prior years, we have had dawn viewings of eggs with small holes, so we could see that tomorrow morning as well. Anything can happen in nature - and that's its magic.

This is likely my last blog for this 4th of July day. Join you again in the morning.

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

P.S. If anyone is alert enough to go all night, and you happen to observe any positive signs of a hole in an egg, please blog the time you observed it. Thanks!

Has Hatching Begun???

2006-07-04T09:40:00.000-07:00

Approximately 15 minutes ago, I witnessed the male flinch 3 or 4 times in succession, lifting his wings out to the sides just a bit. This was followed by him raising up and turning the eggs. Although I didn't get a good look at the eggs for any signs of holes, this appeared to be the first outward sign that there is movement inside an egg.

Everyone should keep a close eye out from here forward, as this flinching behavior should be noticeable, and if fortunate, we'll all get an early look at the hole forming.

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

The Wait Is On

2006-07-04T07:19:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!

I've been monitoring the behaviors of the nesting loons very closely since 6am EST, and I haven't seen anything that indicates the hatch is in progress. We all got a very good look at the eggs, while the adults were both off for more than an hour, and I didn't see any signs of holes emerging, movement, chicks peeping inside the shells, etc. A few twigs did give the appearance of a crack and/or hole, but we were deceived.

The male is presently taking his turn incubating, and he seems in a very normal pattern. Although it is still early in the day, and the status subject to change, I'm now thinking that the first egg might not hatch until sometime tomorrow.

One blogger expressed concern about the eggs being left unattended for so long, this close to hatching. While this makes humans very anxiuos, we've actually witnessed this identical behavior from this pair in previous years. The eggs have always been fine.

More soon.

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

4th of July Hatch?

2006-07-03T03:45:00.000-07:00

It's possible that we could witness a 4th of July hatch this season, and viewers should remain particularly alert for telling signs that the process is underway. The most obvious sign that the hatch is happening, is that the adult that is incubating will be restless, with frequent slight raising of the wings. This becomes more pronounced as the chick gradually breaks away more of the shell.

We anticipate that the first egg layed will hatch sometime Tuesday/Wednesday, and if fortunate, the second egg will hatch some 24-36 hours later. The second egg usually needs extra luck, as it sometimes is abandoned by the adults, as they're anxious to get on with rearing and feeding the first chick. We have recovered abandoned eggs from this scenario, and when we've examined the contents of the egg, the chick was fully developed.

Starting Tuesday morning, I will be on site, some 1/4 mile from the nest, with the ability to operate the zoom and panning abilities of the camera. With some luck, anyone viewing on line will get a chance to view extreme closeups of the hatching. Loon chicks have an "egg tooth", which they use to break away the shell.

Keep in mind that we will have a very brief period - a day or so, to view the hatching, and the very first parenting, as the chick(s) dry. As soon as common loon chicks are dry, and ready for the life on the water, the whole family leaves the nest, and will not return. We may see a few trips on/off the nest, but they will leave for good, way to early for those who would hope to watch them raise the chicks in the nest.

Happy 4th of July, and happy viewing!

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

Virus Update

2006-06-23T02:46:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note about the virus. It is worse than we originally thought. It has disabled the infrared operation for night viewing as well, and now the video image has been lost, again, and we can't do anything remotely.

We will have someone on site trying to remedy the problem, later today. In the meantime, at 5:45 am EST, I can report one adult is on the nest, and all appears fine with the loons.

Check back later in the day, or early evening. Thanks for your patience!

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

Loons Progressing Nicely - Loon Cam Computer Attacked By Virus

2006-06-22T05:07:00.000-07:00

Greetings, looncam bloggers. I'm blogging a day early, as I'm going to be away for the next three days. In my absense, new blogs may not be posted until late Sunday, or Monday morning.

The incubation period of approximately 27 days seems to be progressing very well. We haven't seen any signs of predation attempts from the mink or others, such as eagles, ravens, otters and snapping turtles. These are all possible threats to loon eggs successfully hatching.

We've posted a lot of blogs that expressed concern about the noise and impact of consruction in the area. While it may be unpleasant for our ears when we'd prefer a "pure" natural experience, this really has no impact on the loons. Noise travels great distances over water, especially if you're down wind. The chainsaw we often hear is part of cleanup efforts from an early spring forest fire that was started by a lightening storm, which damaged forest and properties in the area. All of this work is hundreds of yards from the loons, and likely bothers us much more than the loons.

The panting that we see from the loons on nest is normal behavior. Just like dogs, this is the way that loons can help keep themselves cool.

I wish I could say that things are going as smoothly for our loon cam computer. Despite having a firewall and virus protection, the computer was attacked by a nasty virus, yesterday, and it's likely to be several days before we can remedy the problems the virus is creating. We have been able to restore the video, but the refreshing still image will remain disabled until we can find a way to rid the computer of the virus. Thanks for your patience with this problem!

My next blog will discuss the anticipated hatching, and what we hope to see. Have your "No Dose" handy, as this has the potential to be really special.

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

Incubation Is Underway - Spider Web And All

2006-06-16T05:16:00.000-07:00

There sure was a lot of debate about when the second egg was actually laid, and until we have a chance to review taped footage, we won't know for sure. I believe that it happened sometime late Saturday, June 10, or early Sunday, June 11. We'll try to confirm this at a later date.

Many of you expressed concern about how much time the loons spend off the nest. This is quite common in the early days of incubation, and sometimes even quite late in the incubation period (approximately 27 days). I've been monitoring loons for 10 years, and I've witnessed pairs that seemed to be off the nest more than on, and miraculously, they still hatched young. Quite something!

For those hoping to catch the loons switching incubation duties, the best time to observe is 6-9 am & 5-8 pm. If this pair stays in their usual cycle, the female will be on nest at night, and the male during the day. In past years, they have been quite routine in this behavior pattern. We believe that this is a typical routine with common loons, as males roam the territory during darkness, and often can be heard yodeling as part of their territorial defense behavior.

Unfortunately, the spider web is a nuisance we've had to deal with every year. I guess the perfect circle provided by the camera lens is too good to pass up. The lens does have a wiper to clean it, but the web is made on the outer, protective housing, some inches away. If anyone knows of some method that might prevent the spiders from building the web, we'd love to hear about it.

In the coming weeks leading up to anticipated hatching the week of July 3, you can expect to see the loons on the nest more than off, frequently turning the eggs, and switching incubation duties per the approximate schedule discussed earlier. Along with their diligence, the chicks developing inside of those shells will need good fortune and luck, as is always the case with nature and living things. Aren't we lucky to have such an intimate chance to observe wildlife in all it's glory, without disturbing their natural breeding behavior.

Enjoy, and have a great weekend!

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

First Egg Laid!!!!

2006-06-09T03:37:00.000-07:00

Good morning to all you enthusiastic loon bloggers. From reviewing all of your blogs, I don't know that I can add very much. Your observationa are quite keen and comprehensive.

The first egg was officially laid a little after 2:30 pm, EST, on June 8, and I believe there was joy heard around the world. As one keen astute blogger reported, the female sat on the nest rocking forward and back. This is the action we observe when the egg is actually being laid. That was a thrilling sight indeed!!

A fascinating fact about egg production is that from the time a mature egg drops down and is fertilized, it only takes roughly 24 hours for complete development. Isn't that miraculous? Loon eggs are quite large, and their shells are substantial. I find it astounding that this process takes so little time.

As all of you, I was very glad to see an adult back on the nest, incubating, this morning. Many of you expressed deep concern that the nest was abaondoned, last night. Actually, it's quite common for common loons to spend a good bit of time without attending the egg in the first few days. This doesn't appear to be a critical time for incubation, but it does expose the egg to the threat of predation.

The past two years, we have had a very pesky mink arrive on night number one. In 2004, this caused a nest failure. Last season, the loon stayed firmly on the egg, and kept the mink at bay with loud shrills, and the threat of it's dangerous bill. I believe we escaped the first night this time without a visit from the mink.

It's likely that the loons will lay another egg in the next day or so. Watch for copulation, and another view of the female rocking back & forth on the nest.

Happy viewing, and thanks again for all your great blogs, and for the financial support to keep this fascinating project going for all to witness!

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

Patience Is A Virtue - But Will The Loons Nest

2006-06-02T06:08:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to all of you that have been tuning in to the live loon webcam, and communicating your observations for all of us to read. I know that we're all disappointed that there hasn't been more to observe - like a loon on the nest.

Although we don't want anyone to lose hope (they are still well within the nesting window for Maine loons), it is possible that this pair won't nest this season. Our research has documented cases of pairs "taking a year off".

If they intend to nest, we should see more frequent and lengthier visits to the nest site we are watching, and we are likely to catch some copulation events as we did, last year. If this transpires, you want to be sure to check in often, as the loons should then lay eggs and begin the incubation process.

Many blogs have continued to ask about nest location and perspective. I tried to address this in my last blog. Describing the exact nest location for birds that often use little more than a scrape on the ground is difficult. Read my last blog for my best attempt to describe it, and understand that you are looking through a camera lens that is approximately 3 feet above the water/ground, and shooting fairly parallel to the water. Loons always nest in close proximity to the waters edge, as they can't walk out of the water to nest further up on land. Hope this is helpful.

BioDiversity Research Institute

2006-05-26T04:44:00.000-07:00

As we all anxiously wait for the loons to lay eggs, and incubate, big things are going on with the looncam. Hopefully, all of you noticed that the live stream was activated, yesterday! We're very pleased to be able to do this again, thanks in large part to a corporate donation from Atlantic Oaks in Bar Harbor, Maine, and a number of individual donations as well.

If you haven't donated, yet, we can still use donations to insure that we can keep the live stream going, and as many people can see it as possible. As an incentive, we are now offering a FREE copy of a brand new loon book, entitled - "Call of the Loon." This is a hard bound book, just released by Willow Creek Press. It is loaded with stunning color photos, and it even has a loon DVD. We are giving these books away to the first 50 people that donate $100 or more to the looncam. See the new link on the looncam page to make your donation and order. Thanks!!

A number of bloggers have asked about the actual location of the nest. In looking at the image, if you start from the water's edge, and scan up the embankment, the ground levels off. The loons nest at the very edge of the level area, which allows them easy access, and eggs will not roll into the water, unless one of the adults accidentally pushes one over the edge. We've never seen this pair do that, but it does happen.

Lee Attix
BioDiversity Research Institute

Loons visit nest site

2006-05-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

We have confirmed that both the banded male and female have returned to their territory for the fifth straight summer. We also recently received some excerpts from a journal kept by a family with a cottage on the lake that dates back to 1939. In this journal they wrote about a loon pair nesting on the island where the camera is currently located, meaning that a pair of loons have been using this island since at least 1940. This is a unique and exciting record which points directly to the importance of high quality nesting islands.

We were pleased to see on Monday that the female loon visited the nest site. She spent some time looking at the nest site, climbed into last years nest bowl and pulled some leaves to the edge of the nest. This is a very good sign. Over the last four years the birds have initiated nesting between May 20th and May 27th. Be sure to keep a close eye on the camera and write in a comment if you see activity.

Wing Goodale, BioDiversity Research Institute

Looncam

Another Season Comes To An End

Questions

A Nest!

Update

Rooting For Eggs

Activity!

All Quiet

Too Many Loons :<(

The Loons & BRI Looncam Are Back!

Where Has A Month Gone?

Great Observations!

Mixed Feelings

Low Water :<(

Loon Cam Greetings - 2010!

P.S.

Final Thoughts

Making Plans To Shut Down The Cam

Cam Is Down

Time Is Fleeting

Brief Update

More Fighting:<(

More Answers

Some Answers Or At Least Speculation

All Quiet

Back Live - Just In Time

2009 Greetings From The Loon Cam

Another Chapter Closed - Final Thoughts

Taking A Break

Catching Up On Questions

Loon Cam Install Video Posted

Last Stand?

Help On The Way

More Equipment Issues

In The Field

Island Intruders

Territorial Disputes

Technical Issues

Loons Are Back

Taking A Break

PS

Update

Always Learning

Empty Chair

Patience All

Limping To The Starting Line:<(

Loon Sighting & Another Techinical Hiccup

Quick Update

Answers & More

Update

Looncam Preparations Are Underway

Sad News

Link To WGME 13 News Video

News Story Airing Tonight

Giving The Family Some Space

A Final Blog on the Fate of Lee and the Loon Chick

Next Chapter

Time To Take A Tumble

High Drama

Welcome #2!!!

Blogging Off

The "Wild" Ride Continues

Hazarding A Guess - Educated I Hope

Questions Without Answers

Tremelo Chorus Celebration

Loons & Airplanes

Appeal For A Second Camera!!

Quite A Mystery

Blogger Blogging Down

Songbirds Signal Dawn

We Can All Breath Easier

A New Common Loon Chick Enters The World

Sorry For The Interruption

Male Takes Over Incubation

Female Doing Double Duty

Egg Tooth & Peeping

Brief Look At Eggs Confirms Hole In One Egg

Nothing Yet To Confirm Hatching

The Male Finally Relinquishes The Guard

Has Hatching Begun???