The Fragile Resilience of Loons: A Conservation Story from Lake Winnipesaukee
The haunting call of the common loon is synonymous with the wild beauty of North American lakes. but behind that iconic sound lies a growing conservation challenge. For decades, dedicated teams have worked tirelessly to protect these splendid birds, facing increasing threats from a changing climate and human impact. This is the story of that effort, unfolding on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire.
(Image: Ashley Keenan, field crew coordinator for the Loon preservation Committee, checks on a loon nest on an island in Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire. Krista Langlois)
A slow Reproduction Rate, Amplified Challenges
loons are uniquely vulnerable. Unlike many waterfowl, thay lay only one or two eggs annually and don’t reach reproductive maturity untill around six years old.This slow reproductive rate means population recovery is a long, arduous process.
The Loon Preservation Committee (LPC) meticulously tracks nesting pairs and chick survival. In the spring of 2025, 32 pairs attempted to nest across Lake Winnipesaukee’s 69 square miles. As of August, only 12 chicks had survived - a figure slightly below average, though fluctuations are expected. one year saw 23 chicks thrive, while others yielded as few as three.
On Patrol: Witnessing the Realities of Survival
Joining LPC field crew coordinator Ashley Keenan on a recent patrol offered a stark glimpse into the daily struggles loons face.We navigated to a tiny island, hoping to observe newly hatched chicks.
The search proved disheartening. One egg remained, but its companion and any sign of chicks were absent. Predation, likely by a bald eagle, was the suspected cause.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Unseasonably warm summer temperatures are exacerbating the problem. Adult loons must leave nests to cool off, leaving eggs vulnerable to predators and overheating.
A Multifaceted Threat to a Beloved Species
While loon populations are currently stable or slightly increasing across thier range, they are increasingly susceptible to a complex web of threats:
* Climate Change: Extreme weather events and altered lake ecosystems impact nesting success and food availability.
* Avian Malaria: This parasitic disease is becoming more prevalent, impacting loon health and survival.
* Shoreline Growth: Habitat loss and disturbance from construction and increased human activity disrupt nesting and foraging.
* Motorboat Collisions: Loons are vulnerable to injury and death from collisions with recreational boats.
This region of New Hampshire, steeped in colonial history, carries the weight of past extinctions. The loss of species like mountain lions and American chestnuts serves as a constant reminder that even common species require dedicated protection.
Intensive management & Community Involvement
“This is probably the most intensely managed species in New Hampshire,” explains Dr. Harry Vogel, a leading loon researcher. “And despite that, we’re still having trouble maintaining reproductive success.”
The LPC’s intensive management includes nest monitoring,predator deterrents,and public education. But the effort extends far beyond the scientific community.
Dotty Wysocki, a local resident who has observed loons near her summer cottage for three decades, embodies this dedication. She and her friends once spent hours guarding nests, attempting to scare off predators.
Her heartbreak over a lost chick underscores the deep emotional connection people have with these birds. It’s a connection that fuels the conservation effort.
A Call to Action: Love as a Conservation Strategy
the fate of the loon is a poignant reminder of our responsibility to the natural world. As Mary Oliver wrote in her poem about lead poisoning in loons, the goal is to “break your heart…by which I mean only / that it break open and never close again / to the rest of the world.”
The dispiritedness felt by Keenan and Wysocki is a natural response to loss. However, their unwavering concern offers a powerful message of hope.
It’s this kind of profound connection – this love for a species – that truly drives conservation. It’s the only thing that ever has,and it’s the only thing that will ensure the haunting call of the loon continues to echo across North American lakes for generations to come.
learn More & Get Involved:
* Loon Preservation Committee: https://www.loonpreservation.org/
Related reading