7102-R4_LSLA_2020_SummerNewsletter_Web

Two artificial nest rafts were deployed in known territories with poor reproductive history (Upper Lake, Rock Island and Lower Lake Briggs Island). Neither raft was used.

Significant findings included:

• Re-observation of the 1997 Horse Island Female. • There were many observed and documented aggressive interactions between breeding loons and intruding loons into occupied territories. This was documented pre-nesting, during nesting, and post chick hatching. Extreme aggression in Hayden Bay territory was likely the direct cause of chick mortality. • Three chicks and two adult mortalities were documented. All five specimens were recovered and sent to Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for future necropsy. The primary goal of the LS Loon Monitoring Program is to measure and take steps to encourage reproductive success in order to sustain the loon population on our lake. Reproductive success is measured by 1) nesting frequency, 2) hatching success, 3) chick survivorship, and 4) overall productivity. The following table demonstrates the 2019 results:

Territorial Pairs Nesting Pairs

10 Nesting Frequency 0.90

9 Hatching Success 0.78 Chicks Hatched 7 Chick Survivorship 0.57 Chicks Surviving 4 Overall Productivity 0.40

Loon productivity is typically subject to significant fluctuation year-to-year. Thus, tracking productivity over time by collecting good data annually is key to seeing long-term sustainability trends. To ensure the sustainability of our loon population requires a 0.48 rating over the long term. The 2018 year demonstrated an exceptional overall productivity of 0.78. The 2019 rating of 0.40 is slightly less than desirable, but the two-year average well within success measures. We are committed to continued tracking efforts for many years to come and through continued education will continue to encourage best practices to live in harmony with nature and sustain our loon population. Avoiding creating boat wake near nesting sites is vital. Three of the failed nests may have been the result of wake washing into the nests. All Known nesting territories are marked with “Loon Sanctuary” signs. But the story doesn’t end here. Little Sebago Lake Association is committed to continuing the Loon Monitoring Program and its loon conservation efforts. A grant to help support year-two of technical Continued on Page 30

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