7357-R2_LSLA_2020_WinterNewsletter

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2020 Little Sebago Loonacy

help explain that higher number of nests simply by more eyes on the ground watching for each and every nest attempt – failure – and retry. Our reproduction rate is falling slightly below the desired 50% to sustain a healthy population. The slow rate of reproduction is somewhat counterbalance by the loon’s life span. Loons are known to live over 30 years, (as a matter of fact, Little Sebago is home to an adult female known to be very nearly 30 years old, and she did lay an egg this year that unfortunately was loss to predation). This means that although loons produce few chicks per year, they have the potential to produce many over their lifetime. Becauseof this, the viability of our loonpopulation also relies heavily on adult loon survival. Our Loon Rangers, and many lake dwellers, reported observing frequent and aggressive territorial disputes occurring this year. These displays are two loons chasing one another across the water for extended periods, with zigs and zags and wing flapping. They have even been seen extending that chase right onto occupied beaches! The chase results from an invader approaching an occupied territory and

Happy autumn lake neighbors and friends. I am happy to report that Ranger Wendy and I were able to visit with 22 of our most favorite creatures on the lake on October 14. Yup – 22!!!! I was somewhat surprised that our non-parent loons were still in residence as we had ventured out for one last time thinking to find only the chicks and their parents. Theseason, asawhole,wasnot as reproductively successful as hoped. Little Sebago was home to only 7 nesting pair. The 7 nests hatched 5 chicks, and 3 of the 5 chicks survived their first season. The two chicks that hatched and did not survive were both deceased in their first day. I have been recording data since 2015, and 2020 represents the 2 nd lowest number of annual survivals in these past 6 years The lowest number of survivals was 2 in 2016. Our best year for chick survival was 2018 where 9 territorial pair nested, 10 chicks hatched, and 8 chicks survived. 2020 also represents the 2 nd lowest number of territorial nesting pair. The lowest number of nests was 6 in 2017 and the highest number was in 2019 with 12 attempted nests. Our dedicated troop of Loon Rangers may

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