8544-R5_ML&P_LSLA_2023_FallNewsletter_Web

Sebago Loonacy versus traditional island nest sites. As in 2022, the only raft that was used for nesting was Brigg’s Island Cove where the Grand Dame resides. The Hayden Bay pair chose to nest on historical natural island locations, and the other territories with rafts didn’t have any known nest attempts. Aggressions: Concerns about the frequency and impacts of intrusions and aggression into occupied territories by unpaired loons (floaters) prompted LCA and LSLA Loon Rangers to begin recording observations of these events in 2022. That year there were at least 60 documented cases of territorial intrusions. In 2023 there were at least 46. Aggression varied from none (no contact) to severe (fights). These initial findings reinforce the importance of collecting this data in future years to monitor trends over time. Aggressions likely speaks to the lack of nesting fidelity. The “floaters” intrude into occupied territories hoping to displace either the resident male or female and acquire the territory which frequently causes the resident pair to abandon their nest. Mortalities: There were three mortalities recorded; one adult and two chicks. The adult was identified as a female banded in our upper lake in 2019. She had been the most recent resident female at the Hill Island territory. We are still awaiting necropsy results as none of the deceased presented clear indications of cause of death. Rescues: I’m proud to say that 2023 gave us another opportunity to rescue two loons from a certain demise. These two adults were entangled and tied together in a fish line and hook. The Rangers were able to contain and separate them for rehab at The Center for Wildlife in Cape Neddick. The Center for Wildlife was able to remove all the fish line and the hook with no permanent damage to either loon so

they were able to come home after just a very brief stay. A very happy day for the rangers and for the loons!

2023 has given us some highs (live stream nest cam & another successful rescue) - and some lows (low chick hatch and survival rate and abandoned nests). Without The Loon Monitoring and Conservation Program supported by LSLA or our Loon Ranger volunteers we wouldn’t have the successful rescues to help offset the disappointing productivity numbers. We are all looking forward to a more productive reproductive season in 2024. Rescued 2023 entangled loon coming home to Little Sebago

Loon Rangers end of season appreciation

Have a safe and satisfying winter friends – see you when the loons call! Sharon Young, Chair

9