Greetings!
LPC is excited to debut this new style of e-newsletter. This is intended to keep you connected with what's going on at LPC by providing you with information about the month at a glance, including any events that we have planned, ongoing initiatives, and a glimpse into some of the work our staff and/or volunteers have been doing recently. In future months, this newsletter will be sent out on the first day of the month. If you enjoy our other story-based e-newsletters, don't worry! We will continue to send those out regularly, as newsworthy events occur.
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"Loons and Lead" Nature Talk |
Lead poisoning resulting from the ingestion of lead fishing tackle is the leading cause of documented adult loon mortality in New Hampshire. On Thursday, March 18th at 7 PM, join LPC's Squam Lakes Biologist Tiffany Grade for a discussion of the impact of lead on New Hampshire's loon population and LPC's work to reduce lead related loon mortalities. Tune in on our YouTube channel to watch.
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We'll Buy Your Lead Tackle! |
To reduce loon mortalities from lead poisoning, the Loon Preservation Committee continues to partner with NH Fish and Game and local tackle shops to put on a lead tackle buyback program. Please visit loonsafe.org for program details.
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"Intro to Loons" Nature Talk |
On February 18th, LPC Senior Biologist/Director Harry Vogel and Volunteer and Outreach Biologist, Caroline Hughes, presented an introduction to loons and the work of LPC. If you missed the initial livestream, you can view a recording of the talk here.
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Though the loons have not yet returned to our lakes, LPC staff members are still working hard on their behalf! In this photo, LPC Squam Lakes Biologist, Tiffany Grade, moves loon eggs, blood samples, and other biological samples into storage in our brand new walk-in freezer. These samples are archived for potential future testing, including testing for contaminant levels, as part of our research into the problems affecting loon survival and reproduction. |
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This month, LPC staff are also taking part in meetings of the Northeast Loon Study Working Group (NELSWG). NELSWG is made up of organizations and individuals throughout the United States and Canada who are involved in loon research, monitoring, management, and outreach. We've enjoyed comparing notes and best practices with our colleagues! |
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When on the ocean, loons enjoy many food items that they can't get on their inland breeding lakes. Wintering loons have been documented feasting on crab, shrimp, snails, eels, lobster, clams, and oysters in addition to a large range of marine fish. The photos below show wintering loons enjoying some of these delicacies. They'd better get their fill now—we expect loons to return to our lakes soon after ice out, which could be as soon as late March or early April. |
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A loon emerges from the depths with a fresh-caught lobster. Photo courtesy of Reigh Higgins. |
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Sometimes, loons on the ocean end up catching a lot more than just their prey! Can you spot the crab in this tangle of seaweed? Photo courtesy of Reigh Higgins. |
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It can be tough to eat a crab when you've got no hands! Here, a loon tosses its prey in the air to get a better grip. Photo courtesy of Reigh Higgins. |
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It can't all be crab and lobster! This loon has caught a marine worm. Photo courtesy of Reigh Higgins. |
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A loon in the process of preening. Photo courtesy of Ray Hennessy. |
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We're looking for photos of loons doing interesting things! Do you have a photo of a loon trying to swallow a big fish? A chick begging its parents for food? A loon preening or bathing? A loon running across the water as it takes flight? Some other interesting phenomenon? We want to see it—and possibly share it with others via our social media channels in order to help educate about important loon behaviors. Credit will be attributed to the photographer if photos are shared. Submit your photos to Caroline at [email protected]. Thank you! |
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The Loon Legacy Society
Remembering loons now – and forever
The greatest reward for leaving a gift to the Loon Preservation Committee (LPC) through your estate planning is the knowledge that you are helping to insure that the haunting call of the loon will echo across New Hampshire’s waters for generations to come.
If you have considered remembering LPC in your will or trust and would like to receive a copy of our “Loon Legacy Society” brochure, please contact Lin O’Bara (603-476-5666/[email protected]) or visit loon.org/loon-legacy-society. We hope you will consider joining this special circle of friends.
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Loon Preservation Committee | 603-476-LOON (5666) | www.loon.org |
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The Loon Preservation Committee is dedicated to restoring and maintaining a healthy population of loons throughout New Hampshire; monitoring the health and productivity of loon populations as sentinels of environmental quality; and promoting a greater understanding of loons and the natural world. |
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