July 15, 2023: Loon Census and Sabaday Falls

LuLu and Checkers, one month old.

The Annual Loon Census took place yesterday from 8:00am to 9:00am and although we had a good count of seven loons, it was a bit of a disappointment considering the day before I saw nine. Missing in the census were little Chip and Dale. Observations included a group of three loons exhibiting aggressive behavior, and a single loon in Harris Cove so it's likely the male was out defending territory while the female had the chicks tucked safely away against the shoreline. There was however a lot of loon ruckus late Friday night so we'll be relieved when someone sees the chicks again. The northern chicks, LuLu and Checkers were both accounted for.

Mom gives the chicks a shower.

Nagging mom for breakfast.

There was only one adult with LuLu and Checkers so the other was probably out on the lake guarding their territory.  Time will tell whether a third pair will fight its way onto the lake.

On Friday I did see all eight resident loons plus a rogue in a battle with what I assume is the father of Chip and Dale. 

The standoff.  "This is as close as you get, fella".

While mom rushed off to hide the kids.

I could see her stop far off against shore where I figured she had the chicks hidden away for safety.  It was only when I blew up the picture of her that I could in fact see two little brown feather balls floating next to her. 

Barely visible, just the way mom wants it.

These loons have their act together - let's hope they continue to fend off all the attacks. 

​The Lakes Region seems to have avoided the worst of the heavy rains that did so much damage to the west, particularly in Vermont.  The White Mountains also got hit with some serious rainfall, so this week's trip was up to Sabaday Falls where I knew the cascade would be spectacular.

The falls are only a third of a mile off the Kancamagus and it's an easy trip on a well maintained path due to its high usage.  After the falls I continued up to the Tripyramids where there were more waterfalls that were at full spring flow levels. 

Nearing the summit I found quite a few small white and lavender flowers which I didn't recognize.

Mountain Wood Sorrel (Oxalis montana)

These are Mountain Wood Sorrel which grow in shady damp areas with highly acidic soil.  I expected to see a leprechaun jump out at every bend in the trail in this dark, dank forest.

The sky even in the White Mountains has been very hazy due to the high humidity and still a little wildfire smoke.

Looking west from North Tripyramid.

Can I sneak in one more before I close?  This softly colored Northern Pearly-eye butterfly was resting right on our house.  

Northern Pearly-eye.

Sometimes you don't need to go anywhere to be regaled by nature.

Well, late last night after I had finished this entry I received some bad news on the loons.  I mentioned the awful loon racket on Friday night, and not seeing Chip and Dale on Sunday for the census, there was some concern.  We were hoping for the best but asked our loon watchers to see what they could find today.  Unfortunately, what Debby Crowley found wasn't good.  The male had obviously been in a terrible fight and was quite badly injured.  So badly in fact that it landed itself on a beach either for protection or to rest.  Also, only one chick was seen with the female.  

Injuries at both head and tail makes me wonder if it was two against one.
Photos by Deb Crowley

A beached loon is not a good sign.

Mom and Chip look fine, but no sign of Dale.

Loons are beautiful, majestic animals that have been around for a long time - at least 20 million years with some fossils suggesting 70 million years.  Only the strongest pass on their genes.  This nature stuff can be hard to watch.  Thank you Debby for that difficult reporting.

A more innocent time for a loon.