Loon Chronicles VIII: The Long Wait is Over!

Bears coach steps down after state tourney season

Three weeks ago, it was anyone’s guess when and if spring would arrive. Ice out date estimates went into the second week of May. We all were caught off guard with the snow, rain, snow, 80 -degree weather, followed by more snow, and howling winds. That did not stop the migratory birds and ducks from queuing up on neighboring lakes and ponds. On April 8, I spotted a pair of male Loons fighting on Silver Lake, along with several Ring-necked ducks, Swans, and Red-breasted Mergansers gathering near the edge of the ice. Goose Lake continues to delight with scores of Mergansers (Red-breasted, Hooded, and Common), Buffleheads, Cormorants, Canvasbacks, Northern Shovelers, Loons, and more recently, a large squadron of Pelicans. I spotted my first Loon on White Bear Lake on April 12, several days before the official ice-out date. We knew that it would be only a matter of days before the Loon’s mate would arrive, and the pair would be off to the races, starting their next family. Our newest Loon Whisperer, Eric Ordway, let us use his canoe to launch the nest in the cove where the Loon parents we have come to know and love, have had several successful hatches. Eric, who can see the nest from his deck, is going to help us watch after that location. A few days later, Shannon Whitaker and Len launched the second nest in the bitter cold and biting wind. Shannon and Len attached a canopy cover on that nest, hoping to catch the attention of a second pair of Loons that has been circling

$26,000 flt-1657

April 12-23, 2023

ELLEN MAAS | SUBMITTED that nest for the last three years. To round out the crew, Dr. Dave Thorson and Len launched a third nest in an area of the lake that has seen significant Loon activity, as well. In 2016, when DNR representatives Carrol Henderson and Lori Naumann toured WBL with us and scouted optimal nesting locations, both believed that WBL could support three separate nesting pairs. The DNR has encouraged local efforts to help stabilize the Loon population throughout Minnesota. We look forward to having a reunion with Carrol, Lori, and the Director the National Loon Center, this summer. There will be much to report during the next two weeks. Stay tuned.

Ellen Maas

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On remember to change your furnace filters, clean dryer vents, check your washing machine hoses, refrigerator ice maker lines and valves to your sinks and toilets. Happy Spring!!!!