MINNOW TRAPPERS NEEDED!

Good Morning Loon Watchers!
Here's an update from Evelyn on our little outcast:

You have been great! Thanks so much... We had a scare this morning after the big storm last night... we went out to check on the little guy and we couldn't find him. We looked everywhere and there were no signs of a compromised enclosure so we couldn't understand. Ray went up the road trying to find the family in case a miracle happened and he got reunited during the night, and I was checking the yard for clues of his possible escape. Nothing. Then I decided to make "hooting" sounds like we do when he gets fed. After quite a few calls, I heard his little cry. I couldn't see him, but followed his cry and returned it with more hoots. Soon I narrowed it down to one spot (mind you, the pond that he is in is about 40 feet in diameter with a "ring" of silt fence around it in the water, and some of it is two layers thick). He had worked his way up between two layers of "silt fencing" and was in an "envelope" enclosure... very safe and dry. What a scare!

Well, Ray has gone now to buy some shinners at Point Comfort as we can't take the time to go fishing this morning, and Walter needs attention before leaving for Riverside. We are going to build the baby loon a special rehab pen today, if Ray can feel better long enough. That way it will be safer for the little guy and we get our pond back (visually)... right now he has climbed up on the floating disc for our fountain, and he is all "tucked in" with his little "nose" under his little wing sound asleep. It must have been a real scary night for him.

Thank you for all the prayers (I know some have helped in that way!) As for feeding him, we definately need to find a source, and a system, if possible. Joe's Pond is a remarkable community, and we all care so much. I have had phone calls from some folks with minnow traps etc., and some offers to buy the gas to transport him to Maine, which for now is out, but what we really need is some caring fishermen that don't mind helping the "competition" (the loons). Anyone with some suggestions? -- they would be welcome.

We are going to try to tap a source on a "government level" to see if we can get assistance that way. No holes barred for this guy! As far as I know, we are the only loon chick rehab (although temporary for this emergency) in the state.

Well, thanks again. I'll send out a photo later -- he has his head feathers back!!! Gosh he's lookin' better!!!

Blessings, Evelyn and Ray