We have received troubling information about someone harassing the loons in order to take closeup photos.  Here's what we've been told:  Click on the photos to make them larger.

Yesterday (6/19/13) this person was out at least 3 times (including after dark with no nav light) taking very close pictures of the loon family.  At one point (about 6:00 p.m.) he forced them all the way from in front of the camps on Meadow Lane over to Smith's Point on the East Shore.  The loons were protesting the invasion, but to no avail.  We were relieved to see the Loon family back [off Meadow Lane shore]  at dusk where they apparently spent the night. This photographer was back the following morning (5:30 a.m.) and chased the Loons down the West Shore. After all the publicity given the loon family and the care that should be taken to avoid harassing them, we hope that if someone recognizes this man they will give him some kind of warning before Fish and Game is notified.  At least 3 camps watched this incident; shouted requests for him to back off were ignored.  Pictures were taken by a neighbor.

Click on the photos to make them larger.

 This is obviously not a youngster fooling around.  With that zoom equipment, more like a professional, or would-be professional - except that a professional photographer would not risk endangering the loons or risk a $5,000 fine.  It is illegal to harass wildlife in Vermont (and most other states).  

If you recognize this person, please let him know we are very protective of our loons and he should not have been so close to them, and ask him politely not to repeat this offense.

We have also learned several people on the West Shore have discovered ticks.  They are thought to be not the deer tick that carries Lyme disease, but we want people to be careful and wear appropriate clothing when in the woods; also, be sure to inspect your animals regularly for them, as well as yourself if you frequent woodsy areas.