On Loons, Bears, and Sailboat Races

 Unfortunately, I just had a report from Linda Livendale saying she and Charlie heard the loons apparently in distress and when they looked out, one of the two chicks was missing. We don't know what happened, but Linda later took this photo of one of the adults with the remaining chick. We can only hope the tragedy isn't repeated - but in the course of nature, this is commonplace and we humans have little control.

My son, Jamie was here a few minutes ago and told me when he was working at the family camp at the corner of Barre Ave. and West Shore Road this morning, he found the remains (just feathers and bones) of an adult loon on the beach at the Ward cottage. It had apparently either died of old age or was perhaps attacked by the bald eagle last year; it was not fresh remains. 

He also told me that this morning he came upon a young bear out in back of his house, just beyond where my house is. The bear was intent on something - perhaps getting ants and grubs from some fallen trees up there, Jamie wasn't sure. He clapped his hands and yelled at the bear and it took off into the woods. Be aware that bears are definitely in our area; some will have cubs, and all of them will be hungry, so keep everything associated with any kind of food well locked away, and if you see one, make noises to scare it away, but be very careful you aren't between a sow and her cub(s). Mother bears defending their babies are unpredictable and usually mean trouble.Bears are out and about all times of day and night, so be aware of your surroundings.

I had this reminder message from Susan Bouchard this morning: 

The first Sunfish Sailboat race this Sunday, June 25th. Race starts at 1pm sharp. All sailors need to register by completing a form that can be found on the JPA website.  Hoping for good weather but we have a rain date for the following Sunday, July 2nd.