Loon Accident

The loons here at Joe's Pond are our pride and joy, a tribute to the long history of their recovery after many years of having very few existing anywhere in Vermont, let along on our body of water. In the 1970s the state began studies and initiated efforts to help loons re-establish on Vermont's lakes and ponds. Eric Hanson was part of the  Vermont Loon Conservation Program and worked with Joe's Pond residents Kevin Johnson and later Ray and Evelyn Richer, to build a floating nest platform for the loons that would perhaps encourage nesting pairs to settle here. Over time, it worked. The Richers monitored the loon's progress each year, and everyone was very aware of the need to "watch out for the loons." Now we look forward to the return of the loons each spring and watch hopefully as they nest and hatch their chicks, watch over them during the summer, and hope they leave before the pond freezes over each fall.

Over the years the loons have recovered their numbers - but not without accidents and natural predators causing problems from time to time. There were swallowed lead sinkers and entanglements in abandoned fishing line; there were mysterious losses we attributed to large fish or eagles taking the young; and sometimes an abandoned chick that we had to trust the parent loons knew would not survive. There were calls to Eric for rescues and a few rushrd trips to a wildlife facility in Maine with sick or injured birds. 

Each and every one of these dramatic happenings seem to further endear the loons to us. Now we have another loon tragedy to report. Here is what she wrote:

Eric Hansen came to collect a loon that was found dead up our way. I think it is one of our breeding pair and it was because it was tangled in fishing line. A reminder to fishermen to collect fishing line that is cut and dispose of it properly. Loons also follow bait thinking it’s a fish and can swallow the hooks. There are enough natural hazards without humans being the cause of death. Jet skis, fast moving boats and tubes being pulled behind boats are also dangerous for loons. If we could just take a little time to watch out for our beautiful loons we can all enjoy the pond. 

Eric offered to come to an association meeting next year. It would be interesting to hear his thoughts.