June 1-4
Looncam 2: Rebuilding After the Storm The early days of June on Looncam 2 have been defined by recovery and renewed hope. Following a heartbreaking end to May, the Loon Preservation Committee (LPC) officially removed the unviable second egg from the nest on May 31 to prevent it from rotting and attracting predators. The camera also struggled with technical difficulties, temporarily losing power in the mornings due to battery issues and potential solar panel damage. Or, perhaps it is just vegetation growth over the panels.
Despite the loss of the clutch, the chat is buzzing with immense optimism for a re-nest. A local viewer named Sue reported from the lake that the black flies have finally started to die down, allowing other nearby loon pairs to incubate. Even more promising, the loons have returned to the nesting area. Dedicated watchers like
@EdamameBean logged the pair mating on the mud flats, cooing to one another, and defending their territory by getting into altercations with a local beaver. Watchers are encouraged by this guarding behavior and are hopeful the pair will soon realize that “mud flats are good for mating and rafts are good for nesting”.Looncam 1: The Wood Duck Sanctuary Over on Looncam 1, the vibe is different—it has temporarily transformed from a loon nest into a bustling duck sanctuary. Because the new loon pair has not yet laid an egg, the empty nesting raft has been commandeered by a beloved duck known as “Fierce Mama” and her seven growing ducklings, who have been using the raft at night to huddle together and stay warm.
The chatter on Cam 1 is invested in this duck family drama. Watchers find it entertaining that another female duck, affectionately dubbed “Auntie,” frequently tries to join the family but gets strictly banished by Fierce Mama to hang out alone on “Turtle Rock” or “Alcatraz”. During the day, the empty raft is frequently used by sunbathing turtles, though the recent appearance of a large snapping turtle caused a wave of anxiety in the chat over the ducklings’ safety.
Unfortunately, viewers are currently watching this wildlife drama unfold in silence; the May 31 lightning storm fried the Looncam 1’s microphone. The Looncam Operator ordered a replacement and we are waiting for it to arrive and then be installed.
Reasons for Future Nesting Optimism There is reason to be optimistic across both lakes:
- On Cam 2, the loons’ active mating, territorial guarding, and the receding black fly swarms point toward the pair laying a new egg soon.
- On Cam 1, veteran watchers are reminding the chat to be patient; last year, the resident female didn’t lay her first egg until June 19, so it is still early enough in the season for this new pair to claim the raft back from the ducks
