Newsletter

The Nature of Pleasant Lake

Spring and the Loons are here!

May 22, 2023

2023, No. 1 May 22nd

Off to a Good Start

Our Loon pair is back for their 17th year on Pleasant Lake. Their first egg was laid May 18th and today, May 22, there are two eggs!

Both parents have been busy arranging the nesting area on the platform John Wilson built and maintains.

They are taking turns on the eggs. Below, the male is returning from feeding to take his turn.

Both parents are banded allowing us to know exactly who we are watching. She was banded as a chick on Squam Lake in 2001 and he was banded as an adult on Pleasant Lake in 2010 along with the two chicks they produced that year. Because of the color bands we have learned where those chicks are now. Popeye has been breeding for a number of years on nearby Grafton Pond and his sibling Percy has been photographed in 2022 and 2023 on Millen Lake near Washington, NH.

All good reasons to celebrate the start of a new season!

It is also a good time to remind you that the Pleasant Lake Loons need our help in making sure they have another productive season.

We will provide you with lots of photos of their activities and do so following the LPC guidelines for observing and interacting with Loons. Even though our photos may look like we were very close, most were taken with long (400-500mm) lenses and often need to be severely cropped because we are drifting 15 yards or more from them. Chasing a Loon for a picture only results in a poor photo and disturbed Loon. If a Loon pops up close by while you are drifting, feel blessed.

Even our Loon pair, after years of having us photograph and observe them, will still warn us if they are uncomfortable. On the first encounter with our male this year, his "extended neck" posture signaled concern with my presence and as I drifted closer, he adopted a "sitting low in the water" posture indicating it was time for me to back away.

Promises of Spring

Early Spring is a time of unfolding and brightening. Painted Trillium, also called Smiling Wake-Robin, is already blooming.

So is its common neighbor, Starflower (Lysimachia borealis).

Canada Mayflower and Pink Ladyslipper Orchids are unfolding.

Turkeys are showing their Spring testosterone surge ...

Eastern Kingbirds await newly hatching insects in Turtle Cove ...

and Blueberries promise a summer harvest.

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature – the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”

Rachel Carson "The Sense of Wonder"

We look forward to sharing what we learn about the Loons and other creatures of Pleasant Lake and its valuable watershed.

To be continued... Jon and Jen

Text and Photographs by Jen Esten and Jon Waage

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PLPA is managed by volunteers and supported by member donations. If you wish to become a member please visit http://plpa.net/membership/.

Ours is not the only lake blessed with loons in New Hampshire. As members and supporters of the Loon Preservation Committee, we encourage you to visit their website ( https://www.loon.org/ ) to learn more about loons and LPC's efforts and help others in the area enjoy the treasures we have here on Pleasant Lake.

The Nature of Pleasant Lake

Spring and the Loons are here!

Off to a Good Start

Promises of Spring

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Check your email!

The Nature of Pleasant Lake

Spring and the Loons are here!

Off to a Good Start

Promises of Spring

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Check your email!