Loon Report

Half Moon Lake was again fortunate to have two pairs of loons return to our lake shortly after ice out. Both pairs of loons mated and were on nests by the 23 rd of May, one on the north end and one on the south end of the lake. It takes approximately 25-28 days of incubation for the eggs to hatch. The good news is that on the 21 st of June, a single chick hatched on the south end of the lake and is doing well. We know that the loons on the north end of the lake were nesting on two eggs. The unfortunate news is both those loons were off the nest with no chicks as of June 27 th . Most likely a mid-June storm washed away the nest or a predator got to the eggs.

For those of you new to the lake, you may see groups of adult loons on the lake in August where they socialize before they begin their migration to the Gulf of Mexico by about mid-September. The juvenile chick will remain until late October or November gaining weight and strength and perfecting its ability to fly before leaving. Please remember to stay at least 200 feet away from loons and their chicks when taking part in lake activities. I continue to report annually the loon activity on Half Moon Lake to the “Loon Watch Advisory Council” in Ashland, WI. If you have any questions regarding loon behavior, please feel free to contact me and I’ll do my best to answer them. (E-mail me at tmechelke@gmail.com)

Pat Mechelke