Bonehead harassing Loons

[wildwoodfam]

It is illegal to harrass the loons on any lake in NH! At least that is my understanding...as they are a protected species!! After I called the MP I would have gone out in my boat and chased them out of the cove...

This is the SECOND brainless move published on this forum pulled off by a Kayaker in ONE WEEK!

[tis]

I totally agree, FC. I, too, want to know how so many people are so stupid and insensitive! I saw the same thing happen this morning only the person had TWO dogs big in the front of the canoe and would not leave them alone despite the wild cries by the parent loon!

[ApS]

Originally Posted by wildwoodfam

It is illegal to harrass the loons on any lake in NH! At least that is my understanding...as they are a protected species!! After I called the MP I would have gone out in my boat and chased them out of the cove...This is the SECOND brainless move published on this forum pulled off by a Kayaker in ONE WEEK!

1) The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has yet to declare the loon threatened or endangered in the United States.

2) After poisoning by lead, the second largest cause of loon mortality is being struck by boats. What should be done to prevent all those evil kayaks from striking loons?

[salukigirl]

Originally Posted by Acres per Second

1) The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has yet to declare the loon threatened or endangered in the United States.

However, the common loon is on the New Hampshire list of Endangered and Threatened species/habitat.

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Wild...ts_species.htm

a quick google search also found several states that list the common loon as endangered and/or threatened including: IL, NY, MI, VT, MA. This is not a complete list, just what turned up on the first page of a google serach

[wildwoodfam]

Originally Posted by salukigirl

However, the common loon is on the New Hampshire list of Endangered and Threatened species/habitat.

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Wild...ts_species.htm

a quick google search also found several states that list the common loon as endangered and/or threatened including: IL, NY, MI, VT, MA. This is not a complete list, just what turned up on the first page of a google serach

I guess that's why I specifically mentioned NH in my post!

[Lin]

There is also this link to an article that was in the Boston Globe this weekend.
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/edi..._for_ne_birds/

[ApS]

Originally Posted by salukigirl

However, the common loon is on the New Hampshire list of Endangered and Threatened species/habitat.http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Wild...ts_species.htm a quick google search also found several states that list the common loon as endangered and/or threatened including: IL, NY, MI, VT, MA. This is not a complete list, just what turned up on the first page of a google serach

I agree. My Google search did the same.

1) Federal law already protects migratory birds against harm in New Hampshire through the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

2) The Feds haven't extended special protection for the Loon, so my previous comment is really a complaint.

Loons already face threats from lead poisoning, habitat destruction, acid lakes, and strikes by powerboats. Even in Massachusetts, Loons were plentiful in philosopher Henry David Thoreau's time.

What I haven't seen is which agency would do the enforcing of the Loon's threatened/protected status within New Hampshire. (Or if they would respond at all if called).

I found only Illinois will send their officers to ticket a Loon harasser, but would like to see similar enforcement in New Hampshire.

[salukigirl]

Originally Posted by Acres per Second

What I haven't seen is which agency would do the enforcing of the Loon's threatened/protected status within New Hampshire. (Or if they would respond at all if called).

Our cabin is very near a loon habitat. Even though the cove is regulary blocked with rope and 'Loon Nesting - do not enter' signs, we often see curious or perhaps ignorant people try to enter the habitat area or use thier kyacks, canoes, power boats, etc to try and get a closer look of the loons.

On one occasion last summer we did call the lake patrol on a person entering the cove itself with a canoe...the patrol did send out a boat.

I have also seen on several occasions the patrol step in when they are near and notice people harressing the loons. Although, serious business, it was a little amusing to see a patrol boat with a bullhorn annoucing 'move back from the loons', move back from the loons.

I know the patrol has many more responabililties, but I do think they step in when they can.

[Merrymeeting]

At least on Merrymeeting, our population seems stable. Just had another late-season birth earlier in the week. We're hoping he/she grows healthy enough before end of season to fly out.

Also have 1-2 successful teens from earlier in July hatching.

[islandAl]

From salkugirl "...people try to enter the habitat area or use thier kyacks, canoes..."
Good enough reason to require visible registration numbers. Maybe a portion of registration fee could be directed to the Audubon Society.

[Misty Blue]

Several years ago the science students at Moultonborough Academy along with our state rep. got legislation passed making lead sinkers prohibited on NH inland waters. The law is in fill effect this year, I think.

Please tell your guests that fish to "get the lead out" of their tackle boxes.

Remember a loon doesn't know the difference between a lead sinker and a small stone (that they use for digestion). One sinker in a loon and in two weeks you have a dead duck!

Misty Blue.