Loons and chicks

cowislander · 07-01-2026, 11:53 AM

We're seeing loons in our travels around the lake. Got a nice shot of a pair with their chick the other evening. Lets hope the boat traffic over the 4th weekend stays alert for loons and keeps a good distance away!

MeredithMan · 07-01-2026, 12:19 PM

They also need to guard against the Bald Eagles, who will sometimes target loon babies.

Earlier this week, we had what I believe was a Merganser mom and 7 chics come by. 2 of the babies were riding on Mom's back and the other 5 were tight to her body. It was a very cute sight to see!

Senter Cove Guy · 07-02-2026, 08:58 PM

I have been watching the prefabricated loon nest that was put in place on the opposite side of the road at 20 Mile Bay for weeks. It seems to be empty now and I'm wondering if anyone knows if a chick was hatched or the nest was invaded by predators. Anyone know?

FlyingScot · 07-03-2026, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senter Cove Guy

I have been watching the prefabricated loon nest that was put in place on the opposite side of the road at 20 Mile Bay for weeks. It seems to be empty now and I'm wondering if anyone knows if a chick was hatched or the nest was invaded by predators. Anyone know?

I saw an adult with one, maybe two chicks less than a week ago in the shallow water of the bay

cowislander · 07-03-2026, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

I saw an adult with one, maybe two chicks less than a week ago in the shallow water of the bay

From what I have been told, once the chicks hatch they no longer use the nest. Hopefully they are OK.

Lakeflier · 07-09-2026, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senter Cove Guy

I have been watching the prefabricated loon nest that was put in place on the opposite side of the road at 20 Mile Bay for weeks. It seems to be empty now and I'm wondering if anyone knows if a chick was hatched or the nest was invaded by predators. Anyone know?

Both chicks are doing great, growing fast, well fed by very busy parents.

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cowislander · 07-10-2026, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cowislander

We're seeing loons in our travels around the lake. Got a nice shot of a pair with their chick the other evening. Lets hope the boat traffic over the 4th weekend stays alert for loons and keeps a good distance away!

I saw this trio again Thu evening 7/10 off Cow. All looked good!

tis · 07-11-2026, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cowislander

I saw this trio again Thu evening 7/10 off Cow. All looked good!

So happy to hear this. Somebody posted that an eagle got a chick in Moultonborough near Green's Basin. I know it's nature, but it's still sad.

cowislander · 07-11-2026, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tis

So happy to hear this. Somebody posted that an eagle got a chick in Moultonborough near Green's Basin. I know it's nature, but it's still sad.

Yes, i have seen that too. These chicks are so vulnerable.

pondguy · 07-12-2026, 01:45 PM

https://loon.org/looncam/ A chick was born at 8:10 last night but did not make it there is still one egg left.

07-01-2026, 11:53 AM	#1
cowislander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Topsfield Posts: 68 Thanks: 11 Thanked 21 Times in 7 Posts	Loons and chicks We're seeing loons in our travels around the lake. Got a nice shot of a pair with their chick the other evening. Lets hope the boat traffic over the 4th weekend stays alert for loons and keeps a good distance away! Attached Images

07-02-2026, 08:58 PM	#3
Senter Cove Guy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 614 Thanks: 307 Thanked 436 Times in 146 Posts	20 Mile Bay Loon Nest I have been watching the prefabricated loon nest that was put in place on the opposite side of the road at 20 Mile Bay for weeks. It seems to be empty now and I'm wondering if anyone knows if a chick was hatched or the nest was invaded by predators. Anyone know? __________________ Lake Winni - The only place I want to be during the summer.

The Following 7 Users Say Thank You to cowislander For This Useful Post:
camp guy (07-01-2026), DesertDweller (07-01-2026), garysanfran (07-11-2026), Loub52 (07-01-2026), MeredithMan (07-01-2026), Newbiesaukee (07-03-2026), Slickcraft (07-01-2026)

07-01-2026, 12:19 PM	#2
MeredithMan Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Bedford, NH; Meredith, NH Posts: 1,040 Thanks: 271 Thanked 860 Times in 355 Posts	They also need to guard against the Bald Eagles, who will sometimes target loon babies. Earlier this week, we had what I believe was a Merganser mom and 7 chics come by. 2 of the babies were riding on Mom's back and the other 5 were tight to her body. It was a very cute sight to see!

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Senter Cove Guy (07-03-2026)

07-12-2026, 01:45 PM	#10
pondguy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Meredith Posts: 325 Thanks: 624 Thanked 222 Times in 140 Posts	https://loon.org/looncam/ A chick was born at 8:10 last night but did not make it there is still one egg left.