LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE The Loon Preservation Committee (LPC) was created in 1975 in response to concerns about a dramatically declining loon population and the effects of human activities on loons. LPC’s mission is to restore and maintain a healthy population of loons throughout New Hampshire; to monitor the health and productivity of loon populations as

sentinels

LPC LOON CAM

Become a LPC Member or Donate. Help support the mission of the Loon Preservation Committee. Since 2014, LPC has streamed live footage of nesting loons to the public. Viewers are able to witness the entire nesting process, including nest site selection, egg laying, incubation, and (in most years) the hatching of chicks.

THE LOON CENTER

Tuesday: 9 am – 5 pm. Wednesday: 9 am – 5 pm. Thursday: 9 am – 5 pm. Friday: 9 am – 5 pm. Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm. Click here for 360° Virtual Tour. Our displays, exhibits, and award-winning videos introduce visitors to the wonders of New Hampshire's loons and other wildlife. Admission is free, The Center hosts over 7,000 New Hampshire THE CALL OF THE LOON Loons are most vocal from mid-May to mid-June. They have four main calls which they use to communicate with their families and other loons. Each call has a distinct meaning and serves a unique function. While the call of the loon is one of the most well known characteristics of the species, it is not the only interesting aspect

of their biology.

LOON DIET – LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE In addition to fish, loons also eat crayfish, frogs, leeches, and snails. On their ocean wintering grounds, loon diet may include fish, crabs, snails, and even lobster. Adult loons may eat up to two pounds of fish per day, and a loon family with two chicks may consume over 900 pounds of fish over the course of a breeding season. LOON CHICK DEVELOPMENT Loon Chick Development. 1-2 Days. Newly hatched chicks are covered in dark downy feathers above with white bellies. Unlike adult loons, a young loon chick is able to walk upright on land. Although they can swim immediately after hatching, chicks spend a lot of time riding on their parents’ backs during the first several days of their lives.

LOONCAM LIVE 2

The 2019 Loon Cam live stream ended 7/12/19. Highlight video clips from are shown here and more is available at LPC’s YouTube Channel.. The 2020 Looncam season will start in May. LOON NESTING SIGNS AND FLOAT LINES A well-hidden loon nest is often safe from detection and disturbance; however, in cases where nests are threatened because of their visibility or proximity to shoreline developments or water traffic, LPC staff and volunteers may place signs and float lines around

nesting loons.

LOON CENTER AND MARKUS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY The Loon Center, located on the north shore of Lake Winnipesaukee on the Frederick and Paula Anna Markus Wildlife Sanctuary in Moultonborough, was built as the new headquarters of the Loon Preservation Committee in 1993. In addition to staff offices, public meeting rooms and a research laboratory, The Loon Center houses exhibits, displays and the Loon’s Feather Gift Shop, with all NEW LIGHT LOONS HOUSE OR GARDEN FLAG New Light Loons House or Garden Flag. $ 11.25. New Light Loons House or Garden Flag. House Flag Dimensions: 28″ W x 39″ H. Garden Flag Dimensions: 12.5″ W x 17″ H. Artist Derk Hansen. SKU: N/A Category: Home & Kitchen Tags: Loon Flag, Loon Home. Description. LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE The Loon Preservation Committee (LPC) was created in 1975 in response to concerns about a dramatically declining loon population and the effects of human activities on loons. LPC’s mission is to restore and maintain a healthy population of loons throughout New Hampshire; to monitor the health and productivity of loon populations as

sentinels

LPC LOON CAM

Become a LPC Member or Donate. Help support the mission of the Loon Preservation Committee. Since 2014, LPC has streamed live footage of nesting loons to the public. Viewers are able to witness the entire nesting process, including nest site selection, egg laying, incubation, and (in most years) the hatching of chicks.

THE LOON CENTER

Tuesday: 9 am – 5 pm. Wednesday: 9 am – 5 pm. Thursday: 9 am – 5 pm. Friday: 9 am – 5 pm. Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm. Click here for 360° Virtual Tour. Our displays, exhibits, and award-winning videos introduce visitors to the wonders of New Hampshire's loons and other wildlife. Admission is free, The Center hosts over 7,000 New Hampshire THE CALL OF THE LOON Loons are most vocal from mid-May to mid-June. They have four main calls which they use to communicate with their families and other loons. Each call has a distinct meaning and serves a unique function. While the call of the loon is one of the most well known characteristics of the species, it is not the only interesting aspect

of their biology.

LOON DIET – LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE In addition to fish, loons also eat crayfish, frogs, leeches, and snails. On their ocean wintering grounds, loon diet may include fish, crabs, snails, and even lobster. Adult loons may eat up to two pounds of fish per day, and a loon family with two chicks may consume over 900 pounds of fish over the course of a breeding season. LOON CHICK DEVELOPMENT Loon Chick Development. 1-2 Days. Newly hatched chicks are covered in dark downy feathers above with white bellies. Unlike adult loons, a young loon chick is able to walk upright on land. Although they can swim immediately after hatching, chicks spend a lot of time riding on their parents’ backs during the first several days of their lives.

LOONCAM LIVE 2

The 2019 Loon Cam live stream ended 7/12/19. Highlight video clips from are shown here and more is available at LPC’s YouTube Channel.. The 2020 Looncam season will start in May. LOON NESTING SIGNS AND FLOAT LINES A well-hidden loon nest is often safe from detection and disturbance; however, in cases where nests are threatened because of their visibility or proximity to shoreline developments or water traffic, LPC staff and volunteers may place signs and float lines around

nesting loons.

LOON CENTER AND MARKUS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY The Loon Center, located on the north shore of Lake Winnipesaukee on the Frederick and Paula Anna Markus Wildlife Sanctuary in Moultonborough, was built as the new headquarters of the Loon Preservation Committee in 1993. In addition to staff offices, public meeting rooms and a research laboratory, The Loon Center houses exhibits, displays and the Loon’s Feather Gift Shop, with all NEW LIGHT LOONS HOUSE OR GARDEN FLAG New Light Loons House or Garden Flag. $ 11.25. New Light Loons House or Garden Flag. House Flag Dimensions: 28″ W x 39″ H. Garden Flag Dimensions: 12.5″ W x 17″ H. Artist Derk Hansen. SKU: N/A Category: Home & Kitchen Tags: Loon Flag, Loon Home. Description.

LOON BEHAVIOR

A preening loon may: Roll onto its side or back and pull at its breast and belly feathers with its bill. Stick one leg in the air and paddle in circles. Rub its head against its back and shoulders to disperse oil. Flap its wings hard and rise out of the water, appearing to be

unable to take off.

LOONCAM LIVE 2

The 2019 Loon Cam live stream ended 7/12/19. Highlight video clips from are shown here and more is available at LPC’s YouTube Channel.. The 2020 Looncam season will start in May. LOON NESTING SIGNS AND FLOAT LINES A well-hidden loon nest is often safe from detection and disturbance; however, in cases where nests are threatened because of their visibility or proximity to shoreline developments or water traffic, LPC staff and volunteers may place signs and float lines around

nesting loons.

LOON RESCUES

A loon is released on Lee's Pond by LPC Senior Biologist, John Cooley. This was one of 5 loons that was rescued and released in 2015. We know from leg bands fitted during the 2015 rescue that this loon was actually rescued again in 2016, when it became tangled in fishing line on Lake Tarleton, NH. THE MARKUS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Perhaps The Loon Center’s greatest asset is its location on the Markus Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is comprised of 200 acres of upland forests, marshes, ponds, clear-running streams and over 5,000 feet of pristine shoreline on Lake Winnipesaukee, one of the largest

remaining areas of

THREATS TO LOONS

Threats to Loons. Lead Fishing Tackle. Lead poisoning resulting from the ingestion of lead fishing tackle is the leading cause of documented Common Loon mortality in New Hampshire, accounting for 159 (42%) of documented adult loon deaths since 1989. For loons, lead tackle ingestion is virtually always fatal, with loons typically dying

within 2

BANDING AND TRACKING LOONS Results of these banding and satellite tracking efforts have revealed that loons escape the ice-in of New Hampshire’s lakes by wintering off the Atlantic coast from Maine to Rhode Island, and so remain in New England year-round. LPC bands loons in cooperation with NEST RAFTS – LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE When used correctly, nesting rafts are a very effective management tool; however, they are not a cure-all for improving nesting success. In fact, the placement of a raft on a lake where loons typically nest successfully on natural sites may actually do more harm than good if it lures loons away from sheltered and well-hidden natural nesting sites to nest in more exposed or visible areas of the

THE PERFECT COUPLE

About Loons. The Call of the Loon; Appearance; Loon Behavior; Loon Diet; Loon Reproduction; Loon Chick Development; Threats to Loons; Is it a Loon? Our Work. Counting Loons

THE LOON FLUTE

The Loon Flute. $ 23.95. This unique instrument is designed to generate the four primary calls of the Common Loon: wail, tremolo, yodel and hoot. The plastic flute is 8 inches long with a birch bark appearance and black neck cord. A wooden slide assists in creating the

calls.

LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE The Loon Preservation Committee’s mission is to restore and maintain a healthy population of loons throughout New Hampshire; to monitor the health and productivity of loon populations as sentinels of environmental quality; and to promote a greater understanding of loons and the larger natural world.

LPC LOON CAM

The National Weather Service is predicting a string of near 90 degree weather for the next four days. Not good news for the loons. The

common loon

LOONCAM LIVE 2

The 2019 Loon Cam live stream ended 7/12/19. Highlight video clips from are shown here and more is available at LPC’s YouTube Channel.. The 2020 Looncam season will start in May. THE CALL OF THE LOON The wail is most commonly used for long distance communication between mated pairs of loons. Loon pairs may also wail to one another as they begin to engage with an intruding loon.

THE LOON CENTER

Our displays, exhibits, and award-winning videos introduce visitors to the wonders of New Hampshire's loons and other wildlife. Admission is free, The Center hosts over 7,000 New Hampshire residents and visitors

each year.

LOON BEHAVIOR

Nesting is a vulnerable time for loons. Normally, a loon on the nest stays in a relaxed position with its head upright; however if loons feel threatened, they will assume a position in which they flatten their bodies low over the nest and crane their heads toward the water. LOON DIET – LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE During the breeding season, loons spend their days feeding, preening, resting, and caring for their young.At this time of year, common loon diet consists primarily of fish. Loons preferentially feed upon species such as yellow perch, pumpkinseed, and bluegill because their erratic swimming behavior makes them easy for loons to catch. VOLUNTEER – LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE The Loon Preservation Committee has always been a grass roots organization, and relies upon its network of volunteers and members to accomplish its mission. LOON CHICK DEVELOPMENT The legs, feet, and head, which are needed for swimming and food capture, begin to grow. Chicks are better able to regulate their own body temperatures and may spend more time in the water on their own, though back riding is still common. LOON CENTER AND MARKUS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY The Loon Center, located on the north shore of Lake Winnipesaukee on the Frederick and Paula Anna Markus Wildlife Sanctuary in Moultonborough, was built as the new headquarters of the Loon Preservation Committee in 1993. In addition to staff offices, public meeting rooms and a research laboratory, The Loon Center houses exhibits, displays and the Loon’s Feather Gift Shop, with all LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE The Loon Preservation Committee’s mission is to restore and maintain a healthy population of loons throughout New Hampshire; to monitor the health and productivity of loon populations as sentinels of environmental quality; and to promote a greater understanding of loons and the larger natural world.

LPC LOON CAM

The National Weather Service is predicting a string of near 90 degree weather for the next four days. Not good news for the loons. The

common loon

LOONCAM LIVE 2

The 2019 Loon Cam live stream ended 7/12/19. Highlight video clips from are shown here and more is available at LPC’s YouTube Channel.. The 2020 Looncam season will start in May. THE CALL OF THE LOON The wail is most commonly used for long distance communication between mated pairs of loons. Loon pairs may also wail to one another as they begin to engage with an intruding loon.

THE LOON CENTER

Our displays, exhibits, and award-winning videos introduce visitors to the wonders of New Hampshire's loons and other wildlife. Admission is free, The Center hosts over 7,000 New Hampshire residents and visitors

each year.

LOON BEHAVIOR

Nesting is a vulnerable time for loons. Normally, a loon on the nest stays in a relaxed position with its head upright; however if loons feel threatened, they will assume a position in which they flatten their bodies low over the nest and crane their heads toward the water. LOON DIET – LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE During the breeding season, loons spend their days feeding, preening, resting, and caring for their young.At this time of year, common loon diet consists primarily of fish. Loons preferentially feed upon species such as yellow perch, pumpkinseed, and bluegill because their erratic swimming behavior makes them easy for loons to catch. VOLUNTEER – LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE The Loon Preservation Committee has always been a grass roots organization, and relies upon its network of volunteers and members to accomplish its mission. LOON CHICK DEVELOPMENT The legs, feet, and head, which are needed for swimming and food capture, begin to grow. Chicks are better able to regulate their own body temperatures and may spend more time in the water on their own, though back riding is still common. LOON CENTER AND MARKUS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY The Loon Center, located on the north shore of Lake Winnipesaukee on the Frederick and Paula Anna Markus Wildlife Sanctuary in Moultonborough, was built as the new headquarters of the Loon Preservation Committee in 1993. In addition to staff offices, public meeting rooms and a research laboratory, The Loon Center houses exhibits, displays and the Loon’s Feather Gift Shop, with all ABOUT – LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE LPC was the first organized effort to study and work toward the preservation of loons in North America. Since its inception, LPC has created the most complete and longest-running database of loon populations and productivity that exists anywhere in the world, and conducted the most comprehensive research ever undertaken on contaminants and other challenges facing loons.

LOON BEHAVIOR

Nesting is a vulnerable time for loons. Normally, a loon on the nest stays in a relaxed position with its head upright; however if loons feel threatened, they will assume a position in which they flatten their bodies low over the nest and crane their heads toward the water. COMMON LOON PLUMAGE AND APPEARANCE In its summer breeding plumage, the common loon has a black-and-white checkered back, iridescent black head and neck, black bill, red eyes, a prominent white “necklace” marking around the neck, and a much smaller white “chinstrap” marking at the throat.

LOON CAM LIVE

In an ongoing effort to educate the public about loons, we host a number of fun and informative events through the year, for example, talks, cruises, festivals, and fundraisers. Please note: Due to Covid-19, scheduled events may not occur or be held online.

LOON REPRODUCTION

Loons typically lay 1 or 2 eggs per nest attempt. Eggs are laid 1–3 days apart and are incubated, on average, for 27 days. Male and female loons share incubation duties equally, though research suggests that females tend to incubate more than males at night and towards the end of the nesting period.

IS IT A LOON?

Another diving, fish-eating bird that is sometimes mistaken for a loon is the Double-crested Cormorant. Characteristics that help to differentiate between Double-crested LOON NESTING SIGNS AND FLOAT LINES A well-hidden loon nest is often safe from detection and disturbance; however, in cases where nests are threatened because of their visibility or proximity to shoreline developments or water traffic, LPC staff and volunteers may place signs and float lines around

nesting loons.

NEST RAFTS – LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE When used correctly, nesting rafts are a very effective management tool; however, they are not a cure-all for improving nesting success. In fact, the placement of a raft on a lake where loons typically nest successfully on natural sites may actually do more harm than good if it lures loons away from sheltered and well-hidden natural nesting sites to nest in more exposed or visible areas of the THE MARKUS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Perhaps The Loon Center’s greatest asset is its location on the Markus Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is comprised of 200 acres of upland forests, marshes, ponds, clear-running streams and over 5,000 feet of pristine shoreline on Lake Winnipesaukee, one of the largest

remaining areas of

NEW LIGHT LOONS HOUSE OR GARDEN FLAG New Light Loons House or Garden Flag. House Flag Dimensions: 28″ W x 39″ H. Garden Flag Dimensions: 12.5″ W x 17″ H. Artist Derk

Hansen

LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE The Loon Preservation Committee (LPC) was created in 1975 in response to concerns about a dramatically declining loon population and the effects of human activities on loons. LPC’s mission is to restore and maintain a healthy population of loons throughout New Hampshire; to monitor the health and productivity of loon populations as

sentinels

THE LOON CENTER

Tuesday: 9 am – 5 pm. Wednesday: 9 am – 5 pm. Thursday: 9 am – 5 pm. Friday: 9 am – 5 pm. Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm. Click here for 360° Virtual Tour. Our displays, exhibits, and award-winning videos introduce visitors to the wonders of New Hampshire's loons and other wildlife. Admission is free, The Center hosts over 7,000 New Hampshire

LPC LOON CAM

Become a LPC Member or Donate. Help support the mission of the Loon Preservation Committee. Since 2014, LPC has streamed live footage of nesting loons to the public. Viewers are able to witness the entire nesting process, including nest site selection, egg laying, incubation, and (in most years) the hatching of chicks. THE CALL OF THE LOON Loons are most vocal from mid-May to mid-June. They have four main calls which they use to communicate with their families and other loons. Each call has a distinct meaning and serves a unique function. While the call of the loon is one of the most well known characteristics of the species, it is not the only interesting aspect

of their biology.

LOONCAM LIVE 2

The 2019 Loon Cam live stream ended 7/12/19. Highlight video clips from are shown here and more is available at LPC’s YouTube Channel.. The 2020 Looncam season will start in May.

LOON BEHAVIOR

A preening loon may: Roll onto its side or back and pull at its breast and belly feathers with its bill. Stick one leg in the air and paddle in circles. Rub its head against its back and shoulders to disperse oil. Flap its wings hard and rise out of the water, appearing to be

unable to take off.

LOON DIET – LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE In addition to fish, loons also eat crayfish, frogs, leeches, and snails. On their ocean wintering grounds, loon diet may include fish, crabs, snails, and even lobster. Adult loons may eat up to two pounds of fish per day, and a loon family with two chicks may consume over 900 pounds of fish over the course of a breeding season. LOON CHICK DEVELOPMENT Loon Chick Development. 1-2 Days. Newly hatched chicks are covered in dark downy feathers above with white bellies. Unlike adult loons, a young loon chick is able to walk upright on land. Although they can swim immediately after hatching, chicks spend a lot of time riding on their parents’ backs during the first several days of their lives. VOLUNTEER – LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE Field Volunteer. Loon Preservation Committee field volunteers may help with a number of tasks, including: Working to educate lake users and prevent conflicts between loons and people. If you live on or visit a lake in New Hampshire and would like to become a field volunteer, please email us at volunteers@loon.org or call LPC at 603-476-5666. LOON CENTER AND MARKUS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY The Loon Center, located on the north shore of Lake Winnipesaukee on the Frederick and Paula Anna Markus Wildlife Sanctuary in Moultonborough, was built as the new headquarters of the Loon Preservation Committee in 1993. In addition to staff offices, public meeting rooms and a research laboratory, The Loon Center houses exhibits, displays and the Loon’s Feather Gift Shop, with all LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE The Loon Preservation Committee (LPC) was created in 1975 in response to concerns about a dramatically declining loon population and the effects of human activities on loons. LPC’s mission is to restore and maintain a healthy population of loons throughout New Hampshire; to monitor the health and productivity of loon populations as

sentinels

THE LOON CENTER

Tuesday: 9 am – 5 pm. Wednesday: 9 am – 5 pm. Thursday: 9 am – 5 pm. Friday: 9 am – 5 pm. Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm. Click here for 360° Virtual Tour. Our displays, exhibits, and award-winning videos introduce visitors to the wonders of New Hampshire's loons and other wildlife. Admission is free, The Center hosts over 7,000 New Hampshire

LPC LOON CAM

Become a LPC Member or Donate. Help support the mission of the Loon Preservation Committee. Since 2014, LPC has streamed live footage of nesting loons to the public. Viewers are able to witness the entire nesting process, including nest site selection, egg laying, incubation, and (in most years) the hatching of chicks. THE CALL OF THE LOON Loons are most vocal from mid-May to mid-June. They have four main calls which they use to communicate with their families and other loons. Each call has a distinct meaning and serves a unique function. While the call of the loon is one of the most well known characteristics of the species, it is not the only interesting aspect

of their biology.

LOONCAM LIVE 2

The 2019 Loon Cam live stream ended 7/12/19. Highlight video clips from are shown here and more is available at LPC’s YouTube Channel.. The 2020 Looncam season will start in May.

LOON BEHAVIOR

A preening loon may: Roll onto its side or back and pull at its breast and belly feathers with its bill. Stick one leg in the air and paddle in circles. Rub its head against its back and shoulders to disperse oil. Flap its wings hard and rise out of the water, appearing to be

unable to take off.

LOON DIET – LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE In addition to fish, loons also eat crayfish, frogs, leeches, and snails. On their ocean wintering grounds, loon diet may include fish, crabs, snails, and even lobster. Adult loons may eat up to two pounds of fish per day, and a loon family with two chicks may consume over 900 pounds of fish over the course of a breeding season. LOON CHICK DEVELOPMENT Loon Chick Development. 1-2 Days. Newly hatched chicks are covered in dark downy feathers above with white bellies. Unlike adult loons, a young loon chick is able to walk upright on land. Although they can swim immediately after hatching, chicks spend a lot of time riding on their parents’ backs during the first several days of their lives. VOLUNTEER – LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE Field Volunteer. Loon Preservation Committee field volunteers may help with a number of tasks, including: Working to educate lake users and prevent conflicts between loons and people. If you live on or visit a lake in New Hampshire and would like to become a field volunteer, please email us at volunteers@loon.org or call LPC at 603-476-5666. LOON CENTER AND MARKUS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY The Loon Center, located on the north shore of Lake Winnipesaukee on the Frederick and Paula Anna Markus Wildlife Sanctuary in Moultonborough, was built as the new headquarters of the Loon Preservation Committee in 1993. In addition to staff offices, public meeting rooms and a research laboratory, The Loon Center houses exhibits, displays and the Loon’s Feather Gift Shop, with all

LOON BEHAVIOR

A preening loon may: Roll onto its side or back and pull at its breast and belly feathers with its bill. Stick one leg in the air and paddle in circles. Rub its head against its back and shoulders to disperse oil. Flap its wings hard and rise out of the water, appearing to be

unable to take off.

IS IT A LOON?

Characteristics useful for distinguishing these species include: Neck length: Common Loons have short, relatively thicker necks. Canada geese have long, slender necks. Head color: The head of the Common Loon is black and iridescent. The Canada Goose has a white cheek patch on its face. Bill shape: Common Loons have long, sharp, black bills. ABOUT – LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE The Loon Preservation Committee was created in 1975 in response to concerns about a dramatically declining loon population and the effects of human activities on loons. In the more than 40 years since, LPC has worked to preserve loons and their habitats in New Hampshire through monitoring, research, management, and public education, all COMMON LOON PLUMAGE AND APPEARANCE Breeding Plumage. In its summer breeding plumage, the common loon has a black-and-white checkered back, iridescent black head and neck, black bill, red eyes, a prominent white “necklace” marking around the neck, and a much smaller white “chinstrap” marking at the throat. The white feathers of the belly and wing linings are present

year

LOON REPRODUCTION

Loons typically lay 1 or 2 eggs per nest attempt. Eggs are laid 1–3 days apart and are incubated, on average, for 27 days. Male and female loons share incubation duties equally, though research suggests that females tend to incubate more than males at night and towards the end of the nesting period. Chicks hatch 12–24 hours apart.

LOON CAM LIVE

Loon Cam Live – Loon Preservation Committee. In an ongoing effort to educate the public about loons, we host a number of fun and informative events through the year, for example, talks, cruises, festivals, and fundraisers. Please note: Due to Covid-19, scheduled events may not occur or be held online. We will be updating information as we get it. LOON NESTING SIGNS AND FLOAT LINES A well-hidden loon nest is often safe from detection and disturbance; however, in cases where nests are threatened because of their visibility or proximity to shoreline developments or water traffic, LPC staff and volunteers may place signs and float lines around

nesting loons.

THE MARKUS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Perhaps The Loon Center’s greatest asset is its location on the Markus Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is comprised of 200 acres of upland forests, marshes, ponds, clear-running streams and over 5,000 feet of pristine shoreline on Lake Winnipesaukee, one of the largest

remaining areas of

NEST RAFTS – LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE When used correctly, nesting rafts are a very effective management tool; however, they are not a cure-all for improving nesting success. In fact, the placement of a raft on a lake where loons typically nest successfully on natural sites may actually do more harm than good if it lures loons away from sheltered and well-hidden natural nesting sites to nest in more exposed or visible areas of the NEW LIGHT LOONS HOUSE OR GARDEN FLAG New Light Loons House or Garden Flag. $ 11.25. New Light Loons House or Garden Flag. House Flag Dimensions: 28″ W x 39″ H. Garden Flag Dimensions: 12.5″ W x 17″ H. Artist Derk Hansen. SKU: N/A Category: Home & Kitchen Tags: Loon Flag, Loon Home. Description. LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE The Loon Preservation Committee (LPC) was created in 1975 in response to concerns about a dramatically declining loon population and the effects of human activities on loons. LPC’s mission is to restore and maintain a healthy population of loons throughout New Hampshire; to monitor the health and productivity of loon populations as

sentinels

LPC LOON CAM

Become a LPC Member or Donate. Help support the mission of the Loon Preservation Committee. Since 2014, LPC has streamed live footage of nesting loons to the public. Viewers are able to witness the entire nesting process, including nest site selection, egg laying, incubation, and (in most years) the hatching of chicks.

THE LOON CENTER

Tuesday: 9 am – 5 pm. Wednesday: 9 am – 5 pm. Thursday: 9 am – 5 pm. Friday: 9 am – 5 pm. Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm. Click here for 360° Virtual Tour. Our displays, exhibits, and award-winning videos introduce visitors to the wonders of New Hampshire's loons and other wildlife. Admission is free, The Center hosts over 7,000 New Hampshire LOON DIET – LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE In addition to fish, loons also eat crayfish, frogs, leeches, and snails. On their ocean wintering grounds, loon diet may include fish, crabs, snails, and even lobster. Adult loons may eat up to two pounds of fish per day, and a loon family with two chicks may consume over 900 pounds of fish over the course of a breeding season. THE CALL OF THE LOON Loons are most vocal from mid-May to mid-June. They have four main calls which they use to communicate with their families and other loons. Each call has a distinct meaning and serves a unique function. While the call of the loon is one of the most well known characteristics of the species, it is not the only interesting aspect

of their biology.

LOON BEHAVIOR

A preening loon may: Roll onto its side or back and pull at its breast and belly feathers with its bill. Stick one leg in the air and paddle in circles. Rub its head against its back and shoulders to disperse oil. Flap its wings hard and rise out of the water, appearing to be

unable to take off.

LOON CHICK DEVELOPMENT Loon Chick Development. 1-2 Days. Newly hatched chicks are covered in dark downy feathers above with white bellies. Unlike adult loons, a young loon chick is able to walk upright on land. Although they can swim immediately after hatching, chicks spend a lot of time riding on their parents’ backs during the first several days of their lives. LOON NESTING SIGNS AND FLOAT LINES A well-hidden loon nest is often safe from detection and disturbance; however, in cases where nests are threatened because of their visibility or proximity to shoreline developments or water traffic, LPC staff and volunteers may place signs and float lines around

nesting loons.

LOON CENTER AND MARKUS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY The Loon Center, located on the north shore of Lake Winnipesaukee on the Frederick and Paula Anna Markus Wildlife Sanctuary in Moultonborough, was built as the new headquarters of the Loon Preservation Committee in 1993. In addition to staff offices, public meeting rooms and a research laboratory, The Loon Center houses exhibits, displays and the Loon’s Feather Gift Shop, with all NEW LIGHT LOONS HOUSE OR GARDEN FLAG New Light Loons House or Garden Flag. $ 11.25. New Light Loons House or Garden Flag. House Flag Dimensions: 28″ W x 39″ H. Garden Flag Dimensions: 12.5″ W x 17″ H. Artist Derk Hansen. SKU: N/A Category: Home & Kitchen Tags: Loon Flag, Loon Home. Description. LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE The Loon Preservation Committee (LPC) was created in 1975 in response to concerns about a dramatically declining loon population and the effects of human activities on loons. LPC’s mission is to restore and maintain a healthy population of loons throughout New Hampshire; to monitor the health and productivity of loon populations as

sentinels

LPC LOON CAM

Become a LPC Member or Donate. Help support the mission of the Loon Preservation Committee. Since 2014, LPC has streamed live footage of nesting loons to the public. Viewers are able to witness the entire nesting process, including nest site selection, egg laying, incubation, and (in most years) the hatching of chicks.

THE LOON CENTER

Tuesday: 9 am – 5 pm. Wednesday: 9 am – 5 pm. Thursday: 9 am – 5 pm. Friday: 9 am – 5 pm. Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm. Click here for 360° Virtual Tour. Our displays, exhibits, and award-winning videos introduce visitors to the wonders of New Hampshire's loons and other wildlife. Admission is free, The Center hosts over 7,000 New Hampshire LOON DIET – LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE In addition to fish, loons also eat crayfish, frogs, leeches, and snails. On their ocean wintering grounds, loon diet may include fish, crabs, snails, and even lobster. Adult loons may eat up to two pounds of fish per day, and a loon family with two chicks may consume over 900 pounds of fish over the course of a breeding season. THE CALL OF THE LOON Loons are most vocal from mid-May to mid-June. They have four main calls which they use to communicate with their families and other loons. Each call has a distinct meaning and serves a unique function. While the call of the loon is one of the most well known characteristics of the species, it is not the only interesting aspect

of their biology.

LOON BEHAVIOR

A preening loon may: Roll onto its side or back and pull at its breast and belly feathers with its bill. Stick one leg in the air and paddle in circles. Rub its head against its back and shoulders to disperse oil. Flap its wings hard and rise out of the water, appearing to be

unable to take off.

LOON CHICK DEVELOPMENT Loon Chick Development. 1-2 Days. Newly hatched chicks are covered in dark downy feathers above with white bellies. Unlike adult loons, a young loon chick is able to walk upright on land. Although they can swim immediately after hatching, chicks spend a lot of time riding on their parents’ backs during the first several days of their lives. LOON NESTING SIGNS AND FLOAT LINES A well-hidden loon nest is often safe from detection and disturbance; however, in cases where nests are threatened because of their visibility or proximity to shoreline developments or water traffic, LPC staff and volunteers may place signs and float lines around

nesting loons.

LOON CENTER AND MARKUS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY The Loon Center, located on the north shore of Lake Winnipesaukee on the Frederick and Paula Anna Markus Wildlife Sanctuary in Moultonborough, was built as the new headquarters of the Loon Preservation Committee in 1993. In addition to staff offices, public meeting rooms and a research laboratory, The Loon Center houses exhibits, displays and the Loon’s Feather Gift Shop, with all NEW LIGHT LOONS HOUSE OR GARDEN FLAG New Light Loons House or Garden Flag. $ 11.25. New Light Loons House or Garden Flag. House Flag Dimensions: 28″ W x 39″ H. Garden Flag Dimensions: 12.5″ W x 17″ H. Artist Derk Hansen. SKU: N/A Category: Home & Kitchen Tags: Loon Flag, Loon Home. Description.

LOON BEHAVIOR

A preening loon may: Roll onto its side or back and pull at its breast and belly feathers with its bill. Stick one leg in the air and paddle in circles. Rub its head against its back and shoulders to disperse oil. Flap its wings hard and rise out of the water, appearing to be

unable to take off.

LOONCAM LIVE 2

The 2019 Loon Cam live stream ended 7/12/19. Highlight video clips from are shown here and more is available at LPC’s YouTube Channel.. The 2020 Looncam season will start in May. COMMON LOON PLUMAGE AND APPEARANCE Breeding Plumage. In its summer breeding plumage, the common loon has a black-and-white checkered back, iridescent black head and neck, black bill, red eyes, a prominent white “necklace” marking around the neck, and a much smaller white “chinstrap” marking at the throat. The white feathers of the belly and wing linings are present

year

LOON NESTING SIGNS AND FLOAT LINES A well-hidden loon nest is often safe from detection and disturbance; however, in cases where nests are threatened because of their visibility or proximity to shoreline developments or water traffic, LPC staff and volunteers may place signs and float lines around

nesting loons.

LOON RESCUES

A loon is released on Lee's Pond by LPC Senior Biologist, John Cooley. This was one of 5 loons that was rescued and released in 2015. We know from leg bands fitted during the 2015 rescue that this loon was actually rescued again in 2016, when it became tangled in fishing line on Lake Tarleton, NH.

THREATS TO LOONS

Threats to Loons. Lead Fishing Tackle. Lead poisoning resulting from the ingestion of lead fishing tackle is the leading cause of documented Common Loon mortality in New Hampshire, accounting for 159 (42%) of documented adult loon deaths since 1989. For loons, lead tackle ingestion is virtually always fatal, with loons typically dying

within 2

THE MARKUS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Perhaps The Loon Center’s greatest asset is its location on the Markus Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is comprised of 200 acres of upland forests, marshes, ponds, clear-running streams and over 5,000 feet of pristine shoreline on Lake Winnipesaukee, one of the largest

remaining areas of

BANDING AND TRACKING LOONS Results of these banding and satellite tracking efforts have revealed that loons escape the ice-in of New Hampshire’s lakes by wintering off the Atlantic coast from Maine to Rhode Island, and so remain in New England year-round. LPC bands loons in cooperation with

THE PERFECT COUPLE

About Loons. The Call of the Loon; Appearance; Loon Behavior; Loon Diet; Loon Reproduction; Loon Chick Development; Threats to Loons; Is it a Loon? Our Work. Counting Loons

THE LOON FLUTE

The Loon Flute. $ 23.95. This unique instrument is designed to generate the four primary calls of the Common Loon: wail, tremolo, yodel and hoot. The plastic flute is 8 inches long with a birch bark appearance and black neck cord. A wooden slide assists in creating the

calls.

* Loon Sounds

* Shop

* Newsletters

* Events

* Membership and Donations

(603) 476-5666

* 0Shopping Cart

No products in the cart.

* About Loons

* The Call of the Loon

* Appearance

* Loon Behavior

* Loon Diet

* Loon Reproduction

* Loon Chick Development

* Threats to Loons

* Is it a Loon?

* Our Work

* Counting Loons

* Loon Nest Rafts

* Loon Nesting Signs and Float Lines * Protecting Loons from Lead

* Loon Rescues

* Outreach and Public Education

* Loon Research

* Loon Recovery Plan * Squam Lake Loon Initiative

* Loon Cam

* About Us

* Staff

* Board of Trustees

* Supporting Businesses and Organizations

* Volunteer

* Field Volunteer

* Loon Center Volunteer * Online Census Form

* Census

* Support Us

* About Memberships and Donations * Personal Memberships

* Gift Memberships

* Supporting Businesses and Associations * Business and Association Memberships

* Donate

* Spreading Our Wings Donation Form * Financial Statements and Tax Returns

* Contact

* Contact Us

* Visit Us

* The Loon Center

* The Markus Wildlife Sanctuary

* News and Events

* Email Newsletter

* Blog

* Events

* Newsletter Archive

* Feedback

* Volunteer Observation Report * Report a Loon in Distress * Presentation Request Form

* Search

* MENU Menu

* Home

* About Loons

* Loon Calls

* Volunteer Observation Report * Report a Loon in Distress

* About Us

* Our Work

* Email Newsletter

* Loon Cam

* Memberships

* Volunteer

* Donate

* Online Store

* Contact Us

*

ANNUAL APPEAL

Your support funds our important work for loons in New Hampshire.

Donate

*

MEET NEW HAMPSHIRE’S BANDED LOONS LPC uses colored leg bands to track individual loons over time.

Learn more.

*

LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE Celebrating Over 40 Years of Loon Preservation in New Hampshire!

MISSION SUPPORT

*

THE CALL OF THE LOON Loons are known for their distinctive, haunting calls.

Listen

*

OUR WORK

LPC’s work has helped grow New Hampshire’s loon population since 1975.

Learn More

*

LOON BEHAVIOR

Loons communicate a great deal through their behavior. Learn to Read the Signs

PreviousNext

123456

OUR WORK

We work to preserve loons and their habitats in

New Hampshire.

VOLUNTEER

We rely on our network of volunteers and members to accomplish our

mission.

EVENTS

View upcoming Events with the LPC.

LOONS & LEAD

Education and Resources to tackle lead poisoning

in loons.

EVENTS

OUR MISSION

The Loon Preservation Committee’s mission is to restore and maintain a healthy population of loons throughout New Hampshire; to monitor the health and productivity of loon populations as sentinels of environmental quality; and to promote a greater understanding of loons and the larger natural world. _“Never doubt that a small group of concerned and committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, that’s the only thing that ever

has.”_

~ Margaret Mead

LPC HISTORY

The Loon Preservation Committee (LPC) was created in 1975 in response to concerns about a dramatically declining loon population and the effects of human activities on loons.  LPC’s mission is to restore and maintain a healthy population of loons throughout New Hampshire; to monitor the health and productivity of loon populations as sentinels of environmental quality; and to promote a greater understanding of loons and the larger natural world. FOR OVER 40 YEARS, THE LOON PRESERVATION COMMITTEE HAS UNDERTAKEN STATE-WIDE MONITORING, RESEARCH, MANAGEMENT AND OUTREACH TO PRESERVE LOONS AND THEIR HABITATS.

ABOUT LPC

LOON EDUCATION

Learn about loons including information about their behavior, how to identify a loon, and how you can help in preservation efforts.

ABOUT LOONS

THE VOICE OF THE LOON Perhaps one of the most fascinating things about loons is their haunting and variable voice.

LOON CALLS

LOON CAM

From May through early July, watch our live video stream of an active loon nest.  Visit now to see action clips and read the in-season blogs from previous years.

LOON CAM

LOON STORE

Visit our gift shop at the Loon Center or shop the online store.

ONLINE SHOP

WHAT WE DO

* Our Work

* Counting Loons

* Nest Rafts

* Signs

* Lead

* Rescues

* Outreach

* Research

* Loon Cam

* Recovery Initiative * Squam Lake Loon Initiative

ABOUT LPC

* About Us

* Staff

* Board of Trustees

* Supporting Business and Associations

* Become a Member

* Contact Us

CONTACT LPC

(603) 476-5666

183 Lees Mill Rd

Moultonborough, NH 03254 � Copyright - Loon Preservation Committee

* Facebook

* Twitter

* Youtube

* Home

* Contact Us

* Privacy Policy

Scroll to top