Entry 4 - The Common Loon

Blue water chick w adult facing each other July 1 The Common Loon, aka Great Northern Diver, is an iconic bird for Canada with 95% of the worlds pairs breeding on Canadian lakes. Is it any wonder they grace our $1 coin, the "Loonie" since 1987? Because of their position in the food chain and widespread distribution they are a strong indicator of the health of our lakes. Here a near two week old loon chick swims with an adult on the blue waters of such a lake.

Green water chick n adult July 8 Bird Studies Canada, a national science-based bird conservation organization, has been operating the Canadian Lakes Loon Survey gathering citizen science data collected across the country since the early 1990s. This year I joined the survey and registered the calm waters of Maple Lake, BC, where the photos of this loon chick with an adult were taken a week later. Data recorded over the breeding months are collected and analysed for several purposes.

Feeding fish July 12 While the survey results have shown fairly stable populations so far a longer term trend has appeared showing declining reproductive success. Things like pollution, acid rain and global warming are factors thought to be influencing this. In this photo the adult is delivering one of the many small fish needed to sustain the ravenous chick. Both parents were observed feeding the chick at the same time. Maple Lake may be at greater risk, being small and shallow its temperature rises quickly in summer and fish die offs could occur more easily. These higher temperatures are also known to increase the production of a contaminant called Methylmercury which decreases reproductive success.

Crayfish approach Aug 7 Almost a month later and both parents are still bringing a variety of foods to the now juvenile bird who is shedding its baby down. 6 weeks is considered an important milestone as at 70% of the size and weight of an adult they are less susceptible to predation. Here the adult is bringing a Signal Crayfish as a breakfast entrée. Before passing this favorite food over the adult will strip it of claws and legs so it can be swallowed whole.

Wing span juvenile Sept 6 As a citizen scientist and ambassador for these loons it is important to carry forward the word of not only the harms we have caused to nature but what actions we can take to reduce our impact, particularly as climate change and habitat loss are taking a significant toll on bird populations in North America and around the world. This early morning shot one week before this loon juvenile left Maple Lake not only shows the remarkable development of the bird and its wings...it is a celebration of life and challenges overcome. Last year both eggs observed in the single nest on the lake were destroyed by predators, likely otters or mink as both live here. As this chick grew there were multiple attempts by a resident eagle to snatch it for its own hungry chick. And yet against the odds it successfully left the lake, flying to the Salish Sea ten kilometers away, hopefully one day to find a lake of its own and start the cycle over again.