Early Nesting
Welcome back to another summertime in the Belgrades and the sixth year of our “Call of the Loon”! Like last year, we will be interspersing this column with weekly photo galleries of our iconic bird in action which we hope you will enjoy as much as we have bringing them to you.
As you may know, our local Belgrade Lakes Association is into their eighth year of their Loon Preservation Project to develop a responsible comprehensive plan in order to support our loon population in the very best sustainable manner.
Although our surveys began in earnest May 12 on Long Pond and May 13 on Great Pond, we did confirm two active nests on May 12, which is early!! So, with an estimated 27-28 day gestation period, we should be looking for our first chicks of the season June 6-8. Our loons typically start nesting around Memorial Day so this is early, which is a good sign. Break out the cigars!
Thanks to our loon consultant and mentor Lee Attix and Colby College Professor of Biology and Program leader Catherine Bevier, BLA’s Loon Project will once again have assistance from two new outstanding Colby College interns this summer. Catherine and Alie will provide some young eyes along with their tremendous cumulative experience! Our valued loon volunteers will continue with their eyes on the lakes but will once again be assisted by two very capable and dedicated students to assist all of us with the daily observations. Equally important will be their expertise in the sciences and record keeping those statistics to better assess our efforts and future activities.
Both of our new interns come with a great deal of experience. Please join us in welcoming Catherine Lutz and Alie Forker! We are very fortunate and honored to have these two Colby interns on our 2026 Loon Project!
Amongst the many objectives this summer, right up there on top, is why our 22 loon territories on both Great and Long Ponds produced eight chicks each last year but only one made it to the great fly-off in October. We have a more than an adequate adult loon population, but we just do not have the necessary chick production and longevity. More on this subject as the summer progresses. Stay tuned!
Next week, we will talk about loon etiquette and what our feathered friends expect of us and what we can do to lessen their stress.
If you have particular questions regarding our Belgrade loon population, please email your inquiry to and we will try to answer your question either in this column or via email. Have a great Summer enjoying the “Call of the Loon”!
Dick Greenan is chairman of the Belgrade Lakes Association’s Loon Preservation Project.
<— Previous Article • Summaries • Next Article —>
©2026 by Summertime in the Belgrades. All rights reserved.