That lugubrious loon call? It's just Paul Basham

Naturalist Tiffany Grade during a recent loon observation trip.
Naturalist Tiffany Grade during a recent loon observation trip.

Seven pairs of loons disappeared from Squam Lake between autumn of 2004 and the spring of 2005. This decline from 16 to nine pairs of loons represents a 44 percent decrease in the Squam Lake's loon population, a drop not seen on any other New Hampshire Lake.

In August, with naturalist Tiffany Grade as our guide, I went with a group of twenty persons on a Squam Lake cruise sponsored by the Natural Science Center of Holderness to observe the loons. During the three-hour boat ride, as we navigated along some of the loons' favorite coves, Grade explained that loons are recognized as indicators of an aquatic ecosystem's health. She reasoned that the decline of loons on Squam Lake could imply a serious environmental problem that is being watched closely.

In response to concerns about the declining number of loons and the adverse effect of human activity on them, the Loon Preservation Committee was created in 1975. According to the committee, the well-being of loons is impacted by an increase in lakeshore development and a rise in the recreational use of the lake. Also, loons are further imperiled by lead fishing tackle and environmental toxins. Results from the committee's research prompted a first-in-the-nation ban on the sale and use of lead fishing tackle in New Hampshire. Loons were first listed as a state threatened species in 1979.

During the cruise, Grade handed out a brochure entitled “Let's Get the Lead Out.” The opening paragraph is as follows: “Lead fishing tackle is a major cause of loon mortality in New Hampshire, accounting for 50 percent of all documented adult loon deaths in the state. These deaths are completely preventable…A loon will die within 2 – 4 weeks of ingesting lead tackle.”

The brochure indicates that “annually, 1-2 percent of the adult loon population in New Hampshire is lost to lead poisoning and that non-lead alternatives are effective and readily available.”

While on the lake we saw a pair of loons with a chick, which Grade said was one of the three loon chicks seen on the lake this summer. We also saw a solitary loon in a remote cove occasionally ping for fish.

This past summer someone shot a loon in the Pittsburg area. I contacted the officials in the law enforcement pision of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Deptartment and I was told they have not as yet located the shooter, who could face a hefty federal fine of up to $250,000 as well as jail time.

I always marveled at the tremulous yodel and wail-like cry of loons when I was camping along New Hampshire lakes at night. Years ago, I learned to imitate the loon's call by making a whistle out of my cupped hands. In my office I have three trophies awarded to me for being the first place winner of a loon calling contest during three successive summers in Belgrade Lakes, Maine.

Henry David Thoreau described the loon's call as “an unearthly demoniac laughter, the wildest sound I ever heard, making the woods ring.”

At the end of our Squam Lake cruise, as our boat went under a bridge, I whistled my loon call. The sound reverberated loudly within the walls of the bridge. It was the only loon call we heard during our cruise. How unfortunate it would be if the only loon call future generations hear is by a human-made whistle.

Author: The Concord Insider

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