Loon harassment

[pmay0012]

Could someone explain the mentality behind a person on a jet ski chasing a pair of loons with a new born chick? It was frightening to watch and dispiriting to experience in a small cove where we have had nesting loons for generations. All who watched were horrified; I hope someone is ashamed! More importantly, I pray that display will not be repeated. We share this lake with all of life's creatures. A little humility goes a long way.

[Jeanzb1]

I am sickened to read this. Do you know who these jerks are?

[Belmont Resident]

Can you say A-hole. Because only that would describe those actions.

[JDeere]

Too bad you did not video or photo it and then reported it. If they did it once I am sure they will do it again.

[RailroadJoe]

Vacationers, up from down south. Here for two weeks at the most.

[fpartri497]

someone should have got the bow numbers and called the MPs

[no-engine]

I really think it's unlawful ~ endangered species, I think!

Take photos no matter how far distant. Note specific locations, etc. Then go to Police and MP and Loon Committee with all the info.

It's like I know someone who photos cars plates of people who park in fire lane in front of pharmacy, and/or the handicap spot w/o permits, and takes the camera to Police for recording.

[Merrymeeting]

Originally Posted by RailroadJoe

Vacationers, up from down south. Here for two weeks at the most.

While I too am sickened to hear this, and hope the idiots are caught, I'm curious Joe. Do you know who they are? Can you provide data to the authorities to help identify them? Seems like you are pretty sure who they are.

[RailroadJoe]

Nope, don't know who they are. I am at the boat ramp in Alton Bay a lot and watch the new arrivals and week-enders launch their boats. Most of the time you can tell who knows what to do and who is up here for a short time.

[Tank151]

Railroad Joe,

Just because you sit by the Alton Boat ramp all day doesn't mean you know who did it!

Get a life!

[garysanfran]

Originally Posted by RailroadJoe

Vacationers, up from down south. Here for two weeks at the most.

There are idiots in all directions! North, south, east or west... From far away, and close by. Not just "from the south".

[RailroadJoe]

Good point. You forgot, the ones that do live in the area and just don't care.

[tis]

I have been known to yell at idiots who harass the loons when they have a baby. Some people are so stupid they go close enough to scare them out of a safe place as the loons don't like to feel cornered. Sometimes they don't mean to scare them but they do. Then they are out in the line of boat traffic where it isn't safe for the baby especially when they are very small.

[pam.in.ny]

What morons, and it is too bad that someone wasn't able to get the numbers or a video. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has yet to declare the loon threatened or endangered in the United States. However, they are considered threatened in NH and in 1987, VT declared them Endangered. I'm not sure if NH has declared them endangered but even if they are not endangered, they are protected Federally under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

[Jonas Pilot]

Originally Posted by pam.in.ny

What morons, and it is too bad that someone wasn't able to get the numbers or a video. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has yet to declare the loon threatened or endangered in the United States. However, they are considered threatened in NH and in 1987, VT declared them Endangered. I'm not sure if NH has declared them endangered but even if they are not endangered, they are protected Federally under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

So are Canada Geese.

[no-engine]

Originally Posted by pmay0012

Could someone explain the mentality behind a person on a jet ski chasing a pair of loons with a new born chick? It was frightening to watch and dispiriting to experience in a small cove where we have had nesting loons for generations. All who watched were horrified; I hope someone is ashamed! More importantly, I pray that display will not be repeated. We share this lake with all of life's creatures. A little humility goes a long way.

Come right down to common sense, and no mentality:
They never learned "respect" for neighbors on lake, sea or land.

Same people will cause "road rage" on highways, roads, even ski slopes, and on any body of water! I wonder if they'd chase a crawling young child of next door neighbor off their property line at home? Totally rude.
There is no mentality for it in my book.

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by Jonas Pilot

So are Canada Geese.

I think sea gulls are as well, or were.
But I'll bet the boat owners along Belknap point Rd would like to shoot them. We idled by that area yesterday and saw more boats just covered in sea gull crap. I mean almost white covers from the stuff.

[tis]

We saw the loon baby by Cow Island this morning. It almost looked like they had two. Anyone live out there that knows?

[no-engine]

If people would NOT feed the birds, they'd look elsewhere for food.
Unfortunately, there are ones who do not read signs at some municipal parks that say no feeding.

[Grant]

Originally Posted by tis

We saw the loon baby by Cow Island this morning. It almost looked like they had two. Anyone live out there that knows?

Last week, I saw a mama with two little ones around the Barber Pole, which could be the Cow Island loon you mention.

[tis]

Originally Posted by Grant

Last week, I saw a mama with two little ones around the Barber Pole, which could be the Cow Island loon you mention.

Great, then I wasn't seeing things. Hope both babies make it though it is doubtful. Still exciting to have TWO!

[COWISLANDDONZI]

Saw them Sunday AM. Will try and get some pics this weekend

[tis]

Originally Posted by COWISLANDDONZI

Saw them Sunday AM. Will try and get some pics this weekend

We also saw the baby in Robert's Cove. None in Winter Harbor this year.

Any others out there?

[CateP]

Originally Posted by tis

We also saw the baby in Robert's Cove. None in Winter Harbor this year.

Any others out there?

We saw two loons over in South Wolfeboro Bay several times. According to the Loon Center they are a chickless pair defending territory. They have come very close to our boat when we have been quietly drifting...could see their red eyes!!

No other loons to report.

[salukigirl]

There is a pair with one chick in the cove by us, perhaps the pair mentioned by pmay. I am hesitant to post a location, and encourage gawkers. It The MP’s will drive by if you call them when witnessing such behavior.

[Greene's Basin Girl]

We are fortunate to have two chicks that are a week old.

[white mountains]

Originally Posted by pmay0012

Could someone explain the mentality behind a person on a jet ski chasing a pair of loons with a new born chick? It was frightening to watch and dispiriting to experience in a small cove where we have had nesting loons for generations. All who watched were horrified; I hope someone is ashamed! More importantly, I pray that display will not be repeated. We share this lake with all of life's creatures. A little humility goes a long way.

Sometimes I can't believe what I read on this forum. Lots of finger wagging, but no one seems to take action.

Loons are a protected species in NH, and it is unlawful to harass them in any way. If convicted, the penalty for doing so is a fine of up to $2000. If you witness someone harassing loons, get a location and description of the boat/person (bow numbers is best) committing the crime, and call the Marine Patrol and the NH Fish & Wildlife Department. Both of these bodies are very dedicated to protecting the loon population. They will be on sight so fast that the moron in question won't know what hit him.

Bottom line is... this behavior isn't going to stop by doing nothing.
Pick up your cell phone. Get involved! Bring the hammer down on these lowlifes!