No, I don't mean the Lake Association Annual Picnic. Well, maybe.... It was wonderful to see so many neighbors at the picnic and get to know a few new friends a little better. Thanks to all who worked to put the event together for us.
We learned some new things about loons this year. After their first summer as babies on our Lake, they spend the next three years in the Gulf of Mexico growing up. Then they return to our lovely Minnesota Lakes for the next few years until they reach maturity at about 7 years of age.
The groups of loons we see swimming and fishing together are 'non breeding' loons and are called a 'Party of Loons.' So now we know that those groups of loons really ARE having a party out there. Sounds like fun to me!
Loons can live for 30 years, so I expect the loons we see on our Lakes return year after year to spend their summers with us. Loons are the Minnesota State Bird for a good reason. The state has about 12,000 loons during the summer months. Maine comes in second place with a mere 5,000.
I love hearing loon calls at sunset as our summer days at the Lake come to a close. We all were reminded to boat very slowly through the shallow, tight turns in the potholes to protect the shoreline there where loons frequently nest right at water level. When the nests are swamped, the birds abandon the nest. Hopefully some 'no wake' signs can be posted again as a reminder to visitors as well. I must admit, I don't think I've ever seen anyone racing through there. Mostly folks are anchored and enjoying a little fishing.
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