It has been an up-and-down month for loons on Highland Lake, as you can see from these updates from Donna Baker-Hartwell over the past several weeks:

May 28

I have just verified that our loons have begun nesting on Highland Lake. Today is Day 1. Hopefully, in 26 to 28 days we will have chicks.

I will be putting out signs, buoys, and yellow tape this weekend. Spread the word to your neighbors on the lake. We all can help to ensure the nesting is successful by giving the loons a lot of space and letting others know to do the same. Here’s to a happy loon family!

June 4

I kayaked out to check on our loons and found no sign of them. The nest is empty. I searched the shore for signs of eggs and found nothing. After contacting

John Cooley, senior biologist at the Loon Preservation Committee in Moultonborough, I am fairly certain that the nest was disturbed or destroyed by a mink.

A large mink has been seen swimming across the lake both last year and again this year. I have seen it three times this past month! If mink continue to habituate the area, I am afraid that our loons will have a very difficult time nesting in the future. I will contact Lieutenant Heidi Murphy at New Hampshire Fish and Game Department to see if she has any suggestions.

I will leave the buoys and signage up for a week or so in case the loons try again.

June 18

The loons on Highland Lake are nesting again! They have chosen a spot on the northeast side of the island in a No Wake area. They are very hidden, so boaters will not be able to see the nest.

I have moved the signs and buoys to designate a new protected area. Yellow caution ribbon has been strung in this area to enable visitors to the island to know what area to stay clear of.

Please let folks know that dogs are not allowed on the island! Hopefully, by July 17 we will see a chick emerge. Keep your fingers crossed.

If you’d like to receive occasional e-mail updates like these from Donna, just let her know at DonnaBH@nulltds.net.