The autumn equinox is a week away and Highland Lake is beginning to reflect colors of fall. The blueberry bushes around Blueberry Island are crimson, and here and there maples are turning red and birches a golden yellow. We are getting a sneak preview of what is to come!
This morning as I kayaked, an adult eagle was perched on one of the tall island pines. The juvenile was not around — probably out stretching its wings and practicing its independence.
However, yesterday, the juvenile was perched on the island and spent several hours squawking for food. The adults were not around. According to some sources, after fledging, eaglets will depend on their parents for food for 10 weeks or more.
From what we are observing, the eaglet and the adults return to the island treetops for the feeding rituals. They don’t always coordinate their timing well! Sometime in October or November the eaglet will be on its own and when about five years of age, it will find a mate.
Eagles mate for life unless there is a fatality. Eagles are known to live 20-30 years, which is about the same for the common loon. Check out journeynorth.org for more information.
Our loon pair has been seen coming and going. On occasion other loons visit.
This past week, a juvenile loon was seen swimming on the lake. This juvenile was probably hatched on a nearby lake and is now stretching its wings and practicing its independence. Most likely, one of its parents was also on the lake, but I cannot confirm this.
Other birds and waterfowl observed on Highland Lake this summer include the common cormorant. Ally Resch, our lake photographer, captured a stunning photo of cormorants sitting on her raft. The photo was printed in the September issue of The Beacon. Readers may view her photos by going to this link: photos.app.goo.gl/bLGcKKdHqpYSwqqAA
Back in August, John Cooley, loon biologist, contacted me about a report of a possible dead loon on the island. After checking it out, we confirmed that it was an adult cormorant and most likely killed by one of the adult eagles to feed their young.
In mid-August, my daughter and I spotted a rare red-tailed hawk flying over Route 11 near the Continental Machine Shop. It has been sighted by several people over the past four years or more. The unusual feature about this hawk is its almost totally white plumage.
It’s not a true albino as it has dark eyes and feet. This genetic condition is called leucism. The leucistic red-tailed hawk was seen soaring with a typical red-tailed. Hopefully, the pair will continue to return to nest in the area and more people will have a chance to see this unique and most magnificent white raptor.
A great white egret was spotted around the lake by several people. One report mentioned seeing a pair. This is surely a rare sighting for us. The egret remained for several weeks and was enjoyed by many.
I have not mentioned the great blue heron, the osprey, the Canada geese, the mallards, the common nighthawks, the belted kingfisher, and so many other birds that have been seen around the lake this summer. They all make for delightful sightings when one finds oneself in the “right place at the right time”! Highland Lake is truly a mecca for all kinds of wildlife.
I’d like to give a shout-out to the Pleasant Lake Protection Association for their very informative newsletter, “The Nature of Pleasant Lake.” Readers can subscribe to it by emailing them at plpa@nullplpa.net. The August issue’s article entitled “Three Migrations” (Monarchs, dragonflies, and birds), with text and stunning photographs by Jen Esten and Jon Waage, is excellent. I highly recommend readers to subscribe to it.
Enjoy the season.