Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Bear and Turkey Hunting in Central Maine


September arrives, bringing with it a marked decrease in the number of biting insects, a slight nip to the evening air and dramatic color changes in local foliage. It is also this time of year when hunters begin to develop that wild and crazy look in their eye, as the excitement of the impending arrival of hunting season builds to a crescendo.

One of the events I will be partaking in this hunting season is the pursuit of black bears in Central Maine! Yes, that is right folks, multiple black bear sightings have been made in the state capitol right here in Augusta. Several bears have even been sighted just a few miles from my house. While some might not like the idea of a large predator roaming around in their backyard, for me this is exciting news!

Saturday, September 1, 2018

Wildlife Quiz - Common Loon

The Common Loon (Gavia immer) frequently can be heard singing it’s hauntingly beautiful call on lakes and ponds throughout its widely distributed range which includes Alaska, North America, Mexico, Europe, Africa and even rarely in Japan.

The calls of the Loon widely vary in accordance with perceived threats, territorial disputes, distress, mating and to communicate location. The most common Loon vocalization is the tremolo or “laughing” call. This call is characterized by its short wavering quality. It is comprised of 8-10 high notes and is used primarily to communicate a loons presence to other loons on a body of water.

It is also the only call Loons use during flight. Adult Loons possess exquisite plumage that includes a black-and-white checkered back, iridescent black head, black bill, red eyes, a prominent white "necklace" marking around the neck, and a much smaller white “chinstrap” marking at the throat. The sexes look alike, though males are significantly larger and heavier than females. T

he Loon has an innate and natural ability to catch fish that would make any angler jealous. Able to dive underwater as deep as 200 ft the Loon has no problem chasing, catching and eating fish as well as a wide range of other prey animals including clams, crayfish, insects and even aquatic plants. They swallow most prey underwater, where it is caught, but sometimes must surface to consume larger items. Evolution provided the Loon with powerful legs and pelvic muscles for swimming but is ungainly on land due to the legs being positioned at the rear of its body.

In early May, both the male and female Loon work to construct a large nest out of grasses along the shore. A single brood is raised each year with 1-2 chicks. Within hours of hatching, the young leave the nest with the parents, swimming close by and sometimes riding on one parent’s back. Both parents feed the chicks live prey from hatching to fledging and as they grow, they become able to feed and fend for themselves after about two months. Biologists have estimated that a pair of loons raising two chicks feed on approximately 1,000 lbs of fish during the 6 months they spend in their breeding grounds.

If able to successfully avoid predators, like snapping turtles, seagulls, bald eagles and northern pike the Loon can live up to 20 years, with the maximum recorded age being 29 years 10 months.

Wildlife Quiz Questions: 
1. What is the native range of the Loon?
2. What do the various calls of the Loon signify?
3. What is the most common Loon vocalization?
4. How can you tell the difference between a male and female Loon?
5. How deep underwater can a Loon dive?
6. What do Loons eat?
7. How much do Loons eat?
8. How long does a Loon typically live?

Wildlife Quiz Answers: 
1. The native range of the Loon includes Alaska, North America, Mexico, Europe, Africa and even rarely in Japan.
2. The various calls of the Loon signify perceived threats, territorial disputes, distress, mating and communicate location.
3. The most common Loon vocalization is the tremolo or “laughing” call.
4. The Loon sexes look alike, though males are significantly larger and heavier than females.
5. Loons are able to dive underwater as deep as 200 ft.
6. Loons eat a wide range of other prey animals including clams, crayfish, insects and even aquatic plants.
7. Biologists have estimated that a pair of loons raising two chicks feed on approximately 1,000 lbs of fish during the 6 months they spend in their breeding grounds.
8. The loon can live up to 20 years, with the maximum recorded age being 29 years 10 months.
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