It seems the grip of spring has finally lifted! We took a lengthy kayak last weekend to see if we had any nesting loons. We discovered one pair braving a nesting site back in the inlet/swamp at the southeast end of the lake. Many of you may remember this nest was raided by raccoons two years ago and all chicks were lost. This parent pair decided to nest on big island last year and successfully raised a single chick at the east end of the lake. As of last weekend, there was no nest on middle island or big island.  A pair of loons is guarding the area but no sign of nesting yet.  We have been here many years when the nesting has been delayed until June.  It does mean that we have tiny chicks on the lake during the busiest part of the boat season.  Please be mindful that in rough waters, these babies are really difficult to see – especially if the parent dives to avoid a mishap with a boat and the very young chicks can’t dive very well.  Please remember steer clear of loon nesting sites and always observe the loons from a distance through binoculars or using a telephoto lens.

At our camp we are blessed with many things Maine and one of them is Lady’s Slippers.  Because of the pine trees, acidic soil, the perfect blend of sun and shade, some years we get 30 or more over the spring season.  This year, the spring was delayed enough that our Lady’s Slippers came In June, not May.  Our good neighbor and the keeper of the boat gate, John, said he almost got hyperthermia putting his dock in this year.  Looking around the lake other families have delayed their dock/float installation until the days or the water was warm enough. Hopefully, that day has come and our summer can officially begin.

Otherwise, we have had sightings of the Baltimore Orioles, hummingbirds, eagles, deer in our yard, our snapping turtle is back and for the first time this spring we saw a milk snake swimming by.  We share our beautiful lake with so much other life.  It is always an adventure to sit on our dock and see what nature has in store for us on any given day!

Steve and Kim Lajoie