A LOON CHICK HAS ARRIVED

On Wed, June 23rd, the loons had a chick. Only one chick this year but we are glad that the loons were successful since they had initially abandoned the nest. Please be sure to give the loon family plenty of space on the lake; remind your friends and guests that the loons are very protective of their family.

THE LOONS HAVE BEGUN NESTING

Update: It is now June 6th and the loons have been on the nest for 2 weeks. We did have an interesting start to this year’s nesting period. As stated, we launched the nest on Easter, April 17th, and the loons started to nest 3 weeks later on May 8th. But on the 11th, we noticed that the loons were no longer on the nest, we waited several days and then ventured out to check and there were 2 eggs on the nest. The loons abandoned the eggs. We were concerned that we would have no chicks this summer but then, on May 22nd, we heard a call from the loons. We glanced out and the loons were back on the nest. It is now June 6th and the loons have been on the nest for over 2 weeks. If all goes well, we should be able to report at the annual meeting how many chicks have hatched. Stay tuned.

For information about loons have more than 2 eggs, refer to the following articled: https://loonproject.org/2017/05/26/one-egg-too-many-on-wind-pudding/amp/

LAUNCHING THE NEST

It is now April 17^th and the ice is out on the lake and both loons have now shown up at the site looking for their nest. So the loon committee decided to spend some time on Easter and give the loons another early start. 17

I want to thank the loon committee for their efforts in getting the nest launched this year. The members who were able meet on Easter included Beth and Arnie Noe, Scott and Nancy Hedberg, and Tim Switzer. The team decided to try something new this year. When putting out the nest, one problem we always have is trying to find some shoreline plants to add to the nest so the loons can have some cover. In April, nothing is growing! Another lake added some pine boughs to their nest and their loons used the nest. So the team decided to try that with ours. The pine needles will fall into the water as they die and hopefully the plants that were used will have had some time to grow. 

Here is the nest with the buoys located in a triangle. It is in its usual location in the bay on the southwest end of the lake. If the loons follow the same schedule as last year, they should be nesting by the first week of May and have their chicks by the first week of June. Watch the website for any updates.

Scott Hedberg, one of our ALPOA members of long standing as well as a member of the loon committee, recently volunteered Co-Administrator for the Michigan Loon Preservation Association (MLPA) Facebook Group & Page. He produced a simple video for the MLPA to share with other lake groups about ALPOA’s nest this year.   
https://youtu.be/3u3OkFd_cq0

As the ALPOA President for 2022 I would like to express my admiration for all the ALPOA Board Members and volunteers now and in the past. These dedicated ALPOA members have actively pursued the mission of ALPOA “To Protect and Preserve Ann Lake.” They have given their time and energy for self-education to better educate the public, maintain water quality, provide loon protection and invasive species identification and eradication.

It is not by happen stance that these achievements have been met.
Frankly, these efforts go back to the inception of ALPOA some 20 plus years ago. These Board Officers have developed and maintained relationships with like-minded community organizations such as (but not limited to) Almira Township, Village of Lake Ann, Benzie County, Michigan DNR, Michigan Lakes and Streams Association, Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program, Lake and Land Management Corp. and The Michigan Loon Preservation Association.

These relationships have allowed continued progress toward our goals. I enjoy our wonderful lake and I am extremely thankful for the efforts of ALPOA. Reviewing the history of ALPOA I can see the main objective was and still is to “Protect and Preserve Ann Lake.” This is where our focus will lie for the future. Unfortunately, there is a misconception that these objectives also include law enforcement such as boating regulation, lake shore management and noise abatement. These issues are in the hands of local government and police. We are happy to help individual members access appropriate agencies to address concerns.

I look forward this year in continuing ALPOA’s commitment to you and the preservation of our beautiful lake. Please browse our web site at annlake.org often for updates and informational materials for riparians.

Sincerely,

Terry Sowers

Date: Saturday, June 25, 10am
Location: Almira Township Hall in Lake Ann
Per CDC Guidelines: Social Distancing will be practiced, and anyone who is NOT vaccinated should plan to mask.
Refreshments: Coffee & donuts provided.

Speaker information to be provided