Welcome to our latest blog post, where we dive into the fascinating world of loons and their nesting habits in New Hampshire. Our dedicated team, led by board member Jeff Boyer and supported by Sheri Coldwell and Kevin & Diane Labreque, have help provide two nesting rafts on the Northern and Southern end of the lake.

Timeline of Nest Initiation

Here in New Hampshire, loons typically start building their nests between late May and late June. However, early birds might begin as early as May, while others may wait until mid-July before settling down.

Loon Eggs and Incubation

Loons usually lay 1 to 2 eggs per nesting attempt. The eggs are laid 1 to 3 days apart, and the parents take turns incubating them for approximately 27 days. Both male and female loons contribute equally to the incubation process, though research suggests that females might take on more responsibility towards the end of the nesting period and during nighttime hours.

Loon Chicks Hatch

Once the incubation period ends, the chicks hatch roughly 24 hours apart, marking the beginning of a new life. In case of a failed nesting attempt, loons may try again up to three times within the same year. However, this renesting behavior may vary depending on the pair in question.

We hope you enjoyed this brief exploration into the captivating nesting habits of New Hampshire loons. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from our team as we continue to see if we hatch another set of eggs.