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This shows the base of the ANP with the vertical pipes and
the top structure. As you can see the nylon mesh cover is see through, but
offers shade.
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Last year the carpeted ramp was too short and blew up and was
basically useless. I decided to just make the ramp attached to the pipes and
the plastic fence. Now it won’t move, yet still provide an easy ramp for the
chicks to get on the ANP if needed. The adults seem happy to climb up the back
without a ramp.
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With all the pieces set, I was waiting for the wind to die. About 6 pm, the wind died down to a few miles per
hour - time for installation.
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First
I need to add some vegetation to the platform for the loons to make a nest in.
I have been using dead reeds that wash in on the shoreline. It gives a natural
straw-like base for the nest.
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Since the location for the ANP is a couple hundred yards from
our cottage, I tied the ANP onto the back of my kayak and paddled it over to
the site. Not only is it nice to have it close for observation (I can see if
there is a loon on the nest with binoculars from out cottage), but it also
makes it easier to install the ANP and the buoys. The buoys take a trip each as
they are heavy and awkward in a kayak.
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With
the location is along a park, I leave the cement blocks (anchors) near the
shore there and just load them on to the ANP when I am ready to put it in.
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I
walk it out about waist deep and drop the anchors with two on the windward side
(side away from shore) and one on the opposite diagonal.
May
12, 2022 – the loon ANP is in! Come on loons!
Before quitting for the day, I put out the three main buoys about 100 feet out
from the ANP. Tomorrow morning I’ll add the rest.
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Friday, May 13, 2022 – In the morning, I added the rest of
the buoys to complete the setup. They barely fit in my kayak (with me in it).
As
I took the first of the buoys out in the morning, I heard a loon wail! I think
I can translate its call: “Where have you
been? It’s about time you got our nest in!” But maybe it is just my wishful
thinking.
Positioning
the buoys is a little tricky. I try to have them about 100’ feet out from the
nest. I don’t want to have them too far out and irritate the fishermen.
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With
the three main buoys, I added 2 smaller ones last year to put between the end
ones and the shore. Plus I added the sign closer to the swimming beach at the
park.
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With
all the work done to support the loons, it was time for a little rest. A walk through
the woods let us enjoy all the thousands of trillium that come out at this time
of year.
Now the wait. When will the loons see the nest and when will
they get on it to lay the eggs?
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Saturday, May 14, 2022. The lake was calm and we decided to
go for a kayak. We heard the loons wailing again, but couldn’t see them. Back
on shore at our cottage, I saw a loon pop up and check out the nesting area.
Although I never saw it get on the nest or even get real close, they were
around the buoys quite awhile. I know for sure that they know it’s there. Now
it’s time to let nature do the rest.
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Later that day we headed home, but will be back in a couple
weeks over the Memorial Day weekend to see how they are doing.
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