Loon Chick on Opechee

Opechee has its first loon chick in years!

Photo by Ian Bryson

To encourage the loons seen regularly on the lake, the Loon Preservation Committee placed a loon nesting raft at the north end of Opechee in the summer of 2024. The raft remained vacant, and no chicks were seen on the lake. )You can read about the reproduction habits of loons on the LPC's website.)

Photo by Cheryl Benz

Again, for the summer of 2025, a raft was placed on the lake. On the 4th of July, Cheryl Benz spotted a loon, seen here in a protective pose, nesting on the raft. The activity was reported to the LPC, and their biologists placed warning signs to give the nesters a little more space.

On the evening of July 20th, the loons were heard making more than their usual noises, and on July 21st, a single loon chick was spotted for the first time.

Photo by Ian Bryson

As can be seen in this photo of our new family, adult male and female loons have nearly identical plumage. Their most distinguishing factor is their size, the male being generally 25% larger than the female. Additionally, males have a distinctive "yodel" vocalization used to defend their territory. For now, the gender of the new chick is anybody's guess!

As of this writing, the chick continues to thrive and is regularly being spotted on a parent's back or paddling beside. Normal chick development would predict fledging around mid-October, when the chick might become fully independent.

We're all very excited about our newest resident. Boaters and PWC operators are encouraged to give all wildlife a wide berth and to be particularly watchful for our new loon family!