Vermont State Parks

Bob Dill shared a first hand account of a unique sighting (and rescue) yesterday through Vermont Birds Listserv. We'd like to share his tale: Bill and a friend, named Phelps, were ice skating off Sand Bar State Park yesterday and soon spotted a distressed red-throated loon on the ice of Lake Champlain. The ice was inhibiting the bird from taking off; it was too slippery. They came ashore for advice and more equipment. After several calls, they finally got a hold of Carol Winfield in Westford who walked them through how to capture, transport, and release the loon safely. The two men borrowed an extra car coat from a neighbor of Phelps' who happened by at just the right time and skated back out to the bird. Luckily, the capture was straight forward and went off smoothly. The loon was walked back in rather than skating to reduce the risk of falling with the bird. Bill and Phelps took a short drive to a bridge where rocks near the bridge were free of ice, all...

A loon with a snack Maidstone State Park is hosting a loon packed weekend. Activites begin with an interpretive walk on Friday (starting at the B-loop bathhouse at 8:00 PM) and slide show. The next morning, get ready to head out on the lake, via canoe or kayak (both available for rent), and observe these unique creatures in their natural habitat. Other activities include: a sand castle contest, a sack race, a movie at dusk, fishing and hiking opportunities, and more! Programs are free with paid park entry, but if you want to camp, make your reservations by calling the park directly, 802-676-3930. A pair of loons on Spectacle Pond in Brighton State Park In addition, you can help contribute to the Annual Statewide Loon Count. On Saturday, July 16th visit some beatiful ponds and record your findings for the Vermont Center for Ecostudies. "Many of the unassigned lakes are small and will likely not have loons, but it is still important to check them occasionally. However, the...