Here are the final results from the lake survey by Cliff Cabral of New England Milfoil – this time with a map that shows the “hot spots” that our weed watchers should be paying closer attention to:  

Referencing the below map: We estimate that approximately half of the Silver Lake shoreline is rocky/sandy, making it difficult for plants to establish themselves; while the other half would be conducive to plant/invasive growth (indicated in red on the map). All of the underwater islands consist of rock piles and thrushes, and no other plant life. 

We are happy to report that we found no evidence of invasive plants!

From Ann Haralambie

The 2 north territory chicks hatched this morning and are still on the nest. They’ll be moving to their brooding area in the next hour or so, so please be careful in the area from Bimba Island north.

I will need some help getting the signs out (too shallow for my boat) to a place deep enough for me to snag them with my boat and put the orange “Caution Chick” overlays on them. Then I can float them in the brooding area. Pictures will follow later today.

Some potential for drama in the east territory. One adult and the two chicks were in the cove, while the other adult was aptrolling in the grass outside the cove. That loon then came into the cove and started to escort the rest of the family out of the cove. At that point, another loon flew in from the north, landing in the middle of the lake across from the cove. So the loon with the chicks went back into the cove while the mate went out into the lake. A territorial intrusion attempt? We’ll have to see. [I have an electrician coming and have to wait until he gets there before I can take my boat out)

[UPDATE: as of noon the north chicks were still on the nest, and there is both an intruding loon and a bald eagle disturbing them. So I haven’t seen them move to the brooding area yet.]

For up to date information please check the Silver Lake Madison, NH Facebook group

From Ann Haralambie on June 29th…

This morning we had 2 chicks hatch from the nest in the Cook Inlet.  They are now in their brooding area, so I hope boaters, kayakers, canoeists, paddleboarders, and swimmers will give them a lot of space. Right now the adults need to focus all their attention on feeding and protecting their chicks, not being distracted by people around them.  This afternoon a boat almost ran over one of the day-old chicks.  Attached is a pdf that I would hope you could distribute to SLAM and SLBC email lists showing the loons EARLY brooding area (they do not stay within that area at all times, though).  I have 2 orange “Caution Chicks” signs floated and hope to be able to get 2 more floated this week.

For up to date information please visit the Silver Lake, Madison, NH Facebook group