LOONS 25 



common resident, (Spinney). Somerset ; not very common summer resident, 

 (Morrell). Waldo; breeds on one or two of the larger ponds, found along 

 coast in summer and winter, (Knight). Washington ; common breeds, 

 (Boardman). York; common summer resident, (Adams). 



Along the coast the Loon is resident, perhaps commoner 

 from spring to fall than during the winter, never very numer- 

 ous when the exact number of individuals occurring is carefully 

 considered, but still to be found at all seasons. The species 

 nests only on inland bodies of water, arriving in spring soon 

 after the ice has left and remaining usually until the ice begins 

 to form again. While one or two pair of Loons may be 

 expected to be found nesting on each of the larger ponds or 

 lakes throughout the State, provided there is suitable oppor- 

 tunity to secure a somewhat unfrequented nesting spot, the 

 total number of these birds nesting in the State or in any one 

 locality is never large enough to permit their being rightfully 

 recorded as common, even by the most vivid stretch of imagin- 

 ation, though many have erred in this respect. As a matter 

 of fact each pair of birds seems to have exclusive rights to a 

 certain extensive territory, and when the number of suitable 

 ponds or lakes throughout the State has been considered, it 

 will be readily seen that not over 1000 pair of Loons at the 

 outside would find (to them) satisfactory homes with proper 

 "yard room". The actual number of pair nesting in Maine is 

 most certainly far under the figures given, and an actual census, 

 showing the actual numbers of each species of bird found in 

 Maine, would most certainly result in placing the larger birds 

 (except the Crow) far down in the list, while if the actual truth 

 could be ascertained we would be surprised at the numbers of 

 many species of so-called rare Warblers which occur in Maine. 

 The Loon then is not common, it is really rather rare, but 

 being a large bird, living under conditions where it can be 

 readily seen or heard and easily found if sought at the proper 

 place, the natural result is to have it reported as common by 

 unthinking observers. 



