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ApS · 07-08-2005, 08:36 PM

It's possible. Loons used to frequent Massachusetts in Henry David Thoreau's time, where they were shot for sport. In the times I've frequented Massachusetts, I've never heard loons, either.

Landings are a cinch, but because they require nearly 200 yards to make their takeoff -- and are unable to walk like "regular" birds -- loons will seldom land in a pond that is smaller than 200 yards.

Sometimes, they will mistake an icy road for a pond, then can't take off or walk towards water.

One of their four vocalizations can be mistaken for a seagull's. That could be what you hear, but I can't recall nighttime vocalizations by seagulls.

In my part of Winnipesaukee, youthful visitors will try to sound like loons upon their arrival Friday nights. Maybe they're from a northeastern golf course community in Massachusetts?

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07-08-2005, 08:36 PM	#4
ApS Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Florida (Sebring & Keys), Wolfeboro Posts: 5,788 Thanks: 2,084 Thanked 742 Times in 532 Posts	Could be It's possible. Loons used to frequent Massachusetts in Henry David Thoreau's time, where they were shot for sport. In the times I've frequented Massachusetts, I've never heard loons, either. Landings are a cinch, but because they require nearly 200 yards to make their takeoff -- and are unable to walk like "regular" birds -- loons will seldom land in a pond that is smaller than 200 yards. Sometimes, they will mistake an icy road for a pond, then can't take off or walk towards water. One of their four vocalizations can be mistaken for a seagull's. That could be what you hear, but I can't recall nighttime vocalizations by seagulls. In my part of Winnipesaukee, youthful visitors will try to sound like loons upon their arrival Friday nights. Maybe they're from a northeastern golf course community in Massachusetts? .