Winnipesaukee's First Lead-Poisoned Loon

[Rattlesnake Gal]

On July 1st, a dead loon was found in Loon Cove of Alton Bay. It is a confirmed case of lead-poisoning. This is so sad.

First Documented Lead-Poisoned Loon Collected on Lake Winnipesaukee (http://archive.mailermailer.com/view/24559147n-c61eccad%2a1136823v-9101d446)

[tis]

Oh no! That is sad! I hate to hear that!

[Merrymeeting]

I wish I could understand why lead sinkers are still used and won't be illegal until next year. Should have been done LONG ago! With all the materials available in this age, how hard can it be to switch to something safer?

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Merrymeeting, I was shocked to lean that the law had not gone into effect! Sigh.

[AC2717]

not that this is not tragic
but the lead weight could have been in the lake for a very long time

[Rattlesnake Gal]

I hadn't thought of that, AC2717.

This is one of the reasons that I love the Forum, getting other thoughts and ideas. :D

[secondcurve]

not that this is not tragic
but the lead weight could have been in the lake for a very long time

Probably not true. I thought the same thing but it was explained to me that when a fish breaks a fishing line with tackle and a lead sinker attached, Loons often make quick work of the crippled fish along with the attached tackle, lead sinker and all. They don't normally scoop up sinkers lying on the bottom of the lake. At least that is what I was told.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

FAQ from The Loon Preservation Committee (http://www.loon.org/loon-lead-faq.php)

[That Guy]

I've encountered this first hand.

Four years back I was returning from doing some fishing. Passed a loon on the surface that wasn't doin' too hot. Seem very lethargic. The next day I went back out and at the boat ramp there was the loon. Washed up. Barely movin'. I tried petting it, but it really didn't want anything to do with me. I went into the bait bucket and started grabbing some minnows. I was there for about 45m feeding it the fish. It started gaining energy and looked like it was doing better. A guy from the loon center arrived in a car. Picked the loon up and placed it in a cardboard box. I rode with him to Winterhaven Vet with the loon in my lap. Arrived there and Ms. Wing took an x-ray. Clear as day there was a splitshot in the gizzard. They had to put it down right there. :(

Between Dad and I, we must have 20 tackleboxes. We went through every one and ditched every weight in there; regardless if they were lead or not. We bought all new weights because we didn't want to chance it.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

(I ran out of thank yous for the day.)

I have tears in my eyes from reading your post. That Guy, thanks for sharing your story and thank you, for getting rid of any potential poison. Loons are majestic birds that we should protect and treasure.

[tis]

You mean Winter Harbor Vet, right That Guy? So where did you find the loon? In Wolfeboro?

[That Guy]

You mean Winter Harbor Vet, right That Guy? So where did you find the loon? In Wolfeboro?

Winter Harbor, that's the one. Whoops on the wrong word.

Back Bay.

[secondcurve]

Thanks RG. Sounds like the way I was told is more frequent but not the only way.

[SteveA]

It's not just lead sinkers that effect the Common Loon.

www.wcs.org/saving-wildlife/birds/common-loon.aspx

[Rattlesnake Gal]

It seems to me that in this day and age there could be better filtration for coal burning plants etc to keep the environment clear of toxins.