Loon Cam streaming live from New Hampshire’s Lakes Region

MOULTONBOROUGH — Loons have laid their eggs on a Live Loon Cam run by the Loon Preservation Committee. The cam is streaming live on YouTube and features a pair of loons nesting in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.

Those interested in viewing the Loon Cam can do so at loon.org/looncam.

The first egg was laid on May 22. Viewers can expect the second egg to be laid between May 23 and May 25. Until the second egg is laid, the loons will incubate the nest only sporadically. Once the second egg has been laid, viewers can expect them to incubate consistently. In the coming weeks, viewers can watch, up-close and in real time, as the birds incubate their eggs and hatch their chicks. During this time, viewers will also see the loons interact with one another and with other species on the lake. Chick hatch is anticipated to occur between June 18 and June 20.

In addition to watching the loons, viewers of the cam also have the option to participate in an online chat to have their questions about loons answered by other viewers and LPC biologists. The chat allows viewers to share events that happen on camera, connect, and socialize over their love of the birds.

The pair featured on the Loon Cam is one of many loon pairs currently nesting across New Hampshire. Loons nest on lakes and ponds and build their nests on the ground, usually along the shoreline of islands, in marshy areas, or along the mainland shoreline of protected coves. Because they have adapted for life in the water, loons cannot walk on land. As such, they build their nests right at the water’s edge. These nests are vulnerable to boat wakes and to human disturbance.

Those who plan to boat, fish, or hike on or around New Hampshire’s lakes during the loon nesting season are urged to use caution in areas where loons may be nesting. If a loon nest is found, it should be given plenty of space — 150 feet at minimum, and more if the loon shows signs of distress, such as lowering its head over the nest. If a member of the public accidentally flushes a loon from the nest, they should leave the area immediately so that the loon will feel comfortable enough to resume incubation. Boaters are also urged to follow New Hampshire’s no wake laws in order to avoid swamping loon nests.

The Loon Preservation Committee monitors loons throughout the state as part of its mission to restore and maintain a healthy population of loons in New Hampshire; to monitor the health and productivity of loon populations as sentinels of environmental quality; and to promote a greater understanding of loons and the natural world.