A Tale of Two Nests

   Loons can hatch some memorable experiences. Ask Bruce Lutz, 
owner of the Newmann Lake Lodge in Price County, Wisconsin. A 
pair of Newmann Lake loons put Bruce in a difficult situation. For 
four years a pair of loons (he presumed the same pair) had nested on 
a small island. During the spring of 1984, high water levels forced 
the loons to build a nest about ten yards from their traditional spot. 
The nest was a good one and an egg was laid. But then the lake level 
dropped and the loons moved back to their "old" nest site, but 
naturally were unable to bring their egg along. A second egg was laid 
in the old, new nest. Two eggs, two nests, but one pair of loons.

   The math didn't work too well and apparently the loons were not 
pleased with their decision. Lutz called Jim Pierce, Wisconsin Project 
Loon Watch coordinator, to report that the loons were spending a lot 
of time swimming between the two nests, calling almost 
continuously. The loons were upset. Lutz was upset.

   Jim advised Lutz to wait until the loons settled upon one of the 
nests before attempting an egg rescue. The loons finally chose their 
old nest, abandoning the first egg. Then Bruce swung into action. He 
carefully picked up the abandoned egg, carrying it in a sheet of Saran 
Wrap, and brought it to the other nest. The loons were very 
suspicious. For about eight hours they would come near the nest, 
inspect it but quickly leave. Finally, early in the evening, one of the 
adults climbed onto the eggs and stayed put. Twenty-eight days later 
two chicks were hatched. Both survived their first summer. Lutz still 
enjoys watching loons but hopes his pair has learned to make up 
their minds about which nest is home. For his sake, as well as theirs.