Loon Rescue on Hancock Pond July 2024

Several Hancock Pond residents spotted a loon in distress on July 16, near the island opposite the Dugway.  It was seen up on the shore or staying in shallow water. It appeared unable to dive.  

Several folks called the game warden, the Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI), and Maine Audubon. The next morning BRI biologist Mike Chickering came and rescued the loon, with the help of Mary Stitzel, who offered the use of her pontoon boat, and her son Mark, who helped the biologist recover the loon.

The loon was transferred to the Center for Wildlife in Cape Neddick, which is now the only facility in Maine with the capacity to care for loons. BRI’s Micah Miller reports that they removed a lead sinker from the bird’s gizzard and treated it for acute lead poisoning. Unfortunately, the loon did not survive. According to Micah, the bird was unable to stay upright in the water, nor feed itself, and they made the determination to euthanize it to prevent any further stress. 

This is the second loon in two years from Hancock Pond that ingested a lead sinker and died as a result. Remember, please urge everyone to make sure not to leave fishing line in the ponds and use only lead-free tackle! ​​

If you are not a part of the Hancock and Sand Ponds Loon Committee and would like to be in our mailing list, please let me know.

Amy March;  amymarch852@gmail.com