Though many of you are already aware of this, I want to bring to your attention that many Loon Rangers and professional research colleagues have observed a high amount of nest abandonment due to black flies in the last few weeks. This species of black fly, Simulium annulus, do not bother humans but prefer loons as hosts. You may have observed large swarms around the territorial pair(s) and their nest(s).
If the pair abandons their nest, they may attempt to re-nest or find a different nesting location when the swarms of flies subside. The black fly life cycle is approximately two weeks. If you observe black flies causing nest abandonment, please note this on your monitoring form.
This may have effect chick production and success this year. We will know more when your forms are turned in and we generate the report at the end of the year. Dr. Walter Piper, who monitors 100 lakes in Oneida County, was recently interviewed and indicated high nest abandonment in his study area due to black flies. Click to hear Dr. Piper's interview.
Sincerely,
Erica LeMoine
LoonWatch Coordinator
If you see anything described above, please contact our Loon Ranger, Donna Twining, at tom-donna@centurytel.net
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