Loon’s with fishing gear in bills

[Gregg Goodrich]

We currently have 2 loons with fishing line, lures or hooks in their bills here in the Denver area. Chatfield has a Pacific Loon with fishing gear in it’s bill. Several birders have notified the park office and they said that they couldn’t get a boat out to do a rescue because of the ice at the boat ramps. Even if they could, catching it would be a challenge.

Aurora Reservoir has a Common Loon with fishing gear in it’s bill as well. I notified the park ranger supervisor this morning. He said as long as it was diving and healthy it would be hard to catch. He said if it’s health starts to fail, then they might be able to catch it. 

So, keep an eye on these birds and if they start to look unhealthy we can notify the rangers.

Gregg Goodrich 

Highlands Ranch 

[Candice Johnson]

How tragic. Where can you view the Pacific Loon at Chatfield? Candice Johnson, Denver

[Gregg Goodrich]

The Pacific Loon likes to fish along the dam and in the middle of the lake at Chatfield. Most days it can be seen from either the north boat ramp area, the handicap fisherman’s platform or the snadspit. It will be a great distance out, so a scope is required. Please report anything unusual in it’s behavior to the rangers.

Gregg Goodrich
Highlands Ranch

[Robert Raker]

Observed the COLO you referred to at Aurora Reservoir. Got pics of it and it appears the fishing line completely encircles the bill. Not sure if the bird can even opener's bill. I observed the bird continuously trying to wipe off the lure and line off of it's beak. Very sad. See pics at: https://ebird.org/checklist/S63378535

Robert Raker 

Lakewood CO.

On Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 10:03:11 AM UTC-7, Gregg Goodrich wrote:

[Gregg Goodrich]

Rob

Great photos of the distressed loon. I called the ranges at Aurora Reservoir, ready to send your photos, and they said they were out in a boat and saw the problem loon diving and eating. So that is good news. Sounds like all the ranges are well aware of the loon and are keeping an eye on it. She said that as long as it was diving they would have no change of catching it. They did see it catch a fish.

I could not find the Pacific Loon at Chatfield this morning. I would say about 50% of the lake is frozen now at Chatfield.

Gregg Goodrich
Highlands Ranch

[Robert Raker]

Thanks Gregg. I also went to look for the PALO today at Chatfield and could not find it. Lots of ice means the search is easier. 😉

Rob Raker

Lakewood, CO 

[Senglan9]

This Loon is going to die not of natural causes but because some lazy fisherman decided to cut his line and leave it.  I don't imagine the rangers have even tried to help the loon.  I just called and spoke with the office about it.  He then pointed me to the rangers office.  Please continue to call the office until they do something about it.  It wouldn't be hard to at least attempt to try and save the loon.  The office number is 303-326-8425.  Please call until they get so frustrated that they actually do something about it. Thanks.