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grannyhiker
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grannyhiker
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PostThu Feb 12, 2015 11:44 am 
A few years ago, I was hiking around Lost Lake (north side of Mt. Hood) in late October and repeatedly heard one. I kept looking but never saw it. As mentioned above, loons nest farther north and migrate down here, mostly to the coast, for winter. During the Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival last year, we spotted one while on a field trip to Ocean Shores. No sound, though. In breeding plumage (during spring migration), it's a spectacular bird!

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.--E.Abbey
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Malachai Constant
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PostThu Feb 12, 2015 11:49 am 
I did not mention winter when loons are common on the WA and OR coasts as they seldom call. I have seen large flocks Clyde by Port Townsend on Thanksgiving and they are interesting flying low and fast, but no calls.

"You do not laugh when you look at the mountains, or when you look at the sea." Lafcadio Hearn
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DIYSteve
seeking hygge



Joined: 06 Mar 2007
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DIYSteve
seeking hygge
PostThu Feb 12, 2015 11:50 am 
Last I heard, there are 20+ lakes in inland WA with confirmed nesting Common Loons. Most those lakes are E of the Crest and in N half of WA.

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IanB
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IanB
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PostThu Feb 12, 2015 2:21 pm 
A small fraction of the Common Loons that overwinter on Puget Sound do stay for the summer to breed on the same waters. For many years I rented on the waterfront on southern Bainbridge Island, and was able to hear their far-carrying calls on late summer evenings - the kind when the water is cobalt-colored and the slightest ripples reflect the last of the coppery light in the sky. I know it isn't giving you a specific place and time to go and hear one, but just the knowledge that they are out there, every year, on good old Puget Sound. (And that if you tried camping at enough of our waterfront State Parks, I'd bet that you would eventually be able to cross this item off the bucket list.)

"Forget gaining a little knowledge about a lot and strive to learn a lot about a little." - Harvey Manning
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Opus
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Opus
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PostThu Feb 12, 2015 3:21 pm 
I heard them for the first (and only) time while camped at Lightning Creek camp on Ross Lake.

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Traildad
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PostThu Feb 12, 2015 5:07 pm 
JVesquire wrote:
This isn't entirely what you are asking for, but go on a fishing or canoe trip in Minnesota's boundary waters in June. You'll hear the wail of the loon all night and day. PM me if you want some suggestions for guide services.
x2 up.gif And a Boundary Water canoe trip is worth it even if you didn't hear loons, which you certainly will. One of my favorite all time trips.

Life is short so live it well.
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Bedivere
Why Do Witches Burn?



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Bedivere
Why Do Witches Burn?
PostThu Feb 12, 2015 7:06 pm 
Judging from whats written in this thread it must have been a freak occurrence but i shared Black lake near N Bend with a loon one summer afternoon. Was neat to hear it call as that's not something you hear much around here.

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Brucester
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Brucester
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PostThu Feb 12, 2015 7:26 pm 
Antlers Camp, ME on the AT 1998. Trail angel does a trail feast for a week for thruhikers. I get there after the crowds but there's a canoe, loons and a full moon. After some grub I ask to use her canoe..... Wow. (Cat and the loons) Maine's wicked cool. up.gif

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mmmmmm
ummagumma



Joined: 06 Nov 2013
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mmmmmm
ummagumma
PostThu Feb 12, 2015 8:57 pm 
Cedar lake in Larabee state park last spring if I remember correctly.

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JVesquire
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PostFri Feb 13, 2015 10:23 am 
Quote:
Paddled 265 miles from Rainy Lake to Grand Portage once
Did you do the Grand Portage?

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dfp
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dfp
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PostFri Feb 13, 2015 2:35 pm 
Swan Lake in Ferry County Washington - I've camped there twice and heard loons both times: http://www.ferrycounty.com/activities/fishing/swan-lake/ I've also seen bear and moose not far from there. It is a great spot.

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. - Edward Abbey
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John Mac
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John Mac
old retiree
PostSat Feb 14, 2015 8:01 am 
Domke Lake above Lucerne on Lake Chelan. Have to boat in, but we listened to one all week on a WTA logout last June. Hope to hear them again this year. Primo camping spot and only 3 mile or so backpack in.

How miserable are the idle hours of the ignorant man. Ariosto
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RumiDude
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RumiDude
Marmota olympus
PostSat Feb 14, 2015 9:00 am 
Phil wrote:
JVesquire wrote:
This isn't entirely what you are asking for, but go on a fishing or canoe trip in Minnesota's boundary waters
This. Something everyone should do at least once in their life.
Yep, for sure. Rumi

"This is my Indian summer ... I'm far more dangerous now, because I don't care at all."
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Eric Hansen
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Eric Hansen
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PostFri Apr 10, 2015 5:20 pm 
Best loon call vid ever? Outstanding one minute sound track on this one from near Ely, Minnesota

Off trail rambler
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General ****
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General ****
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PostSat Apr 11, 2015 2:29 pm 
Very nice video. Thanks, General ****

The General primarily backpacks solo.
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