I am thankful for so many things. Today I am giving a shout out to NPR. “NPR strives to create a more informed public—one challenged and invigorated by a deeper understanding and appreciation of events, ideas, and cultures.” Credible research suggests NPR ranks #1 in being “credible” and “honest” among all media sources in our country. I love their storytelling and real time reporting – listening is a great way to stay accurately informed and engaged.
I spend a lot less time in the car during the COVID pandemic, but on a recent trip I listened with interest to an NPR story about loons. The unique bird is thriving on many lakes in the upper north east but are virtually gone from Massachusetts. Hunting and shoreline development prompted the birds to move almost a century ago. Loons are born and return after migration to the same body of water. How do you get loons to relocate? A group from Biodiversity Research institute carefully capture a baby loon from its parents and move it to a new lake. There was a semi sad note to taking a chick from its parents and then raising it in captivity. The end result seems to justify the loon sacrifice as several of the relocated loons returned to their new homes the last two years and this year one had a chick.
The loon is an iconic bird. Built to dive, which it does to depths of 200 feet, its leg positioning makes it awkward on the ground. It needs a run way to take off and its flight is noteworthy for the head down and more impressive chest first water landings. Don’t be fooled – the bird can fly at 75 miles per hour. The loon is serially monogamous, breeding pairs jointly defend their chosen territory. If an invading younger male takes over the territory the female will pair with that bird, guess there is a lesson there for we human males. The loon has a diverse and compelling variety of vocalizations including the tremolo or laughing call, the yodel, the wail, and the hoot. Each sound is a distinct message. Scientists know when to expect each call, the tremolo would be used if alarmed or perceived threats or as a locator for other loons, it is the only sound they make while in flight.
To put a conclusion to this story. The yodel is the long and complex call made only by the male loon. Fearless leader has been yodeling the last few weeks as a new male is about to move into his territory. Following nature, the new male in the territory alters its yodel to be clearly distinguishable from the call of the previous. A selfless yodel conveying humility, inclusion, empathy, professionalism, attention to science, protection of our planet, the safety of our citizens, justice for all, the shared soul of our country.
There is about to be the welcome end to the lunacy of the past four years. For that I am truly grateful.
Hope you had a safe and joyous holiday in person or on zoom as the circumstances allowed. Mike