While at Grafton Pond to conduct annual easement monitoring visits for
Upper Valley Land Trust, and also hear about the end-of season wrap up for
the lake steward program at Grafton Pond (conducted by Society for the
Protection of NH Forests, and volunteers), we noted a raft of 28 black
scoters on the pond. Also, 5 loons (1 immature, and 4 adults).

Statistics for this boating season on Grafton Pond:

   - Total boat surveys (conducted on most weekends, both days): 2,052 with
   a total of 5 days with over 100 boat checks.
   - Loon productivity as monitored by the Loon Preservation Committee:
   Three pairs were noted on the pond, and two of the three nested
   successfully, yielding three loon hatchlings. All three chicks thrived,
   which leads to a chick survival rate of 1 chick per pair.

Pair density at Grafton is high, with three nesting pairs on a 325 acre
pond. Survival rate is also higher than the NH State average, which is .5
chicks per pair.

I was really impressed to hear about this successful monitoring and
education program at Grafton Pond. From the statistics, it seems as though
this program is going a long way towards maintaining the paddler
recreation/wildlife habitat balance. Kudos to all involved!




Jason Berard
Stewardship Director
Upper Valley Land Trust
603-643-6626


To post messages, send e-mail to:  [log in to unmask]
Set your e-mail application to PLAIN TEXT ONLY to post messages.
To contact the list owner:  [log in to unmask]
To unsubscribe:  E-mail this command to [log in to unmask]:  UNSUBSCRIBE UV-Birders
To change your e-mail address:  E-mail this command from your old address to: [log in to unmask]:  CHANGE UV-Birders [new e-mail address]

Web based archives and subscription management are available at:
http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/Archives/uv-birders.html