Maine Ice Skater Rescues Stranded Loon from Frozen Pond
BELGRADE, Maine — On a crisp December day in the Belgrade Lakes Region, a routine ice skating outing turned into an unexpected rescue mission when John Picone encountered a common loon stranded on the ice covering East Pond. Loons, known for their haunting calls and striking black-and-white plumage, require at least 500 feet of open water to take flight, making frozen ponds a perilous trap during winter months.
While skating Sunday, Picone spotted the distressed bird unable to launch itself from the ice. Recognizing the urgency, he contacted Avian Haven, a professional wildlife rehabilitation group specializing in bird rescue. However, with the loon’s condition worsening, Picone took matters into his own hands. Using his ice poles, he gently nudged the bird across the ice, likening his technique to sliding a curling stone or hockey puck. His calm approach appeared to soothe the loon, which tolerated the unusual assistance.
Other skaters on the pond quickly rallied, providing support and helping to coordinate the rescue effort. Soon after, a professional rescuer from Avian Haven arrived to safely secure the loon and transport it for a thorough examination to check for injuries.
This incident highlights the challenges wildlife face during harsh winters and the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts. Loons are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and organizations like Avian Haven work diligently to rehabilitate injured or stranded birds. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, loons require open water not only for takeoff but also for feeding, making frozen habitats particularly dangerous.
Picone’s quick thinking and the collaborative spirit of fellow skaters exemplify how ordinary citizens can make a difference. The rescue also underscores the role of local wildlife rehabilitation centers, which rely on public awareness and timely reporting to save animals in distress. More information on how to assist stranded wildlife can be found through the National Wildlife Federation.
As winter deepens across Maine, incidents like this serve as reminders of the delicate balance between nature and human recreation. Ice skating remains a beloved pastime in the region, but awareness and preparedness can help protect both people and wildlife. For those interested in volunteering or learning more about bird rescue, resources are available through the Avian Haven and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
Thanks to the efforts of Picone and his fellow skaters, the loon now has a chance to recover and return to its natural habitat, a testament to the power of community action in wildlife conservation.
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