Loon chicks hatching throughout the state, boaters asked to keep a watchful eye during the holiday week

MOULTONBOROUGH — This year due to an early ice-out and record warm temperatures, many loons began nesting earlier than in previous years.  As a result more chicks will be on the lakes during the busy Fourth of July week, making them more vulnerable to disturbance as human activity increases on the lakes. People are asked to stay at least 150 feet from any adult loon with chicks they see so the parents can concentrate on feeding and caring for their chicks. If the adult shows any signs of distress such as craning its neck low over the water, thrashing about in the water, or vocalizing, people should leave the area as soon as possible.  Newly hatched chicks are small, dark and cannot dive so use caution if you are traveling by boat. Boat collisions are the highest human-related cause of chick mortality.