Date: 04/05/2001

Number: 1

The conditions this year are interesting. My observed full ice-out for Madison's Lake Monona was 3-27. Climatology records give the average as 4-1 for Monona and 4-4 for Mendota. Other lakes in the area (Mendota, Waubesa) still had ice during my last check on 4-5. On 4-6 they were opening fast. So, up until today 4-7, Monona Lake was the prime stopping point for loons.

I observed an estimated 60+ loons on Lake Monona 4-6, the most I've seen since I began observing in '85. Included are 10-12 loons in the small lake bay where I live, Monona Bay. We have been treated to lots all-night and morning choruses of Yodels and occasional Tremelos. This is also unusual. The migrants are normally fairly quiet and normally number only 2-4 in my bay.

Madison, WI

Latitude: 43.1 Longitude: -89.4

Observed by:
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