By Harriet Hofheinz

This past summer, a young moose was seen along Chocorua Lake Road, and one in the back of the Watkins’ opening. The above photo was taken by Paxton Sedler at the head of the lake near the Chocorua River inlet. One small bear was also seen early in the summer, but none later on.

The happiest sighting was the loon family on the lake. This year there were two youngsters fledged. Many folks reported watching the adult loons training their little ones to snorkel, to fish, to come when called and to generally behave themselves. Quite delightful to watch! It is a tribute to Lake Chocorua, its water quality and environs, where the loons have come back to nest since 2000.

A number of interesting birds were reported in late summer, including migrating red crossbills and cooper hawks. Two crossbill species come to our woods, and both have a bill that overhangs itself especially tailored to reach and pluck out the pine nuts that are tucked up under the cone - not easy to dislodge without this specialized beak. Other species noted were wood ducks, mergansers, pileated and hairy woodpeckers, ospreys, and this fall one bald eagle coming through as well as a huge flock of grackles going south Columbus Day weekend.

Banner: Loon near the Narrows Bridge. Photo: Alex Moot