A Common Loon incubates rocks as surrogates for eggs

Northeastern Naturalist
By: , and 

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Abstract

A nesting Gavia immer (Common Loon) was discovered incubating 2 rocks on a floating nest platform on the Quabbin reservoir in central Massachusetts for 43 days, well beyond the typical period of 28 days, before we moved in to investigate. The rocks were likely unearthed in the soil and vegetation used on the platform to create a more natural substrate for the nest. We suggest sifting through soil and vegetation to remove rocks before placing material on nest platforms.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title A Common Loon incubates rocks as surrogates for eggs
Series title Northeastern Naturalist
DOI 10.1656/045.020.0111
Volume 20
Issue 1
Year Published 2013
Language English
Publisher Eagle Hill Institute
Contributing office(s) Coop Res Unit Leetown
Description 5 p.
First page 143
Last page 147
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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