WHATONEARTH

I recently responded to an article posted on the CBC News  "Whatonearth". There is concern by many of the threat to what was a common site on our fresh water lakes, the Common Loon. Here's what I wrote...

Hello Emily and Hannah

Being well into my 80s I feel that what I have to say, have observed over the years, will in all probability be ignored as simply the ranting of some old fart, however, I’ll have had my say just the same…..

Regarding the disappearance of loons on our lakes I have no doubt that global warming, air pollution, and so on, as studies by scientists suggest, should be considered as aiding to the problem. However, let’s be truthful the real problem, as Walt Kelly’s Pogo suggested back in the 70s on the first Earth Day, is us. I’ve paddled, stress paddled, many lakes where at one time there were loons, and now there are none. They, together with myself, were chased off these lakes by human activity. Where once was quiet with the odd cottage, there’s now million dollar cottages, jet skiis, and large motorboats. Try paddling against the wind when faced with the wakes of motor boats, coming at you from all sides. Then think of the loons attempting to nest at the side of a lake. Pristine is gone. Chaos brought to the lake by those trapped in a fast paced world seeking solitude, has

destroyed….everything.

And then there’s the problem of the loon’s winter feeding grounds. Some may migrate to ice free inland lakes in the US, but the majority migrate to the oceans where, there’s no need to elaborate, that life for creatures depending upon their bounty is under threat, resulting in increased competition from all sides.

So, the problem, not only with the disappearance of loons, but the death of Nature itself….too many people. We’re killing ourselves. The oceans are dying, the sky is burning, people are starving, wars rage, species are going extinct, and the human migration seeking safe shelter has begun. Sadly, there really is no going back. Consensus, as to a solution, is, seemingly, not possible. Too many voices. Adaptation the only solution. Sadly, the loons do not have this choice, and like the Dodo an artist’s interpretation, and photos, will have to serve for what once existed.

Perhaps, we should have heeded David Suzuki’s warnings? 

I do enjoy, and look forward, to your articles.

Ernest Andrew Somers

Midland, ON

Misty Morning, Common Loon, Whitefish Lake, Alg.   Acrylic Sketch

Still Waters, Common Loon, Etching.

Disturbed, Common Loon, Hand-coloured Etching.