Background

The Robinson Raft began as an independent study project. After researching materials and becoming familiar with the drawbacks of a wooden base, I became interested in designing a more durable, simply assembled, and fully recyclable raft. The idea of making it modular using easy detachable components solved problems of transport, storage, and hauling the rafts out at the end of the season.

As the project evolved, more and more people became involved, from family members to experts from the loon conservation groups throughout New England. John Cooley from Loon Preservation Committee in NH stopped by to share his thoughts and tested a raft in NH. Eric Hansen of Vermont Center for Ecostudies included the raft in his excellent overview of different raft options at NELSWG’s (New England Loon Study Group’s) annual meeting. He later tested two rafts. Lee Attix (above), whose questions, and ideas were instrumental throughout the entire design process gathered interested parties from experts to lake association volunteers throughout New England. Everyone brought ideas, enthusiasm and a healthy dose of skepticism.

After our first season in the field, we have found the rafts to perform well, with the greatest advantages felt during construction and haul-out. Our favorite story was the loon pair on Virginia Lake, who were nowhere to be found the day we placed the platform near their storm-damaged nest bowl. However, within 15 minutes of our paddling out of the cove, we heard courtship vocalizations from across the lake. Peering through the scope, sure enough there were two loons: at first one on platform with the other in the water, and soon both on platform. They did nest successfully on the raft, but unfortunately their chick was lost to a marauding loon.

Placement of Rafts

Loon nesting rafts have been in use for over 50 years, providing excellent protection from lake level rise due to heavy rains and hydropower generation. They also provide protection from avian and mammalian predation. Because loons’ territorial boundaries become clear only through close observation, care should be taken with raft placement so as not to endanger the birds by encouraging nesting in another pair’s territory. On Kezar Lake, we use platforms only in situations where pairs have experienced failed nesting attempts due to flooding, mammalian predation, or often, both. Typically, we place the rafts just offshore in a wake-protected area close to the failed nest site. In many cases, the birds ignore the rafts initially, with some of our pairs taking up to five years before nesting on a platform.