Float Plane Trashes Grebe Nests
July 2, 2006 at 9:45 AM the sound of a float plane engine seemed very loud, I looked out my window and saw a plane circling around and around in our quiet shallow cove. The plane was entirely too close to shore where three active Red necked Grebe nests are located, one floating 10′ or more from the waters edge. It seemed unusual and unnecessary for the plane to circle three or four times in the cove before applying full throttle. It created quite a commotion and a pretty good wake in its path.
I’m always concerned for the safety of the nesting waterfowl. Lately it seems that so much needless and offensive behavior takes place on the lake during weekends. Most occasional lake users seem unaware of the quiet life of the waterfowl and other creatures that make their home along the shore. Weekends are a time for fun, fun, fun, speed and noise. Add a little drinking and loud music and you have a perfect combination for destruction.
Later I heard the results of the damage from the wake of the plane. The floating Grebe nest contained three eggs and the wake tossed the nest about so much that it caused the eggs to fall into the water where they ended up settling into the mud at the bottom of the cove. As the eggs hit the cold water they changed color from white to brown, instant death for the incubating chicks inside.
The habitants of the float plane have no idea what they did and I wonder if they even care. Those of us who have been patiently watching the Grebe nests are a little sadder and frustrated that this wonderful gift of nature is not known, understood and most of all, appreciated by all. Today I grieve for the unborn chicks.
Gail Niebrugge, Alaska Artist
