LISBON – Sandra Lee Huston’s first book, “Loons of Tacoma Lakes,” documents a pair of Maine common loons raising their newly hatched chicks, beginning when the chicks are about three weeks old and ending when they are fully fledged and just starting to fly.

From July to October 2005, the author kayaked the connecting ponds of the Tacoma Lakes region in Litchfield, gaining the loons’ trust while documenting weekly changes as the young loons matured.

The book includes 40 full-color photographs, including close-up shots of the breeding pair and other loons visiting the area.

Also included is background information on common loons, loon conservation and tips on how you can help loons flourish in your area. The author also talks about the photographic equipment she used along with her digital darkroom process.

The author, who is a photographer and an accomplished charcoal and pastel artist, has been professionally painting and drawing animal portraits since 1990.

She is a member of the Pastel Painters of Maine, the International Equine Art Guild and has recently been selected to be included in the 2006-07 “Honors Edition” of the Manchester Who’s Who Among Executive and Professional Women in recognition of her accomplishment as an artist and published author.

She will sign books at Teen Center in Lisbon Falls during the Moxie Festival Friday, from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 7, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 8.

She will also be at the Apple Valley Bookstore during the Winthrop Art Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Aug. 19.