On Thu, 13 Jun 1996, Susan L. Collicott wrote:

>He says he frequently sees loons with 12 or more babies, on Torch Lake.
>
> It's been suggested that it could be a common merganser, instead. But do
> they have broods that large, or do they babysit?

I think the common merganser suggestion is a good one. The loon experts I
have talked to always disregard reports of breeding loons when more than two
young (or is it three?) are reported with the adult(s). I occasionally hear
from observers who see adults in breeding plumage accompanied by 4 to 12
loons in alternate plumage. Sometimes it is assumed that the alternate
plumage birds are the offspring of the adults. In the case you mention
though, the term "baby" is used so I presume it refers to little downy
guys...mergansers.

Kelly McAllister