Hugh J. wrote -

<great story of loons snipped>

> Another item of interest about loons is the congregation of a number of loons
> in the lake in the early morning, 0600-0800. The most I saw this year is
> eight in one group. In previous years I have seen up to 17 together. After
> a while they begin taking off one of two at a time until there are only 5-6
> left which is the number there is usually on the lake all the time. The next
> morning they will be back congregated in one group. It is as if they are
> discussing where they will spend the day. Is this typical behavior for
> Common Loons? This is the only place I have seen this, but Eliguk L. is the
> only really remote lake I have spent any time at.

I haven't seen morning congregations myself, Hugh, but I do remember an evening
ritual at Parker Lake near Fort Nelson, BC involving two pairs of Com. Loons
which did much the same as you described. Never did figure out what they were
doing (just our feeble human minds unable to comprehend).

- Jack

P.S. If you would like a few new BC Nest Record Scheme cards to use for your
loon nesting story, just e-mail me directly and I will get your address.


Jack Bowling
Prince George, BC
jcbowling at mindlink.bc.ca