When I started my paddle at 6am everything seemed normal. One loon was on the nest while the other was out fishing. Nothing unusual at all. I paddled around for about 45 minutes just enjoying the lake to myself (minus a couple of loons and a noisy mallard). Just as I was about to head back to the mainland another loon flew overhead and landed on the lake. LOON BATTLE! I had to stay; I knew there was going to be a showdown.
The loon on the nest immediately slipped into the water and started chirping at the loon that had just landed. This loon was returning the others chirps--this was the mate of the loon that was on the nest! I had just assumed the loon that was fishing earlier was the mate. Wrong. The two loon continued to communicate in chirps all awhile the three of them eventually gathered in the middle of the lake. Now, I was expecting to see one hell of a showdown; aggressive calling, wing slaps, chasing, etc...but nothing. They gathered in a little circle bobbing their heads and taking turns diving under water. This went on for about 5 minutes with the mating pair staying together on the left and the lone loon on the right. The loner dove under, surfaced and then took off. As it circled and flew overhead the mating loons yodeled as to stay, "Good riddance. Be gone and stay gone." It was quite a site. I love seen new behavior like that which I have never witnessed.
The two loons quickly swam back to the nest with one getting back to the eggs while the other guarded their territory.
I could spend all day (and all week) out on the lakes with the loons. Someday I will.
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