loon on my dock today

[boathousegirl]

Hi everyone,
Im hoping someone can help me out. I have a loon who looks like she's sitting on a nest at the edge of my dock. There are two or three chicks(?) swimming around in front of the dock. I must admit to being a city kid and know very little about the habits of loons. I've called the loon preservation in Moultonborough, but they're closed. Aren't loons gone by now? If this is abnormal, is there anything I can do??

[Lake Lady 6]

There are often a few loons who hang around until quite late but suspect you may have a Merganser. However, it is unlikely there are "chicks" this late in the season for any waterfowl.
Google the Merganser to find a picture which may help you identify what type of visitor you have and let us know. In the meantime enjoy.

[gtxrider]

Loons never go out of season. Not sure about the featherd type though.:)

[Quilt Lady]

The loons are still hanging around. Our resident loon floated by this morning with a friend. Take a closer look and see if what you are looking at is really a loon and not a male Merganser. The loons have turned to their winter colors of gray, not the black and white of summer. The "chicks" would be the same size as the adult loons at this time of year. You might be seeing ducks of some variety . . . Mergansers (males are black and white) or Hooded Mergansers (smaller but the male has a black and white head). If they are ducks, don't worry, they know what they are doing. They may just be looking for a place to feed and rest during the snow.

[boathousegirl]

You're all too smart. I did google merganser, and I'm quite sure it's a male merganser. He's quite big and seems to be digging snow. Thank you so much. I'll stop worrying about it.

[upthesaukee]

FYI, loons don't go all that far away...usually only over to the coast for more open water. It's amazing to see how much water a loon needs to get airborne, and that can be a concern in winter here on the big lake and the smaller lakes as well if the ice forms too quickly...not enough open water for them to take flight from.

[SteveA]

BHG... Can you take and post a pic ?