It's Migration Fever`
That this is an exciting time of year for the loons is apparent from their behavior. They are more "talkative" among themselves, exchanging an occasional, soft "hoo". They preen a lot, engage in "horseplay", and are generally more active at the surface.
Last week I sailed past a small group and suddenly found that a loon had surfaced directly in front of my moving boat. We had each startled one another. I doubt that three seconds passed from our mutual, surprise, meeting -- to his diving escape. (Close enough that I got wet from his departure).
Loons are readying for their winter migration to the oceans off the US' east coast from Maine to Florida. That includes a change of feathers. As they gather in small groups (October) and preen out the old feathers, it is evidenced by the many white breast feathers that drift away downwind from these groups. Somewhere out there, a birding magazine sports a headline "Birds: What They're Wearing for Autumn".
Gatherings get larger as the weather cools more, and as more loons arrive from Canada. Their usual summer (loud) vocalizations are much reduced now.
The larger groups (I've seen 17 clustered) are even more active, with lots of horseplay, chases across the water -- which can gather several participants -- and the occasional single liftoff, not to be seen again. If you've seen a automobile destruction derby, that's what these afternoon loon activities can look like.
Some of these pranks include a submerged loon poking another loon's underside. (Which starts a new spate of horseplay and chases all over again).
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