Loons

[SteveA]

Originally Posted by idigtractors

It's what they call visiting time from the different areas and last hooray before heading back to the ocean. They gather in larger numbers during their visits. This happens every year.

From "About.com"

Social or Solitary?
Loons are generally seen alone during the summer months. However, late in the season, adult and young Loons tend to gather together in large groups which biologists call "social gatherings." Some think the Loons group-up in order to help teach the young how to prepare for migration.

Social gatherings of over 650 Loons were seen last week on Lake Winibigoshish in Minnesota. A single group of 235 birds was there on September 14th, according to the Minnesota Rare Bird Hotline. (Lake Winibigoshish is near the headwaters of the Mississippi River.)

MWL This what you witnessed if you saw a large group of Loons.