Grouping dynamics of Common loon on Grafton Lake (Cecumcega Gowick), Kejimkujik National Park, Canada (27 July – 1 October, 1993)

Benjamin, Nicola and Kerekes, Joseph (1997) Grouping dynamics of Common loon on Grafton Lake (Cecumcega Gowick), Kejimkujik National Park, Canada (27 July – 1 October, 1993). MAGYAR VÍZIVAD KÖZLEMÉNYEK, 3. pp. 91-101. ISSN 1416-1389 (nyomtatott); 1419-6107 (elektronikus)

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Abstract

A study of the grouping behaviour of Common Loons (Gavia immer) was conducted on Grafton Lake in Kejimkujik National park from 27 July - I October 1993 The purposes of the study were to determine the following: -total number of loons using the lake each day, -sizes and dynamics of loon groups, -territories of resident loon pairs and to what degree they were defended There were three resident pairs of Common Loons, two territorial pairs and one breeding pair that produced one chick. Tire most loons sighted on Grafton Lake during a survey was 12 adults and one chick, but there may have been more. The maximum loons sighted per survey’ value was limited by the size of the lake and the impossibility to view the entire lake at any one time. The largest single grouping of adults sighted was 11 It is unknown if both adults of the breeding pair were included in this grouping, but is suspected at least one was. The minimum number of loons sighted was one pair, with the chick, on the last days of surveying. The breeding pair continued to maintain their territory throughout the study. The other two territorial pairs not only allowed other loons to use their territories, but often joined them in a group. The breeding pair was observed joining tnese groups, but only outside their own territory. Often one adult would stay with the chick, while its mate ventured out into the other territories to feed Occasionally, and with increasing frequency as the summer progressed, the breeding pair would leave the chick alone while they both went to feed elsewhere However, at least one was always close enough to nip back intőt the territory in the event of an intruder. The chick was sighted on all but four survey days. Until the last week of the surveying, the resident six adults could usually be sighted during a survey. In addition, other loons would fly in and out of the lake, often forming groups that moved about the lake feeding or just preening and resting. These groups were found to be very dynamic, with loons often joining and separating from gropus, individually and as smaller groups.

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