I was out on Lake Bemidji this morning and came across a cluster of about 30 adult loons. There was an additional 10-12 loons scattered further out from the cluster. What were they doing? I've never seen so many in one place.

Wow, that would have been an amazing sight ... how neat that you got to see it. I think 6 is the most I have ever seen at once. (story on facebook, if you haven't seen it yet) I am usually near lakes that are a lot smaller than Bemidji lake is, tho.

I found this on a website called Journey North:
QUOTE:
Q. What is the reason for loons 'rafting' in the fall before their southern migration? (Rafting means gathering in huge numbers.)

A. Rafting may help loons to feed more efficiently. Adults gather on a few large, non-breeding lakes, allowing the young to remain on their breeding lakes without competition as their flight feathers grow all the way in and their wings grow strong enough to finally migrate. Also, as loons lose their territorial drive in late summer and feed in groups, they no longer spend time and energy chasing off other loons. Sharing a space makes more sense because then everyone can spend their time eating. It may also help to prevent loons being attacked by predators because there are more eyes looking out for attacks.

Q. Will loons use any lake for rafting, or are there special requirements?

A. Lakes where loons form rafts are probably not being used as a nesting territory by a pair of loons, or if it was a nesting territory, the nesting is done and the pair are no longer defending it. The primary importance for a "rafting lake" is that it has to have a lot of fish to feed on. Having islands and deep water seem to be some other important characteristics, as loons tend to raft over the drop-offs in a lake, and the islands provide important protection from wind. END QUOTE

This is a terrific website which I have only just found this morning but which Ihave bookmarked and intend to study. Here is the link:
Loon facts

The website covers lots of other species of animals an birds too, even to include whales. A terrific website.

We have five adult loons peacefully grouping in our 400 acre Sugar Lake in Aitking County today. Incredible! Usually there is nothing but fights between the pair that claim and nest here. I thought it was an unkown phenomena until I did some Googling. However, the "rafting" of these fives are occuring right now. Not in the fall as noted elsewhere here. It is quite a sight to see five get along like this. I have never seen it in my 40 years on this lake before this day.

What am taking from these 'raftings' of the loons, is that they are gathered to discuss things down in the Gulf?, [and what's the best things to do.] Well, you did say they don't usually do this in such numbers. Am thinking that they've convened a meeting to brain-storm?

When I lived outside of Little Falls, MN between two little lakes, got to hear them each morning and evening, floated out there with on the peddle-boat. Only ever saw two. at one time Sounds of the Loon sure grow on one, and remain. forever . Actuallly YEARNED to hear them after left there. Have a blessed day_

50s-70s one of my parents' favorite things to do with new guests visiting their rented cabin near Nisswa was to take them up to Bemidji and Lake Itasca. What beautiful country, and how heartening to hear of a raft of loons on Lake Bemidji.

We've been seeing rafts of 6 or 7 loons at Lake Seymour in Vermont. Sure does seem like the fishing is good for these incredible beauties.