If loons are so territorial, why have I seen them mingling in packs?
In late summer and early fall, you might spot loons clustered in a group. By this time of the year, breeding is over, the babies are born, and loons no longer hate each other. Aww, that’s nice—they’re finally getting along! But really: biologist think this behaviour (called “rafting”) helps loons feed more efficiently, and that it helps protect them from predators. Safety in numbers, and so on. Loons also gather in large groups—up to 250 birds—on their wintering grounds. Since it’s not breeding season, there’s no reason not to get along.