World’s oldest loons back in UP, still separated after 2022 breakup

SENEY, Mich. ( WJMN ) — Two years after the two oldest documented loons on the planet ended their 25-year partnership, the pair have returned to separate ponds within the Seney National Wildlife Refuge in the Upper Peninsula.

Male loon ABJ, born in 1987, is at least one year the junior of his once-longtime partner Fe (pronounced Fay). The pair separated in 2022, when wildlife experts at the Seney refuge say Fe hatched a 40th chick with a new mate while ABJ spent the summer solo on another pond.

Observers saw hope for a rekindling of their relationship last year when ABJ and Fe reunited briefly on F Pool, where they had spent much of their time together. However, Fe was seen with another mate back on I Pool later that year and ABJ was seen with a broken beak that experts say likely occurred during a battle with another male.

While the situation normally spells solitude for an old loon, ABJ proved to be an exception. He relocated to another area, E West, where he was found with another mate named Daisy, who is less than half his age.

This year, both ABJ and Fe returned to the territories they occupied last year, signaling poor odds for anyone hoping for them to reunite.

Meanwhile, Seney refuge experts report that ABJ’s broken mandible now appears to be fully recovered.

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