The world’s oldest recorded common loon, a record-breaking matriarch known as Fe, has arrived back in Michigan’s Seney National Wildlife Refuge and with her return are the latest chapters in one of the animal kingdom’s most intriguing love stories. At 39, Fe is not just an age wonder but the most prolific loon mother ever recorded, having raised a staggering 42 chicks over the course of her life. Now, as she settles in for the season, bird enthusiasts are watching closely: Will she restart her timeless 25-year romance with her ex, ABJ, or will this season bring another twist in their bird soap opera?
A Record-Setting Loon Dynasty
Fe (pronounced “Fay”) was first banded as an adult in 1985, meaning she is at least 39 years old though she could be even older. Her former mate, ABJ, is 38, his exact age known because he was banned as a chick. Together, they were one of the most successful loon pairs on record, bringing up most of Fe’s 42 chicks over the course of their quarter-century marriage. Their union was so enduring that their 2022 split sent shockwaves through the birding community, stoking debate over whether loons, too, experience complex relationship problems like humans.
The Breakup That Shook the Birding World
In spring 2022, Fe and ABJ’s seemingly unshakable union dissolved. Researchers from Common Coast Research & Conservation, who monitor the refuge’s loons, suspect a third loon, Aye-Aye, played a role in their separation. Intriguingly, ABJ has since been spotted with Aye-Aye, suggesting he holds no grudges, an unusual twist, given loons’ typically monogamous tendencies. Meanwhile, Fe has had mixed success in her post-breakup dating life. Last year, she raised two chicks with an unknown male, though neither survived a rare tragedy in Seney’s otherwise thriving loon population.
This Season’s Romantic Prospects
Upon her return last week, Fe settled into “I Pool,” her chosen territory since the split. An unbanded male briefly courted her but seemed indecisive, frequently leaving the area a behavior researchers speculate could reflect doubts about either Fe’s reproductive fitness or the pool’s suitability for raising chicks. Meanwhile, on neighboring “H Pool,” ABJ appeared more settled with Aye-Aye, raising questions: Could Fe and ABJ cross paths again? Or has their legendary partnership truly reached its end?
The Challenges of Senior Loonship
Age is catching up with both Fe and ABJ. While Fe remains reproductively active, ABJ has sired no chicks since their separation, a stark contrast to their once-prolific partnership. Even more striking is the fact that H Pool, ABJ’s current territory, has seen only four fledglings since 1987, making it one of the refuge’s least productive areas. If he and Aye-Aye succeed in breeding this year, it would defy decades of ecological trends.
A Wildlife Drama Unlike Any Other
For nearly four decades, Fe and ABJ’s lives have played out like a high-stakes nature documentary complete with breakups, reunions, territorial battles, and even a broken beak (ABJ’s, suffered in a skirmish). Their story has captivated birders and scientists alike, offering rare insights into loon behavior, longevity, and the surprising complexities of avian relationships.
What’s Next for Fe and ABJ?
As the summer unfolds, all eyes will be on Seney’s wetland pools. Will Fe find a new mate, or will she and ABJ despite their rocky history reunite for one last nesting season? Whatever happens, their saga continues to rewrite what we know about loons, proving that even in the wild, love (and rivalry) is never simple.
For now, the world’s oldest loon is back where she belongs and the next chapter of her extraordinary life is just beginning.
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Jan loves Wildlife and Animals and is one of the founders of Animals Around The Globe. He holds an MSc in Finance & Economics and is a passionate PADI Open Water Diver. His favorite animals are Mountain Gorillas, Tigers, and Great White Sharks. He lived in South Africa, Germany, the USA, Ireland, Italy, China, and Australia. Before AATG, Jan worked for Google, Axel Springer, BMW and others.
