ML116917591

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Species: Yellow-billed Loon Individuals: 1 Date(s) & Times: 9/30/2018 3:00:00 AM - 9/30/2018 3:35:00 AM County: Summit Location: Dillon Reservoir Lat-Long: 39.5727406361646,-106.053268852825 Observation Details Total Amount of Time You Observed the Bird: 35 Minutes Other Observers:: Jack Bushong Age: Adult Sex: Unknown Plumage: Breeding Habitat: Seen in the Blue River Inlet. This is a high elevation mountain reservoir. Optics: (not entered) Distance: Distance was 300 ft Light Conditions: Fairly good light conditions. Description of the Bird: My brother and I first saw this bird swimming fairly close to the inlet shore, from about 150 ft away. Since the reservoir is very low at this time of the year, it is a decent walk to get to the waters edge. As I was walking along the mudflats, I immediately noticed a large loon in breeding plumage with a massive yellow bill. Loon with a large creamy yellow bill angling up slightly at the end. Overall black body, with striking white checkering patterns on the back. White ring on neck, dark red eye, and a steep forehead. White breast and below. Much larger than a Common loon, differentiated by bill color and size. Called a couple times at a distance. Diving frequently about 300 ft from shore, only staying up for 20-30 seconds between dives. Strong winds made observations a bit difficult. Similar Species Discussion: The only other species considered was a Common Loon, but size, bill size and color, and certain markings differentiated the two. Much larger loon than Red-throated, and different markings than Pacific. Resources Used: I used my binoculars and a Vortex Razor scope to view this bird at a far distance. Your Experience: I have seen this bird once before in winter plumage down at South Platte Park last winter. I have a lot of experience with the Common Loon from canoe trips to northern Minnesota and southern Canada.

Technical information

Model

COOLPIX P600

ISO

100

Focal length

464.4 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/6.5

Shutter speed

1/400 sec

Dimensions

320 pixels x 240 pixels

Original file size

32.04 KB