ML125803901

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Media notes

showing flat-topped head

Observation details

*** updated to ARLO from ARLO/PALO after observation on Nov. 28 *** Possible Arctic Loon - pics sent out for comments. Observed at a distance of ~1.5 km (due west of Beechey; a bit less than halfway to Secretary Island) with Kowa TSN-773 at 60x for about 3 minutes, unfortunately right as we had to leave. Water conditions were fairly calm with small waves, not large enough to fully obscure the bird but enough that occasionally only the top of the head would be visible. Thin clouds provided even light, and there was no wind interference or heat haze affecting viewing. Size similar to Pacific Loon, but hard to judge as there were none immediately around it for comparison (nearest bird ~30m away from it). Did not get much on head shape, as most of observation was spent focused on flank patches and throat, getting some photos and making sure Daniel saw the bird well. (**edit: looking more closely at photos shows the bird has a peaked forehead and flat-topped head, consistent with ARLO**) Dark back/head; bright, clean white cheeks and throat (no chinstrap visible from various angles); white flare on hind flank obvious. Watched to see if white on flank was just a result of the bird rolling in the water to preen, but it appeared consistent at different angles, and the bird was not observed preening or rolling at all during observation period. I managed a few terrible digiscope photos with my phone that illustrate the white flank - see below. Will update record pending review.

Technical information

Model

SM-G930W8

ISO

80

Focal length

4.2 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/1.7

Shutter speed

1/120 sec

Dimensions

711 pixels x 435 pixels

Original file size

117.06 KB