ML133749741

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Tags

Field notes/sketch; No bird

Observation details

The Arctic Loon was seen today from the Water Street location from about 9:45 until 12:45. The bird was seen best early as it drifted about apparently resting. Later, the bird was actively engaged in feeding and the winds shifted more to the SW, causing the viewing to become more sporadic and difficult. As noted earlier by other observers, this bird is distinctly larger than Pacific Loon (about 10%), with a larger, more thick-based bill and blocky, flat-topped head shape. The nape was concolor (perhaps just slightly paler) with the side of neck, crown, and back, very different from the more distinctly contrasting silvery nape of Pacific and a good mark when the loon was further away. The face seemed cleaner and cheek whiter than Pacific, but the nice straight clean neck demarcation was similar. The Arctic also held its bill above the horizon, similar in behavior to a Red-throated. Other marks noted: lack of a chin-strap, white sides and flaring rear flank (although when feeding this mark became a difficult-to-see white stripe at the water-line or not at all apparent) and a grey bill with dark culmen and tip. There were several near-by Pacific and Red-throated Loons, as well as the regular sea ducks, grebes ,cormorants, and alcids. Surprisingly, I didn't see a Common Loon all morning.

Technical information

Dimensions

2301 pixels x 2052 pixels

Original file size

713.72 KB