ML183053361

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Initially noted at 1015 by Vincent Fyson, Nicholas von Maltzahn and Alice Tremblay, and probably by Michael Tate earlier. Scope views in the field were inconclusive as given the distances involved, no chinstrap was noted. Dark back and a slightly sloping rather than a squared forehead were obvious, but the bill was neither as dainty as an RTLO nor bayonet-like as one would expect with a COLO. Identified as a probable first winter Common Loon with a clear cut line between black back of neck and white fore neck and chest. Bird seemed to lack the cobra-like GISS that I am familiar with from frequently seeing this species (at better distances) on Vancouver Island. Later comparison with the Fyson/von Maltzahn/Tremblay images and careful review of digiscoped video revealed the presence of the chinstrap (at 00-02”, 08-13” and 19-20”) and even subtle cobra GISS. Stills from the video are included in this list. Unfortunately video quality on You Tube is low:

Technical information

Dimensions

1098 pixels x 577 pixels

Original file size

53.68 KB