ML503130061

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

First noticed this bird due to the overall very pale and brownish look (as opposed to dark and grayish of most COLO), conspicuous pale edgings on wings (giving back a nice scalloped look). Forehead had a prominent bump. Bill large (though not as massive as some YBLO can get) and horn colored. Culmen coloration was readily visible: basal half dark, distal half pale. Bill structure typical of classic YBLO with straight culmen and obviously angled lower edge. Face quite pale with a bit of an ear spot visible at times. Bird was most often viewed at a “medium” range, plenty sufficient to see field marks well, though for a brief period it came quite close and was readily identifiable without the need for a scope. Lighting was essentially perfect (low sun at my back) and sea surface almost flat, making for great viewing conditions. First seen fairly close in shore not far north of North Jetty, eventually the bird drifted north and offshore while diving constantly. COLOs around for comparison but never saw one near the YBLO. Photos to be added.

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 90D

Lens

EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

ISO

250

Focal length

400 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/9.0

Shutter speed

1/800 sec

Dimensions

1519 pixels x 918 pixels

Original file size

1004.66 KB