ML509618641

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Updated Notes: Found independently by several birders (David House, Kyle Nelson and Patrick Brewer) all of whom were looking for the reported Pacific Loon from the night before. When I showed up, Kyle and Patrick informed me that they had just seen a Common Loon. Wanting to see for myself, I followed this bird up and down the East shoreline, and happened to take some photos for my checklist. Eventually, I was joined by Dana and Steve. We all agreed that something was unusual about this bird, but passed it off as an immature Common Loon and went home. I was later contacted by Dana who was curious to see my photos as rumors had started that this could be a YBLO, based on David's photo. After sharing my photos, it began to become clear that this was in fact a YBLO! Pale, thick, yellow bill almost always held at upward angle. Diving somewhat frequently. My brain was looking for Pacific Loon, but the upturned bill reminded me of Red-throated (although I knew the bill shape wasn't right). Without any thought, I would have presumed this was a common loon. Lifer #444 and MN #265!

Technical information

Model

NIKON D610

Lens

70.0-300.0 mm f/4.5-5.6

ISO

800

Focal length

300 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/5.6

Shutter speed

1/1600 sec

Dimensions

1226 pixels x 817 pixels

Original file size

821.39 KB