ML611442811

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

I first spotted this bird on the previous day, when viewing conditions were awful in moderate rain and fog, and the bird was nearly a half mile away. Although I didn't come up with a firm ID at the time, I knew this was a small loon with a small bill. I was pretty sure this was not a Common Loon, but couldn't tell for sure if it was Pacific or Red-throated. I returned early on the 22nd and quickly re-found the Loon, watching it for the next 3 hours. At times the bird was as close as 500 ft, and no more than 1,000 ft away. Initially skies were cloudy, later the bird was in the sun, with no rain and light winds. I confirmed my thoughts from the 21st that this bird was smaller than a Common Loon, maybe 2/3 the size, and not nearly as stocky. Bill was much shorter and thinner as well - again eliminating Common. Back was nearly uniform dark brown with next to no paler feathers or lines, roughly the same color as the back of the neck and top of the head. Though occasionally back of neck looked a bit paler than the back - perhaps depending on the sun angle. Sharp edge of the dark feathers on the side of the neck, providing a sharp transition from the white throat front of the neck. Bottom half of the face and throat were white, with eyes in the dark feathering. At times I thought I was seeing a chinstrap but never got good close views of the bird facing me to tell for sure. Was able to take multiple phonescoped photos - heavily cropped pics attached.

Technical information

Dimensions

437 pixels x 391 pixels

Original file size

56.66 KB