ML617459395

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Strikingly different from the Common Loon that was also on the reservoir. This one had a small thin blue gray bill held level with the water surface, a white chin, throat, neck, and breast cleanly demarcated in a straight line from the gray of the top of the head, nape, and back of neck. We studied the neck pattern from all angles over the course of 15 minutes and confirmed that the neck of this bird lacked the dark/light indentations shown on a Common Loon. The white flanks were separated from the gray back in a straight line just above the water line all the way to its rear. It was not in breeding plumage; we could not determine if it was a winter adult or immature bird. We studied it for some time with two scopes to rule out other loons such Common Loon and Red-throated (or the highly unlikely Arctic Loon). It was too far away to see a chin strap. The distance was great and there was moderate chop on the water, but otherwise, the viewing conditions were good without much wind and the sun angle was from behind us. The Pacific was viewed from the first turnout near the dam, while the Common was observed from the delta where Tinemaha Creek enters. Photos are via iPhone through the scopes.

Technical information

Model

iPhone 12 mini

Lens

iPhone 12 mini back dual wide camera 4.2mm f/1.6

ISO

32

Focal length

4.2 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/1.6

Shutter speed

1/152 sec

Dimensions

4032 pixels x 3024 pixels

Original file size

1.18 MB