ML618865869

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Incredibly distant loon spotted while scoping at the very N end of the island (40.1860150, -82.8863797) looking N up the reservoir. I was specifically looking for a COLO to add to the day list and initially thought I had indeed found one, but right away I noticed that this bird was a great candidate for PALO. Even from a great distance the following field marks were apparent: - Rounded head shape, not blocky as in COLO - A noticeable chinstrap at all angles is likely diagnostic for PALO. I have videos of the bird that show the chinstrap as the bird looks around which makes it unlikely that this feature was not just shadow being created between the bird’s head and neck - Completely dark back, no white speckling was apparent from my vantage point - Clean helmeted appearance, no sign of a white collar or other irregularity in the sharp transition between the gray and the white on the head. Even from this far away a COLO would show some hint of a white collar. - The bird was not near any other birds, but it still gave the impression of a smaller loon. Overall structure, including the way the bird held its bill parallel with the surface of the water, was also consistent with PALO. Two horrible photos are attached, but it was the best I could manage with the conditions. The above features are apparent in them and the dark chinstrap is faintly visible in both. Hopefully other birders can relocate and get better photos of it. The sporadic sightings of PALO on Hoover and Alum Creek over the years makes me believe that this is the same elusive individual moving about the two reservoirs. For anyone chasing this bird, be aware that there is also an immature COLO present here as well.

Technical information

Dimensions

1030 pixels x 622 pixels

Original file size

145.44 KB