ML619234579

Age and sex

Adult, Unknown sex - 1

Behaviors

Flying

Observation details

Very rare regionally, even more so away from shore, and even more so in active over-land migration. Flyover with two Common Loons heading WNW. We were walking along the Bronx Kill on the NE fields and noticed the trio when they were more or less directly overhead. It was quickly apparent that one of the loons was smaller than the others, but the size differential didn’t feel quite as stark as Common vs. Red-throated, the first clue that this might be a Pacific Loon. Our photos showed that the bird had a dark head and neck similar to COLO, but lacked the white collar of a COLO and had a faint, thin white stripe across the neck. The bill also appeared a bit more petite than that of a COLO. Also apparent was gray coloring on the nape, which showed well when the bird’s head was turned slightly toward us. At that point we had solid suspicions of Pacific, but sent out a few quick photos for some expert feedback. Ryan Z’s immediate and expletive-laced response told us all we needed to know. He then also pointed out the vent strap visible on this bird which neither of us was aware of as a field mark. A truly shocking and thrilling flyover. Lifer for DA and NY State bird #300 for AC! New patch bird for both and an unexpected one to say the least.

Technical information

Model

NIKON D500

Lens

150.0-600.0 mm f/5.0-6.3

ISO

2000

Focal length

600 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/6.3

Shutter speed

1/1250 sec

Dimensions

2205 pixels x 1470 pixels

Original file size

1.35 MB