ML626333871

Observation details

**rare and high; 2 adults in different stages of transition from breeding to non breeding plumage. Spotted less transitioned adult SW of beach entrance 200m offshore. Other adult in more basic plumage directly off of DCR office building. Both loons stayed in relatively the same locations area for the entire time we were present and stayed close to RTLO and COLO. Never saw either loon dive once. Smaller loons much closer in size to RTLO than COLO. Thick gray nap and dark face compared to RTLO. The second individual showed clear chinstrap. More stocky looking than the streamlined RTLO but face and neck much more dainty than COLO. First individual showing the remains of breeding plumage with white spots against a dark back. Head less flat than RTLO and COLO, more rounded with sharp thin bill. Lots of mediocre but diagnostic digiscopes. Probably regular in the bay during migration with loon numbers like this. A bunch of other birders showed up and we were thankfully able to get them on the loons.