ML63453811

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

-The throat was almost entirely dark/gray with pale coloration mostly limited to the very front of the lower neck. -The bill was extremely thin and needle-like. -The had and bill were always held at an elevated angle, such that the bill was at an angle noticeably above the horizontal. -The bird overall was very slim and slender. When seen right nest to a red-necked grebe it looked pretty much the same size. -I can't really comment too well on the back pattern because the light was really failing. It definitely did not have the bold white speckling I am used to from basic plumage adult red-throated. It did have pale patterning, but to what extent the pale markings were barred or not, I'm not totally sure. -I have also now added the third and forth photo below, which illustrate the head/bill angle, among other things. Much smaller than nearby COLOs, similar in direct comparison to both western and red-necked grebes (had loon about 3-4 feet from red-necked at one point). Much smaller and thinner bill with round rather than blocky head. Uniform pale gray head with very limited white on head (probably the least I've ever seen on a loon), and limited to throat and a slight amount below eye. Crappy photos taken near dusk, below:

Technical information

Dimensions

1201 pixels x 901 pixels

Original file size

137.41 KB