ML646640079

Media notes

Common Loon (left) and Pacific Loon (right)

Observation details

Continuing bird. Seen associating with a group of three Common Loons along the far northeast/east portion of the lake. Assumed to be the same individual I found here on 11/23/25. I was scoping the lake from the main point when I saw four loon-like birds swimming and snorkeling on the far east side of the lake. To get a better view, I headed over to the east side boat ramp and continued to study them. One loon immediately stood out from the others because it had a striking pale silvery-gray head/nape that contrasted sharply with its darker body, overall smaller/compact, and featured a distinct cobra-like puffy rounded head/neck profile. Bill was mostly held on a horizontal plane and appeared slim. The neckline looked clean and showed a warm pale silvery tone and white unbroken border in full sunlight. No notched or collared appearance to the neck noted. All of these attributes were unlike the larger sized, block-headed big bill look, and overall dark-blackish toned low contrast head/nape/body of the nearby Common Loons. No apparent white to the sides/flanks seen on the smaller loon. Less white to the face than Common. All of these field marks remained consistent throughout my near two-hour observation with 20-60x80 spotting scope. The contrasting pale silvery gray head/nape and dark body of the smaller loon remained conspicuous even at a great distance. The loons seem to be favoring the northeast part of the lake. Andy joined me towards the end of my time with the loons. He may have further notes/photos to contribute. Photo'd.

Additional species

• Common Loon Gavia immer