ML644964625

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While scoping the reservoir we spotted a loon that immediately stood out. Lighter almost tan coloration compared to the common loons also present. Bulbous look to the front of the head and very large bill. Bill looked substantially too large for pacific and red throated and larger and more upturned than common. Top mandible appeared flat and bottom mandible curved up giving it a distinctive knife like shape. We watched the bird for a little longer than 15 minutes when we lost it. Over this time we debated field marks and size. Bill shape was the most convincing field mark. Lighting conditions weren't ideal especially from long distance. Photos attached, albeit some heavily cropped. (See Kaleb’s digiscope for best reference) note Jordan: after reviewing my photos, and my own experience in the field, I cannot confidently say this is 100% of Yellow-billed Loon. That's just based off of MY experience. Others present had more experience with this ID in the past and got better views through the scope and I respect their identification of the loon. My views were not great, and the photos I took reflect that. Hence, I am downgrading my own observation to loon sp. until I get further clarity on the situation or YBLO is confirmed.