ML638419698

Beobachtungsdetails

Pacific/Arctic in basic. The three loons can be seen together in a single frame in the last two images. I first noted that this loon was slightly smaller and less robust that the Common and more decidedly smaller and less bulky than the YBLO by direct comparison. I then noticed that the bill was slightly upturned, less bulky than the Common, and that the dorsal coloration was rather evenly dark gray except for eye arcs, giving the capped effect of a Pacific or Arctic. Then the bright white flanks jumped out at me. At that point the possibility of an Arctic Loon seemed plausible. I have seen Arctic Loons on the breeding grounds at Kotzebue, Alaska, and twice in winter plumage in Washington State. The slightly heavier body and bill of Arctic versus Pacific and the tendency to tip the bill up (though less obviously than Red-throated) were noteworthy in those cases. Also, the impression that Arctic Loon seemed somewhat intermediate structurally between Pacific and Common fits here also. The possibility that this bird is just a rather delicate Common Loon is possible, though the bold white flanks and rather too delicate body and bill seem unlike basic COLO. The presence or absence of a "necklace" may or may not be useful. I cannot see a "necklace" on this bird. Opinions welcome.