ML647601813

Détails de l'observation

A continuing bird, found here on December 8 by Kevin Dixon and Ron Lindeman. Today, it first appeared just off the tip of the "peninsula" which separates Ballena Bay from Crab Cove. It would dive and resurface--always appearing to emerge at a consistent distance from where it dove. First it traveled north along the east edge of Crab Cove, then it reversed back towards the entrance of Ballena Bay. This seems to be consistent with the pattern that other birders have described. The bird remained close to shore while visible, so we were treated to some excellent views. This was a large, thick-necked, and heavy-billed loon, similar in overall size and structure to a Common Loon. However, the bill clearly differed in being very pale overall: a grayish-blue near the base which quickly transitioned into a pale whitish-yellow near the tip. There may have been some structural differences too, but I (Kellen) didn't note them. This bird's face was a pale whitish color, seemingly more extensive than that of a Common Loon, and the feathers on the crown were brownish, rather than dark gray. On the body, pale whitish fringes to the otherwise gray-brown feathers imparted a neat barred appearance to the back (or wings?). Very exciting to see, and it was fun to engage with the bird by trying to predict where it'd resurface next for photos.