ML647019395

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Local celebrity spotted about a week ago by the Crab Cove naturalist Kevin - large loon with a heavy bill and yellow hue on the tip of the bill (can see more in good light). Crowned peak and dark ( brownish?) eye. Cumen and upper mandible are straight while lower mandible is curved giving the bill a slightly upcurved look. Pale face and neck. Beautiful pattern on the back. Ran into Rick Lewis and learned from him that the bird has a very consistent pattern - it makes a loop - appears around the Ballena seawall, swims across to the point, then forages along the riprap close to shore and when it reaches the sunken path, it swims out away from the shore and then towards Ballena Bay, only to reappear by the seawall about 45 min later. And that’s exactly what the bird did - completely unfazed by a mob of photographers on the shore. As it foraged along the shore ( crab and clam/mussel), the Loon was followed and harassed by a Glaucous-winged Gull trying to steal the prey. Beautiful bird, beautiful viewing.