Can Someone ID This Bird??

[Mandy]

I saw this bird on the way back to the harbor after a whale watch. It was seen roughly between 1/2 -1 mile from shore. It didn't dive or anything like that while I was watching it. It just kind of rested there at the surface.

I have a bird book that I looked through and the closest resemblance that I can find is a Common Loon (winter plumage). Since this is July, I don't see how it would still have it's winter plumage.

Any ideas on what bird this is??
http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showphoto.php/photo/28614/sort/1/cat/500/page/1

- Mandy

[Michael Frankis]

Common Loon it is, probably a one-year old bird - they are too young to breed, so don't develop breeding plumage or go inland to the breeding lakes

Michael

[Mandy]

Thanks, I was just about positive that it was a Common Loon, but the winter plumage wording in my book made me doubt myself.

Thanks again!! :)

- Mandy

[streatham]

Hi Mandy,

Pretty certain there was a Pacific Loon being seen off the NH coast recently - unfortunately this isn't it - if you go out again look out for a common loon with a thin black chin strap.

Luke