Help with loon ID - Sonoma County, CA, USA (1 Viewer)

[goosechase]

Hi all,

I have been going back and forth on these loons I saw from shore in Bodega Bay, CA a couple of weeks ago (June 28).

There were two groups of loons, both a few hundred yards out, one single loon, and then a group of 5 in a different spot. I think they are of two different species, but you be the judge. Unfortunately I don't really have a good idea of their size.

Here are my best looks at the loons in the group of 5:






And here is the other loon, note what appears to be a more slender bill and patchy chest:






Let me know what you think!

In the region, others have reported pacific loons, red-throated loons, and common loons all with pretty high frequency over the last few weeks. Yellow-billed loon is also in the area but pretty clear that can be ruled out.

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[Butty]

1-4. Common loon - neck pattern, darkish bill.
5-7. Red-throated loon.
8. Probably red-throated loon.

 

[Southern Viking]

Yeah 1-4 Common Loon, 5-8 Red-throated (8 definitely is)