Loon in California, USA (1 Viewer)

[AdrianB70]

On the Pacific Ocean right off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, on June 14, 2017

I don't see the dark half-collar of Common Loon, so is it safe to call a Pacific Loon?

 

[Byronix]

Can we rule out Red-throated Loon from these photos?

 

[AdrianB70]

It certainly looked too large-billed in the field for Red-throated, and from what I could discern, it held its bill horizontally. Isn't the neck too dark for Red-throated Loon?

 

[Byronix]

Ah, couldn't see bill clearly from these photos, but if that's how it looked, then yes, I think Pacific Loon is pretty certain. I was getting kind of a reddish vibe on the throat, but I think it's a trick of the light.

 

[AdrianB70]

Great, thanks a lot!

 

[lou salomon]

yes, common loon it is.

 

[lmans66]

Ditto....Common Loon..... a bit lost eh?

 

[Larry Sweetland]

Another vote for Common Loon

 

[Kratter]

Ditto....Common Loon..... a bit lost eh?

Common Loons frequently over-summer on their wintering grounds. These are usually individuals that were in too poor condition to migrate. Probably very few of them survive long.

Andy

 

[Nutcracker]

Common Loons frequently over-summer on their wintering grounds. These are usually individuals that were in too poor condition to migrate. Probably very few of them survive long.

Andy

Or first-summer birds too young to breed; these usually retain winter-type plumage.

 

[AlinoVegano]

Ditto....Common Loon..... a bit lost eh?

Lost? Then let me tell you, actually it is a Great Northern Diver 8-P