Hi Tweets,

Thanks to the two Dans for the Crescent Beach BC Yellow-billed Loon (YBLO)
Gavia adamsii image.

>On Mon, 23 Feb 1998, Dan Logen wrote:
>> Photo was taken on 2-16-98 at Crescent Beach, BC.

>I've added it to the Birding Images Gallery.
> Dan Victor, Seattle, WA <dvictor at u.washington.edu>

A couple of things. First, the image of the YBLO shows a very dark back,
indicating underexposure--of that part of the bird at any rate--which
doesn't accurately reflect (heh!) the actual color and pattern, which is
paler and more checkerboard. The rest looks very good and the sandy brown
coloration--showing on the neck-- is one of the best differences between
YBLO and Common Loon (COLO) G. immer, as the latter rarely if ever has this
color anywhere in its plumage.

Secondly, there's been a influx into Vancouver BC' waters during this past
week of COLO in Alternate molt, including a couple with fully-developed Alt
back-patterns *already* in place, showing that species is on its northbound
march.

Michael Price A brave world, Sir,
Vancouver BC Canada full of religion, knavery and change;
mprice at mindlink.net we shall shortly see better days.
Aphra Behn (1640-1689)