Dear Tweeters,

I'll add my own observations on the white-colored Loon seen on the east side
of Commencement Bay in Tacoma, WA. I was especially interested in light of
the thread on albinism. The bird was definitely the size of a Common Loon,
as a Red-throated Loon swam by during our viewing, just to re-confirm the
point.

Here's the details on the plumage, iris and fleshy parts:

The bird was was a bright off-white in color when seen with binoculars.
However, with the help of a good scope, it was possible to see some very,
very pale brown markings towards the back of the bird. These markings were
somewhat more obvious when the bird flared it wings momentarily before
diving. It also appeared there was some pale brown on the tail, but again
it only showed when diving. On the front half of the bird, the only pale
marking seen was on the neck where the black ring would normally be.

The iris was black.

The feet were pink and the bill was a pale yellow.

So does this make it an incomplete albino loon? Or could the pale markings
be some carotenoid pigments, versus very reduced melanin.

My thoughts on the ID. The bird never held the bill above horizontal for
the 30 minutes we were watching it. The head was peaked in front only. The
bill while large, didn't look as large as I recall from previous
Yellow-billed Loon sightings. I couldn't see even a smudge of an auricular
spot, but it would have been difficult to see. Therefore, I'm inclined
towards a Common Loon. However, it is a fascinating bird to view and a
real challenge on seeing how well you know your loons - without color.

Good Birding,
Marcus Roening Tacoma,WA
MDR51044 at GlaxoWellcome.com