I originally attempted to post this message Monday, 11/15. I had a
"little" trouble getting subscribed,(oops) but am set to "do tweeters"
now. This same bird was observed AGAIN this morning at the Dash Point
Pier. Also observed this morning the first major group of our winter
birds.
10 Western Grebes
25 Barrows Goldeneyes
3 Buffleheads
3 undetermined cormorants
11 Surf Scooters
15 Red Breasted Merganser
1 Very STRANGE LOOKING WHITE LOON

- First attempted posting on loon -

I am an amateur birder of 25+ years, and having a hard time getting an
id on bird I spotted today. I located this site and am hoping "those
more enlightened" can help me out.

This morning at Dash Point pier I noticed a large, very bright white
bird 100 yards or so offshore. My first thought was errant, stray snow
goose, but scope revealed a solid white, heavy bodied bird, with
yellow/light color, loon shaped, and upturned bill. I watched the bird
for 45 min. as it dove, fed, and eluded greedy gulls. It exhibited what
I call "Merganser peeking" behavior, tipping eyes into the water and
searching for prey prior to diving. It appeared to have yellow feet,
and a very short tail. At one point it did stretch it's wings, and
appeared gray on the lower body, and dark under the wings.

I'm at a loss. Has anyone else seen something similar? Is there a
light morph of our common red throated loons that anyone has heard of?
Could this be a light morph of the yellow billed loon? I would really
appreciate any feedback.

Just for fun, I am sharing my good luck - as I was locating this site to
try and post, a female northern harrier landing on my deck rail and
graced me with a great close up, until a bald eagle came cruising down
the beach, upsetting all. What a great state Washington is for birding!
I need to stay home ill more often - what a great morning for bird
watching!

Tracy Stainbrook
Dash Point (Tacoma), WA
mailto:tracystainbrook at home.com