George Gerdts and I studied a pair of ARCTIC LOONS for 30 minutes this
morning in perfect conditions at Point No Point, Kitsap Co. They were ca 100
yards nw of the pier at Vic Nelson's place which is ca 1/4 west of the
lighthouse. Vic was not home, but will be tomorrow.

They stood out by virtue of their conspicuous elongated white flank mark
that extends from ca. 30-80% of the length of the bird (counting from the
front), widening slightly toward the rump. They have immaculate white chins,
throats, and breasts that contrast sharply with the slate gray of the crown
and nape and dark gray back. Their bills are bluish-gray for the basal 2/3,
blackish on the outer 1/3. They hold their bills slightly above the
horizontal much of the time. By contrast, the Pacific Loons (of which there
were some 20 nearby), hold their bills straight, have pale silvery crowns
and napes margined with slate, and are somewhat more delicate overall,
especially in the bill and head proportions. The Arctics had angled
foreheads and thus in several key respects appeared intermediate between
Pacific and Common Loons. Unlike the Commons Loons (none at that immediate
spot but several nearby at Pt. Gamble), which have darker cheeks, a
prominent squarish dark mark on the sides of the breast, a dingier face, and
heavier proportions, plus no visible white flanks. The Arctic Loons's white
flanks were visible at all times and from all angles. The Arctics also
showed no hint of the thin dark necklace visible on nearby Pacific loons.
The pair associated closely together the whole time and did not associate
with Pacific Loons. They dove rarely.

We hope someone can get decent photos tomorrow. We understand that Vic
Nelson saw a single Arctic Loon here a few weeks ago.

Gene Hunn.