Hi,
after all the talk about Arctic Loons I got more curious about how to
actually identify one - after all, I would imagine that the chances of
running into one should be higher up here in Prnce Rupert than down in
Washington!
I read about the white patches on the side; could somebody give more
details? Is there a good picture in one of the "mainstream" field
guides?
We have here regularly Pacific Loons coming right to the water's edge
(we are located on a sheltered bay with steep drop-offs); in Vancouver,
Pacific Loons would keep further off-shore. On the other hand, I haven't
seen any Red-throated Loons yet.
BTW, I reported 2 weeks ago that PALO's were sort of grouping together
in pairs; however, as Wayne predicted, I haven't seen them together
anymore, so it seems it was a chance encounter.

Reto Riesen
Prince Rupert, BC
riesenr at citytel.net