Today I observed a loon on Hayden Lake in North Idaho (Kootenai County,
north of Coeur d'Alene) that I believe may be a juvenile ARCTIC LOON. I
would appreciate feedback from those having opinions on the identification
of this difficult species - especially those involved in the sighting in
Central Washington last year.

At 1pm today, in clear and calm weather, from a point on South Hayden Lake
Drive, 1 mile from the junction with Honeysuckle Road, I observed the loon
for 45 minutes. It was in the vicinity of an adult Common Loon (partially
molted into winter plumage), a large flock of Red-necked Grebes, a few
Horned Grebes, and a Ruddy Duck. I observed the loon at close range (at
some points from only 50 yards) with a scope and took some photographs. I
was not able to relocate the loon this evening, although the Common Loon and
grebes remained in the same area.

The loon had the general form and appearance of a juvenile Pacific Loon, a
species which I have seen before. However, it lacked the the chin strap
typical of Pacific Loons and had definite white flank patches readily
apparent when the bird was at rest on the water. This white areas shown
clearly above the water line at all times. I have no experience with Arctic
Loons, but I read that these are important diagnostic characteristics.

Again, I would welcome comments and suggestions on this identification. I
will continue to attempt to relocate the bird.

Stephen Lindsay
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
slindsay at dmi.net