The Arctic Loon was seen today from the Water Street location from about
9:45 until 12:45. The bird was seen best early as it drifted about
apparently resting. Later, the bird was actively engaged in feeding and
the winds shifted more to the SW, causing the viewing to become more
sporadic and difficult. As noted earlier by other observers, this bird
is distinctly larger than Pacific Loon (about 10%), with a larger, more
thick-based bill and blocky, flat-topped head shape. The nape was
concolor (perhaps just slightly paler) with the side of neck, crown, and
back, very different from the more distinctly contrasting silvery nape
of Pacific and a good mark when the loon was further away. The face
seemed cleaner and cheek whiter than Pacific, but the nice straight
clean neck demarcation was similar. The Arctic also held its bill above
the horizon, similar in behavior to a Red-throated. Other marks noted:
lack of a chin-strap, white sides and flaring rear flank (although when
feeding this mark became a difficult-to-see white stripe at the
water-line or not at all apparent) and a grey bill with dark culmen and
tip.

There were several near-by Pacific and Red-throated Loons, as well as
the regular sea ducks, grebes ,cormorants, and alcids. Surprisingly, I
didn't see a Common Loon all morning.

Alan
______________________________
Alan J. Knue
bluecrow at home.com
Seattle, WA