Yesterday (Feb 10), Mike Donahue, Alan Grenon and I had the Arctic Loon
at Water Street in Edmonds. We had a distant but fairly good look in the
morning from about 9:45 until 10:30 or so, when it swam from sight.
Later sometime around 4, we had a closer but much briefer view in better
light. A word of caution, the bright morning and afternoon sun bleached
out the color of the loons present, making the Arctic appear much paler
on the nape than it really was and increased the contrast of the nape
with the side of the neck than was actually present. Nearby Pacifics
were even paler on the nape most showing the distinctive dark thin
'racing stripes'; if it wasn't for the brilliant and extensive white
flanks seen even from huge distances, the Arctic could easily have been
passed off as a Pacific in the bright sun. Structure and posture was
much more important in strong light conditions- the large blocky head
and long, thicker Common Loon like bill was still very apparent to me
from even large distances. It also characteristically and consistently
swam with its bill pointed above the horizon. A field mark that is very
useful is the larger amount of white on the face, which appears to
result from a white cheek giving this bird a clean looking face with
sharp contrast (all Pacifics I've seen in recent times have this area
dusky brown, and less sharp in contrast).

There were good numbers of Pacific Loons present at all times, as well
as an occasional Common or Red-throated Loon, allowing comparison in
pattern and structure.

This bird moves around a great deal, so plan on staying a while if the
loon isn't immediately apparent and enjoy the variety of sea ducks,
alcids, grebes, cormorants and gulls present.

Good Birding,

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