Greetings All

I quick note on Arctic Loons.

Certainly, with the Arctic Loon at Priest Rapids last winter and the two at
Pt No Pt this fall/winter, birder's awareness of Arctic Loon has been
heightened. It is important to remember that the white flanks is suggestive
but not diagnostic of Arctic Loon. An occasional Pacific Loon can show this
mark. Other important plumage marks include facial pattern and present or
absence of a neck strap. Equally significant, however, is structure. Arctic
Loons average larger in size than Pacifics and have proportionately larger
bills and blockier heads. Also, Arctic Loons tend to swim with their bills
pointed upwards like a RT or YB Loon. Sibley's book does a pretty good job
with this species pair and there was also a nice article on Arctic Loon ID a
few years back in Birding magazine.

Cheers
Steve Mlodinow
Everett WA
SGMlod at aol.com