Subject: Wanapum Arctic Loon
Date: Jan 8 09:48:39 2003
From: Robert Woodley - bobpatwoodley at msn.com


Hi:
After rereading the message posted by the Goodhews of Walla Walla on the Arctic loon at Wanapum Dam, I found that I agreed with their description precisely. Also, I reread Craig Corder's posting and, because I was birding with him and his wife that day, I agree with his assessment too. Nevertheless, I felt that I should add my two cents worth or perhaps just one cent worth. It seems to me that most birders think the bird should have more pronounced white flanks, however, I think this bird is a first-winter Arctic loon and, as aptly illustrated in both Sibley and the NGS field guide, it only exhibits small white semicircles near its rear flanks. The previous Arctic loon at Priest Rapids Dam was more likely a winter adult and therefore had the full white flanks. Consequently, I fully intend to count the bird as an Arctic loon on my 2003 state year list irrespective of what others might do.
Cheers,
Bob Woodley