Hello Birders,

The ARCTIC LOON made a nice appearance for several birders this afternoon between 2:30pm-5:30pm at Point No Point in Kitsap Co.(in Washington State). During all observations the bird was fairly far offshore,as it dove nearly constantly but always associated by itself. The bird allowed great scope views,especially for a short period after 4pm when the bird was the closest and lighting was the best along with relatively calm conditions. After 5pm the winds began to blow harder and the sun went away making viewing conditions less than good. Although the bird was always alone there were several Pacific Loons nearby,but not for direct comparisons. The Arctic Loon in nearly all views stood out and almost always showed the fist-sized white rear flank patches depending on the position of the bird in the waves. The structure of the neck was also very apparent,as being longer and thinner than a Pacific Loon,as well as showing a deeper-based bill with a definite longer appearance than a Pacific Loon. The Arctic Loon while in the water nearly always held it's head high and direct,which was far different than how the Pacific Loons showed their posture. The Arctic Loon also showed a much flatter or blockier head in appearance than Pacific Loons. Overall the color of the Arctic Loon was rather plain with a brownish-gray cast to the head and neck with darker areas on the back creating a definite contrast from upper and underparts of the bird. The face was very clean white extending all the way down the breast and there was no hint of any chin strap or necklace.

We initially arrived alone at 1:45pm at the Point No Point Lighthouse parking area within 20 minutes of scanning located our first group of 14 Pacific Loons to the west,as well as a single breeding plumaged Common Loon. By 2:30pm we were joined by another birder,as we scoped the waters looking west and at that time located the Arctic Loon at a very far distance offshore from a series of pilings near the Hansville Store. The views of the bird were distance and very brief since the bird dove constantly,but definitive since the distinctive white flank patches were observed. After a short period of time watching the bird we decided to drive over to the Hansville Store and try and get a better view of the bird since from our vantage point appeared to be very close to the series of pilings here. We arrived to the Hansville Store and were unable to locate the bird at all and within approximately 45 minutes of scanning back and forth located the bird again to the north in the direction of the Point No Point Lighthouse. The bird at this time continued it's behavior by giving us brief views,as it dove nearly constantly. The lighting was good and eventually we were able to see the distinctive white rear flank patches as the bird remained afloat in the water for more than 10 seconds. Even though the views were at a distance the white flank patches flashed brightly and if nothing else stood out very well.

We soon traveled back to the Point No Point Lighthouse,where we rejoined a few other birders that had already been watching the bird and at for the next hour and a half were treated to good scope views of the bird. The bird during this time preened occasionally,as it rested atop the water allowing the best views of it,but soon became very active again. It was during this time we obtained very poor photos of the bird,of which of the 75 or so photos we took of the bird 6 were OK for us but still not presentable. In 5 of our photos the rear white flanks patches show up well and the structure of the loon is identifiable,but overall the photos are blurry due to the fair distance. "Digiscoping" may be the best alternative in obtaining the "best" photo of this bird unless the bird comes very close,but the bird always seemed to favor areas further offshore where the best feeding seemed to be. Anyhow, we were happy to get what photos we did considering the conditions,which we will keep for ourselves at this point. It is best to see the bird in a spotting scope so you can really see how the bird looks like,but even then the bird can be easy to lose when it dives. It is an excellent bird and a great find nonetheless for Vic Nelson and our personal 2nd record for Washington. As good feeding remains at Point No Point hopefully the Arctic Loon will continue as well to delight more birders!

During our afternoon visit to Point No Point we encountered bountiful supplies of waterbirds with large numbers of Bonaparte's Gulls, Rhinoceros Auklets and Horned Grebes being the 3 most prevalent species noted. Many species came and went with the currents,but there was always a good supply of birds to see. It was great afternoon and the weather remained good too with no rain! Upon leaving Point No Point we observed a single TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE along the main road to Hansville,where it perched in several trees in a residential area and was a nice way to end the day at this location!

Other highlights noted during our visit to Point No Point/Hansville included the following species:

60+ Pacific Loons
6 Red-necked Grebes
3 Western Grebes
8 Brandt's Cormorants
75+ "Black"Brant
2 LONG-TAILED DUCKS
1 Osprey
1 Peregrine Falcon(observed flying north high offshore from Point No Point)
8 Sanderlings
2 Dunlin
3 Marbled Murrelets

Our marine mammal highlights of the afternoon at Point No Point included a Northern"Steller's"Sea Lion and 4-5 Harbor Porpoises.


Just before arriving home and after crossing the Narrows Bridge in Tacoma we observed a single Western Scrub Jay perched along Hwy.16 just east of Jackson Ave.



Good birding,

Ruth and Patrick Sullivan
Fircrest,WA
godwit513 at msn.com