Hello Tweeters,

I apologize for the late post. As others have reported, the ARCTIC LOON was seen off and on throughout the day at Point-No-Point as well as at the Hansville store. My personal encounters with the bird began at about 1:15 pm when, after viewing PACIFIC LOONS close in to the Hansville store, suddenly the ARCTIC popped up displaying the prominent flank patch. I called John Wallace on his cell phone and several people arrived a few minutes later to glimpse the bird. The bird dove almost continuously as it worked its way east past the pilings near the store over towards the lighthouse. It was not easily viewable and would only surface briefly before diving once again.

We all made our way to the lighthouse where the loon was very briefly viewed offshore near fishing boats and then a second time much closer towards the houses on the shore back near the Hansville General Store. I returned to this area and watched from the small park near the store for over an hour when Igor Uhrovic called my cell phone at 3:00 p.m. to report that he had the bird just around the corner at the General Store. I made my way over where we played "the game" of watching the bird for a few seconds before it dove again. Fortunately, the ARCTIC LOON remained in this general area all the while diving, popping up briefly and then diving again. It seemed to spend so much time underwater that some speculated that it had gills. Finally, the ARLO was observed offshore where it began to preen allowing for excellent, extended viewing under calm conditions as it drifted westward. At this time several other birders arrived including Paul Hicks and Kraig Kemper and we were treated to outstanding views with all the field marks prominently displayed. What an outstanding find! Thanks, Vic and thanks to Tweeters members for continuing to report on the bird. Special thanks also to Igor for calling to alert me that the loon had been refound.

Cheers and Good Birding,
Ted Kenefick
Seattle
tgkenefick at msn.com<mailto:tgkenefick at msn.com>