All,



Tina and I ventured over Stevens Pass early this morning to chase the Artic
Loon reported by Gina Sheridan, and Patricia Lott. On Highway 97 between mp
134 and 135, Tina said that she had a Turkey Vulture; I told her it had to
be something else. Well, it was a Turkey Vulture. I heard about
questioning her identification of common birds all day.



We found the Artic Loon just south of Pateros off Starr road. Today, it was
a couple of hundred meters south of the location reported by Gina and
Patricia. It was on the Douglas County side of the river. This bird
definitely stood out from the Common Loons in the same area. A couple of
times there was a Common Loon in the same scope view for comparison. The
back and neck were darker than the COLO giving it a very black and white
look. It did not have the neck collar like a COLO. It was actively feeding
and the white patch on the rear of the flanks was plainly visible. The bill
was shorter and sharper than the COLO and appeared to be slightly darker.
We observed the bird for about 30 minutes in good light.



Enjoy,



Rick



Rick Taylor

Everett, WA 98208