Hi Tweets,

Some of the area breeding c. loons are now banded with color combinations due to a joint research effort between local WA. loon researchers, BioDiversity Research Institute, WDFW, and collaborating area land management entities. Occasionally, there are non-breeding individuals that show up and hang out at historical sites during the breeding season. Also, some individuals may be banded from similar efforts elsewhere along the west cost (e.g. winter efforts in California). The birds will have a silver band on one leg, and two color bands on another. At times the color bands are painted on one half, heads-up on that.

Any sightings of banded individuals would be very much appreciated! They can be seen pretty readily from a distance with a scope when the birds foot stretch and waggle. This information would add to current understanding of how loons use the southern fringe of the western portion of their breeding range. Please pass band sightings along to Russell Link, King County District Bio, WDFW, or myself:

linkrel at dfw.wa.gov
425.775.1311, x 110

andercda at dfw.wa.gov
425.775.1311, x 111

We are very interested in how loons, particularly the small, edge of range breeding population within the state, use the lowland area spatially during spring and fall migration (salt to fresh and fresh to salt). Also, band sightings help add to information regarding longevity of local breeding loons and return rate to a natal area. The inland lake sightings are a good opportunity to gather information on banded individuals.

If you are interested in more information regarding the status of common loons in Washington state, read the state status report:

http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/diversty/soc/status/commloon/commloon.htm

Thanks,

Chris

cdanders AT hotmail dot com
wedgwood/north seattle




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