An Uncommon Loon

Gavia Immer, the Common Loon... a gorgeous bird in its striking breeding plumage. Living by the ocean I get to see it in its winter plumage for about half of the year it seems. But this weekend (April 19 and 20 of 2008) I found a specimen who was uncommon for two reasons. This loon was going through the final stages of it's molt. There are some very short wing feathers, what appears to be a "bald spot" on its rump and short tail feathers. The coloration is unique too ans you can see in the video. The other thing was that this loon was not the least bit shy and even approached a boat (looking for food?) when it pulled to the pier. I named him Benny after British architect and historian "Benedict O'Looney"

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Benedict
• O'Looney
• Loon
• Common
• Gavia
• Immer
• Molting
• Plumage
• Transition
• Saco
• Maine
• Chuck
• Homler
• Birding
• Bird
• Watching

[learningtoswim65]

It's a red-throated loon, not a common loon.

[Needsmoreritalin]

Oh, I meant uncommon because of its behavior. I do have some video of Red-throated loons too, not sure if I posted them on here though. They hold their head at a different angle and they also have a more delicate bill. I am pretty sure this is a Common Loon, but I am open to the possibility it isn't. What makes you think its Red-Throated?

[Needsmoreritalin]

Yeah, I was really excited! I really like how after it eats the crab you can see the lump in its throat!

[squito94]

He was looking for fish that the engine kicked up. That loon is clever.

[LionGoddess1]

birds have individual personalities too..

[learningtoswim65]

HQ version is HQ! What's your video camera?

[learningtoswim65]

Common loon in breeding plumage is jet black with sharp, snow-white markings, no gray at all; winter plumage is black on top. Your bird is all white-speckled gray. Color, small size (common is big as Canada goose), and long snake-like neck = definitely red-throat in non-breeding plumage. In bird guide, compare non-breeding adult common and red throat. Nice video and sighting of feeding red-throat, which IS much less common in Maine than Common.

[bking9367]

that is very uncommon