Outdoor Ontario

Request for Information => Bird ID => Topic started by: rc2009 on December 05, 2009, 07:55:47 AM

Title: Loon or Grebe ???
Post by: rc2009 on December 05, 2009, 07:55:47 AM

These were taken back on Nov 6th at Humber Bay East and forgot all about it till today.

At first I thought Common Loon but I'm also thinking a grebe of some type. Anyone have any clue?

  (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2613/4159456085_aed2469044.jpg)

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2778/4160211124_050c463f51.jpg)

Title:
Post by: Moira on December 05, 2009, 08:40:43 AM

Looks like a loon to me - winter plumage

Title: Ref: Bird ID
Post by: JTF on December 05, 2009, 09:28:18 AM

Hmmm, I think this is a a Red-Throated loon. Why: (1) Throat Patch not quite full yet ( juv/first winter) and (2) The upturned bill that the common loon does not have. I cannot tell for sure about the bill but you could see this on your original pics. Nice bird for any winter list.

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Post by: rc2009 on December 05, 2009, 10:19:03 AM

Moira and Paul, thanks for the quick response.

I guess it could be an RT Loon, which would be a first for me and making me very happy  :D

I looked up some images in google and it's possible it's still changing to it's winter plumage.

Thanks again.

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Post by: Brian Bailey on December 05, 2009, 04:22:47 PM

Definitely a Red-throated Loon.  It's either a juvenile, or an adult moulting into winter plumage.

Nice find!  When I (rarely) find them, they're usually way out, where it's impossible to get such a nice look at them.

BB

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Post by: rc2009 on December 05, 2009, 05:56:49 PM

Thanks Brian. I guess I got lucky that day.