Hi all,
In addition to the Hungarian website mentioned in the previous posting
(http://www.birdingfaqs.com/hungarianbirds/Arctic%20Loon%20Gallery.htm), I've
found
a few other web-posted images of basic-plumaged Arctic Loon that are useful:
http://www.sbsg.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/btdiver.html
shows the relatively heavy head/bill compared to most Pacific Loons, while
http://www.rothervalley.f9.co.uk/black-throateddiver.htm
shows the crown shape, with forecrown 'bump' not unlike Common Loon.
Bill Maynard's photograph of the Colorado Arctic Loon posted to:
http://www.cfo-link.org/arctic_loon.html
is a dead-ringer for the First Landing State Park bird. The white in the
flank was identical, just spot-on.
Digiscoped images of this bird by Chris Wood at:
http://www.cfo-link.org/Images/loon_photos/ARLO_CO.jpg
are also very similar, showing the variable impressions of the extent of
white in the cheek and foreneck, depending on angle and light.
Although the newest National Geographic Field Guide to North American Birds
covers loons very nicely, it's good to be armed with additional photographs
when sorting out loons at various distances, under various conditions on the
Bay
and ocean. In discussing the recent Pacific Loons with Bob Anderson tonight
by telephone, we both remarked on the unprecedented number of loons in the area
(for early January) and the unbelievable clarity of atmosphere lately --
individual trees on the Eastern Shore were visible from Fort Story on New
Year's
Eve. The good weather is predicted to hold through the weekend, with
temperatures in the 70s. Hopefully, we can relocate and photograph this bird
tomorrow
or Sunday.
Ned Brinkley
Cape Charles, VA
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