« Back to Reports List

Common NamePacific loon
Scientific NameGavia pacifica
Type of ReportRare Species
Date of Observation12/31/2020
Number Observed1
Reporting Observer's NameSue Wetmore
Mailing Address14 Maple St.
Brandon, Vermont 05733
United States
Map It
EmailEmail hidden; Javascript is required.
Date Completed01/05/2021
Names & Emails of Other Contributing Observers

Jim & Chris Andrews
Gary & Kathy Starr

Latitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide)0
Longitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide)0
Place NameChamplain Bridge
TownshipAddison
CountyAddison
Vermont eBird Checklist URLebird.org
Time of Day12:25 PM
Length of Time Observedabout 1 hour
Maximum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet)1/4 mile
Minimum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet)1/2 mile
Noteworthy Weather Conditions

water was calm allowing for good views unobstructed by waves.

Optical Equipment Used for Observation

Vortex 8X42 Razor
Leica APO 20-60 scope
others in the party had larger scopes.

Observer’s Previous Acquaintance With This or Similar Species

I have seen this species before at this location.

I certify that any attachments included with this report were captured during this observation event​​.
Description of Habitat

Lake to the north of the bridge had: common goldeneye, hooded and common mergansers, common loon and black-backed and ring-billed gulls.

Behaviors Observed

Bird was actively diving with short periods of just resting. The dives were prolonged.

Description of Vocalizations

none

Verbal Narrative & Description of Observation

As I scanned the water I saw this bird and immediately identified it as a loon. Further study thru the scope revealed this bird was different from the nearby common loon.
There was a distinct demarcation between the white and black along the neck. Bird was slimmer than the COLO, head was rounded with a thinner bill. The back was a solid black, which was observed when the loon lifted and shook its wings. The head was dark and the eye was within the dark on the head.
Having a COLO nearby allowed for comparing the field marks.

Relative Size & Shape

The bird was a typical shape of a loon. This bird was slightly smaller than the COLO.

Head

Crown was black extending down over the eye, chin was white and extended down the throat and neck to the breast. Nape was black and it continued down the back of the neck.

Feet & Bill

Bill was held level and was thinner than the nearby COLO.

Upper Back

Upper back was uniformly black.

Lower Back & Rump

black

Wings

No markings seen the only time the bird raised them to shake off water.

Breast, Belly, Flanks, Under Tail Coverts

Breast was white, belly and undertail coverts not see.

Tail

not determined as the bird stayed on the water.

IMPORTANT: What similar species were eliminated when making the identification and how was this bird different?

Common loon is larger has pale markings on back and the bill is heavier, their necks don't have the distinct separation of white and black.
Red-throated loon is smaller and pattern on neck is whiter, holds bill at an upward angle.

Other Notes & Comments

Given the plumage it is an adult in winter plumage.

This report was written from notes taken:Written from Memory