« Back to Reports List

Common NamePacific loon
Scientific NameGavia pacifica
Type of ReportRare Species
Date of Observation01/17/2021
Number Observed1
Reporting Observer's NameSue Wetmore
Mailing Address14 Maple St.
Brandon, Vermont 05733
United States
Map It
EmailEmail hidden; Javascript is required.
Date Completed02/02/2021
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
Time of Day11:37 AM
Length of Time Observed20 minutes
Maximum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet)1/4 mile
Minimum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet)1/4
Noteworthy Weather Conditions

Water was fairly calm.

Optical Equipment Used for Observation

Vortex Razor 8x42
Leica APO 20--60 scope

Observer’s Previous Acquaintance With This or Similar Species

Have seen a PALO in December and in other years past.

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

Open water north of the bridge, ice was just north of the bridge as well. Bird was just beyond that.
Greater & lesser scaup, C, goldeneye, c. mergansers, ring-billed & black-backed gulls.

Behaviors Observed

Loon was actively feeding, diving in its signature form and staying under for extended periods.

Description of Vocalizations

none

Verbal Narrative & Description of Observation

I saw a loon that had all dark flanks and back, neck had a sharp defined line between the white throat and black neck. The eye was within the black area on the upper head. Bill was slender and held level.

Relative Size & Shape

typical loon configuration, smaller than a COLO.

Head

Crown was black and extended over the eye, Chin and neck white down to the breast. Nape was black that continued down the back of the neck.
At one view I detected a pale chin strap.

Feet & Bill

Bill was grayish, slender and moderate length.

Upper Back

All black.

Lower Back & Rump

All black

Wings

Not seen

Breast, Belly, Flanks, Under Tail Coverts

Breast was white, flanks dark, coverts not seen.

Tail

Not seen

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

Common loon , which is much bigger and heavier billed
Red-throated loon has more white on neck and face and holds head in an upward angle.
Arctic loon which has a white hip patch, upper parts grayish and not all black like the PALO.

Other Notes & Comments

It appeared to be an adult in winter plumage.

This report was written from notes taken:Written from Memory