FreeLists / tn-bird / [TN-Bird] Four Loon Species in TN

[OLCOOT1@xxxxxxx]

Feb. 27-28-29, 2004
Pace Point
Big Sandy Unit
Tennessee NWR
Henry Co. TN.


The loon bonanza continues at Pace Point. A lot of birders visited this 
weekend and left with FOUR species of loons for the day and many got 1-2 or 3 
Lifer 
Loons. The Yellow-billed Loon was dubbed "the Monster" and it put on one heck 
of a show on Saturday. After being seen Sunday morning till almost noon, the 
wind started howling and the water was white-capping and the bird could not be 
located.

Besides "the Monster", we had 5 different Red-throated Loons (2 molting into 
alternate with dark throats, 2 immature and a single adult winter plumaged 
bird) plus at least 2 but most likely 3 Pacific Loons (1 adult winter plumage 
and 
possibly 2 immature birds). There were about 180 Common Loons on the TN River 
side of the Point and 20+ on the Big Sandy side.

When roost time came, the Yellow-billed steamed into view surrounded by a pod 
of Common Loons. It stuck out above the others so much that it looked like a 
Goose surrounded by goslings. The bird always held its bill up at an extreme 
angle and the yellow bill flashed in the sun like a golden saber. In many 
instances the bill reminded me of the exaggerated bill on an Agami.

There were plenty of photos taken but most at long distances. I'll post my 
poor shots tomorrow.

Unfortunately the California Gull was only seen on Friday afternoon. 


Good Birding!!!

Jeff R. Wilson
OL'COOT / TLBA
Bartlett, TN


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