FreeLists / va-bird / [va-bird] Pacific Loon, Red-necked Grebe-Lake Anna

[mboater@xxxxxxx]

Today (3/2) between 1:20 and 2:15 on Lake Anna, I observed presumably 
the same Pacific Loon I observed last week from the nuclear power plant.
This time however, the bird IS accessible to the public.  The area where
the Pacific Loon was found today, can be reached as follows:

From the intersection of US Rt. 522 and Rt. 208 take Rt 208 east for about
3 miles to Rt 652 and turn right on 652. Continue for about 8 miles to 
Rt. 622 (Moody Town Rd) and turn left.  Continue on Rt 622 for about 3 miles
at which point you will cross a causeway (also known as Dike 3) over the lake. 
You can park at either end of this causeway for an excellent view of the lake.
The general area where the Pacific Loon was seen will be at about 10:00 as 
you travel across the dike (also watch for Snow Buntings on the rocks or 
grassy shoulders of the dike?I have not seen them here since early Jan. but
they sometimes just appear out of nowhere).  To reach the area where the 
Pacfic Loon was actually spotted today, continue across the dike for about
½ mile to the T-intersection with Rt. 701 (Eastham Rd).  Turn left and continue
for another ½ to 1 mile to Rt. 1030 (Pleasant?s Landing Rd.) then turn left. 
After a short distance, the state maintained paved rd will end.  Continue
straight onto the dirt rd (this road leads to a marina).  Continue past the 
Pay Booth (no payment required in winter) and park in the grassy area.  
You will see a picnic shelter out on the point here.  The Pacific Loon was 
seen about 100-150 feet out in the water past the shelter.  Also seen here today
were 1 Red-necked Grebe, 2 Red-throated Loons, and 12 Common Loons.

As a crow (or shall I say loon) flies, this area is only about 4 miles from
the nuclear plant.  By the way, I had another Lesser Black-backed Gull at the 
plant yesterday ( this bird was in near breeding plumage-very bright yellow 
legs, no streaking on the head nor smudging around the eyes).

Good Birding,

Mike Boatwright
Amherst,VA
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