[va-bird] Pacific Loon-Lake Anna

Between 10:45 and 11:00 AM today (2/24) I observed a Pacific Loon
on Lake Anna from the North Anna Nuclear Power Station. This bird 
was darker and slightly smaller than nearby Common Loons and exhibited
the classic ?chin-strap? characteristic of this species. Also noted 
were the white throat sharply outlined by the dark brown sides and
back of the neck and the rather thin bill (compared to C. Loon).
The head and bill were held upward during much of the time I had 
the bird under observation. This bird appeared all dark along the
water line from just aft of the whiteish breast to the tail.
This bird closely resembles the Pacific seen earlier this winter 
at Kerr Reservoir and could conceivably be the same bird.

Unfortunately, the area where this bird was seen is strictly 
off-limits to the public (I work at the nuclear station). 
However, experience has shown me that loons and grebes in this 
area range widely on this general section of the lake.  If anyone 
is interested in searching for this bird, you may want to try areas 
off Rt. 614, 690, 1201, which can be reached by traveling southeast
on Rt. 652 from Rt. 208. Traveling southeast on Rt. 652, Rt. 614 will
be on your left about 6 miles from the Rt. 208/652 intersection. 
Routes 690 and 1201 are reached from Rt. 614. Be advised that most, 
if not all,of the land along these roads is private. There are a couple 
of points where the lake can be seen from the public road side or you can
ask homeowners for access to the lake shore.

Good Birding!

Mike Boatwright
Amherst, VA
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