[va-bird] Slightly out of area - Pacific Loon in MD

 Saturday morning, two intrepid Northern Virginia birders (Don Stein and I)
mounted an expedition to find the Pacific Loon that has been hanging around,
with two Common Loons, at Clopper Lake in Montgomery County, MD for several
weeks.  We arrived about 8:30 AM.   We first found several other birders,
whohad spotted a loon at the Kingfisher Overlook near the lake's dam.  After
a lot of looking and bird-guide consulting, this was determined to be one of
the Common Loons.  This bird's left leg and foot, by the way, were sticking
out at an odd angle to the side.  It's unclear whether this is an injury,
butsince the leg remained in this position all the time were viewing it, it
seems at least possible.  This bird remained in a confined part of lake,
moving about only a little.    We then traveled to the Boat Dock area of the
park (rental rowboats and canoes), and from there, we scanned down the lake,
finally spotting another loon (and a Cormorant) several hundred yards away. 
Both birds dived repeatedly, but resurfaced each time in the same general
area.  It was too far away for positive identification, so we started down
the Blue Trail, which parallels the lake bank by foot, arriving at the point
where we had marked its position some distance up the lake.   This put it in
perfect light and close enough for easy viewing with binoculars; the bird
filled a scope's view.  We (along with another birder, who added his
observations and comparisons with the Common Loon) for at least 20-minutes,
as it preened and presented all sides (and at one point, a good part of its
abdomen as it rolled over to groom there ) and this was the Pacific Loon.   
All the ID points were seen, though the so-called "chin-strap," discribed by
other birders, was quite faint.  Its back is quite dark, and the bill is
clearly less massive and more pointed than the Common Loon.   It seemed
quiteundisturbed by our attention, even though we were fairly close, getting
back to the business of chasing fish underwater once the preening was
finished, coming quite close to a rowboat from which people were fishing.  
It was a beautiful look at a very unusual bird.   Clopper Lake is a water
supply reservoir in Seneca Creek State Park, in Montgomery County, Maryland. 
Both the Kingfisher Overlook and the Boat Dock area are on the same side of
the lake, though too far apart for walking; drive between them.  From the
Kingfisher Overlook it is a short hike (to the right) to the lake's dam. 
From there, views up much of the lake are possible.  (A kingfisher
appropriately flew overhead, heading downstream over the dam.)   The park is
accessable via I-270 to the exits marked for Clopper Road/Quince Orchard
Road.  Consult your favorite map.  It is a beautiful place, a wonderful
respite from the surrounding exurbs.  There is a $2.00 charge per person
entry on Saturday and Sundays; the rest of the week there is no admission
charge.   A Park Ranger was quite helpful; these birds have obviously drawn
alot of attention and the Ranger seemed to be keeping tabs on them as much
ashis duties permit.  Should you see a Ranger on patrol (SUV's with
emergencylights) be sure to ask for help. Kurt Henschen
Alexandria, VA

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