Pacific Loon - Baraga Co. 6/4

[theowlranch@aol.com]

Howdy Folks,

Ryne Rutherford & I had the amazing June find of a basic plumaged PACIFIC LOON at the head of the Keweenaw Bay in Baraga this afternoon. The bird was pretty close to shore at first which provided for some excellent views, but was chased up the east side of the bay by a Common Loon after about ten+ minutes. Pretty interesting behavior from both the loons to observe. 
The Pacific Loon had both a distinct chinstrap and vent strap and there was clearly no white on the flanks (features we must observe in this post-Couch's Kingbird Michigan, lest an Arctic Loon shows up next!). The Pacific also had a very silvery nape. I'm not quite sure how one ages Pacific Loons, but I presume this was a 1st summer bird. 
When we left, the bird was headed out into the bay towards L'anse. I believe this is only the second summer record of Pacific Loon for Michigan, I think there is a June record from Whitefish Pt., but I can't think of any others.

Good luck!

~Skye Haas

 
Key. Bay Shorebirds
Black-bellied Plover -1
Semi-Plover -3
Sanderling -3
Semi-Sandpiper -11
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