[Birdtalk] East Canyon loons

[Dave Hanscom]

I spent a couple of hours studying as many loons as I could find at the 
reservoir this morning.  The light was perfect for observing from the 
road, so I got some great looks.  There were lots of loons, and quite a
variety of plumages, but I didn't find anything I could identify as a 
Pacific or Red-throated.

All the birds I saw had large bills that were held either horizontally or 
tipped slightly downward, which would eliminate Red-throated.  Also, the 
line between white and gray along their necks was neither straight nor 
sharp, and they had white all around their eyes, which would eliminate 
Pacific.

I was hoping some better birders would show up to help me out, but it
sounds like everyone headed for the Great Salt Lake to look for Tim's Red
Phalarope.

Hopefully some of you will have better luck tomorrow before the storm 
rolls in.

Dave Hanscom