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What kind of bird is this?
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Dec 18, 2019 15:11:01   #
pquiggle Loc: Monterey Bay California
 
Not the gull. Taken on Monterey Bay, California.


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Dec 18, 2019 15:15:23   #
CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City
 
A type of heron with that pointed beak? The gull is thinking it might be lunch ...

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Dec 18, 2019 15:26:07   #
jwm1944 Loc: Maryland
 
Common loon!

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Dec 18, 2019 17:22:16   #
robertjerl Loc: Corona, California
 
Immature or non-breeding Pacific Loon?

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Dec 18, 2019 19:49:41   #
pquiggle Loc: Monterey Bay California
 
Thank-you. Common loon was my first thought but the blue feet confused me.

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Dec 19, 2019 07:13:54   #
runyanp
 
Immature common loon is my guess.

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Dec 19, 2019 07:52:29   #
Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona
 
Does not look well😞

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Dec 19, 2019 08:19:15   #
CanonShot Loc: Lancaster County, PA
 
This looks like an adult non-breeding Red-throated Loon that can be found along both coastal areas this time of year. Grayish this time of year.

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Dec 19, 2019 11:30:43   #
fotobyferg
 
Loons have their legs set much further aft than regular shorebirds. For this reason, they have an extremely difficult time navigating on land in order to get airborne.

Hopefully someone knew this and gave the bird assistance. I have rescued many downed loons who mistake parking lots wet from rain as a body of water. I agree that it looks unwell.

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Dec 19, 2019 12:34:04   #
jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ
 
I'm thinking Loon too. Not sure which one because it's probably sick and probably immature.

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Dec 19, 2019 13:16:08   #
robertjerl Loc: Corona, California
 
Just finished reading a few bird sites.
Seems these loons cannot become airborne from land, they have to be in water and then need 30 yards to 1/4 mile to get up takeoff speed from water - depends on wind direction and speed. But those feet to the rear are great for swimming and diving - they can go up to 200 feet down. Being on land is pretty much a near disaster for them. Close to helpless.

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Dec 19, 2019 20:30:06   #
Tonyf1234 Loc: Hyattsville, MD
 
The loon is not a Common Loon. Notice the up-turned angle of the lower mandible (technically the mandible, since the upper is the maxilla!) This is characteristic of the Red-throated Loon. I am not very familiar with the Pacific/Arctic Loons, but I think they also have rather straighter, though thinner bills than the Common.

Quite sure it is the Red-throated Loon, though I'd yield to experts on the species.

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Dec 19, 2019 20:33:52   #
CanonShot Loc: Lancaster County, PA
 
Tonyf1234 wrote:
The loon is not a Common Loon. Notice the up-turned angle of the lower mandible (technically the mandible, since the upper is the maxilla!) This is characteristic of the Red-throated Loon. I am not very familiar with the Pacific/Arctic Loons, but I think they also have rather straighter, though thinner bills than the Common.

Quite sure it is the Red-throated Loon, though I'd yield to experts on the species.



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Dec 19, 2019 22:48:45   #
Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona
 
Tonyf1234 wrote:
The loon is not a Common Loon. Notice the up-turned angle of the lower mandible (technically the mandible, since the upper is the maxilla!) This is characteristic of the Red-throated Loon. I am not very familiar with the Pacific/Arctic Loons, but I think they also have rather straighter, though thinner bills than the Common.

Quite sure it is the Red-throated Loon, though I'd yield to experts on the species.


Red-throated Loon the white neck and face are diagnostic and yep probably on the way out.

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Dec 23, 2019 13:28:43   #
newtoyou Loc: Eastport
 
Nalu wrote:
Does not look well😞


I agree. Loons rarely sit on shore for the reason stated. This one has the droopy, lethargic eye of a sick bird.
The gull just may be waiting for the easy meal. Still warm.
Bill

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