[mou] no Arctic Loon in Duluth

[Kim R Eckert]

Unfortunately, the possible Arctic Loon in Duluth turned into a Common  
Loon. Don Harrington had also called me yesterday about his loon  
sighting at Brighton Beach, and I went down there to find a juvenile/ 
basic-plumaged Common Loon, a Red-necked Grebe, and several  
mergansers. And Don called back this morning to report he returned to  
the area yesterday and took several photos of the same loon he saw  
earlier, which he later examined and determined were of a Common Loon.

Jim Lind and I definitely want to thank Don for his report. Even  
though the ID did not turn out as hoped, it's always better to report  
something of possible note right away and have it checked out, rather  
than have news of a sighting appear only after the bird is long gone.

So, if nothing else, you have to admit this September has at least  
produced some temporary excitement in Duluth with possible sightings  
of unconfirmed Pacific Golden-Plover and Arctic Loon, both of which  
would have been first state records! Today's the last day of the  
month: I'm going out now to find a Possible Gannet (a tropical storm  
just hit Nova Scotia).  Kim Eckert


On Sep 29, 2008, at 9:14 PM, Jim Lind wrote:

> Don Harrington from Northfield, MN left a phone message with me today
> (Monday) that he observed a possible Arctic Loon between the two
> picnic areas at Brighton Beach (Kitchi Gammi Park) in east Duluth.
> He watched the bird for 3 hours today with calm winds and few waves,
> and noted consistently white flanks, white cheeks with no markings,
> and no necklace.  I haven't yet spoken with Don so I don't have any
> additional information, but I thought I would post something in case
> there are interested birders who might want to check out the area
> tomorrow.
>
> Jim Lind
>
>
>
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