Hey Cole, Echoing what Nick said, I would've expected a paler loon overall with a heftier bill rather than what looks like stark contrast between dark upper parts and pale below, features typical of Common Loon. While not entirely invalid, bill color isn't something I find especially helpful for ID of the two species in basic plumage at a distance, especially as I've seen Commons with yellow-looking bills whether as a result of lighting or just general variability. A combination of hefty bill and overall structure, stronger scale pattern in the back, and overall pale and low-contrast plumage from the top/back of the neck to the underparts I find to be most helpful in picking out Yellow-billed.
Good Birding! David Tonnessen Colorado Springs, CO -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/f6306efb-e827-4765-96b4-9e140359cf4b%40googlegroups.com.
