This is a heads up. This morning at 6:35am, while walking my dog, I watched a small, basic plumaged loon fly over low at only about 100-125ft above ground. Its wing beat was noticeably rapid. I have been seeing several Common Loons in flight recently and new it was not that species. It appeared small headed due to its smallish bill. While in view, the bird continually moved its head from above to below level plane, thus I could not tell if the bill was tilted upward or not. It looked and behaved like a Red-throated Loon, a rare regular species that has not been recorded in Dakota County. It was so low that I assumed it was looking for a suitable body of water on which to land.
Location: Lebanon Hills Regional Park. About 1/2 mile NW of the intersection of Dodd Rd. and 120th St. West. The bird was heading due west. I did not have time to chase after it. There are several small lakes in the park, and Black Dog Lake is always a likely spot to check. But, of course, any area lake is a possibility as well. Jim Mattsson
