Found a relatively close in nonbreeding plumage adult Pacific Loon at Garrison, Crow Wing County today. The bird was best seen from the pull-offs just south of the Garrison public access. This access is the one at the south end of Garrison and easily seen from Highway 169. The bird was also seen from the rock wall in town but was pretty distant from this point today. We were unable to find either of the two Pacific Loons reported in recent days south of here in Mille Lacs County.
Actually we felt pretty good about finding this bird as we counted 859 loons on the western shore of Mille Lacs in about 5 hours today. Most were too far out to identify as to species but were close enough to clearly call loons. While looking at the Pacific Loon, a White-winged Scoter flew into the scope and was clearly seen as it worked its way past Garrison and on south over the lake never landing. Dennis and Barbara Martin [email protected]
