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 > > > > --- > This mailing list is sponsored by the Minnesota Ornithologists' > Union. Mailing list membership available on-line at > http://moumn.org/subscribe.html > . > ----- > To unsubscribe send a blank email to mou-net-request at moumn.org with > a subject of unsubscribe.
