Ontbirders, Just an update on at least 1 Pacific Loon being seen today at Minet's Point Park in Barrie. The adult bird (moulting to winter plumage but retaining some alternate plumage) was in amongst a minimum of 1,600 Common Loons today, viewing was perfect with cool temps (not too much heat haze off water), sun behind and very little wind. I had tried Kempenfelt Park (on the north shore of the bay) first but the birds were a little closer to the south side today. I did a sweeping estimate of the numbers 3 times to be sure, and always came within a couple of hundred, so I've gone with the most conservative number - there were more WAY out on Kempenfelt Bay towards the main lake.
The PALO is noticeably smaller than the surrounding Common Loons with the standout characteristics of big white square blotches on the back (they really stand out) and the silvery nape (but this can be light dependent), as well as the smaller bill, held horizontally (comparing with Red-throated that almost always hold the bill above the horizontal). It was diving frequently today and once it went down it took up to 10 minutes to refind it amongst all the other loons. Also here were 2 female Black Scoters quite close to shore and at least 3 separate Red-throated Loons. A great lunchtime break for me. Regards & good birding, Frank Pinilla Richmond Hill, ON (working in Barrie) DIRECTIONS: >From Hwy 400, exit at Essa Road in Barrie, and head east 1.4km. Turn right on Tiffin Street and stay right as this turns into Lakeshore Drive. Follow Lakeshore 1.6km until the lights at Minets Point Road, turn left on Minets, follow to the park. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
