I came upon this interesting loon at Astotin Lake in
Elk Island National Park a few days ago. It was pretty far away but I was able to watch it in the scope for 20 minutes or so. I made note of its smallish bill and sharply bi-coloured neck. It was distinctly smaller than a nearby
Common Loon and at the time I was pretty sure I was seeing my first-in-Canada
Pacific Loon (eBird says I saw one off Monterey, CA decades ago).
PALO is not an Alberta mega-rarity by any means. Several
Pacific Loons have been found elsewhere in Alberta this week.
I wasn't able to get any decent still photos - the light wasn't great and it was windy. I did get a minute of pretty lousy video.
What do you think? Am I dreaming?
Pacific Loon?
Common Loon? And what about the duck that swims through the frame near the end?
