Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata), Mittry Lake, Yuma County

This Red-throated Loon was found by Henry Detwiler on 4 February 2016 and photographed by Linden Piest on 13 April 2016

Casual late fall through winter visitor to Arizona though recently it has been annual, particularly along the lower Colorado River primarily on Lake Havasu. This is the first record for Yuma County.

Upturned bill and pale gray head and throat lacking sharp contrast between head, neck and throat. Weak facial contrast and limited back spotting indicate a bird in juvenile plumage.

13 April 2016, photo by Linden Piest

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