Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica), Lake Havasu, Mohave County

Pacific Loon is rare but regular in winter along the Colorado River, especially at Lake Havasu.  This individual was photographed there by Pierre Deviche on 9 March 2008.  Another Pacific Loon was photographed at Site Six on Lake Havasu on 30 March 2008 by Michael Moore. 

Note the diagnostic chin strap, rounded head and short bill that distinguish Pacific Loon from other loons. 

Submitting photos to AZFO does not constitute reporting a rare bird for consideration as an official record. To ensure that a record becomes official, details or photos of Sketch Details Species should be sent to the Editors of North American Birds and a full report of Review Species should be submitted to the Arizona Bird Committee. Most rare birds are under documented and subsequent observers of a rarity are always encouraged to submit reports and additional photos, especially for birds that are challenging to identify.  Pacific Loon is a Sketch Details species.

30 March 2008 photo by Michael Moore, Site Six Lake Havasu

 

Sunday, 09 March 2008 photos by Pierre Deviche