Pacific Loon:
In 1985 the Arctic Loon was split into two species, the Arctic Loon (Gavia arctica)and the Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica). Lewis and Clark called the Pacific Loon the "Speckled Loon".
"... In 1985 the American Ornithologists’ Union split the species formerly known as Arctic Loon (Gavia arctica) into two separate species, with the Old World form retaining the former name and the form breeding in North America renamed Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica). The Arctic Loon as newly redefined breeds across northern Eurasia, with a small population in western Alaska, and winters coastally as far south as China and the Mediterranean. While Pacific Loon is a common winter visitor in the Pacific Northwest, the Arctic Loon was not known to occur in the region prior to the split. The two species are very similar; nonetheless birders soon learned how to tell them apart, and Arctic Loons began appearing in Northwest waters, albeit in tiny numbers. ... The first Washington record was a bird on the Columbia River behind Priest Rapids Dam (Grant and Yakima counties), January–April 2000. ..."
[Source: Seattle Audubon Society, "BirdWeb" website, 2009]
"... There are two Species of Loons. 1st the Speckled loon found on every part of the rivers of this quarter, they are the Same Size Colour and form with those of the Ohio, and atlantic coasts [Pacific Loon]. the 2d Species we first met with at the great falls of the Columbia and from thence down [Western Grebe]. this bird is not more than half the Size of the Speckled loon, it's neck is long, Slender and white in front. the colour of the body and back of the neck and hear are of a dun or ash Colour, the breast and belly are white. the back is like that of the Speckled loon, and like them it cannot fly, but flutters along on the top of the water or Dives for Security when pursued. ..."
[Captain William Clark, March 7, 1806, while at Fort Clatsop]
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South Jetty, Clatsop Spit, Oregon ...
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Click image to enlarge
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Pacific Loon, Pacific Ocean, South Jetty, Clatsop Spit, Oregon.
Weather overcast and grey and surprisingly no drizzle.
Image taken August 8, 2009.
Canon Rebel XSi, 200z w/1.4.
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Click image to enlarge
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Pacific Loon, Pacific Ocean, South Jetty, Clatsop Spit, Oregon.
Weather overcast and grey and surprisingly no drizzle.
Image taken August 8, 2009.
Canon Rebel XSi, 200z w/1.4.
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