Red-throated Loon - Highline Lake SP - Mesa County

[Mike Henwood]

Definitely a Red-throated Loon at Highline Lake SP (probably a young bird as there was no white speckling on back). Had good look today with Dave & Diane Trappett with sun at our back and loon swimming in calm water next to flotilla of Western Grebes. Yesterday was windy with lots of waves and not as good viewing.

Some field marks:

About the same size as Western Grebes close by. Thin, pale upturned bill with dark forehead and head peaked in rear. Moslty white face and neck with gray hind neck and darker (black?) body (no white speckling on back). Faint light gray spot on side of neck and darker spot on throat in good light. Some white showing on sides while swimming

Thanks to Brandon Percival, David Suddjian, Mark Peterson, Coen Dexter, Nic Korte and others who weighed in on the ID with pictures taken in the waves and wind.

Mike Henwood

Grand Junction

Mesa County