Likely Yellow-billed Loon, Cherry Creek SP (Arapahoe)

[Ben S]

Hi all, 

This afternoon around 4 PM, I saw a Mew Gull and possible Yellow-billed Loon from Cherry Creek's Lake Loop. The Mew Gull was swimming about halfway between the east shades and lake loop. It was at least a fourth mile from where I was standing, hence the quality of the photo. It was a small larus gull, its mantle was slightly darker than a Ring-billed Gull, its head was dainty and rounded, and it had a tiny and stubby bill. The loon was similar in size and shape to a Common Loon, including a very large bill. However, this bird had pale yellowish bill, no dark anywhere on the bill visible. It had a pale face, with no distinct eyering. Also, its back and neck was pale for a loon, almost brownish. It was swimming near the Mew Gull not too far from the east shades, but swam south to the south central part of the reservoir. I have several photos of this bird. I think they show the field marks, even though they are blurry. Please take a look at my ebird checklist, as I am having trouble uploading photos here. Any feedback on the Mew Gull or Yellow-billed Loon is appreciated. Here is my ebird checklist where photos can be seen : https://ebird.org/checklist/S61282012.

Ben Sampson

Centennial, CO

[gwalbek]

Bird continues, seen from east shades. Nice find Ben.

Glenn Walbek

Castle Rock, CO

Sent from Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

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