Possible Yellow-billed Loon, Cherry Creek State Park

Cole Sage

unread,

Oct 28, 2019, 9:53:01 PM10/28/19

to Colorado Birds

I saw what I believe is a Yellow-billed Loon at Cherry Creek State Park Lake loop.

Ebird checklist with photos:

Ebird comments copied below:

Seen from lake loop and observation area by me and another birder (I am so sorry but your name has slipped my mind). We both noticed that the bird seemed to have an unusually yellow bill that seemed slightly upturned. On closer examination I could find no black on the tip. Based on what I have read all common loons should have a black tip(?). The bird was far away so pics are cropped.

I have only seen one Yellow-billed Loon so please correct me if I am wrong...

Cole Sage, Denver

Nicholas Komar

unread,

Oct 28, 2019, 11:28:11 PM10/28/19

to coles...@gmail.com, Colorado Birds

Cole, in my opinion the bill is too small, not yellow enough and the head is too dark. However better photos could prove me wrong.

Good birding,

Nick Komar

Fort Collins

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to cobirds+u...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAJQAGthKUHUWE6M86bhapjedw%2BSNNdgn8jp_bPs3CUikMxp%3DLA%40mail.gmail.com.

David Tønnessen

unread,

Oct 29, 2019, 12:35:44 AM10/29/19

to Colorado Birds

Hey Cole,

Echoing what Nick said, I would've expected a paler loon overall with a heftier bill rather than what looks like stark contrast between dark upper parts and pale below, features typical of Common Loon. While not entirely invalid, bill color isn't something I find especially helpful for ID of the two species in basic plumage at a distance, especially as I've seen Commons with yellow-looking bills whether as a result of lighting or just general variability. A combination of hefty bill and overall structure, stronger scale pattern in the back, and overall pale and low-contrast plumage from the top/back of the neck to the underparts I find to be most helpful in picking out Yellow-billed.