Pacific Loon

1/5000s at f8.0, ISO:1250, Canon EOS-1D X w/800mm, x1.4 converter


The Pacific Loon is a medium-sized member of the loon, or diver, family. It breeds on deep lakes in the tundra region of Alaska and northern Canada as far east as Baffin Island, and in Russia east of the Lena River. Unlike other loons/divers, this bird may migrate in flocks. It winters at sea, mainly on the Pacific coast, or on large lakes over a much wider range, including China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, USA and Mexico. It has occurred as a vagrant to Greenland, Hong Kong, Great Britain, Spain and Finland. Breeding adults are like a smaller sleeker version of Great Northern Diver/Common Loon. This species, like all divers/loons, is a specialist fish-eater, catching its prey underwater. It flies with neck outstretched. The call is a yodelling high-pitched wailing, as well as harsh growls and barks.
Nome, AK
 
06/16/2013