Thursday, March 11, 2021

Help With ID of Water Bird

 Good morning, I know these are not good photos but it was raining and they were not super close and I could not get a real clear photo.

    These looked all dark including beaks except for this round spot in the throat area that looked like a large white ball as they swam by 

      I searched online and just couldn't find them. Their call was similiar to a loon

The photos will enlarge just click on them





20 comments:

  1. Is it The common loon or great northern diver (Gavia immer) or The yellow-billed loon (Gavia adamsii)?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you, I looked up both of those and I don't think either-the body looked mostly dark brown or black we did not see a pattern of white in the body the only white we saw was the big spot in the neck area-looked like a big white ball when they were swimming by. it also had a black or very dark beak thank you though

      Delete
  2. No help from here, but if you join a Facebook duck or bird group and post there, thousands will see.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Could it be loons in winter plumage? I know the ones around here molt and have different winter feathers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I kinda think these could be loons too-I checked and there are loons that visit Missouri but I haven't found a good photo yet but I hadn't thought of winter feathers-thanks

      Delete
  4. I have never seen a loon this far south, but I need to research that. They are lovely birds and would be welcome on my pond anytime. I have been wondering if you are busy at your loom.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I stopped back to see if you commented on my post, and then I read Hill Top's comment. Not sure, but loons do migrate as all the lakes where they live freeze over in winter. And you did have a cold spell. Here ours go onto the ocean, but that would be a far trip from the central US range. I'm curious if you figure it out Kathy. Let us know when you do.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If I find out will let you know, this is the first we have seen these birds, wish I could have gotten a clearer photo.
      their call sounded like a loon

      Delete
    2. I found this video and I think these were loons-the first photo that came up looked them
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJzkQ82n8p4

      Delete
  6. Replies
    1. yes these were really bad photos-best two of about 8 of them

      Delete
  7. They look like loons to me, their plumage isn't quite right but it may be their winter feathers apparently they turn grey-brown? I've only seen them at my friend's lake house and their call is quite eerie 😀. Happy Friday and weekend! Hugs, Jo x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes I think these are loons too and I heard their song Erika mentioned winter feathers as well Happy weekend Hugs

      Delete
  8. If you want to know for sure, you can ask David Gascoigne. His blog is: https://travelswithbirds.blogspot.com/ I'm fairly certain he will know.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sorry I can't help but it's good to know that you are still seeing something new! Hugs, Chrisxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree so fun to look out the window and see what birds are visiting or swimming by. we are pretty sure now that these are loons

      Delete
  10. They look sort of like Mergansers, but I can't be certain. (There are different types of those.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just looked this one up what a beautiful bird I don't think it was this one thanks though

      Delete

I always enjoy your visits and reading your comments and I do reply back to your comments as well
Thank you so much for stopping by for a visit