Birds winter Common Loon a.k.a. Great Northern Diver

[Doug Herr]

Ordinarily this species (Gavia immer) winters along the Pacific coast and in the coastal bays but this one has taken a liking to an inland river's inlet near home (Sacramento County California USA), often coming quite close to shore.

• ILCE-1
• Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS (SEL600F40GM)
• 600.0 mm
• ƒ/8
• 1/1600 sec
• ISO 400

• ILCE-1
• Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS (SEL600F40GM)
• 600.0 mm
• ƒ/8
• 1/1600 sec
• ISO 400

• ILCE-1
• Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS (SEL600F40GM)
• 600.0 mm
• ƒ/8
• 1/1600 sec
• ISO 400

I hope the bird stays long enough to grow its breeding plumage!

 

[Boojum]

I have only seen them in summer when they are in breeding plumage. They are a gorgeous bird in that state. And their night calls will make you take notice.

 

[Sdawes]

Very nice

 

[Boojum]

Ran across this and found it pertinent for as long as the link lasts: https://www.startribune.com/loons-loon-minnesota-photography-outdoors/600120784/

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

Cool shot, especially the one with the fresh catch in its beak!