[SueCoastalObserver]

All these Loons were seen at Blackie Spit in Surrey. Looking for clarification on the last one.

First is a Red-throated Loon I believe, slender long bill.
Red-throated Loon - 094A9742a1c by Sue Coastal Observer, on Flickr

Next on a cold windy day a Common Loon, for comparison against the final Loon.
Common Loon - 094A1857a1c1 by Sue Coastal Observer, on Flickr

A few minutes later this final Loon came along, immediately struck me as different from the previous Loon. this one was a much paler color overall, including the thick bill which though not visibly yellow was more of an ivory color. Wondering if it could be a Yellow-billed Loon or am I just wishing for a new lifer?
??? 094A2114a1c by Sue Coastal Observer, on Flickr

[birdergirl]

Hi Sue,

Winter plumage loons can be tough! These are actually all Common Loons.

Here is a great tool that I hope will be useful to you in differentiating winter loons.

http://www.jeaniron.ca/2014/loon2ID.htm

Cheers,
Mel

[SueCoastalObserver]

Thanks Mel, I thought for sure the first one was a Red-Necked, seemed to have such a "delicate" bill compared to some of the Common Loons. Went back and looked at lots of photos and realized there is a wide variation between one and another. I looked at the link as well as some other birding sites and books but I still don't see anything definitive . . . more experience needed I guess.

[birdergirl]

Hi Sue,

Ok let's see if this helps.

So the bill on a Red-throated loon is much more delicate and thin than on the Common Loons you photographed. Even the first one has a much heavier bill in comparison. Also note the neck colour pattern on all your birds there is lots of black on the neck but on a Red-throated Loon there would be much more white in the winter plumage compared to the mainly dark coloured throat of a winter Common Loon. The neck is also thinner in comparison to the thicker Common Loon. The Red-throated Loon also holds his bill a bit upright in compared to a Common Loon who keeps it fairly straight. A Red-throated Loon also has a paler (whiter) coloured face than a Common Loon and a gray cap and nape in winter plumage. Note how dark your birds faces are in comparison. Also a Red-throated Loon in winter plumage has a dark gray back that has many white spots on it but a Common Loon does not.

Here is a photo of an almost full winter plumage Red-throated Loon. You can clearly see the differences I outlined above in comparison to your birds.



Let me know if you have any other questions

Cheers,
Mel

[SueCoastalObserver]

Yep, now I see it, shorter bill too, quite different. Thanks so much for taking the time Mel

[birdergirl]

You are welcome Sue.

Glad we worked it out .

Cheers,
Mel