The 'Phantom Bird' of Cayuga Lake, possible sightings of this species have occurred the last several winters. In 2006, the presence of Pacific Loon was confirmed by Birders Tim and Anne Marie Johnson, when they discovered and photographed the Bird depicted below on Saturday, January 28th.
The initial discovery of the Pacific Loon was followed by several days with no positive sightings. This changed on February 3rd, when I relocated the Loon just south of where Tim and Anne Marie reported it. Thanks to Mike Andersen and David Wheeler for helping me find Sheldrake Point! I made my putative ID through binoculars, as the Lake was very calm. The scene was much as is depicted above, very obvious that the second Bird is no Common Loon! February-2006. Sheldrake, on the west shore of Cayuga Lake, NY USA. Canon 10D, EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens. Speedlight 580 EX. ISO 100, ETTL and Evaluative metering.
As soon as I confirmed my ID was correct, I called Mike Andersen to get the word out. In that short time, the Loon disappeared! One hour later, I relocated it (again...) along with Bob McGuire. It had moved quite a distance south. This time, I got some digiscoped shots... February-2006. Sheldrake, on the west shore of Cayuga Lake, NY USA. Nikon CP-4500 and Swaro ST-80 HD scope. Home rigged DCA-type adapter.
Bob and I drove south with the Loon until we came upon a great place to park off the road and scope as the Loon swam in ever closer. February-2006. Sheldrake, on the west shore of Cayuga Lake, NY USA. Nikon CP-4500 and Swaro ST-80 HD scope. Home rigged DCA-type adapter.
First 100 yards offshore, then 50... February-2006. Sheldrake, on the west shore of Cayuga Lake, NY USA. Nikon CP-4500 and Swaro ST-80 HD scope. Home rigged DCA-type adapter.
...then 25 yards and closing! It was time to switch cameras. February-2006. Sheldrake, on the west shore of Cayuga Lake, NY USA. Nikon CP-4500 and Swaro ST-80 HD scope. Home rigged DCA-type adapter.
The field marks that make this a Pacific Loon are: round head that lacks any white coloration around the eye... February-2006. Sheldrake, on the west shore of Cayuga Lake, NY USA. Canon 10D, EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens. Speedlight 580 EX. ISO 400, ETTL and Evaluative metering.
...dark necklace, or chinstrap look... February-2006. Sheldrake, on the west shore of Cayuga Lake, NY USA. Canon 10D, EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens. Speedlight 580 EX. ISO 400, ETTL and Evaluative metering.
...and note the contrast and sharp, straight border to the side of the neck fading to paler gray on the nape and head. Tha back is very black. GREAT BIRD!! Thanks to Tim and Anne Marie!! February-2006. Sheldrake, on the west shore of Cayuga Lake, NY USA. Canon 10D, EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens. Speedlight 580 EX. ISO 400, ETTL and Evaluative metering.