Hi Frode,
Yes, all of those elements appear to be present in the grabs. The problem
that I had was that there were only a few seconds of useful video and the
rest was obstructed or out of position. I've seen too many instances where
conversions and enlargements can bring out inaccuracies that aren't
present. The video was taken in low light and is exceptionally contrasty;
the edges between dark and light don't seem to be crisp, leaving open the
opportunity for the observer to read things into it. The softness of the
grab images can leave out necessary details. None of Jon's shots clearly
show the bill sharply, what I've seen show a fuzzy line with no clear
definition to the edges. I don't see a down curved bill -straight yes but I
wouldn't describe it as down curved. No loon has a down curved bill unless
you are describing the shape of the upper mandible. The original video may
show all of those details more clearly.
That said, I think the bird looks great for Pacific Loon. I would be
happier if the bird were more clearly/sharply seen in the evidence
presented so that nothing is left to be read into it is all that I'm
saying.
Thanks,
Ed
On Dec 14, 2012 9:47 AM, "Frode Jacobsen" <frodesjacobsen...> wrote:
> Ed, thanks for posting the photos of the Common Loon seen on Saturday.
> Comparing these images to the most recent video still Jon posted on Flickr
> really shows the diagnostic differences between the two birds. No
> disrespect Ed, but I can't see anything in Jon's photos that is not a
> perfect fit to a Pacific Loon. The sleek and slightly down curved bill,
> rounded head shape, thick cobra-like neck, (thus appearing
> disproportionately large-headed relative to its small body), contrasting
> black and white plumage with only a narrow white cheek strap on a mostly
> dark head. A narrow dark strap across the throat is also clearly visible on
> some of the frontal shots on the bird, supposedly another clincher field
> mark for this species. I simply don't understand what renders this
> observation inconclusive, because in my view this bird is a "text-book"
> exemplar!
>
> Respectfully,
> Frode Jacobsen
> Windsor Mill,MD
>
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