[MDOsprey] possible Yellow-billed Loon (11/5)

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Folks,

I scanned the Patuxent River from my yard this morning
and counted 21 Common Loons, 1 Red-throated, and 1
good candidate for Yellow-billed.

The possible YBLO was located on the Calvert side of
the river on the south edge of St Leonard's Creek
(roughly straight across from Greenwell St Pk).  The
bird was seen from 7:05-7:15am.  The pale bill was a
remarkable standout even at that distance.  

I watched it for the entire 10 minutes since it was at
a great distance and it was early morning light.  I
wanted to make sure the yellow bill was not an
illusion. Additionally, the bill was held "above
horizontal" the whole time I viewed the bird.  This
feature is noteworthy.  The bird in question should
definitely be looked for again.  It goes without
saying, excellent documentation will be needed as well
as photos.

was too distant, however, to see any other features,
other than this bird appeared "browner" than the
darker-necked Commons near it.  The loons were
together in a loose group.

I drove down to Sandgates and got Tyler and Jane and
we went to Greenwell where we looked for 20 minutes
from the pier. We were unable to relocate the bird as
the loon group had already dispersed (many to the
north).

Even though on the Calvert side, best vantage is still
probably the St Marys side.

The bird was too distant for me to make a positive
call on the bird.  I will try to get out again this
evening.

-Greg Miller
Hollywood, MD

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