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Arctic Loon:
In 1985 the American Ornithologists’ Union split the species formerly known as Arctic Loon (Gavia arctica) into two separate species, with the Old World form retaining the former name and the form breeding in North America renamed Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica).
Ehrlich, Dobkin, and Wheye, in their 1988 publication "The Birder's Handbook", wrote "While loons may be thought to have been named for their crazy calls, the term actually is a corruption of the word loom which means 'lame' in the language of the Shetland Island, and refers to the awkwardness of these birds on land."
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Arctic Loon, Blind Slough, Oregon.
Image taken January 13, 2008.
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Blind Slough, Oregon, located approximately 15 miles east of Astoria, winds itself along the floodplain on the south side of the Columbia River. The concrete bridge across the Slough is a great place to photograph diving birds such as the Western Grebe, Red-throated Loon, and Double-crested Cormorant. During the winter of 2007-2008 an Arctic Loon hung out. Apparently the fishing was good.
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Click image to enlarge
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Arctic Loon, Blind Slough, Oregon.
Image taken January 13, 2008.
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Click image to enlarge
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Preening, Arctic Loon, Blind Slough, Oregon.
Image taken January 13, 2008.
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