Gavia pacifica

#11 - BlipBigYear 2014

North America is home to all five species of the world's loons (or divers). The Pacific Loon breeds on freshwater lakes of the Arctic tundra and winters along the entire coast of North America, as well as that of Asia. These two were part of a group of five floating around the boats of Woodley Island Marina this afternoon. It looks to me that the one in front is quite young--she still has that fledgling look to her.

Perpetually cloudy skies have made for less than optimal lighting conditions lately, so unfortunately the spectacular moments I'm capturing are of the grainy sort, but fulfilling to witness nonetheless.