Coastal BC Birds: Red-throated Loon

Red-throated Loon

After I wrote this post, the Red-throated Loons came by again.

Here's a short video of their recent visit.

In 2010, Wayne and I spotted a different kind of loon near our float cabin on Powell Lake. It had the same body shape and diving habits as a Common Loon, but the colours and sounds were just a bit off.

Common Loons are black and white. This one was mottled gray and white with a brick red throat. I looked it up and discovered it was Red-throated Loon. Each year since, a pair arrives at Hole in the Wall and takes over the territory.

Red-throated Loon pair comes to visit.

Usually the Red-throated Loons stay across the bay near a shallow area. We surmise they may be nesting there. We hear them call to each other and watch them swim and dive.

This week for the first time they both came right in front of our cabin. Finally I could get some good pictures.

Red-throated Loons are not common in Coastal BC during the summer months. They prefer the Arctic for breeding and return to our shores in the winter. I surmise this returning pair is nesting somewhere in the large, shallow back bay across from our cabin.

Doesn't she look like she's trying out one of our logs as possible nesting site?

I wonder if this is the result of climate change. Whatever the case, I enjoy hearing their calls and watching them ply the waters of Hole in the Wall. Has anyone else seen nesting Red-throated Loons this summer? -- Margy