The Red-throated Loon 



The green water, the curling spume, and this fleet of thoroughbreds, each 

 one more perfect than a model from Herreshof's, made a never-to-be- 

 forgotten moment. It was all so eerily simple, as though one had stum- 

 bled on the Spanish Armada at anchor in a forgotten cove! 



The Pacific Loon has need to be an expert a-wing as well as a-sea, 

 for its breeding grounds are chiefly along the Arctic shores. We do not 

 understand, however, why pacifica should tarry with us nearly a month 

 longer than does the Red-throated Loon, Gavia stellata, which nests even 

 further north. According to Beck, these birds pass Point Pinos in great 

 numbers toward the end of May, while stragglers may be found well 

 into June. 



Taken in Oregon 



nd Irene Finley 



PORTRAIT OF PACIFIC LOON 



No. 419 



Red-throated Loon 



A. O. U. No. II. Gavia stellata (Pontoppidan). 



Synonyms. — Red-throated Diver. Sprat Loon. 



Description. — Adult in summer: Head and neck light neutral gray, blackening 

 on crown, and enclosing a longitudinal patch of rich chestnut-red on lower neck and 

 throat; upperparts and sides brownish black with greenish reflections, the feathers of 

 nape, hind-neck, and sides bordered or spotted with white, sharply on nape and cervix, 



2036 



