While taking pictures of the horned grebes at Port Orchard I happened to notice a pigeon guillemot. That, in turn, reminded me that I needed to go to Westport to see if the Common Loons have also begun to change into breeding plumage. So when it was sunshine predicted a few days later, I headed out to Westport.
The first Common Loons I saw were still in winter plumage.
Sure enough, though, some of the common loons had begun to change colors, like this one in breeding plumage.
I love those black and white markings, but the green stripe around the neck is the real finishing touch.
As a bonus, I even discovered why there are so many loons at Westport.
Apparently they come for the same thing so many fishermen come for: crabs, though the ones they catch are considerably smaller.
As an added bonus, I even got to see my Pigeon Guillemot,
with a cormorant thrown it.
So what do you reckon is the human equivalent of “breeding plumage,” Loren? A slick new hairdo and a nice crisply dry-cleaned shirt?
Well, in my day, back in a long-forgotten time, it was a red vest with a green blazer, black pants and some really pointed, shiny-black shoes.
Nowadays it would probably have to include tattoos or nose rings.
This pleased me very much!
Glad to oblige. I noticed your blog seems to have a very similar focus, June.