Common Loon

The Common Loon (Scientific name - Gavia immer) can be found throughout most of Canada and the United States. They breed in the northern U.S. and Canada and migrate as far south as Florida and the Baja Penninsula in Mexico. They are fairly large diving water birds. They have a rounded head and pointed bill. The adults have a black head and bill, a white breast and spotted back. They also display a black and white collar on the neck.  The non breeding plumage (September to March) is more a plain grey on the back and head and a white throat. Photos were taken in Abbotsford, British Columbia in September 2015 (breeding plumage) and Crescent Beach, Surrey, British Columbia in January 2015.