Shorebirds and Seabirds of the Central California Coastline— Blog Series Post # 2
From its rocky coastline to the depths of the excellent Monterey Canyon, the Central California shoreline and its overseas waters are home to a varied variety of intriguing birds. Its environment variety and popular seaside cold-water upwelling currents are the trick to its remarkable bird population. In each post fans will enjoy my top quality pictures while finding out about the nature of these intriguing birds.
A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain
WHAT’S IN A NAME
Pacific Loon– Gavia pacifica
L. gavia unknown seabird; L. pacificus tranquil
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The Pacific Loon is a striking waterbird with unique physical attributes. They have a grey head, black throat, white underparts and chequered black-and-white mantle. The black throat has purple reflections. Its costs is black and pointed, and its eyes are red, contributing to its striking look.
In its non-breeding plumage, the Pacific Loon handles a more suppressed look, with a grayish head and neck and a white throat and underparts.
The Pacific Loon is a fascinating waterbird with a distinct nature. These birds reproduce in the Arctic tundra of North America and Eurasia and are understood for their haunting calls and striking black-and-white breeding plumage. Throughout the reproducing season, they nest near freshwater lakes and ponds. One intriguing truth is their exceptional capability to dive deeply while foraging; they can immerse to depths of as much as 200 feet (60 meters) in pursuit of fish, their main food source. In Addition, Pacific Loons carry out long-distance migrations, taking a trip from their Arctic reproducing premises to winter season along the shorelines of North America and Asia.
HABITAT MOST LIKELY TO BE ENCOUNTERED
Usually discovered near coast and in lagoons and bays.
