On Jan 31, 2023, at 6:24 AM, lehman.paul@... via groups.io <lehman.paul@...> wrote:



Our paparazzi star Yellow-billed Loon has had its share of misidentified photos submitted since it was first discovered over a month ago. The culprit, of course, is misidentified Common Loons, often showing palish bills due to lighting. It seems that during the past week or so that such issues have increased and that there have been almost entirely photos submitted of either misidentified Common Loons or very distant shots of blurry loons that could be Commons rather than the Yellow-billed, but uncertain. There have also been a number of reports with written details that seem somewhat marginal. This may end up being a case, as happens with some other long-staying rarities, that the reports keep coming even after the bird actually departs! I am NOT saying that the loon has departed, just that the situation is already getting a bit muddy, and may get muddier. PLEASE, if  you go see this bird, carefully document its continued presence, either with a clear description or preferably with clear photos. And be aware of the Common Loon ID pitfalls.

--Paul Lehman, San Diego

On Feb 4, 2023, at 11:00 AM, Braxton Landsman via groups.io <balbhl@...> wrote:



Hi all, 

I’m coming down from Orange County today to look for the Long-tailed Duck, Yellow-billed Loon, Greater Pewee, and Little Stint. If anyone sees any of these birds today, posts to the group would be greatly appreciated. 

Thank you!!

On Jan 31, 2023, at 6:24 AM, lehman.paul@... via groups.io <lehman.paul@...> wrote:



Our paparazzi star Yellow-billed Loon has had its share of misidentified photos submitted since it was first discovered over a month ago. The culprit, of course, is misidentified Common Loons, often showing palish bills due to lighting. It seems that during the past week or so that such issues have increased and that there have been almost entirely photos submitted of either misidentified Common Loons or very distant shots of blurry loons that could be Commons rather than the Yellow-billed, but uncertain. There have also been a number of reports with written details that seem somewhat marginal. This may end up being a case, as happens with some other long-staying rarities, that the reports keep coming even after the bird actually departs! I am NOT saying that the loon has departed, just that the situation is already getting a bit muddy, and may get muddier. PLEASE, if  you go see this bird, carefully document its continued presence, either with a clear description or preferably with clear photos. And be aware of the Common Loon ID pitfalls.

--Paul Lehman, San Diego

--
Braxton Landsman 
Ladera Ranch, California