There were 148 Common Loons counted in one scan at the Port Road Overlook, off the TN River in Henry Co, TN, far short of the 800 plus seen in October and early November as they pass through this area. Searching for a few hours revealed a stealth Red-throated, which as usual did not stay long, also present was this Pacific and a Yellow-billed that tried not to be photographed.

The overcast skies, wind and distance made for difficult photos again. Trying to catch the bird riding up on the waves lead to many shots of no bird at all. This loon exhibits the typical arched head and neck (cobra head look), clear division of light and dark at sides of neck, small dark bill held level to the water, dark cap incapsulating the eye, and a chin strap. As Mike Todd has commented, it also has a very pale, pearly gray nape and back of crown, not seen well in this photo but very striking at a distance.