Common Loon

Homer, Alaska

I had heard Common Loons are impressive, but I wasn’t prepared for how striking they are up close. The red eye caught my attention first. Then I noticed the intricate black-and-white patterning that looks almost hand-painted. It’s one of those birds that becomes more interesting the longer you look at it.

Interesting Fact: The Common Loons’ bodies are so specialized for diving that they have difficulty walking on land.