Cormorant?

Found this guy fishing outside the pier of Ft Desoto this weekend. Was told it was a cormorant?

This is a Common Loon, just starting to get into breeding plumage.

As Drew said, this is a Common Loon in transition from winter plumage to breeding plumage. A number of cues help you distinguish cormorants from loons. Loons have a wedge-shaped bill. The base of the bill, where it meets the head, is about two-thirds of the width of the head. A cormorant is about one-third. And a cormorant also has a downward hook at the end of its bill. Most cormorants have colored, bare skin at the base of the bill and around the eye as well. Finally, when you can see the legs, the loon's legs are set at the very back of the bird; it's almost impossible for a loon to stand on land. A cormorant's are more like a "normal" bird's just behind the wings (it's one of the reasons that loons are "primitive" birds).

HTH.

I said it was a loon and the guy fishing swore it was a cormorant. I'm so psyked it's my first loon. Thanks

Nice Loon. Florida winters a large number of common loons each year. The Indian River Lagoon here on the east coast supports a couple of thousand each winter. They are in the drab non-breeding plumage most of the winter, but we do see a few late leavers getting into their breeding plumage while still in state. I suspect with the cold winter and early spring that we may see more loons here later into the spring this year. I just wish they would call down here like they do up north. I miss that sound from my days in Wisconsin. Nice shot of this one. I

Thanks Ron. I never heard the call and never saw a loon before so I was happy with this. Most of the images I've seen here looked more black on the head and neck I thought so I was confused.

He/she will be black-headed soon, as summer/breeding plummage fills in.
Loons are one of my favorites for sure, especially with chicks.
Very nice shot of this one!
Sandy r

Sure is NOT a corGreat shot, Cheryl! I'm still looking for my first loon and hoping for success next month.