OT: Have you noticed loons/divers wintering in southeastern US?

Hi,

My name is David Harrison, on Lake Lanier in the
Atlanta, GA area. I'm trying to get some info about
loons wintering in the southeast, to send to a
research organization...mainly info about the number
of birds residing in different freshwater lakes and
rivers. I'm looking for people who would be willing
to record when and where they see loons, and send
the info to me every week, or month, or whatever is
convenient. I'm also insterested in any marinas and
guide services where there are people who might help,
and any good online maps anyone could suggest, of
bodies of water where they see loons. Please contact
me and/or give my email address (it's pretty easy :-)
to anyone who might be willing to help:

[email]loonlist@excite.com[/email]

For anyone who isn't sure what loons look like, they
look much like ducks but their heads are of different
shape, and they can dive under water for about a
minute at a time. There are plenty of good pics of
them at:

[url]http://tinyurl.com/8mx25[/url]

Thankyou for any help or suggestions!

David

There are some birds that overwinter in this area (Old Hickory and Percy Priest) that some people call loons - however, I've always thought they were cormorants. Does anyone know for sure which they are?

bd

>There are some birds that overwinter
>in this area (Old Hickory
>and Percy Priest) that some
>people call loons - however,
>I've always thought they were
>cormorants. Does anyone know
>for sure which they are?
>
>
>bd

I posted a link in the original message that will take
you to pics of loons at Google. This one will take you
to pics of cormorants:

[url]http://tinyurl.com/aqpzm[/url]

They look quite different to me.

I have seen these birds and heard there distinctive call for years on Norris. They usually show up in the late fall but leave before spirng in the late winter. I have never seen more than 2 at once and often 1 by itself.I frequently hear them more than I see them.I fish all winter and would be glad to let you know if and when I see or hear them.
The last I saw was in the Loyston sea 10 days ago. I was out for about 7 1/2 hours yesterday and heard one twice in the same area but did not see it.Fish2win

Having looked at both sets of photos for comparison, the birds I've seen are definitely cormorants and NOT loons. Sorry.

bd

BD, there are plenty of loons on the lower end of Priest in the winter. In fact the Loons will show you where the fish are usually. Their call is unmistakable; when you hear it you will be convinced.

Dale Hollow always has loons wintering there.

I have seen loons on Tellico, Carter's, and Juliette to add a few to the list. They seem to prefer clear, deep water.

Shawn McNew
Seein' Stripes Guide Service
Wildlife Fisheries Science UT
Georgia Forestry Commission