Gavia immer, Loon egg

Description:

One of two common loon (Gavia immer) eggs collected from the Laxardal region in northern Iceland by W. F. Palsson (see CBE1807-CBE1808). Palsson noted that incubation had "addled" and the nest "was placed on a flat bank of a small lake; eggs were some 2 feet from the water. The nest was made of water weeds and grass, and it was flat and open." Identification of the species was made due to observation of the bird on the nest. Later acquired by Ernest Cutts.

Original set mark: 34 1/2, Palsson collection