Tweets,

I noticed a small alcid from the Keystone/Port Townsend ferry on
Wed. and thought I would pass on some brief notes.

Conditions: cloudy, no fog, visibility not restricted,
approximately 5:30 p.m. (slacking tide I think)

Location: about 2-3 miles E of Port Townsend

Birds: many, many rhinos, a few marbled murrelets (expected a
few more perhaps), 15-20 common murres (further out), several Heermann's
gulls (a bit of a surprise for me), and a scattering of pigeon guillemots
(closer to shore).

Bird in question: seen for a few minutes total, first in flight
and then sitting (with a couple of dips under the surface). range
approximately 80-100 m using 10x50's. This bird seemed quite small (about
the size of a murrelet, maybe a bit smaller) and stubby. When sitting it
seemed quite compact and did not show the profile of a marbled murrelet
(i.e. bill, neck short). Overall colour uniformly dark above, white on
the belly (seen in flight). I know these details are sparse but that is
all I could discern. However, what I did find striking (and what really
drew my attention in the first place) was the distinctive banking flight;
that is, a 4-5 flaps leaning on one side, then turning over for 4-5 on
the other. This flight seemed almost swallow-like or storm-petrel like
(I'm from the east, so I can't recall if it is Wilson's or Leach's that
I'm trying to recall from the distant past).

Experience: rather limited when it comes to pelagics (two trips back
east, none here yet other than ferry rides like this one).

Upon looking up the field guide I considered that the
observations might suggest a Cassin's auklet, but I thought this species
was restricted to offshore waters during the day. I have no experience
with this species and do not know its flight. I am indeed a dreaded lister
but am not
worried about this critter. If anyone has any comments or suggestions
regarding this posting (especially regarding the flight observations) I
would certainly welcome them.

Thank you.
Paul Duval