Some of the better ID points for Ancient Murrelets are:

1. Ancients have a tendency to flock. Marbled Murrelets nearly always
occur as a single bird or in pairs; Ancient however are often in groups
feeding, diving and flying synchronously.

2. Ancients like to hold their heads higher than their bodies when flying.

3. The black of the head on Ancients contrasts well with the grey backs.
The upperparts of Marbled are uniform black. Marbled also have a distinct
half collar of white. Another good feature is the blackish flanks of the
Ancient which contrast with the light underwing and belly. Marbled lack
the blackish flanks.

4. The bill (useful at closer range) is pale horn or whitish and very
snall on Ancients. Black and longish on Marbled.

If you can make it to Point-no-Point during high tide, all of the alcids
can be found swimming close to the shore, allowing great views. I was
there about a week ago and had several Ancient Murrelets swimming only a
few feet from the beach near the point.

I hope this helps...happy holidays to all. Alan
______________________________________
| |
| Alan J. Knue |
| aknue at u.washington.edu |
| University Of Washington |
| Assistive Technology Resource Center |
| CHDD South Bldg, Box 357920 |
| Seattle, WA 98195 |
| 206.685.4181 |
|______________________________________|