Xantus's Murrelet (Synthliboramphus hypoleucus)

Number of individuals, sex, age, plumage: 1 adult
Ocean off South Jetty of the Columbia River, Ft. Stevens State Park,
Clatsop Co. Or
June14, 2001 at apprx 10:20hrs (near low tide)
Reporting observer: Mike Patterson

Light conditions: overcast
Optical equipment: 8x40 Bushnell Binoculars, 25x60 Bushnell spotting
scope
Distance from bird: 300 meters
Duration of observation: 30 sec.
Habitat: open ocean
Behavior: flying
Description:
About 1/2 to 2/3 the size of a Common Murre.
Crown, back and tail: black
Bill: black
Upper wings: black, no white scapular marks
Wing linings: pale
Throat,breast and belly: white
Similar Species:
Common Murre: larger, longer bill, should have dark hood at this
time of year.
Craveri's Murrelet: underwing linings should appear dark

field sketch at:
http://home.pacifier.com/~mpatters/obrc/xamu20010614.html

--
Mike Patterson Alas, to wear the mantle of Galileo,
Astoria, OR it is not enough to be persecuted
celata at pacifier.com by an unkind establishment,
you must also be right.
---Robert Park
http://www.pacifier.com/~mpatters/bird/bird.html