Subject: Ancient Murrelets (ANMU)
Date: Nov 25 14:35:59 2002
From: Hugh Jennings - hughbirder at bigzoo.net


Derek and I went to the Dash Pt. Park pier this morning and did see at least
11 ANMU on the water and others flying. The first group was 5 birds that
most of the time were only up for 2-3 seconds, but sometimes for about 10
seconds so we could get a could look with a scope. Their synchronized dives
and swimming on top of the water with heads down was fun to watch. We were
pretty sure of the ID, but what really confirmed it was getting to see the
pale colored bill. We also saw RHINOCERUS AUKLET, COMMON LOON, RED-NECKED
GREBE, both goldeneyes and a lot of Surf Scoters. We also visited Saltwater
SP where there were hundreds of birds on the water, mostly American Wigeon
and Surf Scoter, but a number of WHITE-WINGED and BLACK SCOTER, and a few
MARBLED MURRELETand PIGEON GUILLEMOT. most of the fog cleared off by 0930 to
make for a nice birding morning.

Hugh Jennings
Bellevue, WA
hughbirder at bigzoo.net