Subject: [Tweeters] auklets
Date: Aug 29 23:05:51 2005
From: SGMlod at aol.com - SGMlod at aol.com


Greetings All

First, let me say, I'm not saying anyone did or did not see a Cassin's
Auklet, but I'd like to pass on a point of advice or two.

This is a tough time of year to ID auklets.

Juv Rhinos are out in force. They are smaller than adults, sometimes
considerably so, and they have much smaller and gentler shaped bills (an anologous
situation can be seen in juv murres -- of which there've been precious few this
year -- but they almost look like Xantus's Murrelets).

Anyway, the eye arcs on a Cassin's should be apparent at some distance, and
the bill is not just small, but oddly shaped (see assorted field guides).

Just a note of caution. I've been massively fooled before myself.

Cheers
Steven Mlodinow
Everett WA