Subject: [Tweeters] Images: Ancient Murrelets in flight
Date: Jan 22 20:36:29 2006
From: Michael Shepard - mgshepard at pacificcoast.net


Hi,

This year, as in most, there are discussions on identifying Ancient
Murrelets.

Today, while crossing by ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria BC, I managed
to snap a couple of photos (award-losing quality) that illustrate a few key
features.

One photo is of a small flock. You will notice that they fly very close
together. This feature alone can be a clincher, if you see small alcids in
this region, even a mile away.

The second photo shows an individual flying away. It shows the even gray
back contrasting with the dark cap.

I've posted these photos on my web site, accessed from
www.birdinfo.com/recentpostings.html

On Thursday (January 19), there were about 400 Ancient Murrelets off
Victoria, seen from the MV Coho, and today (January 22) there were about 50
scattered between Port Angeles and Victoria.

Red Phalaropes seem to have all but disappeared. There was a small flock of
eight off Victoria today.

If you are planning to take this ferry, note that the Coho is out of service
for a couple of weeks - I believe it resumes sailing on February 6.

Cheers,

Michael G. Shepard
North American Bird Information Web Site: www.birdinfo.com
Bird Information Index: www.birdinfo.com/birdindex.html
Red Phalarope Image Gallery:
www.birdinfo.com/A_Images_R/RedPhalarope_image.html