Common Murre? (San Juan Is., Washington) (1 Viewer)

Brookie

Well-known member

• Aug 4, 2008

• #1

I'm not sure what these things are. Shape suggests a murre, but the coloration doesn't match anything in my field guides. Actually, I'm not even sure which of the two birds is a juvenile and which is an adult (if either is). Best guess is maybe common murre, I've no confidence in the guess.

These were taken on San Juan Island, Washington about two weeks ago. Thanks for your wisdom.

 

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Robert / Seattle

Well-known member

• Aug 4, 2008

• #2

Lucky you.

You got yourself a Marbled Murrelet! (Juvenile below, adult above).

 

The Falcon

Registered Birder

• Aug 4, 2008

• #3

Actually, they're Marbled Murrelets, a juvenile and an adult breeding.

[EDIT: Posting the same time as Robert/Seattle.

 

shishmarefbirder

Well-known member

• Aug 4, 2008

• #4

Agree, common murre would be black with an oval white patch along its sides.

 

Brookie

Well-known member

• Aug 4, 2008

• #5

Thanks folks. I knew it didn't seem right for a common murre, just couldn't figure out what else it could be. Now that y'all have said it, it seems obvious.

 

chris butterworth

aka The Person Named Above

• Aug 4, 2008

• #6

Nice shot of Marbled Murrelet, Brookie. Common Murre ( Common Guillemot ) would be black on the upperparts with a white breast and black streaking on the white flanks, the forehead would look a touch steeper and the bill would be longer.
Chris