46-B-2022 Ancient Murrelet
STATUS
Accepted
DATE VOTING COMPLETED
1ST ROUND
7-0
HOW MANY OBSERVED?
1
DATE SIGHTING OCCURRED
DATE REPORT PREPARED
REPORTER
River Corcoran
OTHER OBSERVERS
Forrest Corcoran
Matt Brinkman
Matt Brinkman
LOCALITY OF OBSERVATION
McArther Lake WMA, Boundary County Idaho
Coordinates to the sighting location (48.51803, -116.45539)
Coordinates to the sighting location (48.51803, -116.45539)
HABITAT WHERE THE BIRD WAS OBSERVED
On the water
SIGHTING DURATION, CONDITIONS, and EQUIPMENT USED
We saw the murrelet for about 4 - 8 minutes, before it flew off. The weather was clear, and sunny. I used my Panasonic Lumix FZ80 Digital Camera to take photos of this bird.
DID YOU TAKE NOTES?
Yes, later the same day
DID YOU CONSULT A FIELD GUIDE OR OTHER REFERENCE WORK?
Yes, later the same day
Yes, another day after the observation
WHICH GUIDE(S) OR REFERENCE(S): DID YOU CONSULT?
Sibley's Guide to western Birds. Written By David Allen Sibley. Published in 2016.
Also sent photos to Jon Isacoff, who confirmed the correct identification.
Also sent photos to Jon Isacoff, who confirmed the correct identification.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BIRD(s)
Small seabird in the Auk family with Short stubby bill that appeared white, or clear(ish). Top of the head was black, which extended down past the eye, and turned into white just above where the headed turned to neck. Black went onto nape as well. White Neck. Black/grayish back. White belly. The bird appeared low to the water when floating. Saw in flight once, and it appeared to have short wings and wingbeats.
BEHAVIOR OF THE BIRD(s)
First seen when it flew towards us and landed about 40-50 yards away. It appeared to have short and fast wingbeats. It was diving very frequently. After observing for a few minutes, it flew off. Noticeably smaller than nearby American Coots.
HOW AND WHEN DID YOU POSITIVELY IDENTIFY THE BIRD, AND WHAT CLINCHED THE IDENTIFICATION FOR YOU?
The small and stubby white bill was a key field mark for sure. As well and its size and behavior.
After returning home that evening, I consulted the Sibley's guide to Western birds. I sent photos to two of my birding friends, who also said that this was 100 percent an Ancient Murrelet.
After returning home that evening, I consulted the Sibley's guide to Western birds. I sent photos to two of my birding friends, who also said that this was 100 percent an Ancient Murrelet.
HOW DID YOU ELIMINATE SIMILAR SPECIES? WHAT WERE THEY?
The Ancient murrelet was the only bird that looked remotely similar to the bird we saw. The Ancient Murrelet is the only bird in this family with a short and stubby bill that appears white or clear (Ish)
WHAT IS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THIS (AND SIMILAR) SPECIES?
I have not a lot of experience with this species, so that is why I sent photos to other birders who have more experience.
DESCRIBE YOUR GENERAL BIRDING EXPERIENCE
We were there for a few hours, but only saw the Ancient Murrelet for a few minutes, as it flew off. The overall experience was great.
WERE PHOTO(S), VIDEO, AND/OR AUDIO OBTAINED FROM THIS SIGHTING?
Photo
Video
SUPPORTING IMAGES
SUPPORTING VIDEOS
FIRST ROUND VOTING:
Jon Isacoff
Accept
Photo indicates Ancient Murrelet
Dave Trochlell
Accept
This was an Ancient Murrelet.
Darren Clark
Accept
Photographs are diagnostic.
Carl Lundblad
Accept
Totally awesome find by the Corcorans and Matt, supported by excellent documentation.
Steve Butterworth
Accept
Report and photographs well document the identification of an Ancient Murrelet. Accept
Doug Ward
Accept
Although the descriptions in the report are adequate, the attached photos are diagnostic. Amazing find!!
Photos and report support identification of Ancient Murrelet.