ML614649632

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

***very rare in LIS with not many prior records, and none for here. Initially seen sitting on the water where its identification was instantly recognizable: a grayish, pale alcid with long thin bill, dark around the eye, and dark wings with bright white wing-patch. I was sort of in disbelief for a moment or two but remained mostly calm. Originally the bird was straight off the beach from La Casa Cafe. It was fairly distant, but views were great. I was able to watch the bird sit atop the water for a few minutes where it preened and flapped (showing the extent of the white on the upper-wing), but it slowly drifted toward the west and began diving for long periods of time (during which the red feet were visible!). Eventually I caught up with it again further west, and more distant, where it was seen off the point of the "private beach." A few other people eg Kathleen C, Fran R, Doug F, Greg L, et al., joined and we got good, but often frustrating, views as it continued to spend a lot of time under water. Not noticed in the field, this bird seems to have a small discrete line through the white wing-patches, as seen in the photos of it flapping. I'd guess this line is likely totally fine for BLGU, or retained from 1cycle plumage, as it is clearly not as dramatic as it would be in PIGU. Underwings not seen well, but appeared light when diving. Excellent patch bird!

Technical information

Model

iPhone 14

Lens

iPhone 14 back dual wide camera 5.7mm f/1.5

ISO

50

Focal length

5.7 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/1.5

Shutter speed

1/446 sec

Dimensions

810 pixels x 1080 pixels

Original file size

144.32 KB