ML637763126

Observation details

10,000-20,000 or more likely. Continuous stream, mostly to the northwest, but perhaps 10% of birds moving in opposite direction. From view on beach, stream spanned from approx 150 degrees azimuth on compass to 250 degrees. From beach level, appeared on horizon at water level, stacked 3-8 birds high, but viewed from parking lot at perhaps 50’ msl, appeared to be about 2-3 miles out. ID based on size,black color, direct flight pattern, didn’t seem football shaped like murre. Sample 30 second stationary counts of flow (birds passing one point on horizon) (by tens): 240, 220, 210, 250- would indicate 25,000+/- over 1 hour observation period. Reporting lower number since I didn’t have good camera to document, though I have a few poor quality digital-bin photos and shaky videos. Let me know if anyone has other ID suggestion- definitely more sea birds than I’ve seen before, rivaled count-wise only by geese I’ve seen in winter