ML643682163

Observation details

Wow, a bird we thought would never be seen at Discovery again after first state record in 2019. Northbound with ~5 Rhinos at 08:46, initially picked up by Spencer as they were passing West Point, landed a ways off north beach. Smaller all-dark alcid with dark belly and underwings, about 2/3 to 3/4 size of the Rhinos; rounded body more compact than Rhinos; bright orange bill; no white facial plumes seen. We both independently identified it as Crested in flight based on structure and coloration. On water, noticeably smaller than accompanying Rhinos (moreso than in flight), sitting lower in water with different posture, head held more forward; bushy tuft of dark feathers visible above bill before it got too far away. Made a lot of short flights, repeatedly dropping back into water before diving again, while the Rhinos swam along to catch up with it. Last seen on water around 09:50 as it drifted farther out and water got choppy, and its accompanying Rhinos apparently flew off making it harder to locate. Photos and video(?) in flight, and distant digiscope images.