>NJ-birders....
>
>A murre was in Barnegat Inlet today between 11am and was still there at noon when 
>I left the area. Originally, it was spotted by a birder from Finland, who was on vacation 
>with his family. It was in the vacinity of the green channel marker when he saw it. 
>He said that it was definitely a Thick-billed Murre, a species that he is very familiar with. 
>It was a very clear day with great light conditions, and he was using a good scope. 
>At least six other people saw the murre, so you may be hearing more reports. 
>When I saw the murre, it was in the mouth of the inlet. It appeared to not have 
>a dark sideburn stripe and the back "side" of the neck appeared to be dark, so I 
>would also lean towards calling it Thick-billed. However, it was a distant look. It 
>would be great if it would hang around for a couple of days and for others to confirm 
>its identity.
>
>Also had great photographic opportunities with the Harlequin Ducks and Purple Sandpipers. 
>A Common Loon in the tidal pool is very approachable and could be injured. It was great hearing 
>and watching it call from such a close distance.
>
>Larry Lynch
>Chesterfield Co., VA
>birder6@juno.com