Hi All:

I went looking for the Thick-billed Murre today, arrived at west Ocean City at 5:00pm.
We searched the area where it was found earlier today (based on reports from M. Stutzman and 
N. Saunders) with no luck.  Found three Horned Grebes in the canal.

Went over to the OC Inlet, now ca 5:20pm.  Saw two gentlemen with scopes, inquired about the 
Murre, and they said it was here 15 minutes ago, then flew out the inlet and back around the landing 
at the northwestern corner of the inlet.  They followed it along the sea wall, and it flew back into bay.  
I searched all around the Coast Guard Station with no luck.  It was getting close to sunset.

Headed back across the bridge to try the canal once again.  Meet a couple who said the Murre was 
right here a few hours ago.  Search all around again, mostly focused out on the bay, and as we were 
heading out, there was the Thick-billed Murre at the very head of the canal (west end).  There is a 
“pontoon boat” with a black outboard engine at the head of the canal.  The Murre was on the surface 
just a foot or so from the boat, and repeatedly diving, and appeared to be going under the boat.  
Watched him for about 15 minutes, the light was really bad by then.  Left him at this location at 
6:12pm today, Feb. 23.  I remember that fish sometimes like to “hide” under boats, is there a connection?
This was the most quiet and protected location at OC today.

While the Thick-billed Murre is a life bird, I have seen many Common Murres, mostly on the west coast.
This bird does have a shorter, thicker bill, not as pointed as C. Murre, and the neck and head are dark 
as shown in Sibley.  When seen in the canal he was only 20-25 feet away, but the light was admittedly poor.

Location:
West of the Ocean City US 50 bridge is a row of new townhouses on the south side.  Hoopers Crab House 
is on the north side of US 50.  At the stop light (Inlet Isle Lane) go south about 100 feet then turn left, 
go past Marina View Lane, (which is at the west end of the townhouse row), the canal with the boat 
and hopefully the Murre will be on your left.  

David Bridge
Alexandria, VA