To extend Leo Weigant's posting of yesterday (3/1/07):  After Leo left at about 3:45 PM the remaining group walked out the jetty almost to the end.  The Thick-billed Murre could then be seen more closely.  He/she preened extensively out beyond the green buoy, rolling to one side or the other, and, in doing so showing white areas that at times exceeded any black visible   At almost precisely 4 PM the bird seemingly began to ride the incoming tide down the inlet, moving so rapidly that we had to run to keep it in sight.  There was no apparent paddling motion, so we assume the bird was carried by the motion of the water, and eventually rounded the island and disappeared up the bay.
 
It may be useful to those looking for the bird to know about this apparent pattern of behaviour (if it persists).
 
Harvey Mudd