Scripps's Murrelets

Scripps's Murrelets nest on islands in the Pacific Ocean in northern Baja California and southern California. They are frequently noted on pelagic trips off southern California in May and June. They then move northward following warm water into late summer and early fall, rarely as far as British Columbia, far (60+ miles) offshore.

Almost always noted in pairs, this is the frequent view:

However, this view above is not really sufficient to separate these birds from Craveri's Murrelets. If you are really lucky, when they fly away you may be able to see the underwings--white on Scripps's; black on Craveri's. A camera helps:

Barely visible, but diagnostic: white under wing linings. Usually they fly straight away, 

so all you get is the tail, and no view of the under wing.

There is also the newly-created Guadalupe Murrelet, with its eye in the middle of the more extensive white face.

Sadly, many times, you will first spot these birds flying away from you, unidentified.

Occasionally, you'll find a chick/adult pair. The chick may be reluctant to fly, and instead dives, and both birds may allow closer approach. Tiny fuzzy chicks leave the nest burrow at 2 days of age and remain with a parent.

Possibly older chick. It can fly, but is hesitant.

Wow! Flying toward me!

Scripps's Murrelet, adult (right) and older chick (left).
The chick has a shorter bill, more curved upper culmen, and smoother black-and-white facial transition.