ID Help !

[nrohrbacker]

I was up in Maine on vacation near Boothbay Harbor and out in a kayak taking pics. I cannot for the life of me figure out what this bird is. I went thru the entire Audubon Field Guide for NA and still cannot determine. I thought it might be a juvi of some sort. He/she was with a similar bird with darker brown markings. Thanks for all your C&C and help with ID.
IdMKIV, 1/2000, 500mm, F4 @ISO400, handheld, manual w/right angle viewer.

[Melissa Groo]

Wish I could help you but I am clueless too. I think your guess on juvie sounds good. I really like the detail you have here, the reflection, and that green water. I feel like it needs a bit more space around it, especially in front and above. The white tip of bill distracts me a little, might clone that out if it works with your ethics. Very nice image overall.

[Randy Stout]

Neil:

I am very poor on bird id in general, but think this is a juvi black guillemot.

The water is very nice, well exposed.

Needs more room around on all sides. I don't like to squeeze reflections too tight on the bottom.

The head is wet, which makes sharpening difficult, but I might try a bit more sharpening there.

Cheers

Randy

[nrohrbacker]

Thanks Randy and Melissa. Truth be told, this is a full frame image and I chose this as it would showcase the bird better. I will post another that I believe to be better artistically. I just googled black guillemot, and Randy, I think you nailed it! Thank you very much.

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

At first glance I thought it was a loon but I am sure Randy of all people would have guessed that first if it was. Your exposure looks nice to me as well as the detail. I also like the wake the bird is creating. I agree about it being a little tight

[Daniel Cadieux]

Congrats on the new bird species, always fun to add to the collection eh! I agree with it being tight in the frame, and I would prefer a bit better HA, but the details, exposure, and silky smooth water all look good. Randy's ID looks good to me.