The Common Murres we found at Cape St. Mary’s in Newfoundland were anything but common. Only half the size of the Northern Gannets that nested on the rocks at the Cape, these delightful birds caught my attention and kept it throughout the week. I sometimes sat on a rock on the point, facing away from Bird Rock where most of the Gannet activity was happening. As I faced away from the Gannets, the Murre activity was happening right in front of me, just a few feet away on rock ledges jutting from the point. Their proximity helped me capture these charming and goofy seabirds up close. This Common Murre was the last bird I photographed at Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve, moments before we packed up and walked the mile back to the visitor’s center later in the afternoon. The bird stretched and flapped its wings, as if in a farewell gesture, almost as if saying, “aww, do you really have to leave?” It was a great way to end the week.