The bill is too long and the tomium stripe not as distinct as on Brunnich's. In fact, it is very unobvious on the right hand side of the bird. The underwings showed quite a lot of dark blotching too (another Common Guillemot feature)
But no denying, it is an odd looking bird from some angles!
Clearly oiled and shivering on the beach, I managed to catch it with the help of the Mrs. We then took it to a local wildlife hospital (recommended by RSPCA) where it was to be fed and then transferred for a clean up. It was pretty alert and quite feisty, so hopefully will pull through.
Sadly, I found another more badly oiled Guillemot on the beach today and it sounds as if the RSPCA have been inundated with oiled birds following the recent storms, particularly from the Weymouth area......

Nice rescue! Don't tell the Mail though or they'll start reporting penguin sightings! Oh wait... http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2557626/UK-weather-leads-PENGUIN-washing-British-shores-Walker-claims-spotted-bird-waddling-beach-Cornwall.html
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