So, yes, it appears to be a dark/buffy phase Red-footed Booby, and yes, it is in an appropriate habitat -- on a railing of a boat offshore. The locale simply says "Atlantic Ocean, NC" -- so this would be a third NC record. And the date is 11 July 2025 -- today. However, we all hope to see an eBird report or some other report on the bird, especially how far offshore, off what part of the state, etc., the bird was seen and photographed.
If anyone sees another post somewhere, such as on a Facebook group, iNaturalist, etc., let us know. It does not show yet on the CBC Sightings page.
Harry LeGrand Birds of North Carolina website editor
