On Wed, Sep 24, 2025 at 6:30 AM Peterson, Bruce <
<00000eb693714f81-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Yesterday, Monday, as I was driving north on US7, about 9 AM, on the long
> open stretch between New Haven Junction and Vergennes, approached by a very
> large, totally black-plumaged bird flying due south. Long pointed wings,
> occasional deep slow wing beats, otherwise soaring. The bird flew straight
> at me, probably 10 to 20 feet above power lines. Underwings all black
> also. I did not note the throat color. Head looked longer than any
> Vermont raptor I know.
>
> If you’re still with me you’ll share the astonishment. I am convinced
> this was a frigatebird. My question is whether there are any frigatebird
> records for the state. I know pelagic birds sometimes occur on Lake
> Champlain, and this encounter was, by my rough estimate, about a mile from
> the lake.
>
> For the record, I lived on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica for ten years.
> Frigatebirds are common – even pests when you’re trying to clean fish on
> the beach.
>
> Any info or speculation would be more than welcome.
>
> Bruce Peterson
>
