Date: 5/24/26 9:09 am From: <tgmiko...> via groups.io <tgmiko...> Subject: Re: [OrangeCountyBirding] San Clemente Frigatebird identification; Possible Lesser Frigatebird
Please suggest a good location to park and walk to go look for the bird.
Thanks,
Thomas Geza Miko
Claremont CA 91711
909.241.3300
On Sun, May 24, 2026 at 7:54 AM Thomas Wurster via groups.io <wurster=
<earthlink.net...> wrote:
> Birders,
>
> I’ve been alerted that a Frigatebird is under observation from San
> Clemente pier, now, per reports on discord.
>
> Just the messenger
> Tom Wurster
> Garden Grove
>
>
>
> On May 24, 2026, at 7:24 AM, Thomas Wurster via groups.io <wurster=
> <earthlink.net...> wrote:
>
> Thanks to Tom Fire Hutchinson for alerting OC birding community about
> this Lesser Frigatebird candidate. Other experts have chimed in, and agree
> that the photos are suggestive of this ID, but better images are needed.
>
> If you see any frigatebird, IMMEDIATELY alert the bird community.
> Include location, time, direction of flight - especially if has traveled
> out of sight.
>
> Take photographs if possible.
> Details on plumage will be useful, but don’t labor on this and delay
> posting.
>
> The search area is wide - where is it when it’s not visible from San
> Clemente pier? It may roost on a breakwater, tall boat masts in a harbor,
> or perhaps a higher rocky islet. For starters consider the coast between
> Dana Point and Oceanside, but keep a vigilant eye on the sky anywhere along
> the OC coast.
>
> Good luck,
> Tom Wurster
> Garden Grove
>
>
> On May 23, 2026, at 11:32 PM, thomasf_h via groups.io <thomas.fordhut=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
> I’ve seen some ebird reports of Great followed by Magnificent Frigatebird
> for the Frigatebird sp. seen at San Clemente Pier.
>
> Well the bird is certainly an adult female, but some of the photos posted
> this evening appear to show a fully white hindcollar, which would indicate
> the bird is instead a Lesser Frigatebird if true.
>
> Are there any better photos available? Has anyone seen any distinguishing
> marks on the bird?
>
> Tom Ford-Hutchinson
> San Diego, CA
>
>
>
>
