Date: 8/1/26 10:01 am From: Chuck Imbergamo via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Eyes to the skies near the coast!!
In case you hadn't heard, an eBird checklist from June 24th was submitted the other day, including photos, of an apparent LESSER FRIGATEBIRD. To put into context just how rare this species is for our area, you would normally have to be in Madagascar, Southeast Asia or Australia to see one. And there has only been one ever sighted in United States Atlantic waters in history (in Maine 66 years ago), according to eBird.
Apparently this MEGA rarity was seen flying near Falkner Island off of Guilford by two people working for the NFWS documenting the tern colony. They said that they delayed their report because of 'protocol' that they can't report anything rare.... Here's a link to their eBird report which includes photos of the bird and their comments: https://ebird.org/checklist/S377967035
The fact that this bird was not reported sooner is upsetting to many in our community, and our CT Birds rules prevents me from repeating the first words I said when I saw that report... :)
HOWEVER just now, someone submitted a message through the COA website believing that they may have seen a Frigatebird flying over their house at 11:45 AM today in North Milford.
Pretty exciting to think that the bird may still be around. I would strongly suggest that everyone keep their eyes to the skies right now!
Chuck Imbergamo
CT Birds Moderator
Madison
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