I hope that my post about the Lesser Frigatebird didn't cast any doubt on the report. As Jesse pointed out, the photos are in the Macaulay library because that's where eBird media is stored. I have no reason to doubt that the observers saw and photographed the bird, and I haven't heard any suggestions to the contrary.
Most of the GroupMe discussion was around the fact that the report was not submitted sooner. The vast majority of birders wouldn't have the ability to get to the island and, even for the few who have boats, it is illegal to land on the island. Plus, landing there would be pointless since the bird was seen flying in the vicinity, not roosting or nesting.
If the CT Birds community knew that the bird was around, they could've at least scoped for it from land. Many Wilson's Storm Petrels have been seen over the last week and were identifiable, despite being very far out in the sound. At a minimum, many of us would probably have visited the coast to keep an eye out.
The Lesser Frigatebird is rare for our country, let alone our small state, and I think most birders here would look for it responsibly, had they known there was a chance to see it.
The reason for my post the other day was to alert our community that the bird may still be around. The possible sighting of a frigatebird species in North Milford reminded me of the revelation a few days earlier about the June 24th Lesser Frigatebird sighting at Falkner Island. This bird is far, far from its normal range and if it has found a suitable food source it may still be in our area. Since many on this list are not on the GroupMe, I wanted you to be aware!
Chuck Imbergamo
CT Birds Moderator
Madison
> On Aug 3, 2026, at 1:43 PM, Jesse LeBlanc via CTBirds <ctbirds...> wrote:
>
> Don’t all photos posted on eBird show up as McCauley Library? I’m assuming that’s what bird list you were referring to
>
> Jesse LeBlanc
> Vernon ct
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Aug 3, 2026, at 1:22 PM, Lorrie Shaw via CTBirds <ctbirds...> wrote:
>>
>> When I was checking the bird list of the frigate bird, she says she didn’t have her camera with her in the post and
>> Not that I’m doubting her identification, but the photos seem to come from the McCauley library when I hover over them with my mouse.
>> Lorrie Shaw
>> Guilford
>>
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