ML263063131

Age and sex

Immature Unknown sex - 1

Observation details

**Mega rarity; about 3rd NJ record, and first photographed. Discovered earlier today by Melissa Laurino on the Cape May Whale Watch boat. 2nd year (sub-adult) bird standing on south jetty with mixed gulls and cormorants; flew around several times and rested on water briefly before returning to jetty. Mostly white Sulid with extensive blackish-brown flight feathers, greater upperwing coverts, and tail, including many trashed/worn feathers; dull blue-gray bill becoming yellowish toward tip, blackish at base; eyes dull yellow. Body plumage mostly dull white but with retained brown mottled rump, scattered dark flecks in wing coverts and back. At least 2 generations of flight feathers (trashed juv outer primaries, fresher inners). Distinguished from Nazca Booby by thinner, grayer toned bill. Gave an abrupt, nasal quack-like call several times when squabbling with other birds. 1000s of photos taken!

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Lens

EF400mm f/5.6L USM

ISO

800

Focal length

400 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/9.0

Shutter speed

1/1250 sec

Dimensions

3350 pixels x 2233 pixels

Original file size

6.08 MB