ML263113861

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

***MEGA; first photographed record for New Jersey. Discovered and photographed 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 stout, dull bill lacking pink-orange tones, and fully black tail. Gave an abrupt, nasal quack-like call several times when squabbling with other birds. Many photos.

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Lens

EF400mm f/5.6L USM

ISO

640

Focal length

400 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/5.6

Shutter speed

1/3200 sec

Dimensions

1500 pixels x 1000 pixels

Original file size

744.46 KB