ML474974921

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

***MEGA; first Massachusetts and apparent 2nd confirmed North American record. Spotted in one of first flocks of morning by Jeremiah Trimble, on water near Cory’s and Great Shearwaters. On first sight, notable characteristics were small size (similar to Great), dark-headed appearance, and thin dusky bill—quite different from other Calonectris taxa (Cory’s/Scopoli’s). Took off and flew right in front of boat, showing same characteristics in flight as well dark underside of primaries, long thin wings, long tail, and flight style more similar to Great Shearwater: snappier wingbeats and less ponderous flight than Cory’s. Flew off to east and lost among other Shearwater groups, despite our attempts to chase. Not seen again during 5 more hours in the area looking through the thousands of birds. Previous accepted record is from 15 August 2004 in North Carolina—an additional previous report off of Maryland in 2006 has since been determined to not be this species. Three other potential reports off of North Carolina (2013) and Florida and Massachusetts (2021). (NB note: CVSH coordinates 41.670066, -69.860951. Approx 4.5 miles due east of Chatham Light and 3.85 miles east of North Beach Island dunes. More narrative here: https://www.shorebirder.com/2022/08/cape-verde-shearwater-off-cape-cod-ma.html)

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS R5

Lens

RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

ISO

3200

Focal length

500 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/7.1

Shutter speed

1/2500 sec

Dimensions

5237 pixels x 3493 pixels

Original file size

9.28 MB