ML475301081

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).

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Lens

EF400mm f/5.6L USM

ISO

1250

Focal length

400 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/6.3

Shutter speed

1/1600 sec

Dimensions

2048 pixels x 1097 pixels

Original file size

1.42 MB