ML636752582

Observation details

Hector spotted a dark bird sitting on the water just beyond the end of the jetty. After a quick look, we rushed to get closer and studied this bird as it sat on the water floating a little bit to the south. For the duration of the time we watched it (roughly 45 minutes) the bird pretty much just floated around. It got up briefly but only flew a couple of feet. We waited, hoping to get photos of the bird flying to see the underside of the wing but had no luck. All dark shearwater with somewhat long bill. We considered the possible ID of Short-tailed Shearwater (1 record in the gulf), but landed on the ID of Sooty based on the longer bill (see photos) and less rounded head. This represents the fifth record of the species in the LRGV (4th from shore). Interestingly, three of the records from shore have come since 2023. This is a first for Willacy County and 28th record for the state.