ML641941266

Observation details

Mega. 2nd Texas record, few for Gulf of Mexico as a whole. Appeared out of nowhere (as tropicbirds tend to do) overhead suddenly, where we instantly presumed it to be the much more expected Red-billed Tropicbird, since Ryan and I could only see the belly and underwing, and distinct tropicbird wingbeats. Once it started to fly away and was viewed from the side rather than from directly underneath, we noted that it didn’t look quite right for HY RBTR. Photo review revealed that it appeared to be lacking the distinct black greater coverts of HY RBTR, though the angles were questionable. The bird disappeared over the horizon and we thought it was gone forever, but we flushed it off the surface approximately 10 minutes later, where everyone was able to get fantastic extended looks as it flew along the ship approximately 50 yards out at its closest. Photos confirmed solidly white greater coverts and a fairly weak eyeline that failed to connect behind the nape, ruling out RBTR. Many photos tba, all participants had great views! Even checked us out when we started making lots of noise at it (thanks for the tip Kate and Brian!)