Posted on 11/17/2022 2:44:45 PM PST by nickcarraway
A rare red-footed booby was spotted at the Santa Cruz Wharf. The tropical bird rarely migrated this far, leaving many in awe that it is here on the Central Coast.
“We only expect to see them in places like Hawaii and Baja California is probably as close as they normally live," said Ryan Carle, ecologist with Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge. "This is about as far of the tropical range they get."
It's not clear why it is here.
"We can't ask it questions of why it showed up here, but sometimes birds get sides led for whatever reason,” said Kevin Condon, director of The Bird School Project.
The red-footed booby looks like a pelican. It has a long pointy bill and a blue wash on its face. Experts said the bird in Santa Cruz is a young bird as its feet aren’t bright red, rather, they are pale red.
Carle says the bird is probably a lost bird and says it will be interesting to see if the bird sticks around during the cold Central Coast winter.
“It seems like the booby has been doing fine finding food it goes off in the day from the wharf, and it seems to be going to catch fish,” Carle said.
Person Holding Phone Taking Picture of Served Food3 Central Coast restaurants named top spots to grab brunch in California, according to Yelp “The Monterey Bay just has so many different ecosystems and habitats that birds can utilize and sometimes stay,” Condon said.
The bird has been seen landing on boats and most often seen on the wharf.
"What I've heard is that coming at dawn or at dusk to the end of the ward is where you can observe this bird,” Condon said.
Experts say the bird possibly has island syndrome, which makes it less afraid of humans. So, while the bird may not appear to be afraid as humans, doesn’t mean people should approach or touch the bird. So, if someone goes to the wharf, experts say they should keep a responsible distance.
Avid bird watchers on the wharf say this is a bird on the top of their list.
"We've been lifelong birders we keep a list of all the birds we've seen. And this is a life bird we can add him to our list,” says the Easterlings.
Fine; but where can we see a yellow bellied sap-sucker or a pussycat swallowtail?
This should be interesting
That ain’t no foot.
The red ass at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave sure needs a swift foot.
Reminds me of some of the frequent photos in The Daily Mail.
Iw declare it a distinct genetic population and shut down the coast for 50 miles in each direction.
Not to be confused with the red nosed booby who is leaving the Speakership.
What kind of bird is that?
Maybe need to go out and watch for that kind.
Oh no you didn’t.
I was hoping I’d get thru this thread without getting titillated.
My wife won’t allow me to go out to look for any Booby, red-footed or not. 🙀🤷♂️
Ha ha ha...
That’s what I’m talking’ about!!
Winner!!!
Taste like chicken?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.