A rare tropical seabird not normally found in the United States has taken up residence in the hills of southern Indiana.
boy Sula LeucogasterThe bird, commonly known as a brown booby, was spotted diving into a lake at Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell to catch a fish on Monday by park interpreter Wade LaHue.
of Indiana Department of Natural Resources This bird is a juvenile and its colour is different from that of the adult bird.
“This species is not normally found in Indiana, let alone the United States,” said Assistant State Ornithologist Amy Karns, noting the bird is naturally outside of its normal range.
The recent sighting of a booby marks the second in the state.
The first recorded sighting was in May 2019 on a private lake in Zionsville, where the bird didn’t stay a day.
Wildlife officials say the bird is currently staying near the park’s Lakeview Activity Center, fishing and resting on fallen trees and a newly constructed floating dock.
Park officials ask that visitors give the special birds plenty of space to rest and feed, to ensure a healthy return to their ocean home.
“We could be leaving at any time,” Kearns said.
