Tropical bird appears in northern Calif.
Published: Jan. 23, 2008 at 3:33 PM
HEALDSBURG, Calif., Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Animal rescue officials in northern California say a giant tropical bird that appeared in Healdsburg, Calif., was likely thrown off course by a storm.
They said the male juvenile magnificent frigatebird, scientifically known as Fregata magnificens, was found by birdwatchers in Healdsburg, despite the fact that the birds generally don't head any further north than Mexico, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Wednesday.
"In our entire 37 years, we've never treated one in Northern California," said Monte Merrick, a wildlife rehabilitator for the International Bird Rescue Research Center, in Cordelia, Calif. "There have been sightings, but those sightings are rare."
Merrick said the bird was sick and underfed when it was found, but workers at the center have nursed the animal back to health.
She said the frigatebird may have been thrown off track by a powerful Pacific storm in early January.
"This is a juvenile bird and this would be its first winter, which might explain its problem finding its way around the world and ending up in Northern California," said Merrick.
Merrick said the bird will eventually be released in San Diego, which should be far enough south for the tropical animal to find its way home.
They said the male juvenile magnificent frigatebird, scientifically known as Fregata magnificens, was found by birdwatchers in Healdsburg, despite the fact that the birds generally don't head any further north than Mexico, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Wednesday.
"In our entire 37 years, we've never treated one in Northern California," said Monte Merrick, a wildlife rehabilitator for the International Bird Rescue Research Center, in Cordelia, Calif. "There have been sightings, but those sightings are rare."
Merrick said the bird was sick and underfed when it was found, but workers at the center have nursed the animal back to health.
She said the frigatebird may have been thrown off track by a powerful Pacific storm in early January.
"This is a juvenile bird and this would be its first winter, which might explain its problem finding its way around the world and ending up in Northern California," said Merrick.
Merrick said the bird will eventually be released in San Diego, which should be far enough south for the tropical animal to find its way home.
© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
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