Rare Tropical Seabird Makes Surprise Visit to Chesapeake Bay

Image Courtesy of U.S. Fowl & Wildlife Service via Stephen Tuttle

MARYLAND — A rare tropical seabird made an unexpected appearance in the Chesapeake Bay, exciting birdwatchers after an immature red-footed booby landed on a boater’s vessel near Thomas Point.

The red-footed booby is typically found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. Sightings along the Mid-Atlantic coast are extremely uncommon, making the Chesapeake Bay visit a remarkable event.

According to birding experts, this is believed to be only the second documented sighting of a red-footed booby in Maryland. The state’s first confirmed record came during a bird count in Cecil County in August 2024.

Experts say the bird may have been pushed off course by strong weather systems or shifting wind patterns. Young seabirds are also known to occasionally wander far beyond their normal range.

The unusual sighting quickly gained attention among Maryland’s birding community, with photos of the bird shared online after it briefly rested on the front of a recreational boat before flying away.

Wildlife experts say rare sightings like this highlight the importance of documenting unusual species, helping researchers better understand migration patterns and the factors that influence where birds travel.

For birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, the unexpected visitor serves as a reminder that even the familiar waters of the Chesapeake Bay can occasionally host species typically found thousands of miles from shore.