Rare Bird! Black-legged Kittiwake Photos

On January 10th, 2024 a report of an unusual visitor, a Black-legged Kittiwake, was posted on the Ebird site, suggesting the bird might be found north of Junction City. I was heading north the next day anyway so I decided to see if I could spot the Bird. Initially I couldn't locate it, and after a bit was heading back to the main road when it flew right to me, and by me! Here are some images and information on this Gull that primarily spends its time out over the open ocean, and nests in the Arctic. It is believed that this bird, and a few others subsequently noted were blown in by the strong wind storms off the coast. 

BASIC DESCRIPTION 

A dainty gull of northern oceans, Black-legged Kittiwakes nest in teeming colonies on cliffs of the North Atlantic, North Pacific, and Arctic. On these sheer, rocky sea stacks, their unceasing cries of “kittiwake” join with the crashing surf to make the classic sound of a seabird colony. Their neat white and gray plumage is accented by a bright yellow bill and jet-black legs. Kittiwakes are true pelagic seabirds, spending virtually their entire lives on the open ocean and only touching land during the nesting season. (From Ebird)

For even more information on Black-legged Kittiwakes, and other birds click here.