Posted by Toe on June 02, 2016 at 18:46:11
I saw photos Mike Brothers took of a Storm-Petrel that was following far behind the boat on Sunday's trip our of New Smyrna Beach. (I was not able to attend, of course) The photos show almost no carpal bar, no feet extending beyond the tail, and a clear, white stripe under the wing, all really good field marks for European Storm-Petrel. One person with experience with this species has already given a comment in support. This species is found from northern Europe to Iceland, south to the west coast of Africa and sometimes into the Indian Ocean. It venture far west into the Atlantic and is occasionally seen of N.C. Goes to show that you never know what you'll find on a pelagic trip. These birds are free to roam the world's oceans.