Rare Pink Bird Spotted in Green Bay After Nearly Two Centuries

Rosette Spoonbill spotted in Green Bay for the first time since 1845Photo byWikimedia

A captivating avian spectacle has excited bird watchers in the Midwest as a rare visitor graced Wisconsin. The Roseate spoonbill, a pink-feathered water bird known for its unique appearance was seen at Green Bay. This is the first live sighting of a roseate spoonbill in Wisconsin after a remarkable 178-year gap since a dead spoonbill was found in 1845.

Loca residents enthusiastically shared the images of the bird on Twitter.

The presence of this tropical bird in Wisconsin's northern latitudes is intriguing. Normally found in warmer regions along the Gulf of Mexico and parts of Central and South America, it is unclear why the bird made the journey to Green Bay. It has been spotted alongside other aquatic birds in various locations.

Recently, two more roseate spoonbills have been spotted in Washington, D.C., indicating potential environmental factors driving their migration northward. Such unusual movements have been observed in 2018 and 2021, possibly due to prolific breeding seasons.

The rare sighting has sparked joy within Wisconsin's birding community, with local enthusiasts gathering to witness this avian rarity.

Logan Lasee, who first spotted the spoonbill, relishes his role in the discovery.

While I was looking out on a mud flat, this bird was actually hanging out with a flock of geese. So I started calling people. This is a really large shorebird, that's typically seen in the very southern part of the United States. There's actually only two records now of this bird being in the state and the last one before this was 1845- Logan Leese, Local Resident and Birth Enthusiast.

Other birdwatchers like Adam Sinkula are also reveling in the enchantment of this unique encounter, highlighting nature's ability to surprise and delight.

It's important, because, finding birds like this is kind of like a treasure hunt. It's something you don't see very often. It's a rare occurrence here, and just kind of soaking it all in. Taking in the moment, and appreciating it- Adam Sinkula, Local Resident and Bird Enthusiast.