PHOTOS: ‘Beautiful’ bird off course in NE Ohio

STARK COUNTY, Ohio (WJW) – A bird known by enthusiasts for its elegance, but not commonly found in Ohio, may have been a bit lost when it landed in Stark County.

Experts at the Ohio Division of Wildlife shared a picture of the American Avocet to Facebook on Friday and said the long-legged, wadding bird was spotted at Deer Creek Reservoir just a day or two earlier.

The post collected several comments on the bird’s beauty.

One follower, who shared his pictures with FOX 8, said the bird has been there for more than a week. See the slideshow below :

“This vagrant bird is likely off course during fall migration; they are not known to breed within the Buckeye State,” read the Ohio Division of Wildlife post.

According to the National Audubon Society, the American Avocet can often be found along lake shores and tidal flats. But, not usually in Ohio. A migration and range map provided by the organization working to preserve bird habitats lists Ohio as “uncommon” territory for the migrating bird and writes, “‘Most migrate to the coast (or to valleys of California) in winter.”

This isn’t the fire “Rare Bird Alert” the Ohio Division of Wildlife has shared in recent weeks.

In July, an adult Roseate Tern, known for its beauty, was spotted in northern Ohio and may have been the first of its kind ever documented in the state. CLICK HERE to see the bird and learn more.

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