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Rare Seabird Makes Historic Udupi Debut
16 Jun
Summary
- A rare lesser noddy seabird was sighted for the first time in Udupi.
- The bird was observed resting and preening for over an hour.
- A Persian Shearwater, another oceanic bird, was also documented.
A rare tropical seabird, identified as a lesser noddy, has been documented for the first time in Udupi district, Karnataka. The sighting occurred at the Kundapur Kodi Sea Walk on a Sunday, as recorded in available eBird data. A hobbyist birdwatcher observed the bird resting on tetrapods for over an hour, occasionally flying short distances before returning to its perch.
This rare visitor attracted the attention of local tourists, many of whom stopped to photograph and learn about the species. Around 5:45 PM, the lesser noddy departed with a flock of other pelagic birds. Following the initial sighting, an eBird reviewer confirmed the species, noting that lesser noddies are known to rest on suitable sites during their movements.
Additionally, the same birdwatching session yielded the first documented record of a Persian Shearwater in Udupi district. This oceanic bird, which typically spends most of its life far from land, was observed alongside other tern species and white-bellied sea eagles. These occurrences underscore the value of consistent birdwatching along Karnataka's coast, especially during the monsoon when oceanic birds may be brought closer to shore.
