MDI Birds
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    Leach's Storm-Petrel / Oceanodroma leucorhoa

    : Breeds. but Apr-Oct on a few islands, notably Great Duck Island which supports a colony of about 5000 pairs. Seen on 40-50% of the whalewatch cruises that include the ‘East Bumps' - less than 20% of the cruises that don't - and then typically only one or two individuals as, unlike Wilson's Storm-Petrel, normal daytime foraging occurs outside the standard whalewatch cruise range.

    : Uncertain as takes place and at a time when few observers are present. Some fledglings remain in their burrows into Nov and there is an early Jan record.

    Miscellany: Leach's Storm-Petrel return to their island nesting ground at night and the returning birds utter a chattering call while flying overhead, answered by a purring call from their underground mates. It's an eerie and wonderful soundscape. Listen here.

    Last Updated: April 27th, 2022

    Locations

    1. 1. Great Duck Island 44.152000, -68.249297