A rare lazuli bunting bird made an appearance at a Long Island home, attracting bird lovers from all over the region. Meigan Madden Rocco was surprised and delighted when the West Coast bird showed up at her bird feeder in Flanders, Long Island. The bird, which is a rarity in the Northeast, had only been spotted in New York once before in 1998. Visitors from as far as Connecticut, New Jersey, Buffalo, and Ithaca came to see the blue songbird, with some people even crying, praying, and hugging each other at the sight of the rare bird.
The lazuli bunting first appeared on April 18 and returned daily until Monday, once an hour. This behavior is typical during migration, as the birds stop along the route to fuel up for the next leg of their journey. On Monday night, ideal conditions for migration led to a high number of birds flying. When Rocco first saw the bird, she took a picture and sent it to a friend who confirmed it was a lazuli bunting, a bird that is not typically seen in that location. Rocco reported the sighting on eBird and added a photo to a Facebook group, resulting in an influx of messages, emails, and calls from interested birdwatchers.
Spectators who visited Rocco’s home to see the rare bird wanted to show their appreciation, so she asked them to donate to the Southampton Animal Shelter. The response was overwhelming, with donations still coming in a week later. Rocco didn’t mind the unexpected visitors, as she enjoyed watching their reactions to the bird. Despite the unusual experience of having binoculars and cameras pointed at her kitchen window every morning, she found the whole situation amusing and heartwarming.
The news of the lazuli bunting sighting spread quickly among birdwatchers, with many people adding the rare bird to their birdwatching bucket list. The excitement of seeing a West Coast bird in the Northeast was a unique opportunity for many visitors. Rocco’s willingness to share the experience and allow others to enjoy the bird reflected her love for wildlife and her desire to educate and inspire others to appreciate and protect rare species like the lazuli bunting.
The appearance of the lazuli bunting in Long Island sparked fascination and excitement among bird enthusiasts, drawing attention to the importance of preserving habitats for migratory birds. Rocco’s generosity in sharing the experience with others and promoting donations to the animal shelter highlighted the positive impact that wildlife encounters can have on individuals and communities. The rare sighting of the lazuli bunting serves as a reminder of the beauty and wonder of nature and the importance of protecting and conserving diverse bird species for future generations to enjoy.
