Angela MacDonald embarked on a journey to find a rare bird near Pugwash, N.S., upon hearing whispers of its presence. Despite an extensive eight-hour search with friends resulting in disappointment, MacDonald persevered and stayed overnight. The following morning, a fellow birder’s text message led her to the discovery of a crested caracara perched nearby. This bird species, native to Central and South America, is recognized by its distinctive features: long legs, a vibrant yellow beak, and white-and-brown feathers.
Tony Millard, the president of the Nova Scotia Bird Society, was informed by a landowner’s photo of the unfamiliar bird on their property. Millard noted that a similar bird was recently spotted in Maine, suggesting a possible group migration error involving juvenile birds. Despite the rarity, this is not the first sighting of a crested caracara in Nova Scotia since one attracted attention at Lawrencetown Beach in 2013, with a total of eight recorded visits across the province.
Although part of the falcon family, caracaras are known for their preference to walk rather than fly. Millard expressed optimism about the bird’s chances of survival in Nova Scotia, as it shares similar food sources with ravens, crows, and vultures. However, he anticipates the bird will eventually depart and hopefully find its way back home.
Jason Dain played a crucial role in alerting MacDonald to the rare bird’s location. As more birders gathered in Pugwash, curious locals joined in to witness the unusual visitor. Dain generously shared his binoculars with the community, allowing them to catch a glimpse of the temporary resident.
For MacDonald, the hour spent observing and photographing the bird was a rewarding experience that made the entire journey worthwhile. She emphasized the thrill of birding as a pursuit filled with excitement and meaningful connections, especially when shared with friends.