Rare Bird Alert

[Kenneth S Mirman]

It is my understanding that the Leach’s Storm Petrel is common in Maine in July. I thought you might be interested in a report of one striking a window at my house at 2:30 AM

Leach’s Storm Petrel 

I heard two thumps against a window at my home in Machiasport, Maine along the Little Kennebec Bay. I saw a Leach’s Storm Petrel on the deck flapping its wings but facing the house.

The bird was dark brown

A light band reached the leading edge of the wing

The tail was definitely forked (obviously so)

The distal portion of the white rump patch was not rounded but gave a more triangular appearance with possibly a central dark vertical  band separating the patch.

After a few minutes it disappeared (while I was looking for my camera). 

If of interest, the winds were South at  5 to 10 kt. and the sea was 2 to 3 feet.There was widespread fog with visibility less than 1 nautical mile.

Unfortunately, I have had several species of bird strikes at my house but never a petrel. 

[Bill Baker]

There are several options available online to limit bird strikes to your window you should look into.