Some people never think about bird watching, but others are completely obsessed with it. Whatever side of the fence you’re on, one thing is certain: when a rare bird passes by, it makes the headlines. In 2019, the state of Ohio received a surprise when a bird that had never visited before made many appearances.
Whether you’re an ardent bird watcher or simply inquisitive about Ohio’s biodiversity, the story of this unique bird will pique your interest.
What is the Rarest Bird in Ohio?
Several uncommon birds have come through Ohio over the years, but none are as rare as the Limpkin. In fact, it was only seen a few times in 2019 and hasn’t been recorded since. Although this bird is prevalent in Florida and Georgia, it rarely travels outside the southern states.
Traveling to Ohio is an incredible feat. Locals felt the same way, and the event made headlines when people began reporting sightings.
According to Cleveland 19, the person who initially observed this bird felt like they had “hit the lottery,” given the rarity of the incident.
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Why Was a Limpkin in Ohio?
Many individuals who spotted this bird in Ohio assumed it was caused by severe winds and hurricanes down south, but this was not the case. Instead, experts believe the Limpkin got that far north owing to post-breeding dispersion.
If you are new to the word, it refers to a phenomenon that occurs after breeding in certain bird species. If their current habitat is unfavorable, some birds will flee to a better location. In this case, the Limpkins concluded that Ohio was a good spot to settle, at least for a while. It is likely that these birds returned to the south as soon as cooler temperatures arrived.
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Final Thoughts
Despite their brief visit to Ohio, the Limpkins made an impression. Hopefully, they will return and make the headlines again soon. Other uncommon birds that have visited this state include the snowy owl, white ibis, and Gyrfalcon. Individuals interested in spotting these species for themselves can join a bird sighting group and receive live updates.