While Bird Rare To LI has flown, eager fans keep arriving

FLANDERS, NY — Although a bird rare in the Northeast, the sighting of which led to a flurry of onlookers flocking to Flanders for a look, appears to have flown the coop, people are still heading to the feeder where, for a few days, brought a bright spot of good news.

Meigan Madden Rocco, who saw the bird at her feeder last weekend and next Monday, said it may have only been around for a while, but the rare visitor sparked a sea of ​​kindness that brought a circle of birds together.

“I've still got a few people coming in to watch the feeder, but they realize it's moved on, I guess – and they don't stay long waiting,” he said.

Rocco said she still gets texts, calls, emails and messages daily asking her to come see him.

“I gently informed them that he's obviously moved on and as much as they're all disappointed that they missed him, they're still incredibly grateful that we were willing to allow visitors to see him,” she said.

When it first appeared that he had flown the proverbial hen, hearts were heavy.

“We're kind of sad about it, to be honest,” Rocco said.

“We've loved watching him and seeing him every day — but if he's gone home, we're happy and hope he arrives safely in time for the breeding season!” he said.

Rocco said there have been no sightings since last Monday, just over a week ago.

“I'm told Monday night had ideal flying conditions – and lots of birds were moving that night,” he said.

The colorful Lazuli Bunting, rarely seen in the North East, has found its unlikely way to Flanders, drawing dozens of impressed bird-lovers who lined up near Rocco's bird feeder to catch a glimpse of the blue beauty.

Rocco said the people came from Buffalo. they started lining up at about 7am

“These are the most patient people I have ever met!” he said. “Some people wait over an hour to see him. Luckily, he always shows up! It's so stressful hoping he'll show up for everyone!”

The bird had come to her house for a few days, Rocco said. “I knew he was special, so I contacted a friend who worked as a wildlife coordinator for the New York Department of Environmental Protection and sent her the photo. He said it looked like a Lazuli Bunting — but the location didn't make sense, since it's a species native to the West Coast and Mexico.”

According to the Audubon Society, blue-rumped birds are commonly found in California, the Northwest, the Plains, the Rockies, the Southeast, Southwest, Texas, and Western Canada. The Cornell Lab said they migrate at night to southeastern Arizona and Mexico.

“After checking with her former colleagues, they confirmed it was Lazuli Bunting,” he said.

The sighting was reported to the North American Rare Bird Alert database, Rocco said. “Everybody found out like that and started texting me, asking permission to come and see the bird,” Rocco said. “Apparently, he's only been seen one other time in New York, in 1998. So our little bird is a big deal.”

Of the experience, he said, “It's really cool. We've had visitors from Connecticut and upstate New York.”

She laughed. “It's crazy! Our bird has paparazzi! It's so beautiful.”

About 550 people traveled to see and photograph the bird. “This will be only the second known appearance of one in New York — and it chose our feeder,” Rocco said. “Visitors have literally cried, prayed and sent thanks. They are very kind people.”

Many, Rocco said, are asking where they can send donations in exchange for a “once-in-a-lifetime viewing experience. We have donations going to the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, and we hope it's a good day for them, too.”

Rocco added: “These birds are native to the West Coast and Mexico — but this guy found his way to Flanders and is very happy.”

He added: “It was like TV – we watched people watching the bird all day.”

Rocco created a new email, lazulibuntingpics@gmail.com, and asked visitors to share photos.

On his last day at her house, Rocco said the feathered celebrity wasn't ready to give up his 15 minutes of fame – or his buffet at her feeder. “He was here, back and forth all day, every hour or so. More often in the morning,” he said.

The rare bird brought a flock of spectators from miles away. But very soon, it appeared that the brilliant visitor was but a memory. The bird may be gone, but it will never be forgotten, he said.

Rocco said she has received more than 50 beautiful letters and emails of thanks from people who traveled far and wide to see the bird.

“We need more kindness in this world,” he said. “That's why we didn't think twice about sharing this beautiful bird with anyone who wants to see it. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — and who are we to deny it to anyone? These are kind and grateful people — spread kindness It makes us so happy that these people are so happy.”