For some, the passion of hen watching by no means crosses their thoughts whereas others are totally dedicated to it. No matter what facet of the fence you end up on, one factor is for sure: it’s newsworthy when a uncommon hen passes by. The state of Ohio obtained a shock in 2019 when a hen that had by no means beforehand visited earlier than made an look a number of instances. Whether you’re an avid hen watcher or simply somebody interested by wildlife in Ohio, the story of this uncommon hen is one you’ll wish to hear.
What Is the Rarest Bird in Ohio?
There are roughly 500 totally different species of birds which can be native to Ohio.
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Although a number of uncommon birds have handed by means of Ohio all through the years, none are as uncommon because the Limpkin. In truth, it was solely noticed a handful of instances in 2019, and it hasn’t been reported since. Although this hen isn’t unusual in states like Florida and Georgia, it seldom ventures this far outdoors of the South. For one to journey so far as Ohio is a formidable feat. Locals felt this manner as properly, and this occasion made the information when individuals started reporting sightings. According to Cleveland 19, the individual who first noticed this hen felt like they “hit the lottery,” as a result of sheer rarity of this occasion.
Why Was a Limpkin in Ohio?
Limpkins are native to Florida and Georgia.
©Luca Nichetti/Shutterstock.com
Although many individuals who noticed this hen in Ohio believed this to be attributable to robust winds and hurricanes down south, this was not the case. Instead, consultants imagine that this Limpkin traveled thus far up north resulting from post-breeding dispersal. If you’re unfamiliar with this time period, it’s a phenomenon that happens after breeding in sure hen species. If the habitat they discover themselves in isn’t favorable, some birds select to flee to a place with higher circumstances as a substitute. In this case, these Limpkins determined that Ohio was a pleasant place to quiet down, no less than for a short time. The chances are these birds returned to the South as quickly as colder temperatures got here in.
Final Thoughts
Even although they have been solely in Ohio for a short while, these Limpkins made waves upon their arrival. With any luck, they’ll make their manner again and enter the information as soon as once more someday quickly. Other uncommon birds which have visited this state embody the snowy owl, white ibis, and Gyrfalcon. Individuals thinking about seeing these animals for themselves can be a part of a hen sighting group to get dwell updates.
The photograph featured on the prime of this submit is © Luca Nichetti/Shutterstock.com
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