Lewes, Del. — A seabird species never before documented in the Atlantic Ocean was recently spotted during a Cape May-Lewes Ferry trip, marking what experts say is a rare and unusual sighting. The Streaked Shearwater, a bird native to the western Pacific region, was observed and photographed on May 11th during a ferry crossing between New Jersey and Delaware. The bird was identified by its streaked white head, pale feather patterning, and narrow gray bill—features distinct from the shearwaters typically found in the Delaware Bay. Experts confirmed the sighting after the photos circulated within the birding community. The species is known to breed in Japan, Korea, and parts of China and Russia, migrating seasonally across the Pacific. While previously spotted along the West Coast of the United States and even once inland in Wyoming, the species has never before been officially recorded in the Atlantic. Wildlife groups tracking migration trends say this case adds to a growing number of vagrant seabirds turning up in unfamiliar waters. The reason behind the increase remains unclear. Some point to better photographic equipment and broader birder coverage, while others consider environmental factors such as ocean warming. The event is being watched closely by researchers who say these rare appearances could offer new insights into the migratory patterns and adaptability of seabirds.