How Did A Flamingo End Up On Cape Cod Beach?

DENNIS, MA — Local birders on Cape Cod often set out to spot new wildlife, but spotting a flamingo likely isn't on the agenda. Maybe it should be.

Over the weekend, photos began circulating on social media of what appears to be a wild American flamingo at Chapin Beach in Dennis.

Many questioned whether the photo was real at first, but local expert Mark Faherty told outlets that the bird is indeed real.

It would mark the first time a wild American flamingo has been spotted in Massachusetts, and that fact going on record is a matter of the Massachusetts Avian Records Committee confirming it.

So how did the flamingo get here?

That remains to be seen, though there was a confirmed American flamingo sighting on Long Island as recently as June 1, which leads experts to believe that it's likely the same bird.

Still, the sighting confused even the most official of birding experts and groups.

"Seeing a flamingo on Cape Cod was not on our 2024 bingo card," the Mass Audobon Society said.

"Well, we've been expecting the return of the Snow Birds, but not this one," said officials with Wild Care Cape Cod. "We hope this beautiful bird can make its way back south."

Others remarked on the oddity of seeing the flamingo and an orca during the same weekend.

"Flamingos and Orcas. Might move to Cape Cod," one Facebook user said.

Read more: Video Shows Rare Orca Sighting Off The Coast Of Massachusetts