Nature & Travel

Elusive ‘phantom bird’ spotted for first time EVER in Poland

Kamil Bilecki
Kamil Bilecki
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Called both ‘the phantom bird’ and ‘the ghost bird’ because it has never been spotted alive before in Poland, the northern fulmar was photographed by an eagle-eyed birdwatcher over Buków by the Baltic.

Usually found over the Northern Pacific, the Arctic and Northern Atlantic, the protected bird was snapped by ornithologist Kamil Bilecki in May. However, the amateur enthusiast remained unaware of just how unusual his pictures were.

Writing on social media earlier this week, the Birding Poland page announced the news: “MEGA! Belated News, 7th for Poland Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis was observed 20.05.2024 in Bukowo by Kamil Bilecki! This is 1st alive fulmar observed on our coast as 6 previous records concerned corpses. Congrats!” [sic].

Previously, over the last six decades, six northern fulmars have been reported in Poland, but all have been dead.

Boasting a full-body length of around 45 to 50 centimeters, fulmars are known for their hook-shaped, yellow-tipped beaks. Usually inhabiting rocky cliffs or flat coastal areas, the birds live on a diet of fish, crustaceans, squid and snails.
Source: Polsat News
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