Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster)

This is an adult female, presumably of the Eastern Pacific race "S. l. brewsteri." Note the pink bill with yellow base and extensive inky-blue color in the lores. This individual appears to be in heavy molt and spent most of its time preening. This species has increased in recent years in Southern California and has expanded its breeding range to include Islas Los Coronados in Mexican waters near San Diego. Nevertheless, it is still a rarity anywhere in Northern California. This individual was first noted at this location on 4 May by Breck Tyler and seen daily through 8 May. It then reappeared here yesterday 24 May.