Exciting news from Cape Cod, Massachusetts! Over the past weekend, beach-goers were treated to a rare and surprising sight—an American flamingo strolling along the shore. According to Mark Faherty, the science coordinator for a local wildlife sanctuary, this sighting could be a first for the state.

This incredible moment was captured on video and shared by NBC affiliate News 10 Boston. After consulting with Faherty, who works with Mass Audubon, it was confirmed that the video showing the flamingo was genuine. The bird was seen wading in shallow waters and walking peacefully along the beach in Dennis, Massachusetts.

If this flamingo is indeed wild, it would mark the first time such a bird has been officially noted in this part of the bay. Flamingos are typically associated with warmer climates, such as Florida, Texas, and regions further south. Spotting one so far north is highly unusual.

So, how did a flamingo end up in Massachusetts? Faherty speculated that the bird might have escaped from captivity or been blown off course by a natural disaster like a hurricane. Recent hurricane activity has similarly displaced other flamingos to unlikely locations like Ohio and Wisconsin.

Interestingly, this same flamingo might have been spotted on Long Island just days before its appearance in Cape Cod. If true, the bird’s journey is even more fascinating. Whether it’s due to unforeseen weather or an adventurous escape, the flamingo’s visit has certainly brought a splash of color and excitement to the shores of Massachusetts.

This story underscores the unpredictable wonders of nature. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected occurrences that remind us of the world’s beauty and mystery. Keep an eye out on your next beach visit—you never know what you might see!