Magnificent Frigatebird Encounter
The amazing power of flight creates a memorable moment
“And to lose the chance to see frigate-birds soaring in circles above the storm, or a file of pelicans winging their way homeward across the crimson afterglow of the sunset, or a myriad terns flashing in the bright light of midday as they hover in a shifting maze above the beach—why, the loss is like the loss of a gallery of the masterpieces of the artists of old time.”
—Theodore Roosevelt (a frequent visitor and observer of wildlife in Southwest Florida)
The magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) lives up to its name. It has a wingspan of 7 feet, a scissorlike tail, can travel 56 days on the wing, and soars to altitudes of 12,000 feet. The most interesting charateristic of this tropical ocean-going bird is that its feathers are not waterproof, and that’s where this story begins …
Some days in nature are more amazing than others, but being in the right spot at the right time can bring a lifetime memory. This story begins and ends with the magnificent frigatebird. A few years ago, on a routine trip with another boat captain to fuel my boat at the end of Captiva Island, I saw something black in the water; from a distance it appeared to be a large trash bag. Upon closer examination I realized it was a frigatebird. This bird’s feathers are not waterproof, and once in the water it cannot get out.
As the other captain eased the bow of the boat closer to the bird, I put the front ladder down and reached for the wing of the frigate. Very gingerly I pulled the bird closer until I could reach its small body to grab ahold and bring it onto the bow railing where its feathers could dry. The frigatebird remained calm during the whole operation. Its tail feathers were longer than I imagined, and its beak looked well suited for what it does best: snatch fish off the water.
The bird had dried off sufficiently, but I was worried about it having enough lift to get up in the air, so I put the bird on my forearm and held it as high as I could. With this accomplished, the other captain pointed the boat into the wind and started to pick up speed.
For a moment it was just me and the frigatebird facing into the wind. Then I knew it was time for him to fly, and he seemed to know it, too. He spread his wings and did just that—he flew away.
It was an amazing moment in nature. I was happy to be there for my feathered friend. It is nice to know now when I look up toward the sky, the magnificent frigatebird may be watching over me.
Capt. Brian Holaway is a Florida master naturalist and has been a Southwest Florida shelling and eco-tour guide since 1995. His boat charters visit the islands of Pine Island Sound including Cayo Costa State Park, Cabbage Key, Pine Island, and North Captiva.
Then I knew it was time for him to fly, and he seemed to know it, too.