Dozens of cownose rays have been filmed by drone off the coast of Southampton, Long Island, providing a bird's-eye view of the species. The footage, captured last Friday by professional drone pilot Joanna Steidle, shows the rays gliding near the surface.
Scientists state that cownose rays have visited the area for decades. The sighting raises the possibility that the species is migrating further north and appearing more consistently as ocean temperatures rise, or that increased drone use is making everyday wildlife activity more visible to the public, according to various experts.
Dean Grubbs, associate director of research at Florida State University’s coastal and marine laboratory, suggested this occurrence likely represents a northern shift in migration due to temperature. Ryan Wallace, an assistant professor at Adelphi University, noted that cownose rays generally prefer water temperatures between 21-26C, which could lead them to migrate north earlier and stay longer in New York's warm coastal waters.
However, Thomas Grothues, an associate research professor at Rutgers University, said cownose rays are common in large groups along Long Island beaches and have been for at least 25 years. Matthew Ajemian, an associate research professor at Florida Atlantic University, added that the species has been documented in New York's waters since the 1800s, and advancements in drone technology may contribute to more frequent public sightings.