Drone Footage Shows Hundreds of Cownose Rays Off New York as Warmer Waters May Shift Migration
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Aug 12
Drone Footage Shows Hundreds of Cownose Rays Off New York as Warmer Waters May Shift Migration
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 12
Summary
Southampton drone pilot Joanna Steidle captured footage last Friday showing hundreds of cownose rays gliding near the surface off Long Island, a striking aerial view that drew wide attention.
Scientists said the sighting could reflect a northward migration shift as ocean temperatures rise, with cownose rays favoring roughly 70-79F waters and potentially arriving earlier and staying longer near New York.
Researchers also cautioned the rays are not new to the region: they have been documented in New York waters since the 1800s and seen regularly around Long Island for at least 25 years.
Drone use may be amplifying public sightings by making large schools easier to spot from above, though experts said the technology is also becoming a valuable tool for estimating ray abundance and movement.