VIRGINIA BEACH (AP) -- A squat, yellow-legged seabird more common to Caribbean waters has been sighted off Virginia Beach, creating a stir among birders.

AP Photo

Brown Booby

Since 1982, only one brown booby has been seen in Virginia, and a mere six have been confirmed in state history.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist Eric Davis says the Virginia Beach booby may have been following the Gulf Stream or a warm- weather pattern as it strayed north.

The booby was identified by visitors from Maryland. Their discovery, confirmed by experts, has sparked excitement among bird enthusiasts. Some traveled hours for a glimpse of the lone booby.

Best known for their diving skills, they slam into the water at an acute angle in search of fish and squid.

Boobies get their name because of their once-perceived stupidity. John Audubon, the famed naturalist, once tracked boobies off the Florida Keys, and called the nickname "utterly inapplicable."

Fort Story security officers are reminding civilian visitors to the Army base that the booby site is off-limits to anyone lacking a Department of Defense ID card.