How did this bird end up thousands of miles from home? It’s a mystery that even bird experts can’t solve.

The bird, which is called a blue rock-thrush, is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, but this one was spotted in North America! The proof was provided by Michael Sanchez, a middle school band director from Vancouver, Washington. Sanchez, whose hobby is photography, was at a state park in Oregon taking some photos when he saw a bird he’d never seen before.

“I said, ‘Oh, well, what a cute little bird,’” Sanchez told National Public Radio (NPR). He took photos of the bird and posted them to Facebook, noting the bird’s beautiful blue and brown feathers. When bird experts saw the bird, they realized how far from home it was. No one had seen a blue rock-thrush in North America since 1997!

Experts say the bird is most likely from near Japan, but they aren’t sure how it got across the Pacific Ocean to the United States. They think it might have gotten blown off course or hopped a ride on a ship. Sanchez says the experience has given him a new hobby.

“I have more of an interest in photographing birds now,” he told NPR. “I don’t imagine I’ll ever get something like that again. But, you know, it does help me to notice birds a little bit more.”