As a local news organization, Patch covers stories of all kinds, from heartbreaking tragedies to inspiring tales of community brotherhood. But some stories are just plain weird. Here are some of the stranger headlines from the past seven days.
A dense black cloud with no obvious source was seen over the Atlantic Ocean this week, and the birdwatcher who spotted it is seeking answers.
Southampton resident David Sagman said he saw the cloud in the distance during a routine birdwatching expedition Thursday, while standing at the end of Old Town Road in Southampton and overlooking the ocean.
"It seemed to be moving very slowly westward and northward with very subtle shape change," Sagman said. "No fishing boats were observed nearby."
The cloud was several miles offshore, he said, and he got the best photos he could, using an 800mm digiscope — a telescope for taking photos — on a tripod.
"I wondered if it could be composed of thousands of birds but other thoughts are welcome," Sagman said.
WATCH: Local Santa Photo May be Funniest for Kelly Ripa
In this clip is from "Live with Kelly and Michael," a photo submitted by a Kings Park local of a Santa whose pants appear to be falling down, had the hosts in stitches.
WATCH: Identified Flying Object Watches Polar Plunge
If you were at the Polar Plunge on Saturday and got the feeling that you were being watched, you were right.
The Brookhaven Town Polar Plunge at Cedar Beach in Mt. Sinai was visited by characters from both science fiction and scientific fact on Saturday. There was Darth Vader, some Stormtroopers and an aerial surveillance droid watched from high overhead, recording the whole event.