ABA Area rarities continuing into mid-April include Cattle Tyrant (ABA Code 5), Crimson Collared-Grosbeak (4), and Brown Jay (4) in Texas, and, still, the Steller’s Sea-Eagle (4) Newfoundland.
Mid-April in Florida is the season for neotropical migrants, and frequently Caribbean strays that turn up for birders chasing those new arrivals. A Cuban Pewee (5) at the famous migrant hotspot of Garden Key, part of Dry Tortugas National Park in Monroe Co, is an excellent find. This species was first recorded in the ABA Area in 1995, and then again in 1999, 2001, and 2010. The last few years have seen it occur in the ABA Area far more frequently, with 10 or so recorded since, most recently in 2023.
Up to Alaska, where a Whooper Swan (4) in Delta Junction is a nice find.
In California, a well-marked Little Stint (4) has been present this week in San Diego Co.
Colorado has boasted a handful of nice birds of late, including the state’s 3rd Crissal Thrasher in Costilla Co. Other noteworthy sightings include Common Black Hawk in La Junta Co, Tricolored Heron in Adams Co, and Mexican Duck in Grand Co.
A Ruff (3) in Douglas Co, Nebraska, is the first seen in that state for several decades.
In New York, a Tufted Duck (3) in Nassau Co is a nice find.
And in Quebec, a Taiga Bean-Goose (3) seen at several sites along the northern bank of the St. Lawrence River looks a good deal like it might be the bird that spent the winter near Albany, New York.
Omissions and errors are not intended, but if you find any, please message blog AT aba.org and we will try to fix them as soon as possible. This post is meant to be an account of the most recently reported birds. Continuing birds not mentioned are likely included in previous installments of the ABA Rare Bird Alert. Readers should note that most of these reports have not yet been vetted by a records committee. All birders are urged to submit documentation of rare sightings to the appropriate state or provincial records committees. For full analysis of these and other bird observations, subscribe to North American Birds, the richly illustrated journal of ornithological record published by the ABA.
