December 20, 2024
We haven’t mentioned it in some time in this column, but the Steller’s Sea-Eagle (ABA Code 4) in Newfoundland is still part of the rarity landscape in the ABA Area, having been seen this week. In Texas, the Cattle Tyrant (5) in Corpus Christi continues into this week as well.
Texas is also hosting a young Yellow-headed Caracara (5) this week, seen in Galveston. A previous bird seen in Texas was not accepted by the state’s rarity committee, but this second bird seems to suggest that the ongoing movement of this species into the ABA Area is more lasting that was perhaps initially thought. It remains to be seen what local committees do with these birds, but they are listed on the ABA Checklist by virtue of continuing sightings in Florida.
Out to California, where the second Swallow-tailed Gull (5) of 2024 was seen at Bodega Bay. This is not far from Southeast Farallon island, where this species was spotted this past summer. It seems reasonable to consider the possibility that this might be the same bird cruising around northern California, though it may be impossible to confirm.
CBC season has paid rarity dividends in Oregon, where a White Wagtail was spotted on the Tillamook Co Christmas Bird Count, this week.
Back to the east and Delaware, where a Northern Lapwing (4) was spotted at Prime Hook NWR, representing the state’s 5th record. This follows birds seen this winter in Newfoundland and Massachusetts.
In Nova Scotia, a stunning male Painted Bunting was seen at a feeder in Annapolis Co.
And in Rhode Island, a Townsend’s Warbler was seen in Newport, one of dozens seen in New England and Atlantic Canada this fall and winter.
Omissions and errors are not intended, but if you find any please message blog AT aba.org and I 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 editions listed here. Place names written in italics refer to counties/parishes.
Readers should note that none of these reports has yet been vetted by a records committee. All birders are urged to submit documentation of rare sightings to the appropriate state or provincial 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.
