Rare Bird Alert

Because of COVID-19 related Stay-at-Home orders in many states and provinces, the purpose of this report is to keep homebound birders caught up rare bird sightings across the ABA Area during spring migration. We do not endorse the pursuit of rare birds beyond your local area. The ABA urges readers to respect state, provincial, and local restrictions on non-essential travel. The ABA’s Recording Standards and Ethics Committee has released guidelines on how birders should approach this unusual time and we urge birders, whether they are members of the ABA or not, to consider them when deciding whether to travel to see a rare bird. Stay safe and healthy, everyone.

Arizona is still hot, with the spectacular Eared Quetzal (ABA Code 4) leading a rare bird lineup and that contains Berylline Hummingbird (4), Common Crane (4), Flame-colored Tanager (4), and Crescent-chested Warbler. Little Egret continues in Maine, and the Streak-backed Oriole (4) of unknown provenance was seen again in Texas, along with a Black-headed Grassquit (4) Florida.

Reports of storm waifs from Tropical Storm Cristobal are still turning up. A Black Skimmer in St. Clair, Michigan, seen at the end of May and only recently reported would represent a 1st record for the state.

Another slightly stale report that I meant to mention last week but forgot, a Scarlet Tanager in Island, Washington, represents a long awaited 1st for that state.

Not to be left out of the haul of Mexican goodies seen in Arizona, Texas can boast a Slate-throated Redstart (4) seen this week in Big Bend National Park, Brewster. 

Missouri becomes the latest state this summer to host a Neotropic Cormorant, seen in Buchanon. 

In Pennsylvania, a Brown Booby turned up on a lake in Bucks.  

And in Newfoundland, a Tricolored Heron at Forteau Bay is one of fewer than 10 records for the island and the province.

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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.