October 25, 2024
Continuing rarities in the ABA Area include the ABA 1st record Gray Gull (ABA Code 5) in Florida, and the accomodating Yellow Grosbeak (4) in Arizona.
We’re continuing to see fun stuff from Alaska this week, including Little Bunting (3) and a continuing influx of Eurasian Bullfinches (4) on St Paul Island. Alaska has also had some rarities from the North American direction of late, with the state’s 6th Black-throated Gray Warbler in Ketchikan and the 4th Great Crested Flycatcher at Glacier Bay National Park.
Washington enjoyed its 1st record of Marsh Sandpiper (4) this week, seen at Neah Bay in Clallam Co. Most records of this widepsread Asian shorebird come from Alaska, but California has also racked up a number of records in the last decade, with two additional North American records from western Mexico.
In Texas, a female Blue Bunting (4) in Hidalgo kicks off rarity season in the region.
An Ash-throated Flycatcher in Benton Co, Arkansas, is only the 3rd record for the state.
In Illinois, a Chestnut-collared Longspur was a nice find along the lakeshore in Cook Co.
Ontario had a Vermilion Flycatcher at Long Point this week, and the province’s 2nd record of Black-tailed Gull (4) was seen in Elgin Co.
A Black-throated Gray Warbler in St John’s is a 2nd record for Newfoundland and Labrador.
In New York, a Wood Stork in Richland Co has been present for a few days.
And great finds in Florida include the state’s 2nd Brewer’s Sparrow in Wakulla Co, and a Bananaquit (3) in Palm Beach Co.
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.
