September 20, 2024
Continuing rarities in the ABA Area include the ABA Area 1st Gray Gull (ABA Code 5), still being seen in Florida after a long absence, the Steller’s Sea-Eagle (4) in Newfoundland, and a Slate-throated Redstart (4) in California.
We start in Colorado, which has seen quite a few new records from the south in recent years. This week adds one more to that list, with what appears to be the state’s 1st record of Golden-fronted Woodpecker in Cheyenne Co. Extralimital records of Golden-fronted Woodpecker have always been muddied somewhat by the occasional abnormally colored Red-bellied Woodpecker, but this one seems to be a good one based on many photos, especially of the tail.
We head up to Alaska, where we are approaching the peak period for passerine vagrants. Willow Warbler (4) and Rustic Bunting (3) have been seen this week on St Paul Island.
In California, seawatchers in Orange Co were surprised by a flyby Blue-footed Booby (4).
Nevada’s 4th record of Great Crested Flycatcher was well-photographed in Tonopah.
Annual these days in Arizona but still an exciting find, a Plain-capped Starthroat (4) was seen this week at a feeder in Madera Canyon.
Illinois joins the Wood Stork party this week with the discovery of a young bird in DeWitt Co.
Always a nice find in the interior of the continent, an Arctic Tern was discovered this week in Berrien Co, Michigan.
Kentucky’s 2nd record of Clapper Rail, a surprising bird so far inland, was in Louisville.
And Maine’s 7th record of Common Gull was seen on Matinicus Rock this week.
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.
