With Christmas Bird Counts helping to fuel rare bird sightings being reported, the tops must be the First Canadian Record Taiga Flycatcher found in Vancouver, British Columbia, which also established a first for the province! Three new First State Records reported by birders included an Arctic Loon in Montana, a Groove-billed Ani in Georgia, and a Short-billed Gull in New Jersey. Three Second State Records included a Crested Caracara in Nebraska, a Cassin's Finch in Michigan, and a Cassin's Sparrow in New York – and there are many more rare sightings to report!
CANADIAN RECORD
First Canadian Record Taiga Flycatcher – Vancouver, British Columbia
STATE & PROVINCIAL RECORDS
First Provincial Record Taiga Flycatcher – Vancouver, British Columbia
First State Record Arctic Loon – Flathead Lake, Montana
First State Record Groove-billed Ani – Atlanta, Georgia
First State Record Short-billed Gull – Raritan Estuary, New Jersey
Second State Record Crested Caracara – near Lewellen, Nebraska
Second State Record Cassin's Finch – near Wolverine, Michigan
Second State Record Cassin's Sparrow – Montauk Point, New York
Third State Record Great Kiskadee – near Pratt, Kansas
Third State Record Townsend's Warbler – Hammonasset Beach, Connecticut
Third State Record Western Flycatcher – Headland Dunes, Ohio
Fourth State Record Ross's Gull – Union Reservoir, Colorado
Fifth State Record Winter Wren – Roses Lake, Washington
Sixth State Record Great Skua – offshore Nantucket, Massachusetts
Sixth State Record Little Gull – Lake Santa Fe, Florida
Seventh State Record Cinnamon Teal – near Little Creek, Delaware
Seventh State Record Whooper Swan – near Bow, Washington
REALLY RARE BIRDS
Brambling – Shoal Harbor, Newfoundland
Ferruginous Hawk – Oakland City, Indiana
Short-billed Gull – Randall's Island, New York
Hooded Warbler – Eugene, Oregon
Pine Grosbeak – near Lincolnville, Indiana
CONTINUING REALLY RARE BIRDS
Asian Rosy Finch – Alaska
Eurasian Bullfinch – Yukon
Blue Rock Thrush – Hawaii
Crimson-collared Grosbeak – Texas
Brown Jays – Texas
Cattle Tyrant – Texas
Gray Gull – Florida
Common Cranes – Washington, Texas
Mottled Owl – Texas
Yellow-headed Caracaras – Florida, Texas
Eurasian Sparrowhawk – Alaska
Steller's Sea Eagle – Newfoundland
You can often find more information about individual rare bird sightings from the ABA regional and state rare bird alert listserves that you can access at Birding News brought to you by American Birding Association - (aba.org) or at ABA Rare Bird Alert | Facebook.