The 29th Report of The Avian Records Committee of Connecticut
By Frank Mantlik, Phil Rusch, and Julian Hough
This is the 29th report of the Avian Records Committee of Connecticut (hereafter ARCC or “the committee”). The committee met in person 10 March 2024 to complete a review of rare bird reports for the years 2023 and early 2024. This year the committee voted on 63 records involving 40 species and 5 subspecies with an acceptance rate of 80%. No new species were added to the state list; the total remains at 451 species. Highlights include acceptance of the state’s second record of Trumpeter Swan, third records of Western Flycatcher, MacGillivray’sWarbler, Hermit Warbler, and fourth records of Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Roseate Spoonbill, Bell’s Vireo, and Short-billed Gull. In addition, the committee accepted its first record of Barn Owl and its first three records of Bicknell’s Thrush since adding these species to the Review List.
STATE LIST AND REVIEW LIST
The committee depends on observers to submit their reports of species on the Review List (marked with an asterisk on the COA checklist), plus any species new to the state. The most recent Review List may be viewed on the COA-ARCC website at:
https://www.ctbirding.org/arcc/arcc-review-list/
For those wishing to submit a report, updated information on how to develop a report is located in the ARCC section of the Connecticut Ornithological Association website. The link is:
https://www.ctbirding.org/arcc/reporting-rare-sightings/
Submit written reports along with documentary material to the ARCC co-secretaries, Frank Gallo and Phil Rusch.
Each year, the committee evaluates the Review List to quantify the criteria it uses to determine what constitutes a review species. Based on occurrences over the past 20 years, the committee has removed Painted Bunting and added Swallow-tailed Kite back onto the Review List. Lastly, the committee decided to track several species for possible return to, or removal from, the Review List including Wilson’s Phalarope, American White Pelican, American Goshawk, and Western Kingbird.
FORMAT: The format of the report is as follows:
The species are listed in order according to the American Ornithological Society (AOS) Checklist.
- Common Name Latin Name [Total number of accepted records]
- Year: with multiple records of the species listed chronologically.
- Number of Individuals greater than one
- Age, if known
- Location, town,
- Date(s) of occurrence In the case of Accepted Records, (the finder or collector is listed first with those submitting reports next. * Denotes a report submitted)
- Record number is the year followed by the record number. 2023-00
COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
The committee members who voted on records in this Report were Nick Bonomo, Frank Gallo, Tina Green, Greg Hanisek, Julian Hough, Jay Kaplan, Alex Lin-Moore, Frank Mantlik, Jeremy Nance, Phil Rusch, Dave Tripp and Glenn Williams. At the conclusion of this meeting, due to relocation to Wisconsin, Jeremy Nance resigned as a member. His contributions to the committee and to the Connecticut birding community will be sorely missed.
For more info on each ARCC member visit:
ACCEPTED RECORDS
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis [4]
2023: Eleven, Point Folly, Bantam Lake, Litchfield, Litchfield, 3 May (Bette Shaw* 2023-35).
A chance encounter by a dog-walker resulted in photo and cell phone video of the flock. Thanks to Buzz Devine for forwarding the information.
Ross’s Goose Anser rossii [14]
2023: Adult, Seaside Park, Bridgeport, Fairfield, 25 Feb-4 Mar. (Russ Smiley*, Stuart Winquist 2023-14).
This individual spent time foraging on ball fields with one adult Snow Goose and 100-200 Canada geese.
Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus [24]
2023: Adult, Broad Brook Mill Pond, East Windsor, Hartford, 2-3 Nov (Jeff Fengler* 2023-39).
This vocalizing individual was found and well-photographed among large flocks of Canada Geese roosting on the pond. This Eurasian rarity is now annual in the northeastern U.S.
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopis [9]
2023: Adult, Sydney Fuller Preserve, Suffield, Hartford, 28 Oct-1 Nov (Abigail Wolcott*, Russ Smiley* 2023-38).
During its stay, this individual toured several local spots including Broad Brook Millpond, East Windsor, and along Crane Road, Ellington, Tolland.
Trumpeter Swan Cygnus buccinator [2]
2023: Sub-Adult, Aicher Preserve, Pomfret, Windham, 28 Mar-13 Apr, (Andy Rzeznikiewicz, Phil Rusch*, Jeff Fengler* 2023-18).
First discovered by a local birder 11 April, it had apparently been present since 28 March. This increasingly lethargic bird was captured and transported to a rehabilitator on 13 April. It unfortunately succumbed overnight to severe lead poisoning. The specimen is now at the UConn Biological Research Collection in Storrs, CT.
Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula [15]
2023-2024: Adult Female, Grannis Pond, East Haven, New Haven, 15 Dec-15 Jan; presumed same Konold’s Pond, Woodbridge, New Haven 4-12 Feb (Paul Smith*, John Oshlick 2023-46).
While scouting for the New Haven CBC, Paul Smith discovered this adult female, which was subsequently seen by 100+ birders daily through 15 Jan before the pond iced over, no doubt forcing the bird to relocate.
Eared Grebe Podiceps nigricollis [24]
2024: Adult, Stonington Point, Stonington, New London, 26 Jan-9 Apr (Russ Smiley* 2024-12). Sandy Point, West Haven, New Haven, 3 Feb (Alex Lin-Moore*, Cody Limber 2024-14).
The Stonington individual has wintered in Stonington Harbor since 2017. The New Haven harbor bird was well described and sketched by an experienced observer. It had been discovered earlier in the day by other birders (Christine Howe, DeWitt Allen) from Nathan Hale Park, New Haven (eBird).
Yellow Rail Coturnicops noveboracensis [18]
2023: Adult, 345 Gold Star Highway, Groton, New London, 16 Sep (Nicole Neigel* 2023-31).
Sub-adult, 170 Flanders Road, Niantic, East Lyme, New London, 13 Oct (Nicole Neigel* 2023-37).
Both of these individuals were no doubt disoriented migrants and were found in parking lots far from appropriate habitat. Both were rehabilitated, and subsequently successfully released at area salt marshes. Thanks to rehabilitator Nicole Neigel, both instances ended with positive outcomes.
Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus [12]
2023: Adult, Plum Bank Marsh, Old Saybrook, Middlesex, 13-14 May (Nick Bonomo*, Dan Rottino* 2023-22).
A birder scouting for a CT Big Day discovered this rarity in an area of salt marsh that has hosted this species in the past. Black-necked Stilt is becoming an expected spring overshoot species.
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus [10]
2023: Adult, female, Sandy Point, West Haven, New Haven, 21 May (John Oshlick* 2023-25);
Three, juvenile, Rocky Hill Meadows, Rocky Hill, Hartford, 15 Aug (Sara Zagorski* 2023-27);
Juvenile, Glastonbury Meadows, Glastonbury, Hartford, 15 Aug (Bill Asteriades* 2023-28).
The West Haven bird was likely “knocked down” as a result of heavy rain the previous day. It seems rainy weather, during spring and fall migration windows can be a factor in the appearance of both phalarope species.
Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius [17]
2023: Juvenile, Shepaug Reservoir, Warren, Litchfield, 12 Oct (Jill MacKenzie* 2023-34).
This individual was found dead and was photographed by the observer. Initially submitted as a Red-necked Phalarope, careful review of the photographs determined it to be a Red Phalarope based on bill size and state of the preformative molt.
Long-tailed Jaeger Stercorarius longicaudus [8]
2023: 2nd/3rd-cycle, Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison, New Haven, 26 Aug (Monica Nichols* 2023-30).
A bird photographer was practicing shooting Laughing Gulls when an unfamiliar bird appeared in her viewfinder. This rarity was positively identified after the fact by her excellent photos. Intriguingly, this individual showed a head pattern and tail length more consistent with a 3rd cycle individual but also had quite heavily barred underwings, a feature more consistent with a younger bird.
Dovekie Alle alle [18]
2020: Adult female, Stonington Point, Stonington, New London, 11 Jan (Kristof Zyskowski* 2020-61).
2024: Age Uncertain, Avery Point, Groton, New London, 10 Jan (Nick Bonomo* 2024-06);
Age Uncertain, Harkness State Park, Waterford, New London, 12 Jan (Bill Eisele* 2024-08);
Age Uncertain, Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, Stonington, New London, 13 Jan (Bob Dewire* 2024-10).
The 2020 record is of a specimen in the Yale Peabody collection. The 2024 records were of sightings during a span of inclement weather with strong southeast onshore winds. The Barn Island bird was found on the 3rd/4th impoundment, but then took off inland over the forest! All of the above Dovekie records reinforce the best way to find them in the state is to search both during and after a strong SE gale.
Thick-billed Murre Uria lomvia [33]
2023: Adult, Stonington Point, Stonington, New London, 15 Dec (Russ Smiley* 2023-44).
2024: Adult, Stonington Town Dock, Stonington, New London, 2 Jan (Niall Doherty* 2024-02).
The December bird, a flyby, was well-photographed by an observer who is ever-ready with his camera, while the January bird was also photographed as it swam by the Stonington dock.
Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla [32]
2022: First cycle, Hampton, Windham, 22-23 Dec (Anonymous, James Taylor* 2022-68).
2023: 4-8, Adults, Saville Dam, Barkhamsted, Litchfield, 5-7 May (Dorrie Holmes*, Mark Danforth* 2023-21).
The Hampton bird was a weak or sick bird captured in a private field, apparently after a storm. The Barkhamsted birds were initially discovered by an experienced observer during inclement, damp weather. During the ensuing days, the flock (maximum count of 8) was seen by many birders (eBird).
Both records represent very rare inland occurrences of this species in CT.
Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus [8]
2024: Adult, Stonington Point, Stonington, New London, 13 Jan (David Provencher* 2024-11).
This adult was seen as it flew past the point among an estimated 1400 Bonaparte’s Gulls streaming east, during strong E/SE winds and periods of rain and fog. This was likely the same flock that had been present along the Rhode Island coast in the previous few days.
Common Gull Larus canus [12-kamtschatschensis, 10-canus]
2023/2024: Adult, race kamtschatschenis, Cove Island Park, Holly Pond, and Cummings Park, Stamford, Fairfield, 23 Dec-1 Mar (Patrick Dugan, Aidan Kiley* 2023-48).
2023: Adult, nominate race canus, Long Beach, Stratford, Fairfield, 6-11 Mar (Greg Hanisek* 2023-15).
2024: Adult, nominate race canus , Coventry Lake, Coventry, Tolland; Eastbrook Mall and Mansfield Hollow Reservoir, Tolland; Northridge Drive, Airport Trail, Windham, Windham, 1 Jan-8 Mar (David Mathieu* 2024-01).
The Stamford individual of the Asian subspecies, kamtschatschensis, colloquially referred to as Kamchatka Gull, has returned for its 6th year. The Windham bird of the nominate European race canus, known colloquially as Common Gull, returned for its second year to the North Windham Walmart. The Stratford bird was a nice find among a large mixed flock of gulls gathered to feed on plankton on the inshore waters of Long Island Sound.
Short-billed Gull Larus brachyrhynchus [4]
2024: Adult, Holly Pond, Stamford, Fairfield, 4 Jan and 1 Feb (Patrick Dugan, Frank Gallo*, Aidan Kiley 2024-03).
This is presumed to be the same returning individual from 2023 based on an examination of the primary pattern. On the Feb date, it was in the company of the Kamchatka Gull.
Leach’s Storm Petrel Hydrobates leucorhous [8]
2011: Age Uncertain, moribund, 4 Matthew Street, Prospect, New Haven, 29 Aug (Peter Thiel, Kristof Zyskowski 2011-46).
This bird was found emaciated in a residential area after the passage of Hurricane/TropicalStorm Irene. It succumbed and is now a specimen at Yale Peabody Museum (YPM 142395).
Anhinga Anhinga anhinga [8]
2023: Adult, Clark Hill Road, East Haddam, Middlesex, 26 Apr (Dan Rottino* 2023-20); Falls River, Essex, Middlesex, 8 May, (Christie Gilluly* 2023-49).
The East Haddam bird was a sighting by an experienced birder while looking for hawks migrating over his yard. The Essex bird was seen swimming and in flight in a portion of North Cove along the Connecticut River. These sightings coincide with a flurry of sightings of Anhingas in New York and New Jersey that April and May.
Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis [11]
2023: Adult, Housatonic River breakwater, Stratford, Fairfield, 5 Jul. (Nick Bonomo*, Frank Mantlik* 2023-24).
A boating birder discovered this adult pelican roosting on the rock breakwater at the mouth of the Housatonic River. By promptly getting word out, a number of other birders were able to also scope it from land. This sighting was particularly noteworthy, as the vast majority of CT records are of immatures.
Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaia [4]
2023: Juvenile, Milford Point, Milford, New Haven, and Short Beach, Stratford, Fairfield, 24 Aug-8 Oct (Roger Mann, Roger Mann, Jr., Frank Mantlik* 2023-29).
A man and his son photographed this immature in flight over the salt marshes of the Charles Wheeler WMA. They showed the photo to Coastal Center staff, who promptly got word out and it was relocated across the Housatonic River in Stratford. It remained in the area through the late date of 8 Oct, when it was seen by a Big Sit team at Milford Point. This species has exhibited a widespread pattern of vagrancy north of its usual range in recent years. This represents the fourth record for CT, with the first in 2018, and two more records in 2021.
Swainson’s Hawk Buteo swainsoni [16]
2023: Juvenile, Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven, New Haven, 12 Nov (Abby Sesselberg* 2023-40).
This avid hawk counter and photographer only discovered photos of this bird upon returning home after a productive day of birding!
Barn Owl Tyto alba [1]
2023: Age unknown, Willard’s Island, Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison, New Haven, 19 Nov (Jerry Connolly* 2023-42).
This is the first adjudicated record since Barn Owl was recently added to the Review List.
Western Flycatcher Empidonax difficilis [3]
2023: Lyman Allyn Museum, Connecticut College, New London, New London, 6-7 Dec (Skyler Kardell, Phil Rusch*, Cody Limber* 2023-43).
A terrific find by a birding college student, this third CT record was well studied and photographed. It remained on campus two days, enabling many to see this rare Empidonax from the west.
Bell’s Vireo Vireo bellii [4]
2023: Cove Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Stamford, Fairfield, 21-25 Oct (Patrick Dugan, Frank Mantlik*, 2023-36).
An experienced observer found this fourth CT record at his local patch. Though it was often elusive, many patient/lucky birders saw this skulking rarity during its stay. Habitat restoration has paid off, as this vireo joins quite a list of CT rarities discovered at this productive sanctuary.
Bicknell’s Thrush, Catharus bicknelli [3]
2018: First-basic female, Evan’s Hall, Yale Univ., New Haven, New Haven, 13 Oct, (Jill McSorley 2018-36).
2022: Anthony’s Ocean View, Lighthouse Road, New Haven, New Haven, 30 Sep (Frogard Ryan 2022-66).
2023: Adult, Greenwich Audubon Sanctuary, Greenwich, Fairfield, 19 May (Richard Chmielecki* 2023-23).
The 2018 and 2022 birds are specimens at Yale Peabody Museum, found as window strikes and confirmed by wing chord measurements. The 2023 bird was accepted unanimously based on song and call recordings by the alert observer.
Smith’s Longspur Calcarius pictus [4]
1982: Willard’s Island, Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison, New Haven, 2 May (Paul Desjardins* 1982-01/H2-11).
This record languished in the archives for 40 years. This was a bird reportedly seen by many at the time. The recently found original negative and original photo allowed confirmation to species. This represented the second CT record, the first being a specimen collected from Stratford 24 Mar 1968.
Le Conte’s Sparrow, Ammospiza leconteii [17]
2023: Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison, New Haven, 13 Oct (Jack Robbins* 2023-33).
2024: Sherwood Island State Park, Westport, Fairfield, 13-28 Jan (Jo Fasciolo*, Adam Fasciolo 2024-07).
The Madison bird was photographed and identified from photos that evening, by an observer searching for a previously-reported Clay-colored Sparrow. The Westport bird was a great find by a birding couple who were able to obtain photos. It was relocated by some on later dates, but proved to be very elusive.
Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta [5]
2023: Adult, Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison, New Haven, 26-30 Mar (Lisa Cushing, Steve Mayo* 2023-17).
Photos initially posted on social media caused some reviewers to suspect Western Meadowlark. Many came to see and study this bird and it was also heard vocalizing, including singing. Some calls were recorded by Andy McGann (eBird).
MacGillivray’s Warbler Geothlypis tolmiei [3]
2023: Adult male, Pine Creek Open Space, Fairfield, Fairfield, 17-19 Nov, (James Purcell*, Frank Mantlik* 2023-41).
An experienced birder made this exceptional find at one of his local patches and managed to obtain a photo using his cellphone through his binoculars, and promptly alerted the birding community. It was not relocated that afternoon but was heard and seen briefly by a few early the next morning, and then seen and heard by many two days later. At times it was very vocal, giving distinctive chip notes, but remained hidden in the dense underbrush. This secretive bird occasionally appeared in the open, and only briefly; some obtained good photos. There was an influx of this species into the Northeast with additional individuals found in MA (25-27 Nov), NH (25-27 Nov), and PA (5-26 Nov) – eBird.
Black-throated Gray Warbler Setophaga nigrescens [12]
2024: Male, Mountain Spring Road, Tolland, Tolland, 5-7 Jan (Eileen Redshaw, David Mathieu* 2024-05).
This stunning male visited a private feeder, and the homeowner allowed a couple of visitors on 7 Jan (during a snowstorm) to confirm it with photos.
Hermit Warbler Setophaga occidentalis [3]
2024: First-winter female, Knox Preserve, Stonington, New London, 30 Jan-12 Feb (Daniel Errichetti*, Chris Wood* 2024-13).
This was an amazing find by an experienced observer among a flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers. It could prove elusive, often foraging among Red Cedars, or on the ground (no snow cover), and was noted eating insects.
Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana [24]
2023: Adult male, Rocky Road, E., Harwinton, Litchfield, 16-19 April (Denise LaPerriere* 2023-19); First-basic male/Adult female, DEEP Marine Headquarters, Ferry Road, Old Lyme, New London, 23 Dec (Jeri Duefrene* 2024-09).
The Harwinton bird was a bright male in non-breeding plumage that visited a private yard and feeders. The Old Lyme bird was initially thought to be an American Goldfinch, but her photos posted on iNaturalist allowed a correct identification to species.
Painted Bunting Passerina ciris [22]
2023: Adult male, Farm Brook Reservoir, Hamden, New Haven, 9 Dec and 20-22 Feb (Peter Grund, John Oshlick* 2023-45).
This adult male was found in brushy woods near an inlet stream of the reservoir. No doubt the same bird then appeared in February at a private feeding station in the neighborhood and was posted on social media.
RECORDS NOT ACCEPTED
Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla
2022: Three, Long Island Sound off Stamford, Fairfield, 30 Oct (2021-51).
The observer had prior experience identifying this species, but many on the committee felt the description was lacking and the photos were not of much help. In addition, the sighting was during very poor weather conditions. This record went the full three rounds of voting.
Cabot’s Tern / Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis acuflavidus / Thalasseus sandvicensis sandvicensis
2018: Sandy Point, West Haven, New Haven, 18 Aug (Greg Hanisek*, Frank Mantlik* 2018-25).
This previously accepted record of Sandwich Tern was reopened to review the possibility of it being of the European subspecies, sandvicensis, at the request of member Julian Hough. This was based on a recent identification article in North American Birds (vol 74, No.1, pp 16-25; 2023) by David Sibley. The committee deliberated on this at length at its Mar 2024 meeting. While distant photos by Mantlik and others seem to show several features – pale under-primaries, brighter white inner edges of primary tips, largely dark cap, thinner bill – highly suggestive of the European race, the quality of the photos were inadequate to satisfy the majority of the committee).
Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus
2022: Age and sex uncertain, Long Island Sound off Waterford, New London, 5 Aug (2022-31).
This was a bird identified only from photos, after the fact, taken from the New London ferry. Many on the committee thought the distance, lighting, and waves made the identification to species impossible.
Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis
2023: Unknown age, Holly Pond, Stamford, Fairfield, 1 Aug (2023-26).
While the identification was possibly correct, the written details provided were inadequate for a majority of the members to vote in the affirmative.
Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo
2020: First-summer, Grace Richardson Conservation Area, Fairfield, Fairfield 10 Jun (2021-11).
This was an intriguing record based on an eBird list that contained photographs of an apparent first-summer Eurasian Hobby, a continental mega-rarity. The committee went through three agonizing rounds with this record but felt that, due to further information not forthcoming from the observers, and given the extreme rarity of the species, a conservative approach was warranted.
Bell’s Vireo Vireo bellii
2023: Cove Island Sanctuary, Stamford, Fairfield, 4 Nov (2023-36A).
While the well-documented individual was present 21-25 Oct, this report from 10 days later lacked convincing details.
Warbling Vireo (western subspecies) Vireo gilvus
2024: Branford Sewage Treatment Plant, Block Island Road, Branford, New Haven, 6 Jan (2024-04).
Several observers found a Warbling Vireo on the exceptional date of 6 Jan and one observer suggested it may have been the western subspecies. After much research (including input from Peter Pyle) and deliberation, the committee unanimously decided that it was impossible to make that determination from the photos. Of additional interest, a CBC birder also photographed a very late Philadelphia Vireo at this site on 16 Dec 2023.
Fieldfare Turdus pilaris
2021: Trescott Hill Road, Canaan, Litchfield, 14 Nov (2021-55).
This was a sight-only record of a bird seen feeding on a fruiting shrub in her backyard. The observer, a sculptor artist, gave an honest, adequate description, complete with a sketch, of what she saw. In the end, after much deliberation and three rounds of voting, the committee felt the report didn’t meet the criteria for acceptance of a continent-wide rarity.
Brewer’s Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus
2023: Al Harvey Road, Stonington, New London, 20 Dec (2023-47).
This was a fine report, with photos, by an experienced observer, of a male Euphagus blackbird. It was a tough record to assess, based on the similarity of Rusty and Brewer’s Blackbirds. The images provided seemed to show a bird more consistent with Rusty Blackbird than Brewer’s.
Townsend’s Warbler Setophaga townsendi
2023: Lake Drive, Harwinton, Litchfield, 16 Sep (2023-32).
This report included photos of a Setophaga warbler that superficially looked like a Townsend’s Warbler. But careful scrutiny of the photos, which were in tricky lighting, led many on the committee to assess that it was actually a Black-throated Green Warbler.
Frank Mantlik, Chairman, 195 High View Drive, Stratford, CT 06614
Phil Rusch, Co-Secretary, 16 Singleton Road, Chaplin, CT 06235
Julian Hough, 80 Sea Street, New Haven, CT 06519