Annual Report - 2019
 

REPORT OF THE NEW YORK STATE AVIAN RECORDS COMMITTEE FOR 2019

The New York State Avian Records Committee (hereafter “NYSARC” or the “Committee”) evaluated 56 submissions involving 47 occurrences of New York State review species from 2019. Additionally, the Committee received three submissions for three occurrences of New York State review species from previous years. Reports were received from across the state, with 21 of the 62 counties (there were no reports from the pelagic zone). The number of reports accompanied by photographs remains high and naturally benefits the value of the archive. The Committee wishes to remind readers that reports submitted to listservs, local bird clubs, rare bird alerts (RBAs) and even the Kingbird Regional Editors are not necessarily passed along to NYSARC. Doing so, therefore, remains the responsibility of the observer(s). The best way to ensure a rarity is reviewed by NYSARC is to submit a formal report to the Committee, which would include written details and possibly photographs or audio recordings. Submitting an acceptable report to eBird also works, although NYSARC review of eBird reports may lag slightly behind reviews of formal submissions. As is well-known by now, the use of the Internet and mobile phones has had a very positive impact on the timely dissemination of rare bird sightings and has made it easier for birders to locate rarities found by others. The Committee has always held that receipt of multiple independent reports provides a much fuller documentation of the sighting and can in some cases increase the likelihood of acceptance. We therefore urge ALL observers, not just the finder, to submit written reports and/or photographs. The names of the 47 contributors that submitted materials for the formal submissions (written reports, photographs, video and audio recordings, and sketches) are listed alongside accepted reports and again at the end of this document. Where possible, the name(s) of the original finder(s) is (are) included in the narratives. Production of this Annual Report is a team effort. In addition to the contributors referenced above, some Kingbird Regional Editors and eBird reviewers have helped observers to prepare and submit documentation.
 

HOW TO SUBMIT REPORTS

Advice on how to prepare and submit a report is provided on the NYSARC pages within the New York State Ornithological Association (NYSOA) web site: https://nybirds.org/NYSARC/index.htm. Although it may go without saying that photographs and/or audio recordings of the reported bird(s) can be vitally important to getting a record accepted by the Committee, it cannot be emphasized enough that a thorough written description of the bird(s) and the circumstances of the observation, as well as other pertinent details, can also propel a record to acceptance. Unfortunately, eBird reports are frequently very short on details and when those reports also lack hard evidence, such as photos or audio recordings, it becomes difficult for the Committee to accept them.
This highlights an important distinction between NYSARC and eBird. Some eBird reports are accepted by eBird reviewers in large part because the observer is considered experienced. While NYSARC may consider the observer’s experience, we want accepted records to have archived documentation that can be reviewed by anyone in the future. As such, some reports from very experienced observers that have few or no substantial details and which were accepted by eBird reviewers, will not be accepted by NYSARC.

Also on the NYSARC pages is a list of species requested for review by NYSARC (The Review List) as well as illustrated copies of previous annual reports. The Committee is very grateful to Carena Pooth (NYSOA Web Master) for updating and continuously improving the NYSARC web site. An on-line reporting form allows observers to compose a written report and attach up to three digital image files maximum size 7 MB per photo). Documentation (written reports, photographs, audio recordings) and any other correspondence for the Committee can also be sent via email to the NYSARC Secretary, Gary Chapin, at: nysarc44@nybirds.org. As a last resort, you can also use regular mail to get your report to Gary:
 

                                        Gary Chapin, 125 Pine Springs Drive, Ticonderoga, NY 12883.
 

HIGHLIGHTS

There was one new addition to the State list in 2019—a Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) on Long Island. Other highlights from the formal submissions include the first Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus) in New York since 1973, followed by another only two weeks later, and an amazing three records of Townsend’s Warbler (Setophaga townsendi).
 

COMMITTEE NEWS

The 2019 annual meeting was held via UberConference on 27 September 2020, six months after the 2018 annual meeting. Note that the annual meeting year refers to the latest reports reviewed at that meeting. After the first round of review, nine formal submissions were left for additional discussion and voting. Seven of those were settled using email discussion, prior to the meeting, one was completed during the meeting, and one was completed after soliciting and receiving opinions from outside experts. During the meeting the Committee considered changes to the review list but decided that none were necessary at that time. The terms of Tom Burke and Willie D’Anna expired at the end of 2020 and both agreed to stay on the Committee for another term. The Committee members requested that Willie remain as the Chair and he agreed to do so.

The NYSARC remains caught up on formal submissions, reviewing reports within a year after the close of the previous year. For the first time, the Committee began to review accepted eBird records in 2020. The 2019 eBird records were reviewed concurrently with the 2019 formal submissions in 2020. At the time of this writing (December 2023), we have now reviewed 2019-2022 eBird records concurrently with formal submissions from the same year. In addition we have been evaluating eBird records prior to 2019, reviewing two additional years every year. Thus, at the time of this writing, we have reviewed eBird records from 2013 through 2022. Since the number of records drops off significantly in the earlier years of eBird, we expect to be able to speed up the process in the years ahead.

2019 Reports Accepted

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygnaautumnalis)
2019-20-A/B One, SUNY Albany, Albany, 4 Jun (Zach Schwartz-Weinstein, Neal Reilly, ph Z. Schwartz-Weinstein, N. Reilly). eBird 4 Jun
2019-22-A One, Clayton, Jefferson, 17 Jun (Jake Ball, ph J. Ball). eBird 17 Jun
This species has become nearly annual in the state, with records ranging from May to September. These two latest records, both from June, follow the same trend. Although some visitors will stay for extended periods, these individuals in Albany and Jefferson Counties were only seen on one day each. The Albany bird was found by Brian Smith and the Jefferson County bird by Jake Ball.

Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis)
2019-49-A One, Rochester, Monroe, 11 Jan 2020 (Neal Reilly, ph N. Reilly). eBird 28-31 Dec 2019, 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10-14 Jan 2020
This Western Grebe on Lake Ontario was found by Karl Schmidt and documented by Neal Reilly for NYSARC. It was seen by many during its more than two weeks stay.

White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica)
2019-11-A One, Central Park, New York, 14 Apr (Joseph DiCostanzo, ph Bruce Yolton). eBird 14 Apr
2019-24-A/B One, Newburgh, Orange, 28 Jul (John Grimm, Shelby Grimm)
2019-25-A One, Jones Beach State Park, Nassau, 5 Aug (Peter Paul, ph P. Paul). eBird 5 Aug

Wilson's Plover
photo © Nick Giordano
(click photo to enlarge)

Wilson’s Plover (Charadrius wilsonia)
2019-32-A One, Cupsogue County Park, Suffolk, 15 May (Nick Giordano, ph N. Giordano). eBird 15-17, 19-21 May
This Wilson’s Plover was first spotted by Rose Erin Moylan, and documented for NYSARC by Nick Giordano. Moylan and Giordano were members of the Virginia Tech Shorebird Program crew, who were monitoring Piping Plover nests at the time. This sighting adds another record to the accumulating number along

the outer beaches of Long Island, where the great majority of records in the state have occurred.

Ruff (Calidris pugnax)
2019-33-A One, Marshlands Conservancy, Westchester, 10 May (Sean Camillieri, ph S. Camillieri). eBird 10 May
A Ruff at Marshlands Conservancy, found by Sean Camillieri, did not stay long but a prompt phone call from the finder allowed a few others to also enjoy this lovely male with a white ruff.

Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri)
2019-23-A One, Cohoes, Albany, 10 Jul (Zach Schwartz-Weinstein, ph Z. Schwartz-Weinstein). eBird 10 Jul
While birding alone at Cohoes Flats, Zach Schwartz-Weinstein found this interesting calidrid that had him confused, as it was clearly unlike the regulars he saw there. Its long decurved bill made him consider Dunlin but the plumage and size were not right. He obtained photos and after consulting with others, a White- rumped Sandpiper X Dunlin hybrid was considered. This hybrid is quite rare but there are now a number of reports of this form, coinciding with birders becoming more adept at shorebird identification. After he posted his photos to the Advanced Bird ID group on Facebook, it quickly became apparent to some that this was a Western Sandpiper, a very rare bird for Albany County and The Kingbird Region 8. The Committee understands why this bird caused such confusion, as it has what seems to be quite a long bill, even for a female Western Sandpiper (females have longer bills than males), although some commented that the bill length was within normal range. The lack of obvious rufous anywhere in the plumage indicates that this was either a second-cycle individual or an adult that had replaced much of its alternate plumage.

Common Greenshank
photo © Shaibal S. Mitra
(click photo to enlarge)

Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)
2019-42-A One, Great River, Suffolk, 5-6 May (Patricia J. Lindsay, ph Shaibal S. Mitra). eBird 5-6 May
This exciting first state record, found by the same observer at the very same puddle where she discovered a Wood Sandpiper the year before, was made by Pat Lindsay, who was promptly joined by Shai Mitra to help in confirming this incredible find. The details of this sighting, as well as a review of prior North American and Caribbean records, appeared in The Kingbird (Lindsay and Mitra 2019).

Common Murre (Uria aalge)
2019-3-A One, Shinnecock Inlet, Suffolk, 13 Jan (Tim Healy, ph T. Healy). eBird 6, 10-13, 17, 19 Jan
2019-7-A One, Jones Beach State Park, Nassau, 8 Feb (Seth Ausubel, ph S. Ausubel). eBird 8 Feb
Staying around for two weeks, a Common Murre at Shinnecock Inlet was seen by many, a rare viewing opportunity from shore. The bird found at Jones Beach by Seth Ausubel and Mary Normandia was not as cooperative, being seen only by these two observers and on just the one day.

Thick-billed Murre (Uria lomvia)
2019-2-A One, Shinnecock Inlet, Suffolk, 1, 13 Jan (Tim Healy, ph T. Healy). eBird 30, 31 Dec 2018, 1-4, 6, 7, 12-19, 27, 29, 30 Jan
Found by David and Jill Bohrer, this Thick-billed Murre at Shinnecock Inlet, overlapping in time and space with a Common Murre (see 2019-3-A above), provided an exceptionally rare opportunity to study and compare these two alcids from shore. Tim Healy had this experience and followed up by documenting both birds for NYSARC.

Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus)
2019-36-A One, Great Gull Island, Suffolk, 8 Jun – 17 Aug (Joseph DiCostanzo, ph J. DiCostanzo). eBird 8, 10, 12, 15, 23, 30 Jun, 5, 9, 11, 12, 20, 25 Jul, 5, 11, 13, 17 Aug
For the fourth consecutive year, presumably the same Bridled Tern summered on Great Gull Island, frequenting mostly the same area around the Common/Roseate Tern colony as in past years. Researchers and students with access to this off- limits island were treated to frequent and often close views, and resourceful birders from Connecticut and Long Island once again studied the bird from boats in the waters off the island.

Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis)
2019-18-A/B One, Gerritsen Inlet, Kings, 2 Jun (Ryan Mandelbaum, Peter Paul, ph R. Mandelbaum, P. Paul). eBird 2 Jun
Alerted to this rarity by its distinctive call, these astute observers realized they would have only seconds before the bird would be flushed from its landing spot by an approaching dog walker. They quickly moved closer and when the bird took off, obtained flight shots that supported the excellent descriptions in the reports. This was apparently a second Kings County record, and the first not related to a storm. It should be noted that minutes after this sighting, a Sandwich Tern was seen by several observers about 7 km to the east at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge with one photo obtained, very likely the same bird.

Pacific Loon
photo © Curt McDermott
(click photo to enlarge)

Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica)
2019-6-A/B One, Oyster Bay, Nassau, 3, 11 Feb (Tim Healy, Kenneth M. McDermott, ph T. Healy, Curt McDermott). eBird 3-11, 13-18, 20-22, 24-28 Feb, 1-4 Mar
Although records of Pacific Loon have been on the increase, most observations involve birds at some distance, often under difficult viewing conditions. The Oyster Bay individual was an exception, allowing a most unusual opportunity for very close study. This was clearly evident from the fine photos submitted by Tim Healy and Curt McDermott. John Gaglione was credited with discovering this loon.

Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor)
2019-10-A/C One, Tivoli Bay WMA, Dutchess, 21 Apr (Deb Tracy-Kral, Liz Martens, Barbara Mansell, ph D. Tracy-Kral, L. Martens, B. Mansell). eBird 21- 22 Apr

Barbara Mansell, Liz Martens, Susan Rogers, and Kate Shaughnessy found this Tricolored Heron at Tivoli Bay WMA, which was well-photographed. Although the species is not on the review list for downstate it is rare in upstate regions.

White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi)
2019-30-A One, Rochester, Monroe, 23 Oct (Dominic Sherony, ph D. Sherony). eBird 19, 20, 23 Oct
2019-45-A One, Ludlow Creek Tidal Wetlands, Suffolk, 18 May (Peter Morris, ph P. Morris). eBird 18 May
Bull (1974) listed this species as accidental, with only two very old specimens from the Niagara River on record for the state (August 1844 and September 1908). As recently as 20 years ago, White-faced Ibis was considered a very rare vagrant to Long Island (Burke 1998), and aside from the two above-mentioned specimens, was not recorded from upstate until October 2013, at Montezuma NWR. This record, as well as the Rochester record above, are even more remarkable for their fall dates, the only two such records for the state in eBird as of 2019. Like many south and southwestern waterbirds, the species is decidedly pushing northward, and is almost annual on Long Island as of 2013 (eBird 2023). As of this writing, with this trend continuing, we are seeing more records from upstate already, including another October record.
     The Rochester bird was apparently discovered on 17 October by an unknown observer, and as word got out, the identification morphed from Glossy Ibis to plegadis sp., and finally, with better views and photos, to White-faced Ibis, an adult non-breeding bird showing red eyes, pinkish facial skin, and a gray bill. The Suffolk County bird was photographed and well-described by the observer, and was one of at least four and possibly five individual birds reported from south shore Long Island locations this year.

Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis)
2019-14-A One, Braddock Bay, Monroe, 20 May (David Brown, ph D. Brown). eBird 20 May
2019-16-A One, Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Westchester, 27 May (Barbara Stimitz, ph John Stimitz). eBird 27 May
As the official counter at the Braddock Bay Hawk Watch, David Brown had the privilege of watching this raptor fly over the watch site and managed to grab some diagnostic photos of this subadult bird. At Rockefeller State Park, the Stimitz family was on a walk when a subadult Mississippi Kite flew overhead. John obtained excellent photos, Barbara submitted the report, and their two sons also enjoyed seeing the bird. Looking at the NYSARC database and eBird indicates that this species has been annual in New York since 2006 with records accumulating at an accelerating pace. As with these two records, many reports of this species involve birds seen only on the wing, which can make for a challenging identification, especially for those who lack experience with raptors in flight. The Committee encourages observers to take photos of this species whenever possible and with enough well-documented records, it will likely be taken off of the review list in the near future.

Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)
2019-9-A One, Braddock Bay, Monroe, 13 Apr (David Brown, ph D. Brown). eBird 13 Apr
The Braddock Bay Hawk Watch has seen more Swainson’s Hawks than anywhere else in New York. According to eBird (Sep 2023), this species has been seen there seven of the past ten years. All of these birds were seen during the spring, with the latest being on 16 Jun (2022). In 2019, the official counter, David Brown, with his camera always at the ready, was able to capture confirming photos as this raptor flew over, heading east.

Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens)
2019-34-A One, Suffolk County Farm and Education Center, Suffolk, 15 Nov (Eileen Schwinn, ph E. Schwinn). eBird 15, 16 Nov
2019-37-A One, Bayswater Park, Queens, 25 Nov, 7, 8, 12 Dec (Lisa Scheppke, ph L. Scheppke). eBird 25 Nov, 8, 12 Dec
2019-41-A One, Conference House Park, Richmond, 1 Dec (Richard R. Veit, ph Anthony Ciancimino). eBird 1 Dec
This rarity, with a very strong coastal affinity in New York, has shown a pattern of annual occurrence in the state for the past five years, in some years with multiple individuals reported. Indeed, 2019 was such a year, with two additional birds found on Long Island (eBird) for a total of five individuals, part of an unprecedented incursion to the east coast generating numerous reports from Florida to Maine, as well as inland Pennsylvania. The Suffolk bird was found by Glenn Quinn and seen by a few lucky others during its one day stay. The Queens bird, found by Lisa Scheppke, was somewhat elusive during its stay, fully documented only on 7, 8, and 12 Dec, with a probable additional sighting on 25 Nov. The Richmond bird, another one-day visitor, was found by Richard Veit, and seen by only two other observers. These three formal reports, and some of the associated eBird reports, included photos and/or good descriptions of the undertail pattern, underparts color, and bill size crucial to ruling out other Myiarchus species, factors that must always be considered when submitting reports of this species.

Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis)
2019-27-A One, Candor, Tioga, 16 Sep (Adam Troyer). eBird 16 Sep
Adam Troyer found this Western Kingbird on his farm, known as Birdsong Meadows, a first for Tioga County. Although the species is regular on Long Island, it is very rare upstate. In fact this was one of two rare flycatchers Troyer found on his farm in 2019, the other being a Say’s Phoebe (see species entry below). Several friends and family members were able to enjoy the kingbird during its short partial-day stay, with excellent photos obtained by Jay McGowan included in his eBird checklist.

Say’s Phoebe (Sayornis saya)
2019-1-A One, Wallkill River NWR, Orange, 4 Jan (Kenneth M. McDermott). eBird 3, 4 Jan
2019-29-A One, Jones Beach State Park, Nassau, 19 Oct (Tim Healy). eBird 19 Oct

2019-35-A One, Birdsong Meadows Farm, Candor, Tioga, 11 Oct (Adam Troyer)
The Wallkill River bird was found by Thomas Sudol, a New Jersey birder, and as word got out, a number of observers were able to see and photograph it into the following day. The other two individuals were one-day wonders, more typical of this species, and were seen only by the original observer(s). Tim Healy was quick to realize his fly-by bird at Jones Beach was this species and took note of its field marks. Although it could not be relocated for photos, Tim’s description was very thorough, providing the necessary documentation for such a rarity, as was the Tioga report which included a color drawing of the bird, always a helpful addition to a report.

Sage Thrasher
photo © Deborah Swamback
(click photo to enlarge)

Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus)
2019-15-A/B One, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens, 17, 18 May (Amy A. Simmons, Thomas W. Burke, ph A. Simmons, Gail Benson). eBird 17, 18 May
2019-17-A One, Fire Island, Suffolk, 31 May (Deborah Swamback, ph D. Swamback)
Discovered by Corey Finger, the Sage Thrasher at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge was just the fifth record for the state and the first since 1973. Amazingly, it was the second record for Jamaica Bay. Two weeks later, presumably another Sage Thrasher was found by Deborah Swamback at Fire Island, who may have been the only observer. Both birds were nicely photographed.

Townsend’s Solitaire (Myadestes townsendi)
2019-8-A/B One, Copake Falls, Columbia, 14 Feb – 5 Apr (Michael Nicosia, Richard Guthrie, ph M. Nicosia, R. Guthrie). eBird 14-16, 18-20, 22-23 Feb, 8-9 Mar, 5 Apr
This Townsend’s Solitaire was discovered by Marian Sole and Kathy Schneider and submitted to NYSARC by Michael Nicosia and Richard Guthrie, providing a first record for Columbia County.

Bicknell’s Thrush (Catharus bicknelli)
2019-19-A One, Prospect Park, Kings, 24 May (Ryan Mandelbaum). eBird 24 May
This report from Ryan Mandelbaum included a recording of the song and call. He sent the recording to Kent McFarland of the Vermont Center for Ecostudies who confirmed the identification. In the sonogram, one can see the rising ending note of the song. McFarland also commented that the call notes also fell within the appropriate average frequency for this species. This continues the trend of reports of this species from the New York City Metro area and rarely from elsewhere in the state, outside of breeding areas.

Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius)
2019-5-A One, Clove Lakes Park, Richmond, 19 Jan (Tim Healy, ph T. Healy). eBird 16-19, 21, 22, 31 Jan
Catherine Barron found this female bird at Clove Lakes Park, about six weeks after she found the same species at the same park! The bird in Dec 2018 was only seen the one day while the 2019 bird persisted until the end of January, about two weeks. It’s possible that the two occurrences involved the same bird but the photos are equivocal.

Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla)
2019-46-A One, Brookside County Park, Suffolk, 15-25 Nov (Thomas W. Burke, ph David Speiser). eBird 15, 17-25 Nov
This amazing find by Patricia Orgera was brought to light via a Facebook query regarding its identity. It took another day before the word got out; fortunately the bird was still on site for the crowds that came to see it, and it remained cooperative for nine days before disappearing. This fifth state record was also a first for Suffolk County, and the fourth for Long Island; the other three Long Island records were all from Jones Beach, Nassau County—in 1954, 1987, and 1995. The fourth state record, a bird discovered in 2018 by Lance Verderame in Downsville, Delaware County, was reviewed in the 2018 NYSARC report (D’Anna et al. 2023).

LeConte's Sparrow
photo © Derek Rogers
(click photo to enlarge)

LeConte’s Sparrow (Ammospiza leconteii)
2019-26-A One, Willsboro, Essex, 12 Aug (Derek H. Rogers, ph D. Rogers). eBird 12 Aug
2019-28-A One, Hurley, Ulster, 27 Sep (Zach Smith, ph Z. Smith). eBird 27 Sep 2019-31-A One, Chazy, Clinton, 25 Oct (Derek H. Rogers, ph D. Rogers). eBird 25 Oct
The secretive nature of this lovely sparrow is enough to make its detection in our state quite rare, even though it likely occurs on a regular basis during migration. Three records in New York during 2019 make for a banner year for the species. One observer, a recent transport to the Lake Champlain area from Long Island, accounted for two of those, an early individual in Essex County and another in Clinton County, while the third was in Ulster County. All three birds were nicely photographed. The Essex County bird, a juvenile, was correctly indicated by the finder, Derek Rogers, as being the first August record for the entire East Coast south of Canada. With all the unexplored territory in that part of New York, Rogers mused at the possibility of the species breeding in our state, an intriguing possibility. In fact there was a singing individual in St Lawrence County in early July of 1995, suggesting that such a possibility is not at all far-fetched.

Townsend's Warbler
photo © Kevin McGann
(click photo to enlarge)

Townsend’s Warbler (Setophaga townsendi)
2019-12-A One, West Barrier Bar County Park, Fair Haven, Cayuga, 2 May (Kevin McGann, ph K. McGann). eBird 2 May
2019-13-A One, Bashakill WMA Wurtsboro, Sullivan, 4 May (Curt McDermott). eBird 4 May
2019-40-A One, Philip B. Healey Beach Park, Nassau, 29 Dec (Richard Guthrie, ph R. Guthrie). eBird 28-30 Dec 2019, 1 Jan 2020
Prior to 2019 there were only three upstate records accepted by NYSARC, so three records this year including two from upstate is quite exceptional. The Cayuga County bird was found by David Wheeler and nicely photographed. The Bashakill warbler was found by McDermott, Tom Burke, and Gail Benson. While it did not allow for photography, McDermott’s solid description in his submission left no doubt in the minds of the reviewers. Even though downstate has more records of this warbler, it is still quite rare there as well. John Gluth made the great discovery of the Long Island bird while working the Southern Nassau CBC.

Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana)
2019-21-A One, Jefferson, Sullivan, 28 May (Melinda Cormier, ph M. Cormier). eBird 28 May
Melinda Cormier had the pleasure of briefly hosting this adult male Western Tanager at her feeding station, documenting the bird with close photos.

Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris)
2019-39-A One, Montauk, Suffolk, 21 Dec (Tim Healy, ph T. Healy). eBird 21- 24 Dec
2019-44-A/B One, Jones Beach State Park, Nassau, 28-29 Dec, 10 Jan 2020 (Mike Zito, Peter Morris, ph M. Zito, Taylor Sturm). eBird 28, 29, 31 Dec, 1-7, 10, 12, 15, 19, 20, 22 Jan 2020
2019-48-A One, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Kings, 2 Jan 2020 (Sean Sime, ph S. Sime). eBird 29-31 Dec, 1-7, 9-11, 14, 26, 28, 29 Jan, 4, 5, 8-20, 22-24 Feb 2020
Painted Bunting has shown a strong increasing trend in New York with eBird (Sep 2023) showing occurrences every year since 2010. The NYSARC received submissions for three records in 2019, all in the typical downstate area and all found in December. Tim Healy found the Montauk bird on the day of their CBC. The Jones Beach SP bunting was found by Pete Morris and Taylor Sturm on the Southern Nassau CBC, on the same count as was the Townsend’s Warbler (2019- 40-A, above), and the Brooklyn Bridge Park bird was discovered by Heather Wolf. Each bird cooperated by sticking around for other birders to enjoy.

2019 Formal Submission Accepted in Revised Form

Rufous/Allen’s Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus/sasin)
2019-38-A One, Babylon, Suffolk, 11-20 Nov (Chase Cammarota, ph C. Cammarota). eBird 11, 13, 16, 20 Nov, 16 Dec
This hummingbird was frequenting a private feeding station near Southards Pond Park in Suffolk County. Although submitted as a Rufous Hummingbird, opinions from hummingbird experts familiar with this species, Sheri Williamson and Fred Bassett, led the Committee to accept this as a Rufous/Allen’s. Bassett actually agreed with the Rufous identification but also stated that he would be more comfortable with measurements. Williamson, on the other hand, felt that the outer tail feathers in the photos appeared narrow for an immature female and that the identification as a Rufous could not be fully supported. Although two Committee members still wanted to accept this as a Rufous Hummingbird, the remainder voted to accept only to the species pair, Rufous/Allen’s.

2018 Formal Submission Accepted

Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster)

2018-58-A One, Fort Wadsworth, Richmond, 2 Oct (Jose Ramirez-Garofalo). eBird 2 Oct

This booby was seen in flight from Staten Island and the observer obtained some cell phone video. After some discussion, the Committee decided that the record was supported by the description, in combination with the video.

2017 Formal Submission Accepted

Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)

2017-60-A One, Babylon, Suffolk, 18 Aug (Chase Cammarota, ph Home owner). eBird 17-18 Aug

Chase Cammarota’s neighbor hosted this adult male Rufous Hummingbird in his yard and allowed Chase to view it and document the bird for NYSARC

1984 Formal Submission Accepted

Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra)
1984-52-A One, Town of Athens, Greene, 15-16 May (Richard Guthrie). eBird 15-16 May
Richard Guthrie submitted the report for this old record of a Summer Tanager in Greene County, seen in an era when the species was very rare in New York. The mottled red/green plumage described indicated that it was a first spring male.

2019 Formal Submission Not Accepted

Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)

2019-47-A One, Malone, Franklin 9 Nov

Although the submitted report for this bird included much description and detailed comparison with a few other species, it was the observation of field characters that were inconsistent with a Swainson’s Hawk that led to it not being accepted. Committee members were unsure as to what species was actually observed.

Formal Submission Contributors:

Seth Ausubel, Jake Ball, Gail Benson, David Brown, Thomas W. Burke, Sean Camillieri, Chase Cammarota, Anthony Ciancimino, Melinda Cormier, Joseph DiCostanzo, Nick Giordano, John Grimm, Shelby Grimm, Richard Guthrie, Tim Healy, Patricia J. Lindsay, Ryan Mandelbaum, Barbara Mansell, Liz Martens, Curt McDermott, Kenneth M. McDermott, Kevin McGann, Shaibal S. Mitra, Peter Morris, Michael Nicosia, Peter Paul, Jose Ramirez-Garofalo, Neal Reilly, Derek H. Rogers, Lisa Scheppke, Zach Schwartz- Weinstein, Eileen Schwinn, Dominic Sherony, Sean Sime, Amy A. Simmons, Zach Smith, David Speiser, Barbara Stimitz, John Stimitz, Taylor Sturm, Deborah Swamback, Deborah Tracy-Kral, Adam Troyer, Jan Trzeciak, Richard R. Veit, Bruce Yolton, Mike Zito.

2019 eBird Records

As previously stated in this report, the Committee began to review accepted eBird records for the first time in 2020. The 2019 eBird records were reviewed concurrently with the 2019 formal submissions in 2020. Due to the much greater number of reviews that are necessary with the addition of eBird records, we have developed some time-saving procedures. The “auto-accept list” is a list of species reported to eBird which we will automatically accept if the record includes an unambiguous photo, usually determined by the secretary, Gary Chapin. The species on this list are usually ones that are straightforward to identify in a photo and also are not extreme vagrants. Records accepted in this manner are listed under “2019 eBird Records Automatically Accepted by NYSARC”. For the remaining eBird records, we have developed a procedure whereby each member only reviews three-sevenths of the records. Every eBird record is reviewed by three Committee members. If all three members vote to accept, the record is thereby accepted. Although this may seem like a lower standard than we use for reviewing formal submissions, it should be remembered that the record has already been reviewed and accepted by an eBird reviewer. In addition, if just one member or more votes not to accept, the record is then adjudicated by the entire Committee, using the same voting procedures as for formal submissions. And finally, any decisions on eBird records can be challenged and reviewed by the entire Committee at any time, should a member request it. Records accepted in this manner are listed under “Other 2019 eBird Records Accepted by NYSARC”.

2019 eBird Records Automatically Accepted by NYSARC

Note: These are eBird records that were accepted on the basis of an unambiguous photograph.

2019-50e Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, One, Buffalo Harbor SP, Erie, 1 Jun; One, Town Place Park, Town of Clarence, Erie, 5,7 Jun. Due to proximity in time and location, these are assumed to pertain to the same bird.

2019-51e Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Four, Cow Meadow Park and Preserve, 21 May; up to 12, Jones Beach SP, 24, 27, 28 May, 2-4, 6 Jun, 5 Jul; up to ten, Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area, 31 May, 5 Jun; up to ten, Nickerson Beach, 10-21, 27-30 Jun; all Nassau. Due to proximity in time and location, these are assumed to pertain to the same birds.

2019-52e Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Eight, Irish Hill Road, Rexville, Steuben, 19 May

2019-53e Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, One, Stewart Park, Ithaca, Tompkins, 17, 23, 26 Jun

2019-54e Pink-footed Goose, One, Moffitt and Pardy Roads, Plattsburgh, Clinton, 28, 29 Mar

2019-56e Tufted Duck, One, Cumberland Head Ferry Dock, Clinton, 7 Mar; One, Ausable Marsh WMA, Clinton, 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 12 Apr. Due to proximity on Lake Champlain, these are assumed to pertain to the same bird.
2019-57e Tufted Duck, One, LaSalle Park, Buffalo, Erie, 15-18 Nov
2019-60e Tufted Duck, One, Canandaigua Lake near Hillcrest Drive, Ontario, 15 Mar

2019-61e Tufted Duck, One, South end of Cayuga Lake, Tompkins, 13, 16-19, 22 Jan, 5, 6 Mar
2019-67e White-winged Dove, One, Coney Island Creek Park, New York City, Kings, 11 Aug
2019-72e Purple Gallinule, One, Central Park, New York City, New York, 2 Nov

2019-73e Black-necked Stilt, One, Frog Island WMA, Niagara River, Erie, 16 Jun

2019-74e Black-necked Stilt, Two, North Feeder Marsh, Tonawanda WMA, Genesee, 20 May
2019-75e Black-necked Stilt, One, Nickerson Beach Park and Lido Beach Passive Nature Area, Nassau, 21 Apr – 4 May, 6, 7 May

2019-76e Black-necked Stilt, One, Montezuma NWR, Seneca, 22-26 May, 5, 6, 9, 12, 14-16, 23 Jun
2019-78e Piping Plover, One, Braddock Bay – East Spit, Monroe, 10, 11 May
2019-79e Piping Plover, One-five (two adults, three chicks), Sandy Pond Outlet,Oswego, 21 Apr (one), 4 May (two), 19 May, 22 Jun (two adults, three chicks), 5, 14, 20, 26, 27 Jul
2019-86e Thick-billed Murre, One, Gravesend Bay, New York City, Kings, 18 Jan

2019-87e Thick-billed Murre, One-two, Jones Beach SP and Point Lookout, Nassau, 17 Jan (one), 19 Jan (two)
2019-92e Bridled Tern, One, Pelagic – Top of the Claw, Suffolk, 4 Aug
2019-100e White-faced Storm-Petrel, Two, Pelagic – Top of the Claw, Suffolk, 4 Aug
2019-120e Brown Pelican, One, Erie Basin Marina, Buffalo, Erie, 19 May
2019-121e White Ibis, One, Knox-Marcellus Marsh, Montezuma NWR, Seneca, 28, 29, 31 Aug, 1-4 Sep
2019-122e White-faced Ibis, One, Timber Point, Suffolk, 15 Apr
2019-125e Mississippi Kite, One, Private residence, Broome, 31 May
2019-126e Mississippi Kite, One, Green-Wood Cemetery and Caesar’s Bay Bazaar, New York City, Kings, 20 May. Due to proximity in time and location, these are assumed to pertain to the same bird.
2019-140e Varied Thrush, One, Prospect Park, New York City, Kings, 29, 30 Dec 2019, 1-7, 11, 20, 21, 23, 24, 26, 31 Jan, 1, 2, 5, 9, 11, 13, 15-23, 25, 27, 29 Feb, 17, 18, 20, 23, 29 Mar, 2, 20 Apr 2020
2019-142e Lark Sparrow, One, Kinderhook, Columbia, 4 Dec
2019-143e Lark Sparrow, One, Six and a Half Station Road Sanctuary, Orange, 29, 30 Sep
2019-144e Lark Sparrow, One, Carmel High School, Putnam, 18 Sep
2019-145e Lark Sparrow, One, Watkins Glen, Schuyler, 27 Sep
2019-155e Harris's Sparrow, One, Earlville, Madison, 18, 19, 21-27, 29 Jan, 1, 3 Feb
2019-159e Western Tanager, Bohemia, Suffolk, 26 Mar
2019-161e Painted Bunting, One, Syracuse, Onondaga, 21 May
2019-162e Painted Bunting, One, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, New York City,Queens, 3, 4 Nov
2019-163e Painted Bunting, One, Norwood, St. Lawrence, 7 May
2019-164e Painted Bunting, One, Amityville, Suffolk, 21 Dec

Other 2019 eBird Records Accepted by NYSARC

Note: These are records, other than automatically accepted records, that were accepted after being reviewed according to the procedures outlined above under “2019 eBird Records”.

2019-62e Common Eider, One, Sodus Point, Wayne, 18 Nov
2019-68e Rufous Hummingbird, One, West Valley, Cattaraugus, 7 Nov
2019-69e Rufous/Allen’s Hummingbird, One, Forestville, Chautauqua, 6, 7, 11, 12, 15, 19, 20 Oct. Reviewed checklists listed this bird as a Rufous Hummingbird. NYSARC reviewers and one outside expert, Michael O’Brien, felt that the photos of the tail feathers were not sufficient to substantiate the identification to species. However, the Committee unanimously agreed that this was either a Rufous or an Allen’s Hummingbird and accepted it in the revised form.
2019-70e Rufous/Allen’s Hummingbird, One, Factory Brook, Cortland, 17, 24 Sep, 4, 13, 23 Oct
2019-77e Black-necked Stilt, One, East Hampton, Suffolk, 5 May

2019-80e Ruff, One, Montezuma NWR Main Pool, Seneca, 4 May
2019-82e Western Sandpiper, Three, Shinnecock County Park West, Suffolk, 30 Apr
2019-83e South Polar Skua, One, Pelagic (39.882,-73.073), Suffolk, 24 May
2019-84e Long-tailed Jaeger, One, Lake Champlain boat trip, Essex, 15 Sep. Two birds were reported, but only one was described and photographed.
2019-85e Common Murre, One, Robert Moses SP, Suffolk, 15 Dec
2019-88e Thick-billed Murre, One, Montauk, Suffolk, 17 Jan
2019-89e Thick-billed Murre, One, East Hampton, Suffolk, 13 Dec
2019-90e Thick-billed Murre, One, Robert Moses SP, Suffolk, 15 Dec
2019-91e Slaty-backed Gull, One, Goat Island, Niagara Falls, Niagara, 18 Dec
2019-93e Least Tern, One Braddock Bay East Spit, Monroe, 27 May

2019-94e Least Tern, One, Geneva Lakefront Park, Seneca, 19 May

2019-95e Pacific Loon, One, Jones Beach SP, Nassau, 16 Feb
2019-97e Pacific Loon, One, Robert Moses SP, Suffolk, 30 May
2019-98e Pacific Loon, One, Beechwood SP, Wayne, 3 Nov
2019-99e Pacific Loon, One, Seneca Lake, Dresden overlook, Yates, 10 Nov
2019-101e White-faced Storm-Petrel, Pelagic H, Suffolk, 17 Aug
2019-102e White-faced Storm-Petrel, Pelagic (40.01431,-71.32345), Suffolk, 3 Sep
2019-103e Band-rumped Storm-Petrel, Three, Pelagic A, Suffolk, 22 Jul

2019-104e Band-rumped Storm-Petrel, Four, Pelagic B, Suffolk, 22 Jul

2019-105e Band-rumped Storm-Petrel, Ten, Pelagic C, Suffolk, 22 Jul

2019-106e Band-rumped Storm-Petrel, Ten, Pelagic D, Suffolk, 22 Jul

2019-107e Band-rumped Storm-Petrel, Four, Pelagic F, Suffolk, 22 Jul
2019-108e Band-rumped Storm-Petrel, Two, Pelagic – Top of the Claw, Suffolk, 4 Aug
2019-109e Band-rumped Storm-Petrel, Three, Pelagic I, Suffolk, 17 Aug
2019-110e Black-capped Petrel, Two, Pelagic C, Suffolk, 22 Jul
2019-111e Black-capped Petrel, One, Pelagic D, Suffolk, 22 Jul
2019-113e Magnificent Frigatebird, One, Hamlin Beach SP, Monroe, 27 Apr. Although most records of this species are coastal, NYSARC has now accepted five upstate records, with this being the fourth in the last 15 years (Sweet 1998, NYSARC Online Database).
2019-114e Brown Booby, One, Freeport, Nassau, 14 Aug
2019-115e Brown Booby, One, Hudson River Mid Channel, Orange, 3 Aug
2019-116e Brown Booby, One, Heckscher SP, Suffolk, 28 Jul

2019-117e Brown Booby, One, Mecox Inlet, Suffolk, 23 Aug

2019-118e Brown Booby, One, Robert Moses SP, Suffolk, 26 Aug

2019-119e Brown Booby, One, Robert Moses SP, Suffolk, 2 Sep
2019-123e White-faced Ibis, One, Captree Island, Suffolk, 13, 14 Jun
2019-124e Swallow-tailed Kite, One, Braddock Bay Owl Woods, Monroe, 6 Aug
2019-129e Mississippi Kite, One, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Westchester, 22 Jun
2019-130e Swainson’s Hawk, One, Hamburg Hawk Watch, Erie, 8 Apr
2019-131e Swainson’s Hawk, One, Black Dirt Region, Orange, 14 Oct
2019-132e Burrowing Owl, One, Jamaica Bay Big Egg Marsh, Queens, 16 May. This is the first record in New York since 1985 (Feustel 1998, NYSARC Online Database).
2019-133e Ash-throated Flycatcher, One, Shore Road Park, New York City, Kings, 28 Oct
2019-134e Ash-throated Flycatcher, One, Fort Wadsworth, Richmond, 11 Nov

2019-135e Ash-throated Flycatcher, One, Riverhead Sod Farms, Suffolk, 30 Nov

2019-136e Western Kingbird, One, Black Creek Marsh, Albany, 21, 22 Sep
2019-137e Western Kingbird, One, Croton Point Park, Westchester, 17-24 Aug
2019-138e Gray Kingbird, One, Smith Point County Park, Suffolk, 21 Jul
2019-139e Cave Swallow, One, Beatty Point and Edgemere Drive, Greece, Monroe, 27 Nov. Due to proximity in time and location, these are assumed to pertain to the same bird.
2019-141e Bicknell’s Thrush, One, Central Park, New York City, New York, 28-31 May
2019-147e Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco, One, Ellicott, Erie, 27 Nov
2019-148e Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco, One, Dolgeville, Herkimer, 25, 26 Feb
2019-149e Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco, One, Town of Wilson, Niagara, 9-11, 16 Apr

2019-150e Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco, One, Town of Wilson, Niagara, 10 Apr. Note: this is a different bird than 2019-149e, with both observed at the same time and location.

2019-151e Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco, One, Croton-on-Hudson, Westchester, 16 Dec

2019-152e White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel’s), One, Watermill, Suffolk, 12 Jan

2019-156e LeConte’s Sparrow, One, Dunkirk Airport, Chautauqua, 12 Nov
2019-157e Spotted Towhee, One, Tifft Nature Preserve, Erie, 17 Nov. This is the first record of Spotted Towhee reviewed and accepted by NYSARC. Buckley (1998) lists seven records in New York from 1956 to 1990. All records are from Nov through Feb.

2019-158e Swainson’s Warbler, One, Central Park, New York City, New York, 16 May
2019-160e Blue Grosbeak, One, Potsdam, St. Lawrence, 12 May. This is the northernmost record in the state (Paxton 1998, Bull 1974, NYSARC online database).

Submitted on behalf of the New York State Avian Records Committee:
 

Willie D’Anna (Chair), Gary Chapin (Secretary), Shawn Billerman, Thomas W. Burke,
Doug Gochfeld, Jay McGowan, Patricia J. Lindsay, Derek H. Rogers

LITERATURE CITED

Bull, J. 1974. White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi). In Birds of New York State. Doubleday, Garden City, NY. pp. 95-96.
Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea). In Birds of New York State. Doubleday, Garden City, NY. pp. 549-550.
Buckley, P.A. 1998. Spotted Towhee (Pipilomaculatus). In Bull’s Birds of New York State.
E. Levine, ed. Cornell University Press. pp. 503-504.
Burke, T.W. 1998. White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi). In Bull’s Birds of New York State. E. Levine, ed. Cornell University Press. pp. 136-137.
D’Anna, W., G. Chapin, T. W. Burke, D. Gochfeld, A. Guthrie, P. J. Lindsay, J. Pawlicki, and D. H. Rogers. 2023. Report of the New York State Avian Records Committee for 2018. In The Kingbird Vol. 72(2):120.
eBird. An online database of bird sightings created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, and launched in 2002. https://ebird.org/home
Feustel, K. 1998. Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia). In Bull’s Birds of New York State.
E. Levine, ed. Cornell University Press. pp. 332-333.
Lindsay, P.J. and S.S. Mitra. 2019. A Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) on Long Island, New York, 5-6 May 2019. In The Kingbird 69(3): 202-205.
NYSARC Online Database. An online database of rare bird sightings in New York State. https://nybirds.org/NYSARC/RecordsSummary.htm Accessed Nov 2023.
Paxton, R.O. 1998. Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea). In Bull’s Birds of New York State.
E. Levine, ed. Cornell University Press. p. 540.
Sweet, P.R. 1998. Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens). In Bull’s Birds of New York State. E. Levine, ed. Cornell University Press. p. 121-122.