Rare Bird Alert: February 23, 2018

Continuing rarities in the ABA Area are once again highlighted by the ABA 1st Mistle Thrush in New Brunswick, which is still hanging on and looks increasingly like it has survived the worst of the winter. In California, Nazca Boobies (ABA Code 4) are still being seen in San Diego, and the Black-tailed Gull (4) first reported last week continues at the opposite end of the state, though the long-staying Garganey appears to have finally headed out, potentially a point in favor of wild origin. In the border states, a Sinaloa Wren (5) is still present in Arizona, and Blue Bunting (4), Golden-crowned Warbler (4), and Tamaulipas Crow (4) were all seen this past week in Texas. Pink-footed Goose (4) and Barnacle Goose (4) are present in a couple places in the northeast.

It has been a very good winter for Tufted Duck (3) in the northeast, with the species being seen beyond its traditional Atlantic province/New England haunts. In recent weeks, males have been present as far west as Ontario and as far south as South Carolina, with the latest individual found this week in Ocean, New Jersey.