Rare Bird Alert: April 13, 2018

As we sit on the doorstep of spring migration things are beginning to get interesting across the ABA Area, with a new slate of noteworthy records to report this week. But first, those continuing birds including Tufted Flycatcher (ABA Code 4), Streak-backed Oriole (4), and Sinaloa Wren (5) in Arizona, Tamaulipas Crows (4) are still being seen in Texas, and the Blue Bunting (4), previously regular for several weeks, was found again this week there as well. And in California, Nazca Boobies (4) are still being seen in San Diego Bay.

The first jaw-dropper of the season came from Arizona, where a potential ABA Area 1st record Red Warbler was discovered on Mount Lemmon in Pima, near Tucson. The bird was seen by a few birders throughout the day but, as of yet, has not been found again making it one of the more spectacular one-day wonders in ABA Area history.

In the wake of the find discussion has centered around whether this individual represents the northern “gray-cheeked” population or the southern “white-cheeked” population–the former is obviously considered a better candidate to stray into the ABA Area. Despite very good photos, the consensus is mixed on that front, as even the darker cheeked birds can appear quite pale in bright light. Pending rediscovery of the individual, the subspecies identification may remain inconclusive.