Rare Bird Alert: March 10, 2017

Our impressive and diverse collection of continuing rarities in the ABA Area is starting to thin out as the spring comes on. Notables seen into this week include the Black-backed Oriole in Pennsylvania, Rose-throated Becard (ABA Code 3) in Texas, and the very long staying  Streak-backed Oriole (4) in Arizona. In Newfoundland, the Yellow-legged Gull (4) continues, as does the Redwing (4) in British Columbia. Florida is still hosting a Western Spindalis (3), and a number of Pink-footed Geese (4) and Barnacle Geese (4) are still scattered throughout the northeast.

A Hawfinch (4) coming to a feeder in Anchorage, Alaska, is the easy highlight of the week. This impressive finch is not regular anywhere in the ABA Area, and when it does occur it is primarily seen on the Bering Sea Islands or the Aleutians. This represents only the 2nd record on the mainland.