Fourteenth Report of the Maine Bird Records Committee

Louis R. Bevier and Trevor B. Persons

April 1, 2025 9 MIN READ Feature Articles

Ross’s Goose (Anser rossii). Maine’s 12th was a bird at Hancock, Hancock, April 24, 2024 (Gerry Monteaux, Les Stratton; Donna Reis†; 2024-006).

Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis). One at Owls Head, Knox, March 2–27, 2024 (Lee Ann Beausang†; Rob Speirs†; 2024-003), was the fifth accepted for the state, with at least nine older reports yet to be reviewed.

Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto). NOT ACCEPTED, IDENTIFICATION QUESTIONED: A perplexing bird seen in Brunswick, Cumberland, June 8, 2023 (2023-052), appeared to have whitish undertail coverts that suggested domestic “Ringed Turtle-Dove” ancestry despite some plumage aspects and described vocalization aligning with Eurasian Collared-Dove. Key views of the tail and undertail as well as a voice recording were not obtained.

Chuck-will’s-widow (Antrostomus carolinensis). Singing birds were recorded at Blue Hill, Hancock, May 22–25, 2023 (Leslie Clapp†, Blaise deSibour; 2023-055), and Surry, Hancock, June 9–July 27, 2024 (Stephen Antell†; 2024-022). The Surry record, especially, may represent a bird (or birds) relocating from adjacent Orland, which hosted a pair from 2018 to 2023.

Ruff (Calidris pugnax). One at Scarborough Marsh, Cumberland, May 5–6, 2024 (Ian Doherty†; Henry Mauer†; 2024-010), was presumed to be a female based on size and plumage.

Tufted Puffin (Fratercula cirrhata). The adult Tufted Puffin that has visited the Gulf of Maine during 2014, 2022, and 2023 presumably returned in 2024 and was seen one day only on Matinicus Rock, Knox, May 23 (Juliana Ramirez†, Tracy Faber†, Gianna Arcuri, Anna Karapin; 2024-017).

One of five Franklin’s Gulls in this report was this one from Wells, September 15, 2024. Photograph by Will Sweet.

Franklin’s Gull (Leucophaeus pipixcan). Five records were accepted: York, York, November 18, 2023 (Robert Dixon†; 2023-058); Kittery, York, June 30, 2024 (Brad Rogers; 2024-028); Hills Beach, Biddeford, York, July 22, 2024 (Robert Dixon*†; 2024-038); Southwest Harbor, Hancock, September 14, 2024 (Evan Obercian; Louis Bevier†, Kyle Lima, Magill Weber, Bill Sheehan, Chris Bartlett, Luke Seitz†, Maili Waters, Becky Marvil; 2024-041); and Laudholm Farm, Wells, York, September 15, 2024 (Will Sweet*†; 2024-043). NOT ACCEPTED, IDENTIFICATION QUESTIONED: Video of a distant bird off Schoodic Point, Hancock, September 24, 2023 (2023-047), was poor and insufficient to eliminate other species.

Maine’s first accepted record of Kamchatka Gull, the east Asian subspecies of Common Gull, was in York on January 24, 2024. Photograph by Richard Garrigus.

Common Gull (Larus canus). A well-photographed adult at Cape Neddick, York, January 24, 2024 (Richard Garrigus†; 2024-001), becomes Maine’s first accepted Kamchatka Gull (L. c. kamtschatschensis), a subspecies of Common Gull. A typical European-type bird (i.e., nominate L. c. canus) was at Eastport, Washington, February 7, 2024 (Chris Bartlett†; 2024-002).

Slaty-backed Gull (Larus schistisagus). NOT ACCEPTED, IDENTIFICATION QUESTIONED: A wet, or possibly oiled, third-cycle bird at Madawaska, Aroostook, November 23, 2023 (2023-068), was more likely a Lesser Black-backed Gull.

This Bridled Tern on Metinic Island was presumably the same bird seen two days later on Stratton Island. Photograph July 4, 2024, by Hannah Glass.

Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus). A bird found on Monhegan Island, Lincoln, August 22, 1991, in the wake of Hurricane Bob (Duncan 1992) becomes Maine’s oldest record (Tigger Hitchcock†; 1991-004). One at Metinic Island, Knox, July 4, 2024 (Hannah Glass†, Elizabeth Brennan†; 2024-027), was undoubtedly the same bird seen two days later at Stratton Island, York, July 6, 2024 (Benjamin Becker†, Joe Sweeney, Katelyn Shelton, Steve Kress, Tiffany Christian, Derrick Jackson, Kay Garlick-Ott; 2024-034). The bird at Stratton Island was reportedly seen briefly by one observer on July 7, but there are no details on that sighting. What is presumed to be the same Bridled Tern was then later seen on the New Hampshire side of the Isle of Shoals July 9 to August 4 (multiple reports and photos in eBird). Bridled Tern has summered in the Gulf of Maine previously, with one at Outer Green Island, Cumberland, in 2006 (2006-011) and 2007 (so far unreviewed).

Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica). One was at Searsport, Waldo, March 7–April 19, 2023 (Laurie Schweikert; Louis Bevier†, Dave Somers†; 2023-005). Due to an increase in documented reports, Pacific Loon was removed from the Review List in 2024.

Band-rumped Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma castro). NOT ACCEPTED, IDENTIFICATION QUESTIONED: The committee agreed that a bird photographed off Boothbay, Sagadahoc, July 18, 2023 (2023-027), was instead a Wilson’s Storm-Petrel (Oceanites oceanicus).

Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster). Maine’s 10th and 11th accepted records (all since 2011) were of birds from Swans Island, Hancock, June 6, 2023 (Charles Rabatin*; 2023-028), and Seal Island, Knox, August 13–16, 2024 (Olivia Ridley, Coco Faber*†; 2024-040).

Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga). The state’s overdue first Anhinga was a second-cycle female found at a beaver pond in Somerville, Lincoln, July 20–26, 2024 (Tabatha Holt†; Josh Fecteau†, Sean Hatch†, Ethan Whitaker†; 2024-039). A female seen in Massachusetts on June 29, 2024, showed frayed tail feathers on the left side, unlike the Maine bird (see photo in Iliff et al. 2024). This species has been recorded increasingly in the Northeast and New England in recent years.

Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus). Birds were photographed at Kennebunk, York, May 4, 2024 (Jane Anderson†; 2024-029), Brunswick, Cumberland, May 19, 2024 (Delia Guzman, Ben Sawtelle†, Rob O’Connell; 2024-030), and Matinicus Island, Knox, June 18–21, 2024 (Archibald Davies†; Phil Davies, Joe Bray; 2024-033). NOT ACCEPTED, IDENTIFICATION QUESTIONED: Although possibly correct, descriptions were not adequate to be certain about the identification of birds seen at Portland, Cumberland, April 13, 2024 (2024-004), Biddeford, York, May 23, 2024 (2024-031), Surry, Hancock, May 25, 2024 (2024-032), and Freedom, Waldo, August 4, 2024 (2024-042).

Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis). One was photographed over Capisic Pond Park, Portland, Cumberland, May 10, 2024 (Gabriel Garza†, Ann Thayer, Richard Garrigus, Karina Rathmell†; 2024-011).

Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis). Maine’s and New England’s first was a one-day wonder light-morph adult at the Auburn-Lewiston Airport, Androscoggin, July 14, 2024 (Gary Jarvis*†, Camden Martin, Christine Murray; 2024-035). Recent records from southwest Ontario, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York suggest increased vagrancy east of the species’s normal range. It is possible that the same light-morph is involved. Brandon Holden showed that a broken tip to the seventh primary (P7) on the left wing and patterns on the underwing coverts of both wings match the Maine bird with a bird photographed in southwest Ontario during May, two months prior to the Maine occurrence (comparison photos on file).

Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens). Five accepted records from 2023–2024 bring the state’s total to 15, with birds at Bowdoinham, Sagadahoc, November 19, 2023 (Luci Timblin, Travis Sparks†*, Michelle Wainer; 2023-060), Auburn, Androscoggin, December 22, 2023 (Sara Boss†; 2023-063), Monhegan Island, Lincoln, September 30, 2024 (Ken Feustel†; 2024-046), Kittery, York, October 24, 2024 (Magill Weber*†; 2024-048), and Ellsworth, Hancock, November 3, 2024 (Don Lima†; Kelly Lima; 2024-054).

Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus). The state’s third accepted record, and the first truly “chaseable” one for most Maine birders, was a well-photographed and voice-recorded bird at Dayton, York, June 19–August 1, 2024 (Pete Yaeckel†, Tara Yaekel; Doug Hitchcox†, Gary Jarvis†, Luke Seitz†, Margaret Viens†; 2024-036). This bird did not come to the attention of birders until July 17, after which it was enjoyed by many. Given this bird’s active wing and tail molt and somewhat dingy and darker gray throat and breast for June and July compared to the nearest North American breeders T. m. occidentalis and T. m. satrapa, it seems reasonable to assume this was a southern South American breeder of the nominate subspecies, T. m. melancholicus. The southernmost populations of that subspecies are migratory, moving to northern South America in the Austral fall (April to June). A bird overshooting its intended wintering grounds and perhaps becoming entrained in a northern hemisphere system might have continued north to Maine, arriving in June.

This cooperative Tropical Kingbird in Dayton was likely present from at least June 19 to August 1, 2024, and was seen by many after coming to the attention of birders on July 17. Photograph July 21 by Luke Seitz.

Tropical/Couch’s Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus/couchii). A bird photographed at a home in Phippsburg, Sagadahoc, November 5–6, 2024 (Robert and Carol Belben†; 2024-056), was most likely a Tropical Kingbird, but the similar Couch’s could not be ruled out based on the limited photos and lack of vocalizations.

This Western Wood-Pewee was at Kennebunkport, October 26, 2023. Photograph by Luke Seitz.

Western Wood-Pewee (Contopus sordidulus). Maine’s second, third, and fourth accepted records came from Monhegan Island, Lincoln, October 5, 2021 (Luke Seitz, Jeremiah Trimble, Maili Waters; 2021-056), Falmouth, Cumberland, September 7, 2022 (Doug Hitchcox†, Ed Jenkins, Kevin Regan; 2022-053), and Kennebunkport, York, October 26, 2023 (Luke Seitz†, Maili Waters; 2023-051). The Monhegan and Kennebunkport birds were not heard vocalizing definitively, but plumage features and strong reaction to playback in the latter case supported the identification. The Falmouth bird was banded and heard vocalizing (described but not recorded). This bird’s plumage fit Western Wood-Pewee but the described in-hand measurements were unclear. Measurements can separate this species from Eastern Wood-Pewee (C. virens) with care, and the banders involved are very experienced. Due to an error in transcription, it took several rounds to clarify that the correct measurements were taken. These showed diagnostic values for Western Wood-Pewee: exposed tail from tip of longest uppertail covert to tip (tailclear) 26.5 mm, tailclear minus primary projection 5.8 mm, and tailclear divided by tail length 0.41 (Hubbard 2002).

Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens). Four records were accepted: Stockholm, Aroostook, June 25, 2012 (Janet Grenzke, Don Kroodsma†; 2012-032), Mount Desert Rock, Hancock, June 9, 2023 (Levi Sheridan†; 2023-056), York, York, June 2, 2024 (Evan Glynn†; 2024-020), and Kennebunk, York, June 15, 2024 (Richard Garrigus†; 2024-023). The Stockholm record was notably far north, especially because at the time the species was casual in Maine, with most records from the southernmost part of the state and offshore islands. Due to a dramatic increase in occurrences over the past four years, the species was removed from the state’s Review List.

Western Flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis). Maine’s first Western Flycatcher was found on Mount Desert Rock, Hancock, August 25, 2022 (Nathan Dubrow*†, Levi Sheridan; 2022-061). The committee wisely did not attempt to identify the bird as either Cordilleran or Pacific-slope Flycatcher, which are now mercifully regarded as conspecific. As a cautionary tale, this bird was not recognized as a Western Flycatcher until a year after it was found. Fortunately, the photos taken at the time are diagnostic for this species.

Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus). NOT ACCEPTED, IDENTIFICATION QUESTIONED: The description of a poorly seen bird at Scarborough, Cumberland, August 13, 2023 (2023-035), did not rule out other species.

Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus). After the state’s first Loggerhead Shrike in 14 years in 2023 (Bevier et al. 2024), two more were found in 2024: one at Chandler Brook Preserve, North Yarmouth, Cumberland, April 21, 2024 (Laurie Gilman; Doug Hitchcox†, Rob Speirs†; 2024-005), and one at Weskeag Marsh, Knox, May 29–30, 2024 (Dotan Leshem†; Louis Bevier†, Josh Fecteau†, Robin Ohrt†; 2024-018). In both cases, these spring birds were first reported as Northern Shrike (L. borealis), but the dates being late for that species in Maine triggered scrutiny and ultimately the correct identification.

Bewick’s Wren (Thryomanes bewickii). NOT ACCEPTED, IDENTIFICATION QUESTIONED: A bird seen at Ship Harbor, Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, Hancock, July 2 and then August 5 and 7, 1971 (1971-004), was published by Finch (1971). No photographs were taken, and although a summary description was published, no original field notes could be found. Most members of the committee felt that for a first state record original documentation was needed. Although the brief description in Finch (1971) is consistent with Bewick’s Wren, some members thought that Carolina Wren, then a newly advancing species into Maine, could not be eliminated.

Sedge Wren (Cistothorus stellaris). Singing birds were found on Monhegan Island, Lincoln, September 29–October 6, 2023 (Phil Baker, Dan Gardoqui; Lukas Musher†, Bill Thompson†, Magill Weber†; 2023-046), and at Canaan, Somerset, July 19–20, 2023 (Wally Sumner; Louis Bevier†, Trevor Persons†; 2023-054), where two males were likely present. Due to an increase in reports, the species was removed from the state’s Review List.

This female Mountain Bluebird was on Monhegan Island April 26 to May 11, 2024. Photograph April 30 by Luke Seitz.

Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides). Maine’s third and fourth accepted records were a well-described adult male seen with Eastern Bluebirds (S. sialis) at Clarry Hill, Union, Knox, December 26, 2023 (Kate Doiron*, Leah Ondra; 2023-065), and a beautifully photographed female on Monhegan Island, Lincoln, April 26–May 11, 2024 (Luke Seitz†, Maili Waters, Ian Davies; 2024-008).

LeConte’s Sparrow (Ammospiza leconteii). NOT ACCEPTED, IDENTIFICATION QUESTIONED: Inconsistencies in the report of a bird at Hog Island, Bremen, Lincoln, June 19, 2024 (2024-025), caused the committee to question whether the audio recording may have inadvertently captured playback.

Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus). Maine’s first accepted record was an immature female that overwintered at Fort Foster, Kittery, York, November 19, 2023, to March 13, 2024 (Derek Lovitch; Noah Gibb†, Dan Gardoqui†, Doug Hitchcox†; 2023-057). The only previous credible report is one during the winter of 1966–1967 at Bar Harbor, Hancock, that the committee has not yet reviewed pending location of photographs said to have been taken.

Bullock’s Oriole (Icterus bullockii). Maine’s 10th accepted record was a female on Monhegan Island, Lincoln, May 23, 2024 (Luke Seitz†, Jeff Osterman, Jeremiah Trimble, Maili Waters; 2024-016). This bird was photographed and recorded singing a female-type “whisper” song. The spring date and sex are highly unusual for this species in the Northeast.

Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera). The first report since 2021 was a phenotypically pure male from Kittery, York, September 23, 2024 (Robert Dixon*†; 2024-045).

Kentucky Warbler (Geothlypis formosa). NOT ACCEPTED, IDENTIFICATION QUESTIONED: Description of a bird seen at Topsham, Sagadahoc, August 22, 2023 (2023-037), did not eliminate other species, including Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas).

Townsend’s Warbler (Setophaga townsendi). Maine’s fourth and fifth accepted records were from Scarborough Marsh, Cumberland, April 27, 2024 (Meagan Farr*†, Jim Farr; 2024-007), and Ogunquit, York, December 23, 2023 to January 6, 2024 (Luke Seitz†; 2023-064).

Hepatic Tanager (Piranga flava). Maine’s and New England’s first record frequented neighborhood feeders at Stockton Springs, Waldo, December 29, 2023 to March 1, 2024 (Tom Aversa*†; Louis Bevier†; 2023-066). The blackish loral line, slate-colored beak, grayish auriculars, grayish-olive flanks, and dull grayish (tinged olive) back all placed the bird as one of the two northern subspecies (P. f. hepatica of western Mexico north to Arizona or P. f. dextra of eastern Mexico north to Texas and New Mexico). The orange-red tinge to the forehead and throat suggested either a juvenile male or an adult female; the large “tooth” on the maxilla was consistent with an adult bird (Mark Robbins, pers. comm.), thus suggesting a female.

Corrigendum

The first date for a Ross’s Goose at Limestone, Aroostook (2023-047), was published as September 17, 2023 (Bevier et al. 2024), but the first confirmed date should be September 30. The actual first date is not known with certainty but was reported as September 17–23 without details.

Acknowledgments

As ever, the committee acknowledges with thanks and deep appreciation the submissions of documentary evidence provided by the observers cited above. Mark Robbins and Brandon Holden are thanked for helpful comments. We wish to thank our fellow committee members for comments on the draft and our secretary, Becky Marvil, without whom these reports would not be possible.

References

• Bevier, L. R., T. B. Persons, and K. A Lima. 2024. Thirteenth Report of the Maine Bird Records Committee. Bird Observer 52 (2):94–100, 112–113.
• Duncan, C. D. 1992. The Autumn Migration: New England Region. American Birds 46 (1):60–66.
• Finch, D. W. 1971. The Nesting Season: Northeastern Maritime Region. American Birds 25 (5):830–836.
• Hubbard, J. P. 2002. Eastern Wood-Pewee specimens from New Mexico, plus a reevaluation of mensural criteria for identifying this taxon. Occasional Papers of the Museum of Southwestern Biology 9:1–13.
• Iliff, M. J., S. Jones, and J. Trimble. 2024. Twenty-seventh Report of the Massachusetts Avian Records Committee. Bird Observer 52 (6):396–417.