Twenty-ninth Report of the Massachusetts Avian Records Committee

Marshall J. Iliff and Sebastian Jones

Four splits affect the state list this year:

• Hudsonian Whimbrel (Numenius hudsonicus) replaces Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)*. See above for the addition of Eurasian Whimbrel (N. phaeopus).
• Fea’s Petrel (Pterodroma feae) is split into Cape Verde Petrel (P. feae) and Desertas Petrel (P. deserta). Since no Massachusetts records are identifiable, Fea’s Petrel (P. feae) is replaced by Cape Verde/Desertas Petrel (Pterodroma feae/deserta). Records in the Northwestern Atlantic are believed to mostly pertain to Desertas Petrel, but the species are virtually indistinguishable at sea and the MARC would need to re-accept a species-specific record to the state list.
• Eastern Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus) replaces Warbling Vireo (V. gilvus). Western Warbling Vireo (Vireo swainsoni) has occurred in the East and is to be watched for in Massachusetts, especially in late October through December.
• Northern Yellow Warbler (Setophaga aestiva) replaces Yellow Warbler (S. petechia).

Scientific names changes:

• Hairy Woodpecker: Dryobates villosus changes to Leuconotopicus villosus

The list of species reviewed by the MARC is available at www.maavianrecords.com. Please check this review list to send evidence of records that are not listed in our searchable database—even in this information age we often do not receive sufficient documentation for many records. The MARC strongly encourages written submissions even when photographs are available.

The statistics in brackets for each species or taxon show the number of records accepted in this report, followed by the total number of accepted records; note that some species have a large number of reports that the MARC has yet to review (e.g., Scissor-tailed Flycatcher). Below, we present data for all records covered, formatted as follows: Record identification number, count of individuals, location, range of observation dates, original observers, and observers submitting documentation. We credit the discoverer with an asterisk (*). We indicate whether the evidence provided was photographic (ph), video (v), audio (au), or a written description (†). (†). We use m.ob. for many observers; many people in addition to the listed observers provided much additional documentation for the bird to eBird/Macaulay Library. When records from other regions are cited, all are discoverable in eBird unless otherwise stated (eBird 2025).

SAME-BIRD ISSUES

At its 2024 and 2025 meetings, the MARC attempted to address cases where the same individual might be involved in multiple accepted records, including—but not limited to—records at different sites within the same year or records of individuals returning to the same site across two or more years. The MARC has long had a standard to decide such cases based on a simple majority; the committee typically makes an effort for unanimity in the initial review and then brings any discrepancies to a meeting. Over the past year, the MARC addressed 13 cases where it had been posited that the same individual (or groups of individuals) was involved; all were decided unanimously unless otherwise noted:

Barnacle Goose: The adult at Westfield Road, Westfield, Hampden, October 27, 2017, to January 1, 2018 [2017-100], and the one at Tri-Town Beach, Whately & Smith College–Paradise Pond, Northampton, Franklin/Hampshire, October 12–17, 2020 [2020-098], were shown by Lily Morello to have unique facial patterns demonstrating that these two records—although three years apart—did indeed pertain to the same individual.

Swainson’s Hawk: One at Waltham Street Fields September 24, 2023 [2023-033] and one at Walnut Street, Halifax, October 14–16, 2023 [2023-038] were agreed to pertain to the same individual, given specific exact plumage characteristics.

American White Pelican: One at Sesachacha Pond, Nantucket, September 4–8, 2021 [2021-054], and one at Little Sipson Island (and other Outer Cape Cod sites) September 8 to October 25, 2021 [2021-055], were considered the same individual based on the exact timing of its departure from Nantucket and first observation on Cape Cod, along with details of its plumage, including a specific broken primary. The MARC still needs to consider whether [2021-068], accepted below in this report, could also pertain to the same bird returning to Nantucket between October 29 and 31, 2021.

White Ibis: The records of a first-spring bird seen at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge [2022-031], and at Christian Herter Park, Boston, April 26–27, 2022 [2022-032], were known to pertain to the same bird. That bird also appeared at Peggotty Beach, Scituate [2022-034], May 5–13, 2022, something that was not widely known until the MARC undertook a review of its plumage and found multiple features that matched perfectly.

White Ibis: One at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, April 11–18, 2022 [2022-027], and two at Fort Hill, Eastham, April 20–23, 2022 [2021-106], were voted on as potentially pertaining to at least one individual moving between the sites, but a majority of the committee thought that was less likely than three unique individuals. The MARC treats both records independently.

White Ibis: An adult at Bluefish River Marshes, Duxbury, at 10:30 am April 17, 2022 [2022-067], and an adult at Ellisville Harbor, Plymouth, at 2:30 pm the same day [2022-066] were treated as likely pertaining to the same bird. The bird was gone from the morning location when the afternoon sighting was made, and the two sites are close enough together to make movement between the sites seem possible.

Bar-tailed Godwit: One at Tuckernuck Island, June 6–9, 2012 [2012-071], and one at South Beach, Chatham, June 21 to September 15, 2012 [2012-072]. Both pertained to the European subspecies and were very similar in plumage.

Brown Pelican: One in Lobster Cove and at Jodrey Fish Pier, Gloucester, June 5, 2011 [2012-066], was considered the same individual as a similarly plumaged bird at Castle Island, Boston, June 9–30, 2011 [2012-067].

Pink-footed Goose: Four at Longmeadow Flats, Longmeadow, December 11, 2021 [2021-088], and March 6, 2022 [2022-017], and up to four at a Northampton area site March 7–14, 2022 [2022-069], were all treated as the same group.

Pink-footed Goose: One adult at Shaw Road, Fairhaven and Mill Road, Fairhaven, December 14–17 [2021-091], and one at 2236 Riverside Avenue, Somerset, December 21, 2021 [2021-096], were treated as the same individual based on details of a unique bill deformity.

Brant (Black): Sightings of an adult at Nelson Field, Plymouth, October 30, 2006 [2006-061], and November 6–12, 2007 [2007-053], were treated as being of the same individual based on the committee’s sense that an adult bird at the same site, on similar dates in successive years, is best treated as the same bird.

Brant (Black): Sightings of one adult at Fort Phoenix State Reservation, Fairhaven, March 13, 2021 [2021-134], and December 4, 2020 [2020-107], were treated as of the same individual. See also [2021-102] below.

Smith’s Longspur: Singles at Bear Creek Sanctuary, Saugus, in successive years—December 21, 2015, to January 20, 2016 [2015-025], and March 15–April 9, 2017 [2017-004]—were considered to pertain to the same individual. A majority (5–2) agreed that one at Lodge Park, Eastern Point, Nahant, November 9, 2014 [2014-020], was also best treated as the same individual.

ACCEPTED RECORDS

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) [8 accepted in this report, 23 total]

2021-046: 1 at Tuckernuck Island, Nantucket, 6/2/2021 to 7/15/2021 [Mark Souza*, Skyler Kardell (ph)].

2021-047: 1 at Meadow Lane, Miacomet Pond, Nantucket, 6/15/2021 to 6/26/2021 [Trish Pastuszak (ph), m.ob.].

2024-013: 1 at 156 Forsythe Circle, Seekonk, Bristol, 6/13/2024 to 6/24/2024 [Chad Branco* (ph)].

2024-022: 7 at Norwottuck Rail Trail–Station Road, South Amherst, Hampshire, 6/24/2024 [Dave Adrien* (ph), m.ob.].

2024-023: 1 at McCray’s Country Creamery and Farm, South Hadley, Hampshire, 9/28/2024 to 12/23/2024 [Pat Davis*, Larry Therrien (ph), m.ob.].

2024-026: 2 at Parker River NWR, Essex, 6/8/2024 [Tom Wetmore*, Eric Labato (ph), m.ob.].

2024-027: 1 at Bartlet Mall Park, Newburyport, Essex, 7/21/2024 [Tom Mannix*, Mark Gull (ph), m.ob.].

2024-028: 4 at Pogorelc Sanctuary, Barnstable, Barnstable, 7/26/2024 [Rebekah Ambrose-Dalton* (ph)].

The Tuckernuck and Miacomet Pond records were believed to pertain to the same individual, because the two sites are close together, the dates of the birds overlapped, and nobody ever saw two birds at the same time.

Ross’s Goose (Anser rossii) [3, 42]

2024-030: 4 at Common Pastures, Newbury, Essex, 3/24/2024 to 3/25/2024 [Davey Walters* (ph), m.ob.].

2024-031: 4 at Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Salisbury, Essex, 3/24/2024 [Cailyn Buchanan* (ph), Elly Buchanan*].

2024-032: 1 at Slocum’s River Reserve, Dartmouth, Bristol, 4/15/2024 to 5/5/2024 [Beverly King*, Joao Faustino (ph), m.ob.].

2024-033: 1 at 311 Somers Road, Hampden, Hampden, 11/18/2024 [April Downey* (ph)].

The Common Pastures and Salisbury Beach birds clearly pertained to the same flock, which was also seen and very well photographed in New Hampshire. Those photographs were welcome in that they helped to eliminate concerns about hybrids being involved.

Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus) [3, 35]

2024-093: 2 at Ward’s Fields, Norfolk, 12/24/2024 to 12/27/2024 [Liam Waters*, Will Sweet (ph), m.ob.].

2025-003: 1 at Cumberland Farms–Wingbusters RC Field, Halifax, Plymouth, 1/1/2025 [Peter Steinbach* (ph), m.ob.].

2025-004: 1 at The Kittansett Club, Marion, Plymouth, 1/4/2025 [Carol Baird Molander* (ph), m.ob.].

Norfolk County finally gets its first record of this species, leaving just Suffolk, Dukes, and Nantucket counties without at least one Pink-footed Goose record.

Brant (Black) (Branta bernicla nigricans) [0, 3]

2021-102: 1 adult at Rodney Boulevard Boat Launch, New Bedford, Bristol, 12/30/2021 to 12/31/2021 [Joel Eckerson*, Matthew Eckerson* (ph)].

This record joins [2020-116] and [2021-102], which are discussed above. These records are believed to be of the same returning bird, although the bird never seems to be consistently found for very long.

Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) [3, 18 since 2017]

2022-104: 1 at Great Meadows NWR–Concord Unit, Concord, Middlesex, 12/4/2022 to 1/30/2023 [Yoav Golan* (ph), Roy Golan*, m.ob.].

2022-078: 4 at Beech Forest, Provincetown, Barnstable, 12/3/2022 to 12/7/2022 [Ross Sormani* (ph), m.ob.].

2024-036: 5 at Miacomet Pond, Nantucket, 11/30/2024 to 12/18/2024 [Jacquelyn Papale*, Louis Dentiste (ph), m.ob.].

White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica) [4, 35]

2016-063: 2 at 215 Madaket Road, Nantucket, 8/20/2016 to 8/28/2016 [Trish Pastuszak (ph), m.ob.].

2023-081: 1 at Lily Pond, Nantucket, Nantucket, 11/10/2023 to 11/15/2023 [Fran Karttunen*, Trish Pastuszak (ph), m.ob.].

2024-037: 1 at Squantum Marshes, Quincy, Norfolk, 8/6/2024 [Paul Peterson*, Dan O’Brien (ph), m.ob.].

2024-038: 1 at Parker River NWR–Salt Pannes, Essex, 9/3/2024 [Dennis Tsiorbas* (ph)].

Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) [3, 47]

2023-110: 1 at Wellfleet, Barnstable, 12/14/2023 [Anonymous*, Sue Finnegan (ph)].

2024-089: 2 at Town Cove, Orleans, Barnstable, 1/6/2024 to 3/30/2024 [Anonymous*, Sue Finnegan (ph)].

2024-112: 1 at 61 Michael Drive, Westfield, Hampden, 10/15/2024 to 12/17/2024 [Jen Grabowski*, Ted Gilliland (ph), m.ob.].

Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinica) [3, 26]

2022-106: 1 at Longmeadow Flats–Pondside Road, Longmeadow, Hampden, 10/21/2022 to 10/28/2022 [Jean Langevin* (ph), m.ob.].

2023-083: 1 at Madaket, Nantucket, 10/24/2023 to 10/27/2023 [Trish Pastuszak* (ph), m.ob.].

2023-084: 1 at Captain Sargent Conservation Land, Stow, Middlesex, 10/31/2023 to 11/2/2023 [Matt Altieri* (ph), m.ob.].

Yellow Rail (Coturnicops noveboracensis) [1, 47]

2022-107: 1 at Fort Hill, Eastham, Barnstable, 9/24/2022 [Tim Spahr* (†)].

Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) [4, 15]

2023-085: 1 at World’s End (The Trustees of the Reservations)–Damde Meadows Tidal Marsh, Hingham, Plymouth, 5/1/2023 [Jenny Hook* (†)].

2023-086: 1 at Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon), Marshfield, Plymouth, 5/4/2023 to 5/5/2023 [Sally Avery* (ph), Barbara Freeman*, Susan Browne* (ph), m.ob.].

2024-041: 1 at Pikul’s Pannes, Newbury, Essex, 5/6/2024 to 5/16/2024 [Pauline Banducci* (ph), m.ob.].

2024-042: 1 at Bell’s Neck Conservation Area (Harwich Conservation Trust), Harwich, Barnstable, 5/22/2024 to 5/23/2024 [John Coran* (ph), m.ob.].

Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) [2, 8]

2023-003: 1 adult male at West Island, Fairhaven, Bristol, 5/8/2023 [J. Sweeney* (ph)].

2023-004: 1 adult male at Winsegansett Avenue Marsh, Fairhaven, Bristol, 5/13/2023 [Matt Eckerson* (ph), Joel Eckerson* (ph)].

2024-043: 1 juvenile at Crane Beach, Ipswich (The Trustees of the Reservations), Essex, 9/14/2024 to 9/17/2024 [Davey Walters* (ph), m.ob.].

The West Island and Winsegansett Avenue Marsh birds were both adult males and were just 2.5 miles apart and within five days of each other; the MARC treats both records as pertaining to the same individual.

Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) [2, 10]

2024-015: 1 at Bartlett’s Farm, Nantucket, 11/29/2024 to 12/13/2024 [Louis Dentiste* (ph), m.ob.].

2025-001: 1 at Fort Rodman, New Bedford, Bristol, 1/10/2025 to 2/10/2025 [Joao Faustino* (ph), m.ob.].

Wilson’s Plover (Anarhynchus wilsonia) [3, 22]

2023-087: 1 at Monomoy NWR–Morris Island, Barnstable, 7/12/2023 to 7/25/2023 [Elizabeth Axley* (ph), m.ob.].

2024-044: 1 at Smith Point, Nantucket, 4/16/2024 to 4/17/2024 [Louis Dentiste* (ph), m.ob.].

2024-045: 1 at Tuckernuck Island, Nantucket, 4/22/2024 [Richard Veit*, Ella Potenza* (ph)].

Eurasian Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) [1, 1]

2025-014: 1 at Polpis Boat Launch, Nantucket, 4/28/2025 to 5/2/2025 [Jacquelyn Papale*, Tom Griswold (ph), m.ob.].

Massachusetts has had a number of reports of Whimbrels with white rumps, but none has been documented for the MARC. Now, with the split, the Nantucket bird represents a state first and allows the species to be added to the state list. Although most Hudsonian Whimbrels take a migratory route south and west of Massachusetts, this species should be watched for in any Hudsonian Whimbrel flocks in spring (May) and fall (August–October).

Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) [1, 16]

Bar-tailed Godwit (European) (Limosa lapponica [lapponica Group]) [1, 11]

2025-022: 1 Bar-tailed Godwit (European) (Limosa lapponica [lapponica Group]) at Tuckernuck Island, Nantucket, 5/20/2025 to 5/21/2025 [Richard Veit* (ph), m.ob.].

Ruff (Calidris pugnax) [6, 14]

2024-014: 1 at Belle Isle Marsh Reservation, East Boston, Suffolk, 5/3/2024 [Tim Eardley* (ph), m.ob.].

2024-094: 1 at Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon), Marshfield, Plymouth, 4/6/2024 to 4/9/2024 [Jason Lambert* (ph), m.ob.].

2024-095: 1 at Parker River NWR and Newburyport Harbor, Essex, 5/5/2024 to 5/7/2024 [Tom Graham*, Dan Prima (ph), m.ob.].

2024-096: 1 at Gooseberry Neck, Westport, Bristol, 5/14/2024 [Joel Eckerson* (ph)].

2024-097: 1 at Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary–Allens Neck Trail (Mass Audubon), Westport, Bristol, 11/15/2024 [Joel Eckerson* (ph)].

2025-041: 1 at Winthrop Beach, Suffolk, 6/30/2025 to 7/3/2025 [Ron Hansen* (ph), m.ob.].

Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea) [3, 11]

2024-100: 1 at Monomoy NWR–North Monomoy Island, Barnstable, 7/26/2024 [Nick Bonomo*, Ian Davies*, Peter Trimble* (ph), Peter Flood*].

2024-098: 1 at Parker River NWR, Essex, 5/30/2024 to 5/31/2024 [Margo Goetschkes*, Steve Grinley* (ph), m.ob.].

2024-099: 1 at Plymouth Beach, Plymouth, 6/2/2024 to 6/4/2024 [Lisa Schibley* (ph), m.ob.].

South Polar Skua (Stercorarius maccormicki) [13, 31]

2022-108: 1 at Race Point, Provincetown, Barnstable, 10/3/2022 [Liam Waters* (†), Dan Burton* (†)].

2021-118: 1 offshore 100 miles E of Nantucket (41.2148449, -68.0154666), Nantucket, 8/10/2021 [Doug Gochfeld* (ph)].

2023-088: 1 offshore 82 miles E of Chatham, Barnstable, 9/14/2023 [Jennifer Roberts* (ph)].

2023-089: 2 offshore 100 miles E of Nantucket, Nantucket, 11/5/2023 [Liam Waters* (ph)].

2024-046: 1 at Gooseberry Neck, Westport, Bristol, 7/11/2024 [Jonathan Eckerson* (ph)].

2024-048: 1 offshore 140 miles E of Nantucket, Nantucket, 8/14/2024 [Liam Waters* (ph)].

2024-050: 2 offshore 70 miles E of Chatham, Barnstable, 8/18/2024 [Liam Waters* (ph)].

2024-051: 37 offshore 87 miles E of Chatham, Barnstable, 8/18/2024 [Liam Waters* (ph)].

2024-053: 1 offshore 101 miles SE of Nantucket, Nantucket, 8/25/2024 [Peter Flood* (ph), John Garrett*, Liam Waters*, m.ob.].

2024-054: 1 offshore 96 miles SE of Nantucket, Nantucket, 8/26/2024 [Amy Davis*, Peter Flood* (ph), Robert Thoren*, m.ob.].

2024-055: 1 offshore 83 miles SE of Nantucket, Nantucket, 8/27/2024 [Amy Davis*, Peter Flood*, Robert Thoren*, m.ob.].

2024-056: 1 offshore 17 miles NE of Cape Ann, Essex, 9/3/2024 [Stephen Mirick*, Pam Hunt (ph), m.ob.].

2024-057: 1 at Race Point, Provincetown, Barnstable, 9/21/2024 [Brandon Holden* (ph)].

skua sp. (Stercorarius sp.) [1, 1]

2022-050R: 1 offshore, Barnstable, 5/24/2022 [Xiaoni Xu* (ph)].

Initially reported as two South Polar Skuas; the committee unanimously voted to accept a single skua sp. based on the photos obtained.

Black Guillemot (mandtii) (Cepphus grylle mandtii) [2, 2]

2019-160: 1 at MacMillan Wharf, Provincetown, Barnstable, 12/16/2019 to 3/19/2020 [Peter Flood* (ph), Kate Sutherland*, m.ob.].

2020-128: 1 at Race Point, Provincetown, Barnstable, 4/4/2020 [Peter Flood* (ph)].

2024-058: 1 at Castle Rock, Nahant, Essex, 12/31/2024 [Rick Heil* (ph)].

The high Arctic subspecies mandtii had been documented once to our south on Long Island, New York, so keen observers in the state had been on the lookout. This subspecies stands out from local wintering Cepphus grylle arcticus because of its very white head and back, but sightings are best documented by the diagnostic white primary covert spur, which was evident on the excellent photos for both Barnstable County records. Given the unusual nature of the sighting, and the close proximity of the two records, the MARC opted to treat both Barnstable County records as the same bird.

Franklin’s Gull (Leucophaeus pipixcan) [3, 48]

2024-101: 1 at Race Point, Provincetown, Barnstable, 6/1/2024 [Peter Flood* (ph)].

2024-102: 1 at Race Point, Provincetown, Barnstable, 6/18/2024 [Valerie Burdette* (ph)].

2024-103: 2 at Monomoy NWR–North Monomoy Island, Barnstable, 7/26/2024 [Nick Bonomo*, Ian Davies*, Peter Trimble* (ph), Peter Flood*].

Common Gull (Larus canus) [0, 13]

Common Gull (European) (Larus canus canus) [0, 10]

2013-071: 1 at Revere Beach, Revere, Suffolk, 12/19/2013 [Andrew Vitz*, Louis Bevier].

This record is discussed in more detail by Iliff (2025), but it was noteworthy because this bird was banded—as a Ring-billed Gull—and later resighted in Cohasset in 2016 and in Maine in November 2024 and January 2025.

Common Gull (Kamchatka) (Larus canus kamtschatschensis) [0, 3]

2025-002: 1 at King’s Beach, Lynn, Essex, 1/26/2025 to 1/29/2025 [Suzanne Sullivan* (ph), m.ob.].

2024-025: 1 at Siasconset, Nantucket, 12/29/2024 to 12/31/2024 [Jeremiah Trimble* (ph), m.ob.].

Vega Gull (Larus vegae) [1, 1]

2019-158: 1 at Rock Harbor, Eastham and Orleans, Barnstable, 11/24/2019 [Jeremiah Trimble* (ph)].

A very difficult identification and a recent split. The photographs of this bird were sent around to several gull experts who all endorsed the identification. The photos show a darker eye, a mantle a shade darker than American Herring, bright pink legs, and a faint “string of pearls” on the inner primaries. Other East Coast records hail from Maryland and Pennsylvania, with a scattering elsewhere. Despite being common in western Alaska, Vega Gull remains rarer in the mid-continent than Slaty-backed Gull.

Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus) [3, 15]

2021-124: 1 offshore 78 miles SE of Nantucket, Nantucket, 7/31/2021 [Tom Johnson* (ph)].

2024-059: 1 offshore 80 miles SE of Nantucket, Nantucket, 7/20/2024 [Mael Glon* (ph)].

2024-060: 1 offshore 125 miles ESE of Nantucket, Nantucket, 8/13/2024 [Liam Waters* (ph)].

White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus) [4, 14]

2021-125: 1 offshore 111 SSE of Nantucket, Nantucket, 6/30/2021 [Allison Black* (ph)].

2021-126: 1 offshore 130 miles SSE of Nantucket, Nantucket, 8/18/2021 [Tom Johnson* (ph)].

2021-127: 1 offshore 140 miles S of Nantucket, Nantucket, 8/18/2021 [Tom Johnson* (ph)].

2021-128: 1 offshore 112 miles SE of Nantucket, Nantucket, 8/19/2021 [Tom Johnson* (ph)].

Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus) [1, 12]

2024-061: 1 offshore 178 miles SE of Nantucket, Nantucket, 7/20/2024 [Mael Glon* (ph)].

Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica) [4, 36]

2021-062: 1 alternate-plumaged adult at Gooseberry Neck, Westport, Bristol, 10/23/2021 [Marshall Iliff* (ph)].

2021-133: 1 alternate-plumaged adult at Gooseberry Neck, Westport, Bristol, 5/14/2021 [Matthew Eckerson* (ph)].

2022-105: 1 at Manomet Point, Plymouth, 10/23/2022 [Brian Vigorito* (ph)].

2025-016: 1 alternate-plumaged adult at Pontoosuc Lake, Pittsfield, Berkshire, 5/9/2025 [Kyron Hanson* (ph), m.ob.].

Arctic/Pacific Loon (Gavia arctica/pacifica) [1, 8]

2013-070R: 1 at Braintree, Norfolk, 2/8/2013 to 2/11/2013 [New England Wildlife Center*, Jeremiah Trimble].

A photo of a bird taken to a rehabilitator showed intriguing characteristics that could be suggestive of Arctic Loon, but the MARC was not convinced that Pacific Loon was not involved (see 2013-070 below). Although the species could not be determined with certainty, the MARC did accept it as Arctic/Pacific Loon.

Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross (Thalassarche chlororhynchos) [1, 10]

2022-103: 1 at Peaked Hill Dunes, Provincetown, Barnstable, 6/28/2022 [Terry Bull* (ph)].

Cape Verde/Desertas Petrel (Pterodroma feae/deserta) [1, 3]

2024-062: 1 at Stellwagen Bank–Race Point Waters, Barnstable, 8/26/2024 [Hans Holbrook* (ph)].

Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata) [2, 9]

2024-063: 1 offshore 6 miles SW of Provincetown, Barnstable, 4/17/2024 [Liam Waters*].

2024-064: 1 offshore 110 miles SE of Nantucket, Nantucket, 8/27/2024 [Peter Flood*, Sebastian Jones (ph), m.ob.].

Juan Fernandez Petrel (Pterodroma externa) [1, 1]

2025-043 1 offshore 9 miles SE of Gloucester Harbor, Essex, 7/11/2025 [Andy Sanford* (ph)].

This completely surprising bird was spotted on the return trip from a whale watch, where the observer photographed a mystery species and Sam Zhang quickly proposed this identification after seeing the images. Although Juan Fernandez Petrel is a common seabird in the Southeastern Pacific and regularly moves north to waters off Hawaii and west Mexico, this individual is among the most shocking birds ever to have occurred in Massachusetts—joining Red-footed Falcon. It is known in the continental United States and Canada from only two records: one in Oregon and a hurricane-blown bird in Tucson, Arizona. This record joins similarly amazing records of Pacific seabirds in the Atlantic that include Buller’s Shearwater in New Jersey; Tahiti Petrel in North Carolina; Wedge-tailed Shearwater in North Carolina, Florida, and Texas; and Stejneger’s Petrel in Texas.

Another day at the beach for this Brown Booby that spent a memorable week next to the L Street Bathhouse in Boston. Photograph by Lily Morello.

Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) [2, 36]

2013-072: 1 at Long Wharf, Boston, Suffolk, 7/7/2013 to 7/8/2013 [Anonymous* (ph), Ryan Schain].

2024-065: 1 at Carson Beach and Moakley Park, Boston, Suffolk, 7/12/2024 to 7/17/2024 [Laura Markley* (ph), m.ob.].

These two records represent the first and second records for Suffolk County. The MARC also voted to treat 2013-072 to 2013-064 as pertaining to the same bird.

Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) [1, 4]

2025-020: 1 at Pogorelc Sanctuary, Barnstable, Barnstable, 5/17/2025 [Rebekah Ambrose-Dalton* (ph)].

Only the second photographed record for Massachusetts and a new species for Barnstable County, this bird follows just a year behind the other photographed bird. The 27th report (Iliff et al. 2024) cited a photographed Anhinga from Norfolk County, but the report was second-hand and is best disregarded at this stage.

American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) [1, 35]

2021-068: 1 at Hummock Pond, Nantucket, 10/29/2021 to 10/31/2021 [Bill Gooch*, m.ob.].

White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) [5, 20]

2022-102: 1 at Judge Cushing Puddle, Scituate, Plymouth, 8/15/2022 [Kathleen Rawdon* (ph), m.ob.].

2023-090: 1 at Burrage Pond WMA, Hanson and Halifax, Plymouth, 4/21/2023 to 4/22/2023 [Danny Arnott* (ph), m.ob.].

2023-091: 1 at Hingham Bathing Beach, Hingham, Plymouth, 7/19/2023 [Kathleen Rawdon* (ph)].

2022-126: 2 juveniles at Perkins Park, Newburyport, Essex, 8/12/2022 to 8/27/2022 [Eric Peirce* (ph), m.ob.].

2022-127: 1 juvenile at Eph Pond, Williamstown, Berkshire, 9/1/2022 to 9/6/2022 [David Schaller*, m.ob. (ph)].

2022-128: 1 at Great Meadows NWR, Concord, Middlesex, from 8/27/2022 [William Martens*, m.ob. (ph)].

The individual from Judge Cushing Puddle was a third-year bird with a distinctive tan-colored head and was clearly the same bird as the one seen at Sailors Home Pond, Quincy, August 2–3, 2022 [2022-068]. Although the four juveniles in August to September 2022 were well above average and constituted an invasion by Massachusetts standards, even more birds were missed, because southern Maine witnessed a flock of up to 31 in York County. Such double-digit counts are unprecedented in New England. More White Ibises can be expected in the years to come as they continue to expand as a breeding bird in New Jersey, where hundreds can be found in a day now despite the species never having nested there prior to 2020.

White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi) [2, 37]

2023-092: 1 at French Meadow, Concord, Middlesex, 4/7/2023 to 4/12/2023 [Scott Dresser* (ph), m.ob.].

2025-028: 1 at Rumney Marsh, Revere, Suffolk, 5/30/2025 to 6/3/2025 [Marshall Iliff* (ph), m.ob.].

The Rumney Marsh bird represented a first for Suffolk County, and the Concord bird was only the third accepted record for Middlesex County.

Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus) [6, 32]

2022-029: 1 at Route 6 South Dennis, Barnstable, 4/20/2022 [Karen Fiske*].

2022-030: 1 at Holly Ridge Golf Course, Sandwich, Barnstable, 7/8/2022 [Anonymous*].

2022-052: 1 at Breivogel Ponds, East Falmouth, Barnstable, 5/26/2022 [Jim Carroll*].

2023-094: 1 at Mac’s Seafood, Eastham, Barnstable, 4/15/2023 [Diana Stephens*].

2023-095: 1 at Glendale Ridge Vineyard, Southampton, Hampshire, 5/6/2023 [Liz Preston* (ph), m.ob.].

2023-096: 1 at East Meadows, Northampton, Hampshire, 5/7/2023 [Mary McKitrick* (ph)].

Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis) [5, 48]

2022-110: 1 at Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School, Bristol, 5/15/2022 [Joel Eckerson*, Andy Eckerson*].

2022-111: 1 at Pequot Road, Mashpee, Barnstable, 5/18/2022 [Mary Keleher* (ph), Ashley Keleher*].

2025-017: 1 at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, Middlesex, 5/11/2025 [Sam Halvorsen* (ph)].

2025-026: 1 at Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, Suffolk, 5/28/2025 [Sebastian Jones* (ph)].

2025-033: 4 at Whispering Woods Conservation Area, Plymouth, Plymouth, 6/11/2025 to 6/29/2025 [Lisa Schibley* (ph), m.ob.].

Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) [1, 13]

2024-118: 1 at Parker River NWR, Great Neck in Ipswich, and Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, Essex, 11/25/2024 to 4/14/2025 [Erik Schiff* (ph), m.ob.].

For a species that typically winters as far south as Argentina, it is shocking to have witnessed successful wintering of a Swainson’s Hawk in Massachusetts in 2025. This individual was intermittently observed in the Ipswich and Plum Island area through mid-January before being relocated around Gloucester in February, and then returning to Plum Island in April.

Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis) [1, 1]

2024-011: 1 at Morris Island, Chatham, Barnstable, 12/29/2024 to 2/1/2025 [Krzysztof Kurylowicz* (ph), m.ob.].

2025-045: 1 at West Basin Road, Martha’s Vineyard, Dukes, 4/5/2025 [Nancy Nordin* (ph)].

After it was first reported to eBird, understandably, as a “Harlan’s” Red-tailed Hawk, the eBird reviewer (Jeremiah Trimble) and several other birders quickly noticed it and got in touch with the birder. Amazingly, the bird remained and was seen regularly as it hunted the edges of Morris Island, perched in trees near the island’s high point, and regularly flew out to South Beach and North Monomoy, where it was seen depredating dead eiders and other waterfowl along the beaches. There was concern that it might succumb to bird flu, which was active in the area at this time, but the bird survived, and the final chapter in this individual’s saga occurred on April 5, 2025, when it was photographed along West Basin Road, Martha’s Vineyard, Dukes County, and was again misidentified—this time as a Bald Eagle—until photos were noticed weeks later in eBird.

Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus) [1, 6]

2020-127: 1 at Gloucester and Woodsom Farm, Amesbury, Essex, 8/12/2020 to 8/17/2020 [Max Baber* (ph), m.ob.].

This first-summer bird was spotted by a visiting birder just west of Halibut Point and was well seen by many the following day before disappearing. It was relocated—as confirmed by plumage details—at Woodsom Farm August 15 and seen by many more. It represented a new species for Essex County.

Western Wood-Pewee (Contopus sordidulus) [1, 2]

2024-066: 1 at Parker River NWR–Hellcat Dunes Loop, Essex, 10/3/2024 [Debbie Lombardo* (ph), Brian Lombardo*, Duncan Todd* (ph)].

Identification of Western Wood-Pewee as a vagrant is one of the greatest challenges in the eastern United States, but progress has been made in recent years. This bird was silent and was identified after the fact by sharp-eyed birders who flagged the photo—entered as Eastern Wood-Pewee—in eBird. No single field mark is diagnostic, but the MARC accepted this bird based on its very narrow wing bars (especially reduced in the upper wing bar), very dark gray plumage, prominent dark breast, dark mandible, and dusky undertail coverts. Although the first record from Massachusetts was June 9, 2024, adjacent states have had multiple fall records including September 7, October 5, and October 26 in Maine, and October 1 in New Hampshire.

Western Flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis) [1, 4]

2024-067: 1 at Main Road, Gill, Franklin, 1/3/2024 [James P. Smith* (ph)].

A road-killed bird found in Franklin County in January was just the fourth record for the state, first for the county, and first for January. All Western Flycatchers have been found since 2006.

Say’s Phoebe (Sayornis saya) [2, 21]

2023-097: 1 at Quabbin Reservoir–Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters, Hampshire, 12/10/2023 to 4/15/2024 [Mary McKitrick* (ph), m.ob.].

2024-068: 1 at Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary–Beach Loop (Mass Audubon), Westport, Bristol, 12/29/2024 to 1/5/2025 [Spencer Lott* (ph), m.ob.].

The Quabbin bird overwintered on a structure near the dam. The Allens Pond bird seemed to disappear after January cold snaps—it was last seen preparing to roost in a shallow dirt cave within 15 meters of the ocean.

Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) [2, 5]

2024-009: 1 at Burrage Pond WMA, Hanson and Halifax, Plymouth, 1/1/2024 [William Marquardt* (ph)].

2024-010: 1 at South Cape Beach State Park, Mashpee, Barnstable, 10/8/2024 [Jonathan Kaufman* (ph), Mary Keleher* (ph), m.ob.].

A Vermilion Flycatcher seen for a single day at Burrage Pond was surprising in that it was not seen before or after—most insect eaters at this season tend to stay put, and one as conspicuous as this bird would typically be readily relocated. The South Cape Beach bird was much more in line with past patterns on the East Coast, occurring in the middle of the period between late September to late October when the species has usually been found.

Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) [1, 44]

2023-098: 1 at Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, Suffolk, 12/13/2023 to 12/17/2023 [Sebastian Jones* (ph), m.ob.].

Gray Kingbird (Tyrannus dominicensis) [1, 5]

2024-020: 1 at Fort Hill and Nauset Light, Eastham, Barnstable, 10/18/2024 to 10/19/2024 [Tom Marvel*, Rick Wright (ph), m.ob.].

A sight report from Fort Hill was followed the next day by a photo from Nauset Light just a couple miles north and across the marsh; the MARC voted to accept both reports as pertaining to the same bird.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus) [2, 19]

2024-070: 1 at 86 Cross Street, Carver, Plymouth, 5/6/2024 [Holly Colombo* (ph), m.ob.].

2024-104: 1 at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon), Topsfield and Wenham, Essex, 11/2/2024 to 12/7/2024 [Shane O’Neil* (ph), m.ob.].

Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana) [3, 15]

2020-131: 1 at Dunback Meadow, Lexington, Middlesex, 10/4/2020 [Marianne Jensen*, Paul Ulrich*].

2024-106: 1 at Lighthouse Beach, Edgartown, Dukes, 6/22/2024 [Robert Provost* (ph)].

2024-107: 1 at Strong Island Road, Chatham, Barnstable, 10/16/2024 to 10/20/2024 [Robert Kiessling* (ph)].

Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) [1, 11]

2024-019: 1 at Forest Beach and Conservation Lands, Chatham, Barnstable, 9/11/2024 to 9/12/2024 [Jeff Hendrickx* (ph), m.ob.].

Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus) [2, 4]

2022-125: 1 at North Gulf Road, Belchertown, Hampshire, 12/19/2022 to 1/5/2023 [Susan Lancelle* (ph)].

2022-124: 1 at Quabbin Reservoir–Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters, Hampshire, 11/1/2022 [Hillary Siener* (au)].

Cave Swallow (Petrochelidon fulva) [12, 32]

2015-087: 1 at Pontoosuc Lake, Pittsfield, Berkshire, 11/12/2015 [Greg Ward*].

2015-088: 1 at Roger Reed State Hatchery, Palmer, Hampden, 11/14/2015 [Dan Marchant* (ph)].

2015-089: 2 at Gooseberry Neck, Westport, Bristol, 11/15/2015 [Erik Nielsen*].

2017-150: 1 at Manomet Bird Observatory, Plymouth, Plymouth, 11/6/2017 [Alan Kneidel* (ph)].

2017-151: 2 at The Knubble (Westport Land Conservation Trust), Westport, Bristol, 11/18/2017 [Andy Boyce*].

2022-112: 1 at Manomet Bird Observatory, Plymouth, Plymouth, 11/7/2022 [Megan Gray* (ph), Alan Kneidel*, m.ob.].

2022-113: 2 at Horseneck Beach, Westport, Bristol, 11/8/2022 [Jonathan Eckerson*, Joel Eckerson* (ph)].

2024-072: 1 at Parker River NWR–Lot 2, Essex, 11/10/2024 [Zachary Peterson* (ph)].

2024-073: 1 at Andrews Point and Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, Essex, 11/11/2024 [Rick Heil* (ph), Suzanne Sullivan* (ph), John Keeley*].

2024-075: 1 at Nauset Beach, Orleans, Barnstable, 11/12/2024 [Nancy Villone* (ph)].

2024-076: 1 at Revere Beach–Pink Apartments, Revere, Suffolk, 11/23/2024 [Suzanne Sullivan* (ph)].

2024-077: 1 at Winthrop Beach and Five Sisters, Winthrop, Suffolk, 11/24/2024 [Jude Robichaud* (ph), Rob Larsen*].

2024-078: 1 at Monomoy NWR–Morris Island, Chatham, Barnstable, 11/24/2024 [Liam Waters* (ph), m.ob.].

The committee also voted to link 2024-077 and 2024-078 as pertaining to the same individual.

Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus) [1, 6]

2023-069: 1 at Carver, Plymouth, 3/3/2023 to 3/10/2023 [Bill Zuzevich* (ph), m.ob.].

This bird marks the first accepted record for Plymouth County.

Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) [1, 13]

2024-024: 1 at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield and Wenham, Essex, 11/4/2024 to 11/5/2024 [Lily Morello* (ph), m.ob.].

Townsend’s Solitaire (Myadestes townsendi) [4, 37]

2023-100: 1 at Manuel F. Correllus State Forest–Headquarters Building, Edgartown, Dukes, 2/21/2023 to 3/19/2023 [Bridget Dunnigan* (ph), Sea Williams*, m.ob.].

2023-111: 1 at Atwood Reservoir WMA, Carver, Plymouth, 3/17/2023 to 4/9/2023 [Bill Zuzevich* (ph), m.ob.].

2023-101: 1 at Manomet Bird Observatory, Plymouth, Plymouth, 11/16/2023 [Trenton Voytko* (ph), m.ob.].

2024-080: 1 at High Head, Pilgrim Heights, Truro, Barnstable, 2/25/2024 to 3/26/2024 [Susan Hedman* (ph), m.ob.].

Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius) [1, 22]

2022-114: 1 at Anita Drive, Pittsfield, Berkshire, 12/25/2022 [Joanne Williams* (ph)].

Bicknell’s Thrush (Catharus bicknelli) [2, 5]

2022-062: 1 at Manomet Bird Observatory, Plymouth, Plymouth, 10/27/2022 [Amy Hogan* (ph), Sarah Duff*, Emilia Skogen*, Josephine Tagestad*].

2024-081: 1 at Jug End State Reservation, Egremont and Mount Washington, Berkshire, 10/15/2024 [Ben Nickley* (ph)].

Both records were of banded birds. The MARC needs a recording of the song or call notes or diagnostic measurements to accept this species in the state.

Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe) [1, 16]

2021-129: 1 at Water Street Marsh, Yarmouth, Barnstable, 9/21/2021 [Alex Burdo* (ph), m.ob.].

Redpoll (rostrata/islandica) (Acanthis flammea rostrata/islandica) [1, 3]

2022-121: 1 at Honey Pot–That’s a Plenty Farm, Hadley, Hampshire, 1/9/2021 [Jaden Salett*, Sean Williams*, Max Chalfin-Jacobs*, Lily Morello* (ph)].

Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys) [2, 15]

2024-016: 1 at 50 Mansfield Avenue, Norton, Bristol, 8/21/2024 [Val Cabral* (ph), m.ob.].

2024-017: 1 at Parker River NWR, Essex, 9/27/2024 [Eric Labato* (ph), m.ob.].

A LeConte’s Sparrow found singing during an April bird survey in Boston Harbor marked the first record likely to pertain to a spring migrant. Photograph by Sebastian Jones.

LeConte’s Sparrow (Ammospiza leconteii) [3, 26]

2022-115: 1 at Crane Beach (The Trustees of the Reservations), Ipswich, Essex, 12/18/2022 to 12/28/2022 [Nathan Dubrow* (ph), m.ob.].

2024-082: 1 at Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, Suffolk, 4/15/2024 [Sebastian Jones* (ph)].

2024-105: 1 at Good Harbor Beach, Gloucester, Essex, 1/12/2024 to 1/19/2024 [Jeremiah Trimble* (ph)].

The Boston Harbor Islands bird represents the first accepted record for Suffolk County and also is the first record likely to pertain to a spring migrant, as it was not seen at this location before or after.

This Spotted Towhee was seen by dozens of birders over the course of the five months it spent in an airport parking lot. Although it was the sixth accepted record for the state, it was a first for Cape Cod. Photograph by Lisa Schibley.

Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) [1, 6]

2024-012: 1 at Provincetown Airport, Barnstable, 11/16/2024 to 3/2/2025 [Valerie Burdette* (ph), m.ob.].

This record was a first for well-watched Barnstable County.

Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) [1, 5]

2024-021: 1 at Honey Pot, Hadley, Hampshire, 12/24/2024 to 2/26/2025 [Nicole Holmes*, Evan Lipton* (ph), m.ob.].

Just three years after the first accepted Western Meadowlark in western Massachusetts, another one turned up at the exact same spot.

Bullock’s Oriole (Icterus bullockii) [1, 18]

2022-046: 1 at Lane’s Farm (restricted access), Essex, 11/5/2022 [Suzanne Sullivan* (ph), John Keeley (ph)].

Swainson’s Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) [1, 8]

2024-084: 1 at Manomet Conservation Sciences, Plymouth, Plymouth, 5/31/2024 to 6/1/2024 [Liam Norton*, m.ob. (ph, au)].

Among just eight state records, this bird was the seventh in the spring and it was a first for Plymouth County and well-watched Manomet Point. As with at least two other state records, this bird was first detected in the mist nets, but it was found singing later that morning and remained to please crowds the following day.

MacGillivray’s Warbler (Geothlypis tolmiei) [2, 22]

2024-085: 1 at Westboro WMA, Worcester, 10/27/2024 to 10/28/2024 [Timothy Spahr* (ph, au)].

2024-086: 1 at Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon), Barnstable, Barnstable, 12/21/2024 [Chris Walz* (ph), m.ob.].

The Westboro bird was a new species for Worcester County.

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon’s) (Setophaga coronata auduboni) [3, 23]

2018-090: 1 at Starbuck Road, Madaket, Nantucket, 12/30/2018 to 12/31/2018 [Nick Bonomo* (ph), m.ob.].

2020-130: 1 at 104 Surfside Road, Nantucket, Nantucket, 12/27/2020 to 1/8/2021 [Megan Soverino*, Henry Farrell* (ph), m.ob.].

2024-122: 1 at Herring Pond, Eastham, Barnstable, 12/8/2024 [Mark Faherty* (ph)].

Black-throated Gray Warbler (Setophaga nigrescens) [4, 26]

2022-116: 1 at Sandy Neck, Barnstable, Barnstable, 9/25/2022 [Peter Crosson* (ph)].

2022-122: 1 at Pochet Island, Orleans, Barnstable, 10/9/2022 to 10/13/2022 [Joey Negreann* (ph), m.ob.].

2024-108: 1 at Rauscher Farm Conservation Area, Clinton, Worcester, 4/8/2024 [David Ammerman* (ph)].

2024-116: 1 at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, Middlesex, 11/3/2024 to 11/6/2024 [Jill Gatlin* (ph), m.ob.].

The Rauscher Farm bird was a first for Worcester County, and it was also the first accepted spring record—apparently a spring migrant—for Massachusetts.

Townsend’s Warbler (Setophaga townsendi) [4, 33]

2024-074: 1 at Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge (The Trustees of the Reservations), Dukes, 4/26/2024 to 4/29/2024 [Sky Kardell* (ph), m.ob.].

2024-109: 1 at 24 North Precinct Street, Lakeville, Plymouth, 5/13/2024 [Evan Dalton* (ph)].

2023-112: 1 at Pine Banks Park, Malden and Melrose, Middlesex, 11/12/2023 [Michael Hochstetler* (ph)].

2023-114: 1 at East Orleans, Barnstable, 12/17/2023 [Jeremiah Trimble* (ph)].

Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana) [3, 38]

2022-004: 1 at West Barnstable Conservation Area, Barnstable, 1/4/2022 [Keelin Miller* (ph)].

2022-008: 1 at 135 Locust Road, Eastham, Barnstable, 1/17/2022 [Joann Wick-Pelletier* (ph)].

2023-105: 1 at Sagamore Recreation Area, Bourne, Barnstable, 1/7/2023 to 1/11/2023 [Bette Robo* (ph), m.ob.]

Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus) [1, 5]

2022-045: 1 at Arlington Reservoir, Arlington and Lexington, Middlesex, 11/3/2022 [Stan Deutsch* (ph)].

A Lazuli Bunting present for more than a week at a farm in Newbury was seen by many birders and marked the fourth MARC accepted record of the species. Photograph by Harris Stein.

Lazuli Bunting (Passerina amoena) [1, 4]

2024-018: 1 at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, Newbury, Essex, 12/1/2024 to 12/9/2024 [Rick Heil* (ph), m.ob.].

Just the fourth well-documented record for the state, this bird was found among a cluster of other late fall vagrants. The state’s four records are scattered in spring, late fall, and mid-winter (2).

Varied Bunting (Passerina versicolor) [1, 1]

2025-044: 1 at Provincetown, Barnstable, 1/3/2025 to 2/28/2025 [Zygmunt Plater*, William von Herff*, P. Trimble (ph), m.ob.].

This bird was an absolute shocker. Not only does it represent a first winter record for the East Coast, the species has only occurred thrice previously east of the Mississippi: one female banded at Long Point, Ontario, May 7, 1995; an adult male at a feeder in Pennsylvania May 6–7, 2018; and another adult male in Wisconsin May 4–9, 2024. Adding to the record’s incongruity, this bird initially was seen concurrently with a Black-chinned Hummingbird, with one video even showing the hummingbird attacking the bunting! Birders visiting a private residence to see the Black-chinned Hummingbird were the first to notice it, but it was understandably identified as an Indigo Bunting until photos were shared on eBird. Unfortunately, public visitation was not possible for the bunting, although it did stay for two months.

Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) [1, 46]

2024-087: 1 at Siasconset–Baxter/Sankaty Roads, Nantucket, 1/1/2024 to 1/2/2024 [Valerie Burdette* (ph), m.ob.].

NOT ACCEPTED RECORDS

Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) [18]

2022-077: 2 at Forest Lake, Palmer, Hampden, 3/23/2022.

2023-020: 1 at Corbin’s Neck, Ashley Falls, Berkshire, 1/29/2023.

MARC did not feel confident that other swan species could be ruled out based on the documentation.

Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) [33]

2021-084: 1 at Acoaxet, Bristol, 12/5/2021.

Although this record had support from a majority of the committee, a number felt that hybridization could not be definitively ruled out based on the images available.

Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) [9]

2022-123: 1 at Blueberry Pond Drive, Brewster, Barnstable, 11/14/2022.

Committee members felt that Ruby-throated Hummingbird was likely involved for this record based on images and outside consultation.

Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis) [1]

2024-040: 1 at Konkapot and Agawam Marshes, Great Barrington and Stockbridge, Berkshire, 7/18/2024.

The record was based on recordings of a bird that was not seen; committee members felt the vocalizations did not match any known Black Rail calls.

South Polar Skua (Stercorarius maccormicki) [0, 31]

2022-050: 2 offshore waters, Barnstable, 5/24/2022.

See skua sp. (Stercorarius sp.) 2022-050R for discussion of this record.

Black Guillemot (mandtii) (Cepphus grylle mandtii) [2]

2025-005: 1 at Bass Rocks, Gloucester, Essex, 2/3/2025.

2025-006: 1 at Whale Cove, Rockport, Essex, 2/5/2025.

MARC members felt that images of both birds were too distant to adequately show the field marks needed to identify this subspecies with confidence.

Common Gull (European) (Larus canus canus) [10]

1980-005R: 1 at Revere Beach, Revere, Suffolk, 5/9/1980.

This record was previously reviewed and accepted by the MARC as a Common Gull and reassessed during a review of all Mew Gulls. Members felt the documentation did not conclusively support identification as either Common Gull or as the subspecies Larus canus canus. This record has, however, been accepted as Common/Short-billed Gull (see Iliff 2025).

European Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) [0]

1982-001: 1 at Nantucket, Nantucket, 10/15/1982.

2019-161: 1 at Lynn Beach, Lynn, Essex, 1/1/2019.

2021-132: 1 at Parker River NWR, Essex, 10/9/2021.

2024-088: 1 at Siasconset–Codfish Park, Nantucket, 1/18/2024.

With the split of this species from American Herring Gull (Larus smithsonianus) last year, MARC reviewed several existing records and did not accept any of them.

Arctic Loon (Gavia arctica) [0]

2013-070: 1 at Braintree, Norfolk, 2/8/2013 to 2/11/2013.

See Arctic/Pacific Loon (Gavia arctica/pacifica) 2013-070R for discussion of this record.

Cape Verde Shearwater (Calonectris edwardsii) [1]

2022-109: 1 at Sandy Neck, Barnstable, Barnstable, 10/2/2022.

This individual was photographed during a seawatch and was unanimously felt to very likely represent a Cape Verde Shearwater, but the photos were distant and failed to conclusively show key details such as bill color. Because this record would be the second for Massachusetts and only the third confirmed record for North America, the committee erred on the side of caution by not accepting it.

Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis) [48]

2022-078: 1 at Huckleberry Hill, Lincoln, Middlesex, 5/24/2022.

2023-027: 1 at 680 Edgartown Road, West Tisbury, Dukes, 6/15/2023.

The committee did not feel other species could be ruled out based on the descriptions of these sightings.

Western Wood-Pewee (Contopus sordidulus) [2]

2023-028: 1 at South Monomoy, Barnstable, 8/22/2023.

Despite the individual’s being captured at a banding station, the committee felt that some of the measurements were inconclusive or favored Eastern Wood-Pewee.

Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) [5]

2024-069: 1 at Parker River NWR, Essex, 8/6/2024.

The description of this individual did not fully rule out similar species.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus) [19]

2022-060: 1 at Chicopee Country Club, Chicopee, Hampden, 6/20/2022.

Committee members felt the description of this bird did not adequately address other similar species.

Cave Swallow (Petrochelidon fulva) [32]

2024-071: 1 at Locust Grove Cemetery, Gloucester, Essex, 11/6/2024.

With other swallow species still present in the state at the time, the committee felt the photos and description accompanying this record were inconclusive.

Townsend’s Solitaire (Myadestes townsendi) [37]

2021-061: 1 at A Pleasant Hobby Farm, Dighton, Bristol, 10/22/2021.

Committee members felt other species were not fully addressed in the description of this bird, in particular Eastern Bluebird.

Bicknell’s Thrush (Catharus bicknelli) [5]

2023-010: 1 at Barbara’s Way, Plymouth, Plymouth, 5/5/2023 to 5/9/2023.

Although several members of the committee felt this bird was likely a Bicknell’s, the report was not accepted reflecting the committee’s belief that records of this species require in-hand measurements or solid audio documentation.

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon’s) (Setophaga coronata auduboni) [23]

2017-145: 1 at 13-59 Taylor Ave, Plymouth, 11/12/2017.

2020-129: 1 at Beaver Pond Recreation Area, Franklin, Norfolk, 10/4/2020.

2022-009: 1 at Bay Farm, Duxbury, Plymouth, 1/19/2022.

As with other records that MARC has not accepted of this subspecies, there was concern over whether hybridization had been considered and fully ruled out.

Changes to review list: South Polar Skua was removed in September 2025 and records will no longer be reviewed by the MARC.

Corrigenda: The Twenty-sixth Report listed the record number for a Brant (Black) seen March 13, 2021, as 2020-116; it has been adjusted to 2021-134 to reflect the year in which it was observed.

Literature Cited

• American Ornithologists’ Union. 1998. Checklist-list of North American Birds, seventh edition. Lawrence, Kansas: American Ornithologists’ Union.
• Chesser, R. T., S. M. Billerman, K. J. Burns, C. Cicero, J. L. Dunn, B. E. Hernández-Baños, R. A. Jiménez, O. Johnson, N. A. Mason, and P. C. Rasmussen. 2025a. Sixty-sixth supplement to the American Ornithological Society’s Check-list of North American Birds. Ornithology 142 (3): ukaf015 (July 1, 2025). https://doi.org/10.1093/ornithology/ukaf015
• Chesser, R. T., S. M. Billerman, K. J. Burns, C. Cicero, J. L. Dunn, B. E. Hernández-Baños, R. A. Jiménez, O. Johnson, N. A. Mason, and P. C. Rasmussen. 2025b. Check-list of North American Birds (online). American Ornithological Society. https://checklist.americanornithology.org/taxa/
• Clements, J. F., P. C. Rasmussen, M. J. Iliff, T. A. Fredericks, J. A. Gerbracht, D. Lepage, A. Spencer, S. M. Billerman, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2024. The eBird/Clements checklist of Birds of the World: v2024. Downloaded from https://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
• eBird. 2024. eBird: An online database of bird distribution and abundance [web application]. eBird, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York. Available: http://www.ebird.org. (Accessed: December 2, 2023).
• Iliff, M. J., S. Jones, and J. Trimble. 2024. Twenty-seventh Report of the Massachusetts Avian Records Committee. Bird Observer 52 (6):396–415. Expanded web version, with additional content and images: https://maavianrecords.com/annual-reports/27th/
• Iliff, M. J. 2025. Status of the Mew Gull Complex in Massachusetts: Special Twenty-eighth Report of the Massachusetts Avian Records Committee. Bird Observer 53 (5):307–321.
• Veit, R. R., and W. R. Petersen. 1993. Birds of Massachusetts. Lincoln, Massachusetts: Massachusetts Audubon Society.