The 31st Report of The Avian Records Committee of Connecticut
CT Warbler: Vol. 46, # 2, pages 36-48, April 2026
By Frank Mantlik, Phil Rusch, Frank Gallo, and Julian Hough
The Avian Records Committee of Connecticut (hereafter ARCC or “the committee”) met via Zoom on 22 Feb 2026 to complete a review of rare bird reports for the years 2024, 2025 and early 2026. This year the committee voted on 66 records involving 38 species and 5 subspecies with an acceptance rate of 89%.
STATE LIST AND REVIEW LIST
In this report the committee voted to add a first state record of Cassin’s Kingbird to the state list which brings the total to 453 species. Other highlights documented in this report include the third state record of Townsend’s Warbler; fourth records of Green-tailed Towhee and Sabine’s Gull; the sixth records of Fork-tailed Flycatcher and Western Meadowlark. Also of note, there were three records each of Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Ross’s Goose, Dovekie, and Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, and six records each of White Ibis and Swallow-tailed Kite.
REPORT SUBMITTALS
The committee depends upon observers to submit their reports of species on the Review List (marked with an asterisk* on the COA checklist), as well as any species that would be a new addition to the state list. The most recent Review List may be viewed on the COA-ARCC website at: https://www.ctbirding.org/arcc/arcc-review-list/
For those wishing to submit a report, updated information on how to develop a report is in the ARCC section of the Connecticut Ornithological Association website. The link is: https://www.ctbirding.org/arcc/reporting-rare-sightings/
Submit written reports along with documentary material to the ARCC co-secretaries, Frank Gallo and Phil Rusch.
COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
The committee members who voted on records in this Report were Nick Bonomo, Frank Gallo, Tina Green, Greg Hanisek, Julian Hough, Jay Kaplan, Aidan Kiley, Alex Lin-Moore, Frank Mantlik, Phil Rusch, Dave Tripp and Glenn Williams. For more info on each ARCC member visit: https://www.ctbirding.org/arcc/committee-members/
At the conclusion of the meeting, Greg Hanisek and Jay Kaplan, both longstanding committee members, announced their retirement. We thank them for their 20-plus years of dedicated service, and for their outstanding contributions to the Connecticut birding community as well as our understanding of our state’s avifauna.
FORMAT
The format of the report is as follows:
The species are listed in order according to the American Ornithological Society (AOS) Checklist.
- Common Name Latin Name [Total number of previously accepted records, Number accepted this year]
- Year: with multiple records of the species listed chronologically.
- Number of Individuals greater than one
- Age, if known
- Location, town,
- Date(s) of occurrence. In the case of Accepted Records, (the finder or collector is listed first with those submitting reports next. * Denotes a report submitted)
- Record number is the year followed by the record number. 2023-00
ACCEPTED RECORDS
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis [5,3]
2025: Six, Adult, Czescik Marina, Stamford, Fairfield, 17 May. (John Cote*, Frank Gallo. 2025-12); Adult, Short Beach, Stratford, Fairfield, 25 May. (Frank Mantlik*. 2025-15); Two, Adult, Veteran’s Memorial Park, Berlin, Hartford, 9 Jun. (James Hays, Barry Marsh*. 2025-18).
This gregarious Neotropical duck species has been experiencing a range expansion in the U.S. With these three sightings in 2025, there are now eight records for CT, all since 2018.
Ross’s Goose Anser rossii [18,3]
2025: Sub-Adult: Hurlburt Road and vicinity, Somers, Tolland, 24 Oct-29 Nov. (David Mathieu*. 2025-42); Sub-Adult: Short Beach Park, Stratford, Fairfield, 3-13 Dec. (Stefan Martin, Darryl Rathbun*. 2025-47); Adult, Harkness State Park. Waterford, New London, 22-23 Dec. (Karen Gallo, Joe Attwater*. 2025-52).
The breeding population continues to increase in the Canadian arctic. So it’s no surprise more birds are being found in CT than even twenty years ago.
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis [11,2]
2025: Adult, Broad Brook Mill Pond and vicinity, East Windsor, Hartford, and various fields in Ellington, Tolland, 24 Nov-24 Dec. (Jeff Fengler*, Mary Walsh*. 2025-41); Adult: Reservoir #6, Bloomfield, Hartford, 22-26 Dec. (Lisa Lukawicz, Barry Marsh*. 2025-54).
Mary Walsh noted the East Windsor bird was leg-banded (BBV, yellow) and found out it had been banded in Iceland on 8 July 2024. It had also been sighted twice on its wintering grounds off the west coast of Scotland in March 2025.
Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus [13,2]
2025: Adult, Griswold Point and Black Hall River, Old Lyme, New London, 7-8 May. (Sean Williams, Russ Smiley*. 2025-21); Age unknown, Country Club of Fairfield, Fairfield, Fairfield, 23 May. (James Purcell*. 2025-13).
The Fairfield bird was discovered by an observer who set out to find rarities following a nor-easter storm. His reward was finding a Stilt. He then went above and beyond to secure permission from a semi-private, logistically difficult site, for other birders to view it from.
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus [13,2]
2025: Four, Port Jefferson-Bridgeport Ferry lane, LI Sound, Bridgeport, Fairfield, 14 Sep. (Joe Schiavone*. 2025-34); Reservoir #1, West Hartford, Hartford, 18 Sep. (Ned Bohman*. 2025-35).
Ruff Caladris pugnax [14,1]
2025: Basic plumage, Barn Island WMA, Stonington, New London, 9-17 Nov. (Shori Velles*. 2025-39).
The observer discovered this Ruff on an unusually late date, and obtained excellent photographs. Over 30 others got to see it.
Dovekie Alle alle [21,3]
2025: Stonington Point, Stonington, New London, 19 Dec. (Sean Williams*. 2025-55); Five, New London-Orient Point ferry lane, Waterford, New London, 24 Dec. (Anthony Albrecht, eBird, 2025-53);
Shippan Point, Stamford, Fairfield, 28 Dec. (Aidan Kiley*. 2025-56).
The return of an “old-fashioned” cold and snowy winter may have helped push Dovekies into Long Island Sound. The Stonington bird was a fly-by sighting during classic strong SE winds gusting to 60 mph. The flock seen from the New London ferry was adequately photographed.
Sabine’s Gull Xema sabini [3,1].
2025: Juvenile, Penfield Reef, Fairfield, Fairfield, 6 Sep. (James Purcell*. 2025-32).
An experienced birder scanning the reef as a storm front cleared was rewarded with this surprising find. He found it resting on the mudflat, and realized what it was, photographing it before it flew east minutes later, exhibiting its striking wing pattern. This is the fourth CT record.
Franklin’s Gull Leucophaeus pipixcan [20, 2]
2025: Adult, Alternate, Short Beach, Stratford, Fairfield, 28-29 Jun. (Linda Olsen*. 2025-20); 1st Alternate, Holly Pond, Stamford, Fairfield, 7 Aug. (Patrick Dugan, Cynthia Ehlinger*. 2025-28).
The Stratford bird was possibly a returning bird from 2024. Stunning photos were obtained by the finder and others. The Stamford bird was found by an experienced birder who was checking his local patch.
Common Gull Larus canus canus [10,0] / Larus canus kamtschatschensis [2,0]
2026: Adult, race kamtschatschensis, Cummings Park, Cove Island Park, Stamford, Fairfield, 30 Jan-6 Feb. (Zach Schonberger, eBird. 2026-03).
2025: Adult, race kamtschatschensis, Bradley Point beach, West Haven, New Haven, 1 Mar. (Julian Hough *. 2025-50); Adult, race canus, Walmart parking lot, North Windham, Windham, 5-22 Mar. (Jeff Fengler*. 2025-05).
The Stamford Kamchatka Gull has been returning annually since 2017, which is presumably the same individual that was in West Haven. The Windham European Common Gull has been returning annually since 2023.
Iceland Gull (Thayer’s) Larus glaucoides thayeri [9,2]
2025: 1st Cycle, Ocean Beach Park, New London, New London, 25 Nov. (Sean Williams*. 2025-45);
1st Cycle, Long Beach, Oak Bluff Avenue, Stratford, Fairfield, 2-19 Mar. (Aidan Kiley*. 2025 57).
The observers of both the New London and Stratford birds provided excellent reports that included detailed descriptions and analysis, as well as multiple photographs.
Eared Grebe Podiceps nigricollis [22,1]
2025: Burying Hill Beach, Westport, Fairfield, 4-18 Apr, (Zach Schonberger* 2025-08); Adult, Stonington Point, Stonington, New London, 28 Dec-2 Mar, 2026. (John Bean, Phil Rusch eBird compilation*. 2025-59).
The Westport bird was also seen by some from adjacent Sherwood Island State Park. The Stonington bird has been returning to Stonington harbor annually since 2017.
Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris borealis [18,1]
2024: Ferry Lanes, Long Island Sound, Waterford, New London, 28 Sep. (Abby Sesselberg*. 2024-43A).
Cory’s/Scopoli’s Shearwater Calonectris borealis / Calonectris diomedea [6,0]
2024: Ferry lanes, Long Island Sound, Waterford, New London, 28 Sep. (Abby Sesselberg*. 2024-43B).
As discussed in the introduction to the 30th ARCC Report, Scopoli’s Shearwater was split from Cory’s Shearwater. Reliable distinguishing field marks are still being worked out, but the amount of white on the underside of the outer primaries appears key. Despite multiple photos, it was difficult to say with certainty as to which species this was, and is therefore recorded as Cory’s/Scopoli’s.
Great Shearwater Ardenna gravis [18,1]
2025: Meigs Point, Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison, New Haven, 12 Oct, (Daniel Rottino*. 2025-51).
Two experienced observers scoped this bird flying east, all the way to Stone Island Reef, Clinton, Middlesex. This was the only individual reported from Connecticut waters of Long Island Sound during the summer of 2025.
Anhinga Anhinga anhinga [8,1]
2025: HY, Female type, Lake Whitney, Hamden, New Haven, 16-21 Jun and 6-7 Aug. (Octavian Henegariu*. 2025-19).
Discovered by a resident amateur photographer who took photos of this bird with an “unusual feather pattern”, and posted them online that evening. It was relocated the next morning, during inclement weather, and remained for six days, before seen flying away on the last morning. Over 130 people got to see this rarity. Amazingly, the same bird was re-found in the same place 6-7 Aug by Octavian, the original finder. Also, it is remarkable that a previous record (5th CT) was also found at the same exact site in June 2011.
White Ibis Eudocimus albus [17,5]
2025: Sub-adult, Trolley Road marsh and Shell Beach, Guilford, New Haven, 2-9 Jul. (Richard Madonna, Shori Velles*, Russ Smiley*. 2025-22); Two, HY Juvenile, McKinney NWR and Great Meadows, Stratford, Fairfield, 22-24 Jul. (Anthony Albrecht, Frank Mantlik*. 2025-26); Juvenile, Barn Island WMA, Stonington, New London, 5-11 Aug. (Robert Dewire, Daniel Errichetti*. 2025-27);
HY Juvenile, Ledge Lighthouse, New London, New London, 20 Aug. (Dave Williams, David Mathieu*. 2025-30); Juvenile, Barn Island WMA, Stonington, New London, 5-11 Sep. (Benjamin Rupp. 2025-31).
White Ibis are now nesting in significant numbers in southern New Jersey, resulting in increased post-breeding sightings throughout New England. Of particular interest, the New London bird was seen flying east by a group of six birders riding the New London-Orient (NY) ferry. The two reports from Barn Island are likely of the same individual.
Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus [5,6]
2025: Little Pond, White Memorial Foundation, Litchfield, Litchfield, 31 Mar. (Ryan MacLean*. 2025-07); RWA CT Trust, Hamden, New Haven, 25 Apr. (Jannie Shapiro*. 2025-09); East Rock Park, New Haven, New Haven, 27 Apr. (Julian Hough*. 2025-10); Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven, New Haven, 13 May. (Andrew MacDonald*. 2025-11); Breezy Corners Road, Portland, Middlesex, 30 May. (Beau Doherty, eBird, 2025-17); Lake Zoar boat launch, Southbury, New Haven, 10-11 Jul. (Glen Somogie, Christopher Wood*, Jean Adamus*. 2025-24).
The Southbury bird sat in a riverside tree for hours, suggesting perhaps it wasn’t well. On 12 Jul Mr. Somogie, an Audubon employee, reported that an injured kite had been picked up in Washington, Litchfield, and taken to rehab. He surmised it was the same bird.
Cassin’s Kingbird Tyrannus vociferans [0,1]
2025: Adult, Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust, Woodbury, Litchfield, 25 Nov. (Christopher Wood*. 2025-43).
The discovery of this western stray is a fitting reward for a veteran field birder. This sole observer luckily photographed it well before it disappeared, prior to the arrival by many chasers. This is the first state record, with only five previous New England records (per eBird).
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus forficatus [12,3]
2025: Adult, probable female, Agricultural Experiment Station, Lockwood Farm, Hamden, New Haven, 8 Jun. (DeWitt Allen*, Alan Malina*. 2025-14); 1st Alternate, Male, Sikorsky Airport, Stratford, Fairfield, 7 Jul. (Frank Mantlik*. 2025-23); Adult Male, Horse Barn Hill, UCONN, Storrs, Mansfield, Tolland, 12 Jul. (Jorge de Leon Cardozo*. 2025-25).
Most years this species goes undetected in CT, so it is remarkable that three different birds were found in 2025. The Hamden bird was discovered by three birders participating in the New Haven Summer Bird Count, and was well photographed. They were the only people with permission to visit this restricted area of the farm. The Stratford bird was found on an airport fence, and luckily remained the rest of the day for 40+ birders to see it. The Mansfield bird was discovered in the morning, and remained all day, allowing 50 birders to enjoy it. Jorge, the finder, obtained stunning photos of that adult male.
Fork-Tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus savana [5,1]
2025: Adult, SY, Male, Maltby Lakes (RWA property), New Haven, New Haven, 7-8 Aug. (Chris Loscalzo*, Marianne Vahey, Frank Mantlik*. 2025-29).
A terrific find by Mr. Loscalzo and his wife on water company land, which is accessed only with special permit. It remained the next day, to the delight of 50+ birders. This is the sixth CT record.
Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus [7,1]
2025: Adult, Sandy Point, West Haven, New Haven, 30-31 May. (Mark Aronson*, Paul Smith*. 2025-16).
This was a fortuitous find by the two observers. Sixty or more birders got to see it during its two-day stay.
Townsend’s Solitaire Myadestes townsendi [8,1]
2024: Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven, New Haven, 27 Jan. (Julien Amsellem*. 2024-15).
This report by a single observer provided a very detailed account of their brief sighting of a bird in flight. Calls were also heard. The committee struggled with this record, based mainly on the brevity of the sighting, and lack of physical documentation. In the end, it was accepted (11-1) in the third round of voting.
Bohemian Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus [14,1]
2026: Adult, Great Mountain Forest, Wangum and Canaan Mountain Roads, Canaan, Litchfield, 14-16 Jan, (Russ Smiley*, George Wallace*. 2026-01).
This was a great find by Mr. Smiley, who obtained photos of the bird among a flock of Cedar Waxwings. By getting word out promptly, that allowed several others to relocate this rarity, despite it being very elusive.
Green-tailed Towhee Pipilo chlorurus [3,1]
2025: Moore Woods, Groton/Mystic, New London, 9-25 Mar, (Joe Attwater*. 2025-06).
This was a great find of this fourth state record, which remained for two weeks for 100+ birders to see.
Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta [5,1]
2026: Hutton Road, Somers, Tolland, 20-27 Jan, (David Mathieu*. 2026-02).
While looking through Horned Larks on snowy farm fields, the observer found and carefully studied a Meadowlark that he finally determined to be a Western. Excellent photos and audio recording was obtained. No less than 60 birders saw this Tolland County rarity. This is the sixth accepted state record.
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon’s) Setophaga coronata auduboni [8,1]
2025: Harkness State Park, Waterford, New London, 4 Oct. (Sean Williams*. 2025-38).
The report included a fine description, eliminating an intergrade, as well as identifiable photographs.
Townsend’s Warbler Setophaga townsendi [2,1]
2025: HY Male, Campground at Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison, New Haven, 6 Dec-14 Jan, 2026. (Julien Amsellem, eBird, Darryl Rathbun*. 2025-49).
The observer, along with seven others of the Yale Birding Club, discovered this third CT record while progressing along the park entrance road. Despite getting prompt word out, the rarity could not be relocated that day. As a result of much searching of the expansive junipers, it was eventually re-found on 9 Dec, and remained in the area for over 5 weeks, allowing well over 100 birders this third state record.
Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana [35,3]
2025: Adult male, Juniper Hill Drive, Waterbury, New Haven, 12-17 Nov. (Norman Crepon, Phil Rusch*. 2025-40); HY Female, Bank Street, New Canaan, Fairfield, 26 Nov. (Candace Blackwood, Frank Mantlik*. 2025-44); Cheshire, New Haven, 27 Nov. (Gayle Talbot, Phil Rusch*. 2025-46); HY Female, Douglas Road, New Canaan, Fairfield, 31Dec-4 Jan, 2026. (Avery Cotton, Frank Gallo*. 2025-44).
Each of these reports were birds that were visiting feeders. Based on photos obtained, both New Canaan records involve the same individual bird.
RARE BREEDING RECORDS
Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata
2025: Five, Bennett’s Pond State Park, Ridgefield, Fairfield, May-August. (Frank Mantlik*.
RB 2025-01).
A pair of adults with three flightless young were seen and photographed by the observer, and others, during the month of July.
Mississippi Kite Ictinia Mississippiensis
2025: Lake Williams, Lebanon, New London, Jun-August. (Phil Rusch*, compilation. RB 2025-02).
This pair has been confirmed to be nesting for the last two years in New London County. In previous years, the species had been confirmed nesting in Shelton and Simsbury as well as at other locations.
Merlin Falco columbarius
2025: Six, Location withheld, Winsted, Litchfield, May-Aug. (Dave Rosgen, Phil Rusch*, compilation. RB 2025-03).
A pair was seen copulating in late May, and 4 juveniles were seen and photographed being fed in July and August.
RECORDS NOT ACCEPTED
Common Gull Larus canus
2025: Adult, Beaver Ponds Park (North Pond), New Haven, New Haven, 7 Feb. (2025-04).
Most of the members felt the minimal description and photos were inconclusive, and that Ring-billed
Gull could not be ruled out.
Black Rail Laterallus jamaicensis
2025: Meigs Point, Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison, New Haven, 26 Oct. (2025-36).
A Park staff person briefly saw a small dark rail-like bird run across a marshy path in front of them. They might have seen a Black Rail, but unfortunately the committee felt the report lacked sufficient details to accept this as such.
Wood Stork Mycteria americana
2024: Ridgefield, Fairfield, 10 Oct. (2024-45).
This was a sight-only report of the observer seeing, with the naked eye and at considerable distance, a bird in flight from their house window. The report lacked sufficient detail. Also, although there had been documented sightings in CT in August, this was far removed in time from other regional sightings. The committee’s decision came on a second round of voting.
Great Shearwater Ardenna gravis
2024: Two, Old Black Point, Niantic, East Lyme, New London, 10 Aug. (2024-69).
Despite the observer’s experience with this species, the committee voted, in the 2nd round, to not accept, based largely on the extreme the distance involved, and the fact that the other birders present were unable to see and confirm these birds.
Boreal Chickadee Poecile hudsonicus
2025: Hot Corner, Bluff Point Coastal Reserve, Groton, New London, 8 Sep. (2025-33).
During a major “morning flight” migration, a very experienced local birder (and avid hiker of New England mountains) heard the distinctive vocalization of a Boreal Chickadee a few times, as did another birder, though it went unseen and unrecorded. While many committee members believed the observer, doubts were raised by the very early date, the lack of other southerly reports, and the lack of a photo or a recording.
Summer Tanager (western subspecies) Piranga rubra
2024: Bayberry Road, Fairfield, Fairfield, 31 Dec, 2023-8 Mar, 2024. (2024-73).
An individual at a feeder exhibited features suggesting one of the western subspecies. Excellent photos suggested P.r. cooperii, based on large bill size and grayish plumage. But since there are two possible western subspecies, the committee decided it was indeterminate.
LITERATURE CITED
Hanisek, G. and Kaplan, J. (2019) Twenty-fourth Report of the Avian Records Committee of Connecticut. The Connecticut Warbler 39 (2): 39-49.
Mantlik, F., Szantyr, M., and Provencher, D. (1997) Seventh Report of the ARCC. The Connecticut Warbler 17: 97-122.
Kaplan, J. and Hanisek, G. (2017) Twenty-second Report of the Avian Records Committee of Connecticut. The Connecticut Warbler 37 (2): 48-61.
Frank Mantlik, Chairman, 195 High View Drive, Stratford, CT 06614
Phil Rusch, Co-Secretary, 16 Singleton Road, Chaplin, CT 06235
Frank Gallo, Co-Secretary, 35 Urban Street, New Canaan, CT 06840
Julian Hough, 80 Sea Street, New Haven, CT 06519