Report of the Ohio Bird Records Committee


Tom Kemp, Secretary
7032 Regents Park Blvd.
Toledo, OH 43617
andigena@aol.com

The Ohio Bird Records Committee reviewed 29 records in December 2006 and March 2007. Twenty of these records were accepted, seven were not accepted, and two remain in circulation (Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus and Dusky Flycatcher Empidonax oberholseri). Two of the accepted records were first for the state, White-throated Swift and Red-naped Sapsucker. Although the sapsucker had been accepted by the committee in a prior vote, it was asked to be recirculated by a member of the birding community. The record again passed muster with the committee.

ACCEPTED RECORDS



Ross’s Goose Chen rossii: 14 January 2007; Ross Co.; B. Whan, P. Gardner

Cackling Goose Branta hutchinsii: 18 December 2006 - 1 January 2007; Wood Co.; T. Kemp, m.obs.

Cackling Goose Branta hutchinsii: 24 November 2006; Lucas Co.; J. Pogacnik

King Eider Somateria spectabilis: 6 December 2006; Lake Co.; B. Whan, m.obs.

Western Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis: 12 November 2006; Allen Co.; J. Lehman

Anhinga Anhinga anhinga: 26 June 2006; Summit Co.; J. Semroc

American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus: 8-12 February 2007; Pickaway Co.; T. Bain

Yellow Rail Coturnicopos noveboracensis: 20 October 2006; Licking Co.; J. McCormac

Piping Plover Charadrius melodus: 10 July 2006; Ashtabula Co.; B. Coulter

Ruff Philomachus pugnax: 28 August 2006; Fairfield Co.; B. Whan, m.obs.

California Gull Larus californicus: 12 November 2006; Ashtabula Co.; C. Holt

Long-tailed Jaeger Stercorarius longicaudus: 5 September 2006; Clermont County; W. Hull

Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto: 15 April - 24 May 2006; Licking Co.; N. Surrat

Rufous Hummingbird Selasphorus rufus: 1 - 26 November 2006; Warren Co.; A. Chartier

White-throated Swift Aeronautes saxatalis: 2 April 2006; Lucas Co.; E. Pierce, J. Johnson, R. Reyda, D. Vogus

Red-naped Sapsucker Sphyrapicus nuchalis: 4 - 10 April 2005; Holmes Co.; m.obs.

Western Tanageer Piranga ludoviciana: 4 - 8 December 2006; Franklin Co.; J. McCormac, m.obs.

Spotted Towhee Pipilo maculatus: 28 February - 23 March 2007; Lucas Co.; J. Dixon, m.obs.

Lark Bunting Calamospiza melanocorys: 15 May 2006; Lucas Co.; P. Rodewald

Harris's Sparrow Zonotrichia querula: 29 January - 3 March 2007; Holmes Co.; B. Whan, m.obs.

RECORDS NOT ACCEPTED

Ross's goose Chen rossii: 3 - 4 March 2007; Clinton Co.

After careful scrutiny of the excellent photographs provided in this documentation, the committee strongly felt that this goose represented a hybrid Ross's X Snow Goose Chen caerulescens. The overall size and bill dimensions suggested an intermediate bird and not a pure Ross's Goose. In a way, this makes this record even more important, as we may be seeing more hybrid individuals in the state in coming years.

Mew Gull Larus canus: 18 November 2006; Wyandot Co.

The committee felt the details provided, while suggesting this species, did not rule out Ring-billed Gull. In addition, the observers were not familiar with Mew Gull.

Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla: 3 December 2005; Lucas Co.

The committee decided the plumage details and voice description provided did not completely distinguish this species from the very similar, and far more likely on this date, Western Sandpiper C. mauri.

Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto: 7 May 2006; Erie Co.

This record was studied closely by the committee. Ultimately, they felt the details provided, particularly coloration of the undersides, while suggesting this species, did not rule out Ringed Turtle-Dove S. risoria.

Chestnut-colared Longspur Calcarius ornatus: 18 February 2007; Lucas Co.

Details provided to the committee were insufficient in ruling out the similar and far more likely Lapland Longspur C. lapponicus. A far more complete description is necessary to include this bird on the state list.

McCown's Longspur Calcarius mccownii: 25 January 2007; Ottawa Co.

Details were insufficient to rule out Lapland Longspur C. lapponicus. A more complete description and photos would be desirable in order to add this species to the state list.

McCown's Longspur Calcarius mccownii: 15 February 2007; Sandusky Co.

The more likely Lapland Longspur C. lapponicus was not ruled out by the description provided.