Date: 3/16/25 2:33 pm From: Derek Courtney <derek.dana.courtney...> Subject: West Virginia Bird Records Committee Update
Hi, all!
On March 8, the WV Bird Records Committee convened to review significant bird sightings of 2024 and further back. Spring, across North America, most often conjures up thoughts of migration, with eager birders eagerly awaiting the return of our neotropical migrants. In the non-birder world however, many begin the labors of spring cleaning; tidying up after the cold and snow keep us indoors for much of the winter months. This year's meeting was equal parts evaluating new records and tidying up a few things from the past.
2024 was a really excellent year for bird diversity in West Virginia, a fact which delighted those undertaking some sort of Big Year. Shorebirds in particular really put in a great showing in our state with diversity buoyed by unfortunate drought conditions creating more habitat than we normally see from early spring onward. From a rare bird perspective, things really kicked up in the fall migration period though.
August is usually a time when we can expect some dispersing waders from down south. Last year saw an exceptional record of Tricolored Heron turn up at Marmet Locks in Kanawha County. Richard Gregg spotted this southern species in mid-August while birding one of his favorite local patches. This bird luckily stayed around a few days, allowing several state birders to enjoy its presence. This was the third relatively recent state record, with the most recent prior sighting happening all the way back in 2009. Great find, Richard!
When the weather cooled, the bird finds heated up! Late October saw a gorgeous Western Kingbird grace Harrison County. David Mayle found this western flycatcher hawking insects around the Bridgeport Rec Center. *Tyrannus* species can be really tricky to identify at times, but David's photos were so good that the Committee had little difficulty unanimously accepting this record. If only the bird had stayed around longer for others to see; but this one was a one-day wonder.
Later on, in November, Terry Bronson spied a Black-legged Kittiwake just off the Ohio River at the French Creek Wildlife Area in Pleasants County. This is a species that many had been eagerly awaiting to return to the state for many years. The previous record occurred all the way back in 1963 and, unsurprisingly, was also along the Ohio River. This fantastic sighting represents only the third state record with the first reported in 1902! This bird did not linger long and subsequent attempts to refind it in poor weather were thwarted. Hopefully the 60+ year pattern of recurrence can be shortened with the next one; Ohio River birders ... the gauntlet has been thrown down.
And finishing the year with a bang, superstar birders Aaron Graham and Ariella Malfaro came across a Black-throated Gray Warbler at a Grant County hotspot just two weeks before the year ended. This western warbler definitely shows a pattern of vagrancy to the east, but this is only the second time one has been seen in WV. Fantastic photos made this an easy record to accept. Unfortunately, despite really good habitat to hold a bird like this, and effort by many other birders, this one could not be refound either. With luck, the next Black-throated Gray will be more cooperative. Nevertheless, great find Aaron and Ariella!
The Records Committee also received a wonderful presentation on the MOTUS tracking system from Committee Member and State Ornithologist, Rich Bailey. With new towers going up every year, the MOTUS data has real potential to answer scientific questions that have gone unanswered for too long. From a birder's perspective, this can also cast an illuminating light on what species pass through our state unseen. Within the past few years, Piping Plover, Red Knot, and Bicknell's Thrush have all flown over wearing MOTUS tags. I also expect the MOTUS data will give birders our best chance at figuring out where and when to look for Kirtland's Warblers, as a few tagged birds have also made their way through WV on their migration route. Thanks again, Rich!
A few older sightings that had slipped through the cracks were also reviewed and unanimously accepted. Likewise, a pair of previously accepted records were deemed problematic, and subjected to further review. The Committee thanks everyone who took the time to submit reports for evaluation. A full written report of the Committee's actions will be published in a future edition of *The Redstart*. You can also check the BRC website: https://www.brooksbirdclub.org/west-virginia-bird-records-committee.html for more in depth information on the BRC submissions received for 2024. I expect the website will be updated within the next few weeks. The Committee extends heartfelt thanks to the Brooks Bird Club and its cooperation with the aforementioned endeavors.
Likewise, the Committee wishes to thank Dr. Gary Rankin and Dr. Jesse Fallon as they complete their 5 year terms of volunteer service on the BRC and rotate off the Committee. As they exit, we welcome Josh Holland and Cynthia Mullens who were elected to serve 5 year terms. Nathan Reese will serve as our alternate member for the coming year. The Committee looks forward to their contributions and appreciates their willingness to serve.
If anyone has any questions, concerns, comments, or thoughts on how the Bird Records Committee can better serve West Virginia and its birding community, please do not hesitate to contact me. Until the next time, then ... Thanks for all you do! The BRC cannot function without cooperation from the birding community. 2025 is already off to a bang with a sighting of Harlequin Duck already submitted. Who knows what exciting species will turn up next!
