Photograph by Skyler Kardell
photo by Skyler Kardell ||
The Massachusetts Avian Records committee met on 26 September 2020 at Westborough Wildlife Management Area. This year we evaluated 234 records involving 91 species, breaking our previous high by 80 records. The previous high was 154 records in the 22nd annual report (2018), which itself was record breaking by about 50 records (107 records in 16th annual report; 2011). One species was added to the state list, which now stands at 505 species.
State list additions: Gray Heron.
Review list additions: Black-necked Stilt.
In addition, Sandwich Tern was moved to the “full review” list to assure that all Sandwich Tern records are scrutinized to subspecies, which later may be important if the European and American subspecies are split. Bell’s Vireo was moved to the “eBird review” list to reflect its recently increased occurrence and relative ease of identification. A record of a species on the “eBird review” list qualifies for an expedited review process if that record is photographed and accepted in eBird. Full details on our actions will be available in the 24th Annual Report in the December 2020 issue of Bird Observer. Major results from the meeting are highlighted below:
Outgoing members of 2020: Ryan Schain and David Sibley. The committee thanks Ryan and David for their service and expertise.
Incoming members of 2020: Lisa Schibley and Jeremiah Trimble.
Jessica Johnson was voted as MARC Chair.
Sean Williams was reappointed as Secretary.