Report Summaries
PINK-FOOTED GOOSE
(Anser brachyrhynchus)
2017–16 20-Dec-2017 to 15-Jan-2018 (7–0): One; Westerly; Chris Elphick (I,P), many observers
TUFTED DUCK
(Aythya fuligula)
2017–02 01-Feb-2017 to 14-Feb-2017 (7–0): One; Seekonk River, Providence; Dan Finizia (I, R, P), Sue Talbot (I), Scott Hobson (P).
WHITE-WINGED DOVE
(Zenaida asiatica)
2017–18 13-Dec-2017 to 21-Dec-2017 (7–0): One; Norman Bird Sanctuary, Middletown; Norman Bird Sanctuary Staff (I), multiple observers (P).
CHUCK-WILL'S-WIDOW
(Antrostomus carolinensis)
2017–11 29-Apr-2017 to 25-Jun-2017 (7–0): One; Tillinghast Pond MA, West Greenwich; Carlos Pedro (I), Matt Schenck (Rec), Josh Seibel (recording).
PURPLE GALLINULE
(Porphyrio martinicus)
2017–03 27-Feb-2017 (7–0): One; Block Island; Kim Gaffett (R).
PURPLE GALLINULE
(Porphyrio martinicus)
2017–13 07-Nov-2017 (7–0): One; Cooneymus Road, Block Island; November 7, 2017; Kim Gaffett (R).
SNOWY PLOVER
(Anarhynchus nivosus)
2017–14 17-Apr-2017 (7–0): One; Goosewing Beach, Little Compton; Geoff Dennis (I, R, P).
This stunning Snowy Plover in breeding plumage is the first state record for Rhode Island and one of very few records in the Northeast. Discovered by Geoff Dennis, who saw it fly off, this bird was never seen again, despite much searching the next day. Records from nearby states include prior records in June from Massachusetts and Maine, a prior record in October from Connecticut, and a subsequent record in September from upstate New York.
RUFF
(Calidris pugnax)
2017–21 23-Jul-2017 (7–0): One male; Napatree Point, Westerly; Josh Seibel (I, R, P).
THICK-BILLED MURRE
(Uria lomvia)
2017–19 21-Feb-2017 (7–0): One; Sakonnet Point, Little Compton; Evan Lipton (I, R, P).
GULL-BILLED TERN
(Gelochelidon nilotica)
2017–05 19-May-2017 (7–0): One; Charlestown Breachway, Charlestown; Paul L’Etoile (I, R, P)
Compared to the late 20th century, the occurrence in Rhode Island of Gull-billed Terns has diminished dramatically over the past two decades.
PACIFIC LOON
(Gavia pacifica)
2017–12 17-Dec-2017 (7–0): One; Central Beach, Charlestown; Sean Camillieri (I, R, P), Scott Tsagarakis (I), Carlos Pedro (P).
WHITE-FACED IBIS
(Plegadis chihi)
2017–04 25-Apr-2017 (6–1): Two; Saint Mary’s Pond, Portsmouth; Matt Schenck (I, R, P).
ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER
(Myiarchus cinerascens)
2017–20 25-Nov-2017 to 10-Dec-2017 (7–0): One; Little Compton;; James Osborne (I), Evan Lipton (R, P).
LECONTE'S SPARROW
(Ammospiza leconteii)
2017–15 12-Dec-2017 (6–1): One; Warren; Tom Seiter (I, R), Steve Davis (R).
TOWNSEND'S WARBLER
(Setophaga townsendi)
2017–10 24-Nov-2017 to 28-Nov-2017 (7–0): One; Trustom Pond NWR, South Kingstown; Robert Askins (I), multiple observers (P).
RUFOUS/ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD
(Selasphorus rufus/sasin)
2017–07 05-Nov-2017 to 01-Dec-2017 (7–0): One; North Kingstown; Geoff Dennis (R, P).
RUFOUS/ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD
(Selasphorus rufus/sasin)
2017–08 11-Nov-2017 to 01-Dec-2017 (7–0): One; Wakefield (same yard as 2005 and 2009); November 11 to December 1, 2017; Geoff Dennis (R, P).
RUFOUS/ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD
(Selasphorus rufus/sasin)
2017–09 18-Nov-2017 to 20-Dec-2017 (7–0): One; Boon Lake, Exeter; Dylan Pedro (P).