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The following largely unconfirmed records were published in the Bulletin of the African Bird Club for information only. Some records were originally published in Birding World and Dutch Birding.
The following records are from November 2009–May 2010. A pale morph Trindade Petrel Pterodroma arminjoniana was photographed eight nautical miles off Ponta da Queimada, Pico, on 24 April, whilst a dark morph was seen between Pico and Faial on 8 May; the sixth and seventh records since July 1997 suggest that the species may occur more frequently in the eastern Atlantic than previously thought.
A long-staying adult Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps at Lagoa das Furnas, São Miguel, first seen on 9 November 2008, was still there with a first-year (since 29 October) in February; a third was at Lagoa Azul from 15 November to at least 10 January; one remained on São Miguel into May. At Mosteiros, São Miguel, an adult Brown Booby Sula leucogaster and up to two Double-crested Cormorants Phalacrocorax auritus were present from 8 November until February. A Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias stayed at Paul da Praia, Terceira, from 15 February until at least 10 May. The influx of Blue-winged Teal Anas discors tapered off with c.27
still present in early November and seven at the end of the month. The fifth Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus for the Azores was at Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, from 28 December to at least 29 March.
An adult Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinica was on Graciosa from 9 January until at least 7 February, whilst an American Coot Fulica americana was on São Miguel from 16 January until at least 26 March. Up to three Semipalmated Plovers Charadrius semipalmatus stayed at Cabo da Praia, Terceira, from 14 January. Up to three Killdeers C. vociferus at Corvo airport on 10 January constituted the 11th record for the Azores; up to two were there on 24 February, whilst one was seen on Faial on 26 February. An adult Bonaparte's Gull Larus philadelphia occurred at Praia da Vitória, Terceira, on 25 February and a Glaucous Gull L. hyperboreus
was still at Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, on 9 April. As in previous years, a Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus was present on Ilhéu de Santo António, Pico, in May. On
Flores, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks Pheucticus ludovicianus were observed
at Ponta Delgada on 22 April (a male), Fajãzinha on 10–19 May (a female) and Campo Municipal da Iajes das Flores on 20 May (a male).
The following records are from May–November 2009. The fifth Trindade Petrel Pterodroma arminjoniana was a dark morph photographed south of Faial on 20 August. The Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps at Lagoa das Furnas, São Miguel, first seen on 9 November 2008, was joined by a first-year on 29 October with both remaining to at least late November; a third was on Flores in October –November. An adult Brown Booby Sula leucogaster was on the Mosteiros cliffs, São Miguel, in November. Double-crested Cormorants Phalacrocorax auritus were seen on Flores in October (one) and São Miguel in November (up to two).
On Santa Maria, an American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus was observed on 11 October, and the long-staying Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis at Vila harbour pool through October. Up to two American Great Egrets Egretta alba egretta were on Corvo in September–November, with a Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias there on 20–23 October (and one on Flores on 30 October). A White Stork Ciconia ciconia on Terceira on 30 August was the first for the Azores.
The third Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons for the Azores remained at Vila harbour pool, Santa Maria, until 4 June. A Pale-bellied Brent Goose Branta (bernicla) hrota was on Corvo from 18 October. On Terceira, a flock of up to 19 Blue-winged Teal Anas discors was seen on 14–22 October, a juvenile Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata from 31 October into November, and a male Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis on 11–13 June. A female-plumaged Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis on Flores on 30 October that appeared at Cabo da Praia, Terceira, next day, is the first for the archipelago. Single Taiga Merlins Falco columbarius columbarius were reported on Corvo on 5 November and Flores on 21 October and 4 November. If accepted, a first-year Barbary Falcon F. peregrinoides at Anjos, Santa Maria, on 12 August will be the first for the Azores.
Semipalmated Plovers Charadrius semipalmatus were reported on Terceira, in June–July and October–November, on São Miguel on 17–23 October (up to two), and on Flores on at least 21 October (up to four). A Killdeer C. vociferus was on Flores on 17–18 October and up to three Eurasian Dotterels C. morinellus on Corvo from 10 October into November. Records of Calidris sandpipers included Semipalmated Sandpipers C. pusilla at Cabo da Praia, Terceira, in early September (three) and on Corvo on 16–23 October (one), a Western Sandpiper C. mauri at Cabo da Praia, Terceira, from 2 September, Least Sandpipers C. minutilla on Corvo, on 14 September and 18–23 October (one), São Miguel on 13 October (one), Terceira on 14–31 October at least (one), Flores on 14–18 October (one), White-rumped Sandpipers C. fuscicollis on Terceira in September (two) and at Caldeirão, Corvo, on 14 September (four), and Pectoral Sandpipers C. melanotos at Cabo da Praia, Terceira, from 2 September (three). Other waders included a Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus on São Miguel in October, Wilson's Snipe Gallinago (gallinago) delicata on São Miguel on 25 October (two shot), on Corvo in October–November, and on Flores from 15 October (one). An Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda was on Flores on 14–18 October and a Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria flew in off the sea at Anjos on Santa Maria on 12 October. On Terceira, a Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius and a Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus were found in September.
Gull records on Terceira include a Laughing Gull Larus atricilla on 22 October and 3 November (with another on Flores on 30 October) and a first-year Bonaparte’s Gull L. philadelphia on 31 October and an adult on 19 November. Two Sooty Terns Sterna fuscata were still at Ilhéu da Vila, Santa Maria, during June, but they failed to hatch young. On Pico, possibly the same Bridled Tern S. anaethetus first reported this year on 24 April was still present at Manhenha in June. On Terceira, a first-year American Black Tern Chlidonias niger surinamensis stayed at Cabrito reservoir from 11 September and a White-winged Tern C. leucopterus was observed on 11–18 October.
Yellow-billed Cuckoos Coccyzus americanus were recorded on Corvo on 15–30 October (at least two) and São Jorge on 16 October (one). A Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor was on Corvo on 9 October, and single Chimney Swifts Chaetura pelagica on Corvo on 23–27 October and Terceira on 31 October.
Four firsts for the Azores include a Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla on São Jorge on 17 October, a possible Plain Martin Riparia paludicola on Santa Maria on 28 May, a Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola on Corvo on 14 September, and a Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus, also on Corvo, on 1–15 November. Up to two Buff-bellied Pipits Anthus rubescens were on Corvo from 17 October to 15 November. A ‘black-eared wheatear’Oenanthe hispanica melanoleuca on Santa Maria on 9 September was the second for the archipelago.
As in previous years, an impressive number of New World passerines was reported in September–November, including four firsts for the Azores: on Corvo, a Canada Warbler Wlsonia canadensis on 12 October and a Chestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica pensylvanica on 13 October; and on Flores, a Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis on 5 November and two Dickcissels Spiza americana on 6 November. Other species seen, mainly in October, on Corvo, include a White-eyed Vireo Vireo griseus, a Yellow-throated Vireo V. flavifrons, at least one Philadelphia Vireo V. philadelphicus, at least two Red-eyed Vireos V. olivaceus, Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia, a Northern Parula Parula americana, an American Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia, up to two Black-throated Green Warblers D. virens, a Myrtle Warbler D. coronata, an American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla, up to two Ovenbirds Seiurus aurocapilla, up to three Common Yellowthroats Geothlypis trichas, a Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis, a Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus, Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea, Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus and Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula. Flores held a female Magnolia Warbler Dendroica magnolia, a female Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea, a Savannah Sparrow, a White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophyrs, a Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus, a Rose-breasted Grosbeak, an Indigo Bunting and a Baltimore Oriole.
The following records are from January–May 2009 (with one from November 2008). The second Black-capped Petrel Pterodroma hasitata for the Azores was photographed 5–6 nautical miles south of Queimada, Pico, on 22 May. The first Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps for the islands was at Lagoa das Furnas, São Miguel, from 9 November until 17 May at least. Cattle Egrets Bubulcus ibis were reported from Paul da Praia, Terceira (up to seven, January–April), Faja de Cima, São Miguel (up to 25, January–May), and Santa Maria (two, 11 January). Two American Great Egrets Egretta alba remained until at least 2 May on Terceira (from December 2008). One was on Corvo from 18 February and on 6 May, and one on São Miguel on 3 and 26 April; other Great Egrets in February were on São Miguel and on Santa Maria. At least 19 American Great Egrets have been reported in the Azores to date; the eighth, from 7 November 2005 to 14 January 2006, had been ringed as a nestling in Ontario, Canada, on 27 June 2005.
A Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis stayed at Ponta Delgada on 3–19 May and a White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons was still at Vila harbour pool, Santa Maria, on 18 May. A male Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata (apparently only the third for the archipelago), found between Tauromachy and Lagoa das Patas, Terceira, in March, was joined by a female on 24 April; they were still present on 6 May. A Blue-winged Teal Anas discors was at Faja dos Cubres on 4 April.
A first-year male Red Kite Milvus milvus ringed and wing-tagged at Marybank, Scotland, on 1 July 2008 was photographed on Corvo on 3 November 2008. On São Miguel, a Little Crake Porzana parva was seen at Lagoa das Furnas on 22 May and an American Coot Fulica americana remained at Lagoa Azul from 2 December to at least mid January. Two Semipalmated Plovers Charadrius semipalmatus wintered at Cabo da Praia, Terceira. An American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica was found in the company of four Golden Plovers P. apricaria at Achada das Furnas, São Miguel, on 5 February. Spotted Sandpipers Actitis macularius were noted at Praia da Vitoria, Terceira, from 4 February until at least April, and at Madalena, Pico, on 3 April. A Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius was on Pico on 7 January, with another at Mosteiros, São Miguel, on 2–4 January.
A Bonaparte’s Gull Larus philadelphia was seen at Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, from 15 March. By early March, 9–10 Iceland Gulls L. glaucoides, four Kumlien’s Gulls L. g. kumlieni and 18–19 Glaucous Gulls L. hyperboreus had been counted in the Azores. Two Sooty Terns Sterna fuscata were seen on Ilhéu da Vila, Santa Maria, on 3 May and a Bridled Tern S. anaethetus was on Ilhéu de Santo António, Pico, on 24 April and at Farol da Manhenha on 26 May. Two dead Little Auks Alle alle were found at Porto Pim, Faial, on 1 February. The second Snowy Owl Bubo scandiacus for the archipelago was a female photographed at Lagoa Branca, Flores, on 17 February (the first was on Faial on 12–14 January 1928). A Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis at Vila do Porto, Santa Maria, on 27–28 February was the first for the Azores. Thirty Fieldfares Turdus pilaris were observed on Santa Maria on 11 January.
The following records are from
June–December 2008. A Pied-billed
Grebe Podilymbus podiceps stayed on
Lagoa das Furnas, São Miguel, from
9 November. An adult Red-billed
Tropicbird Phaethon aethereus was
photographed six nautical miles
south of Pico on 10 August and
another was seen 160 nautical miles
south of Faial on 13 August. On 15
August, a juvenile White-tailed
Tropicbird P. lepturus was photographed
340 nautical miles west-southwest of Flores. The first
Masked Booby Sula dactylatra for the
Azores was an adult photographed
four nautical miles off Cedros, Faial,
on 1 August. A first- year Double-crested
Cormorant Phalacrocorax
auritus was found at Porto Martins,
Terceira, on 7 November. A frigatebird
Fregata sp. (either Ascension F.
aquila or Magnificent F. magnificens)
was photographed off Corvo, Flores
and Terceira on several dates between
12 and 29 October.
Unusually high numbers of Cattle
Egrets Bubulcus ibis were recorded
with, for example, a flock of 19 on
São Miguel on 10 December and up
to eight on Terceira on 18 December.
A Snowy Egret Egretta thula was
photographed at Fajã Grande, Flores,
on 11 October. American Great
Egrets E. alba egretta were observed
on São Miguel (one, from June until
December), on Pico (one, from 24
October), on Corvo and Flores (one
on each island, from 27 October)
and on Terceira (up to two in
December). On Corvo, a Great Blue
Heron Ardea herodias found in mid
February was still present on 31 July.
One of three Eurasian Spoonbills
Platalea leucorodia on São Miguel had been ringed in the Netherlands,
but died. A Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadorna at Lagoa Azul, São
Miguel, from 2 December was the
third for the Azores. Also there, a
Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris
was seen on 16 September.
A raptor reported on São Miguel
from 24 August to 7 September was
identified from photographs as an
American Swallow-tailed Kite
Elanoides forficatus; previous records
from the ABC region include one
reportedly photographed on
Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, in
March 1993, and an undocumented
sighting from Flores, Azores, on 15
March 2007. The first Red Kite
Milvus milvus for the Azores was
identified at Serra Devassa, São
Miguel, on 6 July; the second was a
wing-tagged individual on Corvo on
3 November. Single Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus were observed on
Santa Maria on 4 August and 1
December, and at Lagoa do Negro,
Terceira, on 25 August. A Eurasian
Hobby Falco subbuteo on Corvo on
19 October was another first for the
islands. An American Coot Fulica
americana was present at Lagoa Azul,
São Miguel, from 2 December.
On São Miguel, a Pectoral
Sandpiper Calidris melanotos and a
Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes were
found on 5 June, and a White-rumped
Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis
on 6 June. On Terceira, up to three
Semipalmated Plovers Charadrius
semipalmatus were present from 17
June into September, two
Semipalmated Sandpipers Calidris
pusilla from 28 August until 12
September (with one on São Miguel
on 12 September), up to eight
Pectoral Sandpipers (with about
seven on São Miguel) and a Wilson’s
Snipe Gallinago delicata on 31
August. On São Jorge, two Lesser
Yellowlegs were seen on 13 August,
and, on Faial, a Red Phalarope
Phalaropus fulicarius two nautical
miles south of Horta on 28 August.
A Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius
was at Santa Cruz da Graciosa on
5 September. A tattler Tringa brevipes
/ incanus was reported from Ponta Delgada harbour, São Miguel, on 7
September.
In late September–December a
variety of Nearctic waders was reported,
including several Semipalmated
Plovers, several American Golden
Plovers Pluvialis dominica, several
Semipalmated Sandpipers, a
Western Sandpiper C. mauri, two
Least Sandpipers C. minutilla, several
White-rumped Sandpipers, several
Pectoral Sandpipers, a Buff-breasted
Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis, several
Wilson’s Snipes, a Long-billed
Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus,
a few Hudsonian Whimbrels
Numenius phaeopus hudsonicus, at
least three Lesser Yellowlegs, a
Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria
and several Spotted Sandpipers.
Nearctic gulls reported for the
period include an adult Bonaparte’s
Gull Larus philadelphia at Ponta
Delgada, São Miguel, from 7
December, and single Laughing
Gulls L. atricilla at Cabo da Praia,
Terceira, on 4 and 16 June, at Praia
da Vitoria, Terceira, on 10 September
into November, and at Lagoa do
Peixinho, Pico, on 27 August.
A pair of Sooty Terns Sterna fuscata,
of which one had been ringed on
Ilhéu da Vila, Santa Maria, on 4 June
2001, was incubating an egg on Ilhéu
da Praia, Graciosa, on 27 May; one
of the two was still there in July, but
the breeding attempt seemed to have
failed. On Ilhéu da Vila, one was
seen on 27 June and 4 July, and from
2 August. A Bridled Tern S. anaethetus
was found on Ilhéu de Santo
António, Pico, on 1 June. On 17
August, the first Brown Noddy Anous
stolidus for the Azores was photographed
200 nautical miles west of
Flores.
Five Eurasian Collared Doves
Streptopelia decaocto were seen at
Cabo da Praia, Terceira, on 4
December; this species is apparently
colonising the islands; a singing male
was noted at Nordeste, São Miguel,
on 8 December. The second
Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura
for the archipelago was at Fajã
Grande on 23 October. A Short-eared
Owl Asio flammeus was at
Lagoa do Paul, Pico, on 29 November. On Corvo, a juvenile
Common Nighthawk Chordeiles
minor was photographed on 13–19
October, whilst the first Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius
stayed from 11 October into
November.
American Barn Swallows Hirundo
rustica erythrogaster were photographed
at Fajã Grande on 15
October and on Terceira on 18
October. A Redwing Turdus iliacus
was seen at Terra Nostra Park,
Furnas, on 19 December, and a Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus on
Corvo on 12 October. The first
Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola
for the Azores was trapped on
Corvo on 19 September. Two Red
Crossbills Loxia curvirostra were at
Miradouro da Tronqueiara, São
Miguel, on 7 June.
Once again, an impressive number
of New World passerines was reported.
Up to five Red-eyed Vireos Vireo
olivaceus stayed on Corvo in October.
Also on Corvo, the second White-eyed
Vireo Vireo griseus was found on
24 October and the first and second
Yellow-throated Vireos V. flavifrons
on 11 October and 17–18 October.
A third Yellow-throated Vireo was at
Sete Cidades, São Miguel, on 13
October, whilst yet another was seen
at Fajãzinha, Flores, on 21 October.
Two more firsts on Corvo were a
Northern Parula Parula americana
on 11 October and a Black-throated
Green Warbler Dendroica virens on
22–23 October, with a second on
24–26 October. Myrtle Warblers D.
coronata were found on Flores on 13
October and on Corvo on 24
October. The third Blackpoll
Warbler D. striata was photographed
on Corvo on 13 October. Up to two
Ovenbirds Seiurus aurocapilla were
recorded at Serreta, Terceira, on
18–31 October, and up to five
Common Yellowthroats Geothlypis
trichas on Corvo in October, with
one at Lagoa Seca, Flores, on 7
October. The second Hooded
Warbler Wilsonia citrina was an adult
male on Corvo on 11 October.
Scarlet Tanagers Piranga olivacea
occurred at Ponta da Fajã, Flores, on
11–12 October and 15–16 October, and a first- year male was found dead
on Corvo on 30 October. Rose-breasted
Grosbeaks Pheucticus
ludovicianus were observed on Corvo
on 17 October and at Fajã Grande
on 19–20 October. A Bobolink
Dolichonyx oryzivorus stayed at Ponta
Delgada, Flores, on 14–20 October.
The following records are from
September 2007–May 2008. On 11
December, 574 Cory’s Shearwaters
Calonectris diomedea few past Praia
islet. Up to three juvenile Great Northern Divers Gavia immer were
off Praia da Vitoria, Terceira, on
7–15 December. Juvenile White-tailed
Tropicbirds Phaethon lepturus
were photographed 303 nautical
miles west of Flores on 18 October
and 200 nautical miles west of
Flores on 20 October. A Least
Bittern Ixobrychus exilis was trapped
and photographed at Hotel
Colombo on Santa Maria on 28
September. In February – May, Cattle
Egrets Bubulcus ibis were found at
Fajã de Cima, São Miguel (up to
28), on Santa Maria (c.40 on 6
February), and at Feteira, Faial (six
on 6 April). A Snowy Egret Egretta
thula was observed at Lagoa Azul,
São Miguel, on 27 January. An
American Great Egret E. alba egretta
was still on Santa Maria in mid-February, with two until at least 31
March; one was at Lagoa do Ginjal,
Terceira, on 1 April. A Great Blue
Heron Ardea herodias was on Corvo
in mid-February and a first-winter Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia
at Paul da Praia, Terceira, on
7–15 December.
A Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus wintered on São Miguel from 27 January to late February. Duck species included, on Terceira, a female American Wigeon Anas americana at Paul da Praia on 7–15 December and a female Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris there in February; on Pico, a male Blue-winged Teal Anas discors in February; on São Miguel, an American Wigeon at Lagoa das Furnas on 1 December, four Blue-winged Teal at Lagoa dos Espraiados, Achada das Furnas, on 16 December (two of these were shot), a female Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis still at Lagoa Verde on 24 February, and up to 11 Ring-necked Ducks also there in November–February, with ten at Lagoa das Sete Cidades on 6–9 December. A female Goosander Mergus merganser was at Santa Cruz, Graciosa, on 22–25 February. The fourth Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus for the Azores, a first- winter / female, remained on São Miguel from 27 February to 22 March at least (the first was in February 2001). On 2 May, a weakened female Red- footed Falcon Falco vespertinus was picked up on Faial but died a few hours later.
Nearctic waders at Cabo da Praia, Terceira, in December–May, included up to five Semipalmated Plovers Charadrius semipalmatus, a Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica (present from 24 October to April), up to four Semipalmated Sandpipers Calidris pusilla, a White-rumped Sandpiper C. fuscicollis (in December), up to two Pectoral Sandpipers C. melanotos (late April – early May), and up to two Least Sandpipers C. minutilla (with one also at Lajes do Pico, Pico, on 1 February). During that period, single Spotted Sandpipers Actitis macularius were observed on Terceira, Pico, São Miguel, Graciosa and Faial. At least two Purple Sandpipers Calidris maritima were present on Terceira from 2 to 20 April at least. A few Wilson’s Snipes Gallinago delicata were shot on São Miguel, including four on 25 November, one on 9 December, two on 16 December (all juveniles), and one on 13 January (an adult female).
Ten Long-tailed Skuas Stercorarius longicaudus were seen 20 miles south-west of Lajes do Pico on 23 April. Ring-billed Gulls Larus delawarensis occurred on São Miguel, Faial and Terceira throughout the period, with a maximum count of 19 (two adults, 15 second-winters and two first winters) at Praia da Vitoria, Terceira, on 27 March. On São Miguel, a first winter Bonaparte’s Gull L. philadelphia was seen on 5–9 December and 25 February, an adult Laughing Gull L. atricilla on 15 April (also recorded at Cabo da Praia, Terceira, on 26–27 March, 19–23 April and 17 May), and two American Herring Gulls L. (argentatus) smithsonianus on 15–17 February. A Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida was at Fajã de Cima, São Miguel, on 11 April. Up to three Alpine Swifts Tachymarptis melba at Nordeste, São Miguel, on 12 April were the first for the Azores. Another first was a Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris photographed at Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, on 11 April. The second Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica for the archipelago was photographed at Fajã dos Cubres, São Jorge, on 16 April. A first- winter Dusky Thrush Turdus eunomus, discovered on São Miguel on 16 January, will be the first for the Azores, if accepted. Two Red (Common) Crossbills Loxia curvirostra were still on São Miguel on 21 February.
The following records are from May - November 2007. A subadult Black-browed Albatross Thallasarche melanophris was photographed 5 km off Pico on 9 July. On 26 May, the first Black-capped Petrel Pterodroma hasitata for the Azores was photographed 16 km south-east of Graciosa; two Wilson’s Storm-petrels Oceanites oceanicus were also photographed.
A first-year Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus was observed at Porto Formoso on 14 November. On São Miguel, American Bitterns Botaurus lentiginosus were found at Lagoa Azul on 30 September and at Ponta Delgada on 15 October. A Green Heron Butorides virescens was photographed on São Jorge on 23 October. The second Tricoloured Heron Egretta tricolor for the Azores, a first-winter, was at Praia de Agua de Alto, São Miguel, on 2 October; the first was on Pico in October 1985. Snowy Egrets E. thula were reported from Fajã dos Cubres, São Jorge, on 3 October, Fajã Grande, Flores, on 22 October, and Mosteiros, São Miguel, on 27 October, and American Great Egrets E. alba egretta from Flores, on 9 October to 21 November at least, Corvo on 17 October, São Miguel on 18 October and Terceira on 19 October. Great Blue Herons Ardea herodias were present on Corvo from 1 October to 15 November at least and on Flores from 12 to 18 October at least. Two Blue-winged Teals Anas discors were at Fajã dos Cubres, São Jorge, on 21 September and five American Black Ducks A. rubripes on Flores in October–November.
At Cabo da Praia, Terceira, a long-staying Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus was present until at least late September; some 30 additional individuals were found in the archipelago in September - October. During the same period, about eight American Golden Plovers Pluvialis dominica were reported, whilst the first Pacific Golden Plover P. fulva for the Azores was at Cabo da Praia, Terceira, from 26 October.
‘Peeps’ included a Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri at Lagoa Azul, São Miguel, on 13 October, Semipalmated Sandpipers C. pusilla at Mosteiros, São Miguel, on 3 August, with another 20 at various locations in September - October; during the same period, c.6 Least Sandpipers C. minutilla, c.50 White-rumped Sandpipers C. fuscicollis and c.12 Pectoral Sandpipers C. melanotos (with one at Cabo da Praia, Terceira, on 24 August) were reported. The second Stilt Sandpiper Micropalama himantopus for the Azores was photographed at Fajã dos Cubres, São Jorge, on 7 October. Still in September - October, eight Wilson’s Snipes Gallinago (gallinago) delicata and two Long-billed Dowitchers Limnodromus scolopaceus were recorded.
The first Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica for the Azores was at Cabo da Praia, Terceira, on 25 July. Upland Sandpipers Bartramia longicauda were observed on Corvo on 31 October and on Flores on 21 November. Four Hudsonian Whimbrels Numenius (phaeopus) hudsonicus and c.11 Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes were found in the archipelago in September - October. On Terceira, a Greater Yellowlegs T. melanoleuca was present at Cabo da Praia on 23–28 September. Solitary Sandpipers T. solitaria were seen at Cabo da Praia, Terceira, on 24 September, at Ponta Delgada, Flores, on 11 October, and at Lagoa dos Espraiados, Achada das Furnas, São Miguel, on 25 October. A Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius was at Cabo da Praia, Terceira, on 21 August, and at least a further nine were at various locations in September–October. A Wilson’s Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor was seen on Corvo on 17 October.
A first-summer Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis was still in Ponta Delgada harbour, São Miguel, on 25 May. An adult American Herring Gull L. (argentatus) smithsonianus was reported on 2 August and at least one first-year in September–October, when there were also a few Laughing Gulls L. atricilla present. A Royal Tern Sterna maxima was observed 370 nautical miles south-west of Flores on 12 October and a Forster’s Tern S. forsteri at Lajes, Flores, on 24 October. At least one of two Sooty Terns S. fuscata first seen on 16 June on Ilhéu da Praia, Graciosa, and incubating an egg on 24 July was still present on 6 September. A Bridled Tern S. anaethetus was on St Antonio on 21 June, whilst a first-year White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus at Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, on 9 October is perhaps the first for the Azores. An Atlantic Puffin Fratercula arctica was seen two nautical miles south of Pico on 6 June.
In September–October, c.10 Yellow-billed Cuckoos Coccyzus americanus were reported. Common Nighthawks Chordeiles minor were found at Lajes do Pico, Pico, on 19 October, on Corvo on 25 October, and at Lomba da Fazenda, São Miguel, on 25 October (two). A Little Swift Apus affinis at Ilhéu da Vila, Santa Maria, on 18 November will be the first for the Azores, if accepted. A Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon was discovered at Lajes harbour, Flores, on 17 October.
In late October, Tree Swallows Tachycineta bicolor, a Grey-cheeked Thrush Catharus minimus and a Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus were observed on Corvo, the latter species was also seen on Flores. Six Common Linnets Carduelis cannabina at Lombo do Vasco, Sete Ciudades, São Miguel, on 21 November constitute yet another first for the Azores. Up to 14 Common Crossbills Loxia curvirostra stayed at Serra da Tronqueira, São Miguel, from 11 October to 27 November at least.
October records of New World warblers include a Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica virens photographed aboard a ship 188 nautical miles south-west of Flores on 11th, a Myrtle Warbler D. coronata at Ponta da Fajã, Flores, on 17th and a Blackpoll Warbler D. striata at Sete Cidades, São Miguel, on 14th. Scarlet Tanagers Piranga olivacea were discovered on Corvo on 20 October and at Fajã Grande on 25 October. Also on Corvo, up to two Indigo Buntings Passerina cyanea were seen in late October. On Flores, two Bobolinks Dolichonyx oryzivorus stayed at Ponta Delgada from 4 October.
The following records are from November 2006 - April 2007. The ringed Bermuda Petrel Pterodroma cahow was again present in a burrow on Vila, off Santa Maria, on the night of 12/13 December; it was first discovered there on 17 November 2002 and it returned in 2003 (cf. Bull. Br. Ornithol. Cl. 124: 202–206). A juvenile Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus stayed at Mosteiros, São Miguel, from 25 October to at least 17 February.
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On São Miguel, a Snowy Egret Egretta thula was seen at Maia, on 21 February and single American Great Egrets E. alba egretta were at Ribeira Quente on 4 February, Povoação on 11 February and Lagoa das Furnas on 19–21 February and 8 April. A first-winter Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias at Lagoa das Furnas, São Miguel, on 31 January is considered to be the same individual as the one on Flores in November.
The long-staying male Wood Duck Aix sponsa at Terra Nostra Park, Furnas, was still present in April; it was first reported here on 12 October 2002. Two male American Wigeon Anas americana stayed at Lagoa das Furnas, São Miguel, from 11 January until at least 21 February, with two male Green-winged Teal A. (crecca) carolinensis also there. A Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris was at Praia da Vitoria, Terceira, on 19 December, whilst four stayed at Lagoa Azul, São Miguel, from 8 January until at least 21 February. A female Bufflehead Bucephala albeola at Cabrito reservoir, Terceira, on 19 November, was the third for the Azores.
Up to three American Coots Fulica americana remained at Lagoa das Furnas, São Miguel, in January, with two present on 8 April; on Flores, a first-winter stayed at Lagoa Seca on 22–25 December and an adult at Poço da Alagoinha on 23 December. Two Hudsonian Whimbrels Numenius (phaeopus) hudsonicus were reported from Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, on 5 January, with at least one at Cabo da Praia, Terceira, on 24 January and one at Caloura, São Miguel, on 4 February. A Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius was at Povoação, São Miguel, from 24 January until 4 February, with two at Lagoa Azul on 17 February. Up to two first-winter Franklin’s Gulls Larus pipixcan were seen at Ponta Delgada harbour, São Miguel, on 11–22 November. The first Common Gull L. canus of the Nearctic subspecies brachydactyla for the Azores, which was on Terceira from 18 February to 24 March 2003, has recently been accepted by the Portuguese Rarities Committee. A first-winter Laughing Gull L. atricilla was in Vila do Porto harbour, Santa Maria, on 4 December. An adult Bonaparte’s Gull L. philadelphia also at Praia da Vitoria on 25 January was still present in February. A first-winter Ring-billed Gull L. delawarensis in Horta harbour, Faial, on 17–18 December and six at Praia da Vitoria, Terceira, on 19 December, with 26 there on 25 January and 28 on 2 February; there were up to five at Ponta Delgada harbour in February, with three still there on 9 April. A second-winter American Herring Gull L. argentatus smithsonianus at Cabo da Praia, Terceira, on 19 January, with three first-winters at Praia da Vitoria, Terceira, on 26 January, one at Praia do Populo, São Miguel, on 22 February, and two at Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, on 2 March. Three Glaucous Gulls L. hyperboreus and three Iceland Gulls L. glaucoides were observed on São Miguel in February.
A Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon was found on Pico on 5 March, and two American Buff-bellied Pipits Anthus rubescens were at Vila, Santa Maria, on 18 January. The two American Barn Swallows Hirundo rustica erythrogaster first seen on Corvo on 20 October were still present on 2 November. Twelve Fieldfares Turdus pilaris were at Planalto dos Graminhais, São Miguel, on 14 January. The third Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas for the Azores was photographed on Corvo on 29 October.
The following records are from May–November 2006. The second Herald Petrel Pterodroma arminjoniana for the Azores was a pale morph photographed 30–40 km north of Faial on 17 May; the first was a dark morph off Pico on 18 July 1997. Another was seen south of Corvo on 29 October. The first Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris for the Azores was a first-year photographed south of Faial on 13 September. A juvenile Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps was present on Corvo, on 29 October, and a juvenile Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus on São Miguel, from 25 October into November.
At Fajã Grande, Flores, a Green Heron Butorides virescens was observed on 22 October–2 November, two Snowy Egrets Egretta thula from 3 November and an American Great Egret E. alba egretta from 31 October to at least 8 November. The latter taxon was also present on São Miguel on 30 September and 1 October and on Terceira on 19 October. The long-staying Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias from 22 September 2005 was still present at Lagoa Branca, Flores, in early November; from 17 October into November at least four others were found on the island.
Rare geese for which there were only one or two previous records included three Pink-footed Geese Anser brachyrhynchus at Albarnaz lighthouse, Flores, on 9 October, and one at Alchada das Furnas, São Miguel, on 22–24 October, a Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis at Ribeira do Mainho, Ponta Delgada, Flores, from 30 October until 5 November, and Pale-bellied Brent Geese B. (bernicla) hrota (probably of Nearctic origin) at Ponta Delgada on 3 October and 3 November, at Cabo da Praia, Terceira, from 9 October until 2 November, at Santa Cruz, Flores, on 25 October, and at Fajã Grande, Flores, on 28 October.
As usual at this time of year, several vagrant Nearctic waterfowl were recorded. Blue-winged Teal Anas discors were at Lagoa Azul, São Miguel, until 6 October, at Faja dos Cubres, São Jorge, on 20 October, and at Lagoa Seca, Flores, on 7–8 November (two). On Flores, an American Wigeon A. americana, 16 presumed Green-winged Teal A. carolinensis and seven Ring-necked Ducks Aythya collaris were found at Lagoa Seca on 7–8 November. A few American Wigeon and Ring-necked Ducks were also reported from São Miguel, Terceira, São Jorge and/or Pico. Lesser Scaups A. affinis were present at Pedro Miguel, Faial, on 1 November (one), at Sete Cidades, São Miguel, on 3 November (six), at Lagoa Azul, on 5 November, and at Lagoa dos Patos, on 4 November (one). The long-staying Wood Duck Aix sponsa of presumed wild origin was still present in a park at Furnas, São Miguel, in early November. An American Coot Fulica americana remained at Lagoa das Furnas, São Miguel, until at least 5 November, whilst another was found at Lagoa do Caiado, Pico, on 2 November.
Six Jack Snipes Lymnocryptes minimus on Corvo on 6 October constituted the sixth record for the Azores. Single Marsh Sandpipers Tringa stagnatilis were at Cabo da Praia, Terceira, on 22 September and at Lajes do Pico, Pico, on 5 October; these are the fifth and sixth for the archipelago.
Vagrant Nearctic waders in the period May–August included a Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus at Cabo da Praia, Terceira, on 11 June, three Short-billed Dowitchers Limnodromus griseus and a Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca at Caldeira, Corvo, on 25 May, a Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla at Lajes do Pico, on 14 August, and a Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius also there, on 12–14 August, with another at Lagoa das Furnas, São Miguel, on 6 August.
In September–early November, many more vagrant Nearctic waders were found. A juvenile Killdeer Charadrius vociferus was on Corvo on at least 27–29 October. At Cabo da Praia, Terceira, the following were seen from mid-September to at least early November: up to two Semipalmated Plovers, five American Golden Plovers Pluvialis dominica, four Semipalmated Sandpipers Calidris pusilla, a Western Sandpiper C. mauri, a Least Sandpiper, c.18 White-rumped Sandpipers C. fuscicollis, a Baird's Sandpiper C. bairdii, three Pectoral Sandpipers C. melanotos, a Short-billed Dowitcher, 2–4 Long-billed Dowitchers Limnodromus scolopaceus (first records for the Azores), a Greater Yellowlegs, four Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes and five Spotted Sandpipers.
Some of these species were also found on other islands, including American Golden Plovers (on São Miguel and Faial), Semipalmated Plovers (Flores and Corvo), Semipalmated Sandpipers (São Miguel and Pico), White-rumped Sandpipers (Flores and Corvo), Pectoral Sandpipers (Corvo), Lesser Yellowlegs (Flores and Corvo) and Spotted Sandpipers (Pico and Flores).
Least Sandpipers were also present at Ponta Delgada, Flores, on 13 September and at Lajes do Pico, Pico, on 19–21 September. A Wilson's Snipe Gallinago delicata, the ninth for the Azores, was at Caldeirão, Corvo, on 6 October. Short-billed Dowitchers were also seen at Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, from 9 September and at Lajes do Pico on 21–22 September and 2 November. A Hudsonian Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus hudsonicus was noted north of Praia da Vitoria, Terceira, on 5 October. At Ponta Delgada, Flores, an Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda remained from 29 September until 8 October. The third and fourth records of Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus came from Fajã dos Cubres, São Jorge, on 22 September and Ponta Delgada on 4 November. A Laughing Gull Larus atricilla was in Praia harbour, Graciosa, on 9 June; two were present at Cabo da Praia, Terceira, on 21 September. A first-winter American Herring Gull L. argentatus smithsonianus was identified at Ponta Delgada, Flores, on 3–5 November. A Caspian Tern Sterna caspia, apparently the third for the Azores, stayed at Lagoa Rasa, Flores, from 30 September until 8 October. An unpaired Bridled Tern S. anaethetus was incubating an egg on Praia islet, off Graciosa, on at least 10–19 June; perhaps the same individual was seen there on 1–18 August.
Two Eurasian Collared Doves Streptopelia decaocto at Cabo da Praia, Terceira, on 16–18 September, were the first for the Azores. At Fajã Grande, Flores, a Black-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus erythrophthalmus was observed on 28–29 October and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo C. americanus on 26 October; another Yellow-billed Cuckoo was at Ponta Delgada on 1 November. Chimney Swifts Chaetura pelagica were reported from Corvo (on 29 and 31 October and 2 November) and Flores (one at Santa Cruz on 31 October, two at Ladeira da Picada on 1 November and one at Fajã Grande on 1 November). The female Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon at Santa Cruz, Graciosa, from 9 December 2005, was still present on 22 March.
Two American Barn Swallows Hirundo rustica erythrogaster were seen on Corvo on 20–29 October; the first for the Azores were reported in 2005. The first Blue-headed Wagtail Motacilla f. flava for the Azores was discovered at Lajes do Pico, Pico, on 24 September and the second Whinchat Saxicola rubetra near Pico do Lourenço, Flores, on 4 November. If accepted, a female Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe melanoleuca/hispanica at Albarnaz lighthouse, Flores, on 9 October, will be the first for the Azores. Two more firsts included a Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca at Sete Cidades, São Miguel, on 27 October and two juvenile Red-backed Shrikes Lanius collurio on Corvo on 22–26 October. A Greenland Redpoll Carduelis flammea rostrata on Corvo on 21 October was the second redpoll for the Azores.
In October, several vagrant Nearctic passerines were reported: Red-eyed Vireos Vireo olivaceus on Corvo on 23–25 and 28 October (second and third records), a first-winter female Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens on Corvo on 24 and 28–29 October, with a first-winter male on 29th (second and third records), three single first-winter Myrtle Warblers D. coronata on Corvo on 21, 25 and 26 October (second to fourth records), a Blackpoll Warbler D. striata at Aldeia da Cuada, Flores, on 24 October (first record), a male Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas at Fajázinha, Flores, on 20–21 October (second record) and a Summer Tanager Piranga rubra on Corvo on 26 and 28 October (first record). On Corvo, an adult Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus seen on 21 October could be either of Nearctic or Palearctic origin. On the same island, a female Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus was observed on 23 October, and a male and female on 24th, whilst Indigo Buntings Passerina cyanea were found on 24, 27 and 29 October and 1 November; other Indigo Buntings were seen on Flores, at Aldeia da Cuada on 24–25 October and at Fajã Grande on 28th.
Last page update 30th December 2010
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