MD Osprey, MD Birds, BRCF-L:

We have just updated a number of our MD/DC 
Records Committee (MD/DCRC) web site data 
products. Information highlights include:


NEW SPECIES. No new species were added to the 
Maryland or DC Official Lists during this update 
cycle; however, potential new species under active consideration include:

Maryland: Southern Lapwing, Cape Verde 
Shearwater, Western Meadowlark, Scopoli's (Cory's) Shearwater (subspecies)

District of Columbia: Swainson's Warbler


MARYLAND AND DC REVIEW LISTS. The following 
changes were made to the MD and DC Review Lists:

Anhinga. There is a fairly even distribution of 
reports and records since the early 1990s; only 
one DC record. Removed from Maryland review list; 
retained on the DC review list.

Sooty Tern. The pattern of displacement following 
hurricanes is well-established; however, only one 
accepted record for DC. Moved to Category 4B on 
MD list (reviewable if seen west of the coastal 
plain), retained in Category 2 on DC list (reviewable anywhere).

Cave Swallow. Fall appearances since 2002 are 
well documented, no DC records. Removed from MD list.

Painted Bunting. Averaging 3-4 reports and 
records per year for MD over the past 10 years; 
no records for DC. Removed from MD list.

Trumpeter Swan. Although this taxon is on the 
Official List of Maryland Birds as an extirpated 
species, it has occurred in the region in recent 
years apparently as a result of reintroduction 
programs in the Northeast and upper Midwest. 
Other complications include possible escapes of 
hybrid "Trumpling Swans" from regional lakes and 
the Smithsonian research facility at Arlie, VA. 
The committee decided that it does want to 
continue to accept documentation of putative 
Trumpeter Swans, so the action is to add this 
species to MD review list. Since the species is 
not considered to be extirpated from DC and since 
there are no DC records, it would not be added to 
the DC Review List, but rather would be reviewed 
as a new species for DC, if observed there.

Gambel's White-crowned Sparrow (subspecies). 
Reports have been averaging about 2 per year 
since 2000, with more reports in the 1990s; 
committee reviews of this taxon are backlogged, 
but most reports include images; no records for 
DC. Removed from the MD "Subspecies/Form" Review 
List. As with all unusual subspecies or forms, 
observers should continue to report sightings to 
MD Osprey and/or the seasonal editors of Maryland 
Birdlife and North American Birds.

         MD Review List: http://www.mdbirds.org/mddcrc/pdf/mdreview.pdf
         DC Review List: http://www.mdbirds.org/mddcrc/pdf/dcreview.pdf


WEB DATABASES: Our historical canvass is nearing 
completion and many additional historical reports 
have been added to the MD and DC databases and 
further corrections made.  For those keeping 
track, there are still a few taxa that need some 
work to verify earlier reports and dates, notable Le Conte's Sparrow.

         MD database: 
http://www.mdbirds.org/mddcrc/pdf/mddatabase.pdf 
(a very large PDF document ... search, but do not print!!!)
         DC database: 
http://www.mdbirds.org/mddcrc/pdf/dcdatabase.pdf  (ditto, but not as large)


2008 ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES. This detailed report is posted here …

         http://www.mdbirds.org/mddcrc/pdf/rcannual2008.pdf


Hope this helps ...

Phil


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Phil Davis, Secretary
MD/DC Records Committee
2549 Vale Court
Davidsonville, Maryland  21035     USA
301-261-0184
mailto:[log in to unmask]

MD/DCRC Web site:  http://www.MDBirds.org/mddcrc/rcindex.html
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