Rare Birds in the Netherlands in 2017

Rare Birds in The Netherlands in 2017

This is the 38th annual report on rare birds in the Netherlands to be published in Dutch Birding. It comprises records from 2017 as well as belated and reconsidered records, dating back to 1939, which have been evaluated by the Dutch rarities committee, the Commissie Dwaalgasten Nederlandse Avifauna (CDNA). Several 2017 reports are still under review or awaiting submission and could therefore not be included. In addition, some reports for 2016 and earlier years are still under consideration for various reasons. The increase in records entered online on internet portals such as www.waarneming.nl reveals many new details about past records. For the sake of completeness, date extensions or corrections are presented in this report (marked with #, without full record details).

Details included for each record are, if available: date(s); location and/or municipality (municipal divisions as on 1 January 2018); province; number of birds if more than one, plumage and sex; type of record if ringed, photographed, sound-recorded, videoed or found dead (and where specimen is stored, if known); names of up to three observers involved in finding, identifying and recording, and relevant references in the literature, which normally include (inter)national but not regional journals, and published photographs. Records from 2016 lasting into 2017 that already have been published in the 2016 report (Haas et al 2017) are repeated here without reference. Observations not (yet) submitted but mentioned in the 2016 report are not repeated in this report. The sequence of the records in the species accounts is from the current year backwards, with records within one year presented chronologically. Numbers after each (sub)species’ name refer to the total number of individuals 1 from 1 January 1800 to 31 December 1979, 2 since 1 January 1980 but excluding 3 the current year. Taxa marked with an asterisk * are new to the Dutch list.

The following CDNA members voted on some or all of the records in this report: Garry Bakker, Christian Brinkman, Thijs Fijen, Diederik Kok, James Lidster, Eddy Nieuwstraten, Roy Slaterus, Vincent van der Spek and Rik Winters. Marcel Haas (until May 2017) and Gerjon Gelling (from May 2017), with the assistance of August van Rijn, supported the committee as non-voting archivists and assisted by submitting many reports published on national and regional websites. Reports can be submitted, preferably using the electronic submission form on www.dutchavifauna.nl or filling in this form after entering a record on www.waarneming.nl; the online database on www.dutchavifauna.nl contains all records of rare birds up to 2017 (cf Dutch Birding 34: 346, 2012). Here, also recently accepted records or not accepted reports as well as reports currently under review are listed.

Decisions regarding taxonomy have been delegated to the Dutch committee for avian systematics (Commissie Systematiek Nederlandse Avifauna; CSNA).

In 2017, at least 378 species were recorded, which is seven species above the average of 371 over the last 10 years, and the second-best year after 2014 (388) (figure 1). This number may rise depending on pending reports. 2017 was a reasonably good year. Three species were new to the Dutch list in 2017: Pacific Swift Apus pacificus, Brown Booby Sula leucogaster and Seebohm’s Wheatear Oenanthe seebohmi. Also new to the Dutch list was the reconsidered Elegant Tern Sterna elegans from 2002. With these additions, the Dutch list now numbers 521 species. Other highlights for 2017 included the second Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca, Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus, Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon and Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius, third Western Black-eared Wheatear O hispanica and Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis, and sixth Forster’s Tern S forsteri. In addition, 2017 was a good year for Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina and Eastern Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros phoenicuroides (both with three records), Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus, Booted Eagle A pennata and Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis (all with four), White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis (five), Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus (10) and Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus (four records totalling 94 individuals).

Systematic list of records

Ross’s Goose / Ross’ Gans Anser rossii 0,13,0

A series of reports from September 2017 onwards (and into 2018) is still under review.

Greenland White-fronted Goose / Groenlandse Kolgans Anser albifrons flavirostris 14,74,6

18 November to 28 December, Oeverlanden Grensmaas, Itteren and Borgharen, Maastricht, Limburg, six, four adults and two juveniles, photographed, videoed (R van Tiel et al).

This nice flock is among the largest ever recorded, and was exceptionally far inland. The only three larger flocks were in 2002 (10 and nine, respectively) and 2004 (eight).

Ring-necked Duck / Ringsnaveleend Aythya collaris 5,37,2

28 January, Boschmolenplas, Heel, Maasgouw, Limburg, adult male, photographed (I Meeuwissen et al); 11 February to 9 April, Appingedam-Oost, Appingedam, Groningen, adult male, photographed, videoed (F de Boer, S Osinga et al; Dutch Birding 39: 215, plate 293, 2017).

Lesser Scaup / Kleine Topper Aythya affinis 0,18,1

21 February to 9 April, Zuiderhaven and Dijkwielen, Den Oever, Hollands Kroon, Noord-Holland, adult male, photographed, videoed (K de Vries, J Hendriks et al; Dutch Birding 39: 140, plate 219, 2017); 26 February, Krabbersgat, Enkhuizen, Enkhuizen, Noord-Holland, male, photographed (F C Lanfermeijer); 16-18 December, Bremerbergdijk, Biddinghuizen, Dronten, Flevoland, adult male, photographed (W Wind et al; Dutch Birding 40: 62, plate 70, 2018)

2015 # 2-26 January (was 3-26 January), Veluwemeer, Biddinghuizen, Dronten, Flevoland, male.

Classic dates and localities for this now annual species. The Den Oever and Biddinghuizen records concern returning individuals. On 2 January 2015, a second bird, already accepted, was also present at Biddinghuizen.

Bufflehead / Buffelkopeend Bucephala albeola 0,7,0

5 November 2016 to 27 May, Gaatkensplas and surroundings, Barendrecht, Zuid-Holland, and 29 May to 3 September, Spaarbekken Petrusplaat, Brabantse Biesbosch, Drimmelen, Noord-Brabant, and 20 September to 13 May 2018, Gaatkensplas and surroundings, adult male, photographed, videoed (M Peene, G Duif, J Dijkhuizen et al); 24 December 2016 to 12 March and 13 October to 20 March 2018, Den Oever and IJsselmeer, Hollands Kroon, Noord-Holland, adult male, photographed, videoed (P van Franeker et al).

2016 19 June to 9 July, Spaarbekken Petrusplaat, Brabantse Biesbosch, Drimmelen, Noord-Brabant, male, photographed (P Borgerding).

2015 # 11 October to 26 April 2016 (was 3 November to 26 April 2016), Gaatkensplas and surroundings, Barendrecht, Zuid-Holland, adult male; # 21-23 October (was 22-23 October), De Nek, Schellinkhout, Drechterland, Noord-Holland, male.

2014 # 4 October to 28 December 2015 (was 4 October to 26 April 2015), several locations near Den Oever, Hollands Kroon, Noord-Holland, male.

Both records, one from Noord-Holland and one from Noord-Brabant/Zuid-Holland, concern long-staying and returning individuals, the latter already since November 2004! At first, the bird at Brabantse Biesbosch was not accepted in 2016 since the absence of rings was not proven. In 2017, the same bird was observed again and better photographs not only proved it to be unringed but also showed that this was most likely the same individual as the one wintering at Barendrecht since 2004.

Hooded Merganser / Kokardezaagbek Lophodytes cucullatus 0,2,1

12 November to 1 December, Noorderkolk, Zwarte Water and Langenholte, Zwolle, Overijssel, adult male, photographed, videoed (M Baljé et al).

Despite a series of sightings of certain or suspected escapes, this bird made it to the Dutch list, as it certainly did not wear a ring and was fully winged. It was seen less than 10 km away from the second record in 2010 (a female), so this is either a very attractive place for the species, or there is a very sloppy wildfowl breeder in the area.

Baikal Teal / Siberische Taling Anas formosa 8,4,1

4-10 and 15-18 February, Zwetterpolder, Noordwijkerhout, Noordwijkerhout, and 12-15 February and 19 February to 5 April, Hoogewegpolder, Noordwijk, Noordwijk, Zuid-Holland, first-winter male, photographed, videoed (M Wielstra, J Duivenvoorden et al; Dutch Birding 39: 126, plate 188, 133, plate 205, 217, plate 298, 2017).

This popular immature male was unringed, fully winged and wary, associated with a flock of Eurasian Wigeons A penelope and left the area with them during early spring. Not bad for a suspicious species like this one!

Oriental Turtle Dove / Oosterse Tortel Streptopelia orientalis 0,7,0

2012 20 October, Camping Stortemelk, Vlieland, Friesland, first calendar-year, photographed (H Zevenhuizen; Dutch Birding 38: 299, plate 468-469, 300, plate 470, 2012).

At the time, Oriental Turtle Dove was suspected but it could only recently be identified with certainty based on new criteria for immature birds (van Duivendijk 2016). The subspecies could not be determined with certainty, although Rufous Turtle Dove O s meena seemed likely. Totals include birds accepted as Rufous Turtle (four).

Alpine Swift / Alpengierzwaluw Apus melba 7,58,1

30 April, Zwanenwater, Schagen, Noord-Holland (J Helmer).

* Pacific Swift / Siberische Gierzwaluw Apus pacificus 0,0,1

12 June, Noordervroon, Westkapelle, Veere, Zeeland, photographed (T Luiten; Luiten 2017; Dutch Birding 39: 223, plate 305-310, 224, plate 311, 277, plate 373, 2017).

This spectacular first was seen on a classic date for a vagrant of this species in Europe. It was a well-deserved find for an ever-active observer, who managed to take some great photographs. Unfortunately, it moved on within minutes, so even local birders arrived too late.

Pallid Swift / Vale Gierzwaluw Apus pallidus 0,11,1

20 October, Oostpunt, Vlieland, Friesland, first calendar-year, photographed (M van den Bergh, A Dwarshuis et al; Dutch Birding 39: 419, plate 600, 2017).

A typical date and place for this species, found after a period with strong southerly winds. The accompanying Common Swift A apus allowed the observers to directly compare these two doppelgängers. The island of Vlieland now has three records, including the first two for the country (in 2006 and 2013).

Little Crake / Klein Waterhoen Zapornia parva 36,32,0

2013 # 6 June to 17 July (was 6 June to 1 July), Easterskar (Oosterschar), De Fryske Marren, Friesland, male.

2012 22 June to 6 July, Easterskar (Oosterschar), De Fryske Marren, Friesland, male, sound-recorded (G Jellema).

Yellow-billed Loon / Geelsnavelduiker Gavia adamsii 21,18,1

3 October, Puinpad, Westkapelle, Veere, Zeeland, photographed (L Verheuvel; Dutch Birding 39: 419, plate 598, 2017).

Seen only in flight but well documented.

Cory’s/Scopoli’s Shearwater / Kuhls/Scopoli’s Pijlstormvogel Calonectris borealis/diomedea 0,11,0

A report of a bird picked up in Aalsmeer, Noord-Holland, on 22-25 November remains under review. It was found in a garden and brought to a bird hospital where it died on 25 November. The bird is now at Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, but still needs to be skinned. Photographs of the underwing are necessary to identify the species. Totals exclude birds accepted as Cory’s Shearwater C borealis.

Squacco Heron / Ralreiger Ardeola ralloides 25 (since 1866),81,6

23 May, Gaasperplas, Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, photographed, videoed (W Schep, A Buhr); 5 June to 1 July, Zuidlaardermeer, Leinwijk, Midden-Groningen, and 19-22 June, Oostpolder, Zuidlaardermeer, Haren, Groningen, summer plumage, photographed (J H Venema et al); 15 August, Renvogelveld, De Cocksdorp, Texel, Noord-Holland, first calendar-year, photographed (J van den Berg); 19 August to 12 September, Noordpolder te Veld, Eempolders, Eemnes, Utrecht, first calendar-year, photographed (P Logtmeier, A van Gulijk et al; Dutch Birding 39: 355, plate 503, 2017); 19-25 October, Rietput Uiterdijkenweg, Vollenhove, Steenwijkerland, Overijssel, first calendar-year, photograhed (R Messemaker, R de Boer et al; Dutch Birding 39: 417, plate 596, 2017); 28 October, De Horde, Lopik, Lopik, Utrecht (A Boele, K de Leeuw).

Another good year. June is traditionally the best month. The two October records however were special: there were only two previous records for this month. 2017 was the last year this species was considered.

* Brown Booby / Bruine Gent Sula leucogaster 0,0,1

20 August, De Horde, Lopik, Lopik, Utrecht, and Achthoven, Lexmond, Zederik, Zuid-Holland, adult, photographed (A Boele, K de Leeuw, F Engelen et al; Boele et al 2017; Dutch Birding 39: 361, plate 510-511, 2017).

This observation came as a bolt from the blue... It was not only a fairly unexpected new species for the Netherlands in the first place, but the inland locality made the shock amongst Dutch birders complete. The bird passed an inland migration watch point along a river in an eastern direction around 08:00. Northern Gannet Morus bassanus was a species very high on the wish list for the regular observers here, so it is not hard to imagine they were left speechless after its extremely rare cousin flew by. Despite birders waiting for it at strategic places along Dutch rivers further east, nobody else in the Netherlands managed to pick it up. However, it was seen just across the border at Tinholt, Niedersachsen, Germany, at c 11:15 (c 150 km from De Horde). At 14:00 it was seen again further north-east near Bremen, Bremen, in Germany (285 km from De Horde; Boele et al 2017). It has also been accepted by the German rarities committee as a new species for Germany. Together with Pacific Swift, this was the second spectacular new species for the Netherlands that was unavailable for Dutch twitchers. The booby was accepted as the nominate subspecies S l leucogaster.

American Golden Plover / Amerikaanse Goudplevier Pluvialis dominica 1,48,3

21 January, Bantpolder, Lauwersmeer, Dongeradeel, Friesland, second calendar-year, photographed (R Piek); 8 August, Noordervroon, Westkapelle, Veere, Zeeland, photographed (M Pattikawa, R van Tiel); 20-21 September and 2 November, Zandvoortweg area, Sint Laurens, Veere, Zeeland, photographed, videoed (G Nijs, C Karst, A van Gilst et al).

2010 # 1 and 6 October (was 6 October), De Putten and Groeterpolder, Bergen, Noord-Holland, juvenile.

2001 9-11 September, Zandvoortweg, Sint Laurens, Veere, Zeeland (J Goedbloed, M Hoekstein et al).

Pacific Golden Plover / Aziatische Goudplevier Pluvialis fulva 9,60,4

6 December 2016 to 14 February, Oostdijk, Goedereede, Zuid-Holland, photographed, videoed (G Tanis et al; Dutch Birding 39: 69, plate 101, 2017); 1 January, Kamperland, Noord-Beveland, Zeeland, photographed (M Hoekstein); 2-4 July, Noordwaard-Galeiwaard, Brabantse Biesbosch, Werkendam, Noord-Brabant, adult, summer plumage, photographed (B de Jong et al; Dutch Birding 39: 356, plate 504, 2017); 13-22 July, Posthuiswad, Vlieland, Friesland, second calendar-year, photographed (M van Oss, T Fijen); 21 July to 5 August, Utopia and De Bol, Texel, Noord-Holland, adult male, photographed (J de Bruijn et al; Dutch Birding 39: 355, plate 501, 2017).

Another good year for this species which has been annual since 2004. Remarkably, this is the more regular of the two ‘lesser golden plovers’, whereas American Golden Plover P dominica is more common in Britain.

Sociable Lapwing / Steppekievit Vanellus gregarius 12,41,1

28-29 May, Oostpolder, Zuidlaardermeer, Haren, Groningen, adult, photographed, videoed (B-J Prak et al; Dutch Birding 39: 277, plate 372, 2017).

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper / Siberische Strandloper Calidris acuminata 0,9,1

29 August to 2 September, Ezumakeeg, Lauwersmeer, Dongeradeel, Friesland, adult, photographed, videoed (A van Lubeck et al; Dutch Birding 39: 352, plate 494, 2017).

This was already the fourth record (fifth bird) for this top-notch wader site.

Baird’s Sandpiper / Bairds Strandloper Calidris bairdii 0,14,0

2016 # 11-17 September (was 16-17 September), Oost and Dijkmanshuizen, Texel, Noord-Holland, first calendar-year.

White-rumped Sandpiper / Bonapartes Strandloper Calidris fuscicollis 1,46,5

22 July, Scherpenissepolder Oost, Scherpenisse, Tholen, Zeeland, adult, photographed (R Kraaijeveld); 22 July, Posthuiswad, Vlieland, Friesland, adult, photographed (T Fijen, M van Oss); 2 August, Westhoek, Het Bildt, Friesland, adult, photographed, videoed (T Luiten, J Kolijn, C Beeke); 22-24 August, Ezumakeeg Zuid, Lauwersmeer, Dongeradeel, Friesland, adult, photographed, videoed (M Olthoff, M Dagnelie et al); 26-29 August, Leenheerengorzenpolder, Goudswaard, Korendijk, and 28-29 August, Polder Beningerwaard, Zuidland, Hellevoetsluis, Zuid-Holland, adult, photographed, videoed (B-J Luijendijk, M Prins, B W van Dijk et al).

Remarkably, despite Zuid-Holland has decent (coastal) wader sites and is well covered by birders, the Korendijk/Hellevoetsluis bird was the first for this province.

Semipalmated Sandpiper / Grijze Strandloper Calidris pusilla 0,11,1

15-16 May, Lomm, Venlo, Limburg, adult, photographed, videoed (H Crommentuyn, J E Kikkert et al; Dutch Birding 39: 274, plate 368, 275, plate 371, 2017).

This showy bird, accompanied by a single Dunlin C alpina, was widely twitched at this inland site.

Wilson’s Phalarope / Grote Franjepoot Phalaropus tricolor 6,19,0

1969 # 12-22 October (was 12-21 October), Ibisweg and surroundings, Zeewolde, and Knardijk, Lelystad, Flevoland, winter plumage.

Lesser Yellowlegs / Kleine Geelpootruiter Tringa flavipes 2,46,2

21-22 June, De Slufter, Texel, Noord-Holland, summer plumage, photographed (A Wassink, J van den Berg et al); 30 September to 3 October, Polder Muggenwaard, Noordwaard, Brabantse Biesbosch, Werkendam, Noord-Brabant, photographed (B Verhoeven et al).

2015 # 6-7 October (was 6 October), Zandpolder, Callantsoog, Schagen, Noord-Holland.

Amazingly, the third for the Netherlands was as recent as 1991. The numbers steadily increased after 1991 and we celebrated our 50th bird (48 records) in 2017.

Long-billed Dowitcher / Grote Grijze Snip Limnodromus scolopaceus 0,42,4

29 April, Groene Jonker, Zevenhoven, Nieuwkoop, Zuid-Holland, adult summer, photographed (W Kortleve, P van de Werken, G J Gelling et al); 7-8 May, Ezumakeeg, Lauwersmeer, Dongeradeel, Friesland, adult, photographed (R S A van Bemmelen, W van der Ham, S Rijnbeek et al); 22 July to 7 August, Ezumakeeg, Lauwersmeer, Dongeradeel, Friesland, and 12-18 August, Oude Robbengat, Lauwersmeer, De Marne, Groningen, summer plumage, photographed (W Hermus, P de Jong et al); 22-24 July, Uitkijkplateau Workumerwaard, Súdwest-Fryslân, Friesland, summer plumage, photographed (L Zijlstra et al; Dutch Birding 39: 352, plate 493, 2017).

Long-billed/Short-billed Dowitcher / Grote/Kleine Grijze Snip Limnodromus scolopaceus/griseus 1,6,1

29 April, Ezumakeeg Noord, Lauwersmeer, Dongeradeel, Friesland, photographed (M Dagnelie, M Winters).

This might very well have been the Long-billed Dowitcher accepted for 7-8 May at the same site but, unfortunately, the documentation was inconclusive and this sighting was therefore accepted as an unidentified dowitcher. The Long-billed accepted for the same date at Nieuwkoop disappeared during the day, while this unidentified dowitcher was found in the evening. It was however obviously (much) longer billed than any other dowitcher seen in 2018 and was thus certainly another individual than this unspecified bird. Totals exclude birds accepted as Long-billed (46).

Great Snipe / Poelsnip Gallinago media -,43,1

16 May, Blaugerzen, De Fryske Marren, Friesland, photographed (S Bernardus via J Bisschop, J Vogelzang).

Black-winged Pratincole / Steppevorkstaartplevier Glareola nordmanni 12,31,1

7-8 November, Vockestaert, Schiedam, and 22-30 November, Natuurontwikkeling ’t Watergat, Stad aan ’t Haringvliet, Goeree-Overflakkee, Zuid-Holland, first calendar-year (G Goselink, R van Dijk et al; Dutch Birding 40: 62, plate 72, 2017).

At Schiedam, the (distant) bird was only seen in rather poor light conditions. Photographs in flight even seemed to suggest a hint of red on the underwing but this turned out to be a photographic aberration. The bird found at Goeree-Overflakkee was seen and photographed well, and easily identified as Black-winged; its identical moult pattern betrayed it was the same bird as at Schiedam.

Slender-billed Gull / Dunbekmeeuw Chroicocephalus genei 0,11,1

2 May, Molenpolder, Ossenisse, Hulst, Zeeland, adult, photographed (J Kolijn).

Probably the same bird was observed on 26 and 27 April just across the border at Doel, Antwerpen, Belgium (Faveyts et al 2018).

Franklin’s Gull / Franklins Meeuw Larus pipixcan 0,10,1

30 July intermittently to 11 August, Ezumakeeg Zuid, Lauwersmeer, Dongeradeel, Friesland, adult, photographed (E van Winden, L Brinkhuizen et al).

Ring-billed Gull / Ringsnavelmeeuw Larus delawarensis 0,9,1

19-29 January, Loonse Waard, Wijchen, Gelderland, probable female, photographed, videoed (J Nagtegaal, via V Hart, R Wester et al; Dutch Birding 39: 137, plate 210, 2017).

This was certainly not a typical Ring-billed Gull and therefore the first observer did not submit his find. It took other birders more than a year to do so. It was a slender built bird, with a fairly obvious white tertial crescent and a relatively dark mantle. The bill and primary pattern on the other hand, were spot on for Ring-billed. The very rare possibility of hybrid Ring-billed x Common Gull L delawarensis x canus (that has never been proven) could perhaps not be fully excluded but after some discussion it was decided that the full set of characters fell within the variation of Ring-billed. The previous record in 2012 concerned a more classic bird that was found by the same observer.

Baltic Gull / Baltische Mantelmeeuw Larus fuscus fuscus 0,36,1

12 September, De Banken, ’s-Gravenzande, Westland, Zuid-Holland, third calendar-year, wearing colour-ring, photographed (M Zevenbergen).

Acceptance was based on the presence of a Finnish colour ring.

Forster’s Tern / Forsters Stern Sterna forsteri 0,5,1

12 June, Wagejot, Oosterend, Texel, Noord-Holland, second calendar-year, photographed (M Leopold et al; Dutch Birding 39: 277, plate 374, 2017).

Amazingly, while doing his research on Common Terns S hirundo, the same observer also found the previous one (an adult in 2016) at a nearby site.

* Elegant Tern / Sierlijke Stern Sterna elegans 0,1,0

2002 9 June, Meijendel Strand and Wassenaarse Slag, Wassenaar, Zuid-Holland; and 10 June, De Putten, Camperduin, Bergen, Noord-Holland, summer plumage, photographed, videoed (T den Outer, R E Brouwer et al; den Outer et al 2002; Dutch Birding 24: 257, plate 228-229, 258, plate 230, 2002).

At the time, this record was considered not accepted. In the eyes of many, this was not a classic Elegant Tern, and since interbreeding between Elegant and Sandwich Tern S sandvicensis was known to occur in Europe, a hybrid Sandwich Tern x ‘orange-billed tern’ seemed to be a realistic option. However, genetic work by Dufour et al (2017) showed that three Elegants sampled in France and Spain were all pure birds. One of the birds was actually quite similar to the Dutch bird (that was seen in Norfolk, England, two weeks later) (Laurent Raty in litt, Paul French in litt) – it could even be the same individual. Furthermore, two hybrid fledglings showed (largely) Sandwich-like black bills (Dufour et al 2017), so with current knowledge we know: 1 that the phenotype of the Dutch bird fits within the variation of the species; and 2 that currently known hybrids do not fully resemble Elegant. The single photograph of an ‘orange-billed tern’ at Mokbaai, Texel, Noord-Holland, on 16 July 2006 and initially regarded as a potential Elegant (van den Berg & Haas 2006) does not show enough details for identification. In fact, the fairly heavy bill does not seem to fit Elegant (and possibly fits one of the royal terns S maxima/albididorsalis better).

Black-winged Kite / Grijze Wouw Elanus caeruleus 1,17,10

28 March, Telpost Hazewater, Leusden, Leusden, Utrecht (J Vreeman); 31 March, Wierholt, Hollands Kroon, Noord-Holland, adult, photographed (P van Franeker et al; Dutch Birding 39: 217, plate 294, 2017); 11 May, Wateren, Westerveld, Drenthe, adult, photographed (R Middelbos, J D Ibanez); 11 May, Preekhilpolder, Ouddorp, Goeree-Overflakkee, Zuid-Holland, photographed (V van der Spek, W van der Ham et al); 22 July, Pad naar de Zeearend, Oostvaardersplassen, Lelystad, Flevoland, photographed (J Scholten et al); 1 August to 3 October, several locations around Schildmeer, Midden-Groningen, Groningen, and 17 October, Ezumakeeg, Lauwersmeer, Dongeradeel, and 21 October to 8 February 2018, Blikplaatgat, Sennerplaat and Blikplaat, Lauwersmeer, Kollumerland en Nieuwkruisland, Friesland, first to second calendar-year, photographed, videoed (A ten Hoeve, J Horneman, V Douwes et al; Dutch Birding 39: 351, plate 491, 352, plate 492, 2017; 40: 64, plate 75, 2018); 19 August, Haarlerberg, Sallandse Heuvelrug, Hellendoorn, Overijssel, adult, photographed (J van den Berg); 14 October, Kwintelooyen, Veenendaal, Rhenen, Utrecht, photographed (A Bos, P G Gelderblom); 6 November, Leeuwarderbos, Leeuwarden, Leeuwarden, Friesland, photographed (C Procee Dorenbos); 8-9 November, Jacobapolder, Kamperland, Noord-Beveland, Zeeland, photographed (M Jeras, M Hoekstein, R Joos et al).

With yet another record year, there seem to be no limits to the incredible increase of this species. From a total of 28 records, 25 were in the past nine years. The birds on 31 March, 11 May and 19 August were identified and accepted as the nominate subspecies E c caeruleus.

Short-toed Snake Eagle / Slangenarend Circaetus gallicus 3,70,-

2011 29 July, Strabrechtse Heide, Heeze-Leende, Noord-Brabant, photographed (R Kasteleijns, R van de Heuvel, K A Koenraads et al).

The species is no longer considered since 1 January 2012 but the CDNA still welcomes reports from before this date.

Griffon Vulture / Vale Gier Gyps fulvus 9,320,94

19 May, Groote Veld, Vorden, Bronckhorst, and Almen, Lochem, Gelderland, photographed (A Westendorp, R Vermeer); 20 May, Het Reeland and Merwedehavengebied, Dordrecht, Dordrecht, and Papendrecht, Papendrecht, and Molenaarsgraaf, Bleskensgraaf, Goudriaan, Liesveld and Brandwijk, Molenwaard, and Hoornaar, Polder Noordzijde, Noordeloos and Giessenburg, Giessenlanden, Zuid-Holland, and Acquoysemeer, Acquoy, Geldermalsen, Gelderland, and Leersum, Utrechtse Heuvelrug, Utrecht, and 20-21 May, Barneveldsestraat and surroundings, Renswoude, Renswoude, Utrecht, and Gooswilligen, Scherpenzeel, Scherpenzeel, Gelderland, and 21 May, Lunteren, Ede, and Wolsbergerweg/Burgveenseweg, Voorthuizen, Rootselaar and Bloemenbuurt, Barneveld, Barneveld, and Ermelo, Ermelo, and Vaassensche Broek, Vaassen, Epe, and De Zwaluwenberg, ’t Harde, Elburg, and Wapenveld, Heerde, and Almen, Lochem, Gelderland, and several locations near Zwolle, Zwolle, and De Enk en ’t Loo, Luttenberg, Raalte, Overijssel, maximum of 27, photographed, videoed (M Kapoen et al); 30 May, Uilenbeken, Exloo, Borger-Odoorn, Drenthe, c 60, photographed (G Sterk, G Middelkoop); 5-9 June, Westeremden, Middelstum, Stedum, Loppersum and Ten Post, Loppersum, Groningen, maximum of six, photographed (J Smit et al).

2014 6 June, Bels Lijntje, Riel, Goirle, Noord-Brabant, second calendar-year, photographed (C Brinkman et al).

Another superb year, with a now more or less predictable peak of groups showing up after favourable southerly winds in late May and June.

Lesser Spotted Eagle / Schreeuwarend Aquila pomarina 3,8,3

11 May, Koedijk, Langedijk, Noord-Holland, most likely second calendar-year, photographed (F-J Maas); 10 July, Bovenrijge, Thesinge Buitengebied, Ten Boer, Groningen, second calendar-year, photographed (J Bosma, P van Veelen, M Olthoff); 29 August, Natte Graslanden, Lepelaarplassen, Almere, Flevoland, second calendar-year, photographed (A Hinkema).

A record year for this increasingly recorded species.

Greater Spotted Eagle / Bastaardarend Aquila clanga 15,16,1

4 June, Kollummerwaard, Lauwersmeer, Kollumerland en Nieuwkruisland, Friesland, and Marnewaard, Lauwersmeer, De Marne, Groningen, and 13 July, Koningsdiep, Opsterland, Friesland, and 14 July, Fochteloërveen, Ooststellingwerf, Friesland, second calendar-year, photographed (M Olthoff, M Kopijn, J van Rotten; Dutch Birding 39: 353, plate 496, 2017).

* Lesser Spotted x Greater Spotted Eagle / Schreeuwarend x Bastaardarend Aquila pomarina x clanga 0,0,1

30 March, Oelemars, Losser, Overijssel, immature, photographed (B Hulsebos, J Verloop; Dutch Birding 39: 217, plate 295, 2017).

This bird was submitted as an unidentified eagle, and for good reason. It quite obviously showed mixed characters between both parental species and it was therefore accepted as the first hybrid Lesser Spotted x Greater Spotted Eagle for the Netherlands.

Lesser Spotted/Greater Spotted Eagle / Schreeuwarend/Bastaardarend Aquila pomarina/clanga 0,4,1

5 July, Polder Muggenwaard, Noordwaard, Brabantse Biesbosch, Werkendam, Noord-Brabant, second calendar-year, photographed (J Dijkhuizen, J Dijkhuizen).

2015 25-26 October, Hazenweg, Weert, Weert, Limburg, photographed (G Jenniskens et al).

In both records, the bird resembled Greater Spotted Eagle, but a hybrid could not be excluded.

Booted Eagle / Dwergarend Aquila pennata 0,26,4

30 April, Onnerpolder, Zuidlaardermeer, Haren, Groningen, pale morph, photographed (C van Schijndel); 14 May, Brobbelbies Noord, Landerd, Noord-Brabant, pale morph, photographed (T Janssen, M Bakker); 17 May, Dijkzicht, Texel, Noord-Holland, adult, pale morph, photographed (G Christenhuis, L de Kreek; Dutch Birding 39: 277, plate 375, 2017); 10 June, Bloemenwijk, Oud-Beijerland, Oud-Beijerland, Zuid-Holland, pale morph, photographed (B-J Luijendijk).

A record year for the species. The previous best years were 2000 and 2006, each with three. Despite 30 records, a twitchable bird remains hard to come by.

Eastern Imperial Eagle / Keizerarend Aquila heliaca 0,1,1

27 September, Brobbelbies Noord, Landerd, Noord-Brabant, and 3 October, Zwarte Water, Cellemuiden, Zwartewaterland, and 3-4 October, Stadsgaten, Hasselt, Staphorsterveld, and Zuideindigerslag, Staphorst, Overijssel, and 4 October, Hasselt, Genemuiden, Zwarte Water, Mastenbroek and Zwartsluis, Zwartewaterland, and De Wieden-Venemaat, Vollenhove and Barsbekerbinnenpolder, Steenwijkerland, Overijssel, and Vogeleiland, Zwarte Meer, Noordoostpolder, Flevoland, and 8 October, Boetelerveld, Raalte, Overijssel, and 9 October, several locations around Zwolle, Zwolle, Overijssel, and 9-10 October, Olde Maten, Staphorsterveld and Rouveen, Staphorst, Overijssel, and 10 October, Zwartsluis and Olde Maten, Zwartewaterland, and De Wieden and Polder ’t Wijde Zicht, Steenwijkerland, Overijssel, fourth calendar-year, photographed, videoed (T Janssen et al; Janssen & Bakker 2017; Dutch Birding 39: 393, plate 549, 429, plate 614-615, 2017).

This bird was one of the highlights of the year, with a legendary story. It was first seen at a migration site in the province of Noord-Brabant, where it was twitchable (in flight) for the fastest twitchers only. Unexpectedly, it was relocated in the north-west of the province of Overijssel six days later (a distance of 105 km). Despite the fact that it constantly moved over large areas (also crossing the Flevoland province border), and often disappeared out of sight, modern-day communication allowed most birders to (eventually) connect with it, mainly on 4, 9 and 10 October. This plumage is the hardest to separate from Spanish Imperial Eagle A adalberti, and the identification would have faced serious problems had it not been wearing a metal ring. Although the inscription was not fully read, the ring could be retraced to Hungary. The perhaps only likely candidate, A506, had been ringed as a nestling in 2014 and was – for some reason – nicknamed Ladybug. In the aftermath, an analysis by a former committee member revealed that this was the same individual that was seen in Italy in February 2017, where it was reported as a Spanish Imperial! And, to make the story complete, probably the same bird was reported in Denmark in February 2018.

Eurasian Pymy Owl / Dwerguil Glaucidium passerinum 0,9,0

2016 2 April to 6 June, Groote Peel, Asten, Noord-Brabant, photographed, sound-recorded (T Bakker et al; Dutch Birding 38: 409, plate 626, 2016).

This seemingly territorial bird was suppressed for all the right reasons.

European Roller / Scharrelaar Coracias garrulus 52,20,0

1954 # 4 and 15-16 June (records joined), Krimweg, Beekbergen, Apeldoorn, and Deelen, Ede, and Deelen, Arnhem, Gelderland.

Formerly accepted as two separate records but based on new and more accurate information, both are now considered to concern the same bird.

Brown Shrike / Bruine Klauwier Lanius cristatus 0,1,1

19 February to 7 March, Indische Buurt, Den Helder, Den Helder, Noord-Holland, second calendar-year, photographed, videoed (C Das, P Das, C Spijkerboer et al; Das et al 2017; Dutch Birding 39: 81, plate 119, 83, plate 120-122, 84, plate 123, 85, plate 124, 137, plate 211, 2017).

The second record followed soon after the first in 2014. Remarkably, both concerned a wintering bird.

Daurian Shrike / Daurische Klauwier Lanius isabellinus 0,15,1

19-25 October, Vuurtorenvlakte, Maasvlakte, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, first-winter, photographed, videoed (N Peeters, A van Benten et al; Dutch Birding 39: 424, plate 611, 2017).

Lesser Grey Shrike / Kleine Klapekster Lanius minor 21,30,1

19-20 June, Witte Hoek and Polder Wassenaar, De Cocksdorp, Texel, Noord-Holland, photographed (A Wassink, J van den Berg, P Duin et al; Dutch Birding 39: 282, plate 383, 2017).

Greater Short-toed Lark / Kortteenleeuwerik Calandrella brachydactyla 3,55,4

9 May, Hoog-Zalk, Kampen, Overijssel, photographed (P Schermerhorn); 14 May, Polder de Westerkogge, Hoorn, Koggenland, Noord-Holland, photographed (P van Franeker, G Kenter et al); 13-26 August, Polder Lies, Terschelling, Friesland, photographed (H Schekkerman, A de Jong, E van Winden et al; Dutch Birding 39: 359, plate 509, 2017); 22 September, Jan Ayeslag, Texel, Noord-Holland, sound-recorded (C S Roselaar, R F J van Beusekom).

2016 6 May, Flaauwe Werk, Ouddorp, Goeree-Overflakkee, Zuid-Holland, sound-recorded (T van Oerle, O van Herwaarden); 7 May, Springertduinen-Noord, Ouddorp, Goeree-Overflakkee, Zuid-Holland, photographed (G Tanis).

The Terschelling bird was actively moulting its remiges. The CDNA discovered that the supposed sound-recordings of an accepted bird also from Terschelling on 15-25 October 2006 actually belonged to a Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis. The record remains valid since the bird, that was in the company of Eurasian Skylarks, was photographed well.

Arctic Warbler / Noordse Boszanger Phylloscopus borealis 2,22,4

15 September, Oost, Texel, Noord-Holland, photographed (J A de Raad, L I Kooistra, R F J van Beusekom et al; Dutch Birding 39: 421, plate 605, 2017); 16 September, Vinkenbaan Westenschouwen, Schouwen-Duiveland, Zeeland, first calendar-year, ringed, photographed (C Oskam, G Oskam, B Oskam); 25 September, Rottumerplaat, Eemsmond, Groningen, photographed (G Mensink, E Goutbeek, P Doornbos); 8-10 October, Camping Seedune, Schiermonnikoog, Friesland, photographed (D Beuker, D Paalvast, A W Faber et al).

A record equalling year for the species, matching 2001.

Hume’s Leaf Warbler / Humes Bladkoning Phylloscopus humei 2,60,6

28 November 2016 to 18 March, Vinkel, Den Bosch, Noord-Brabant, photographed, sound-recorded; 27 December 2016 to 15 January, Noordwijkerhout, Noordwijkerhout, Zuid-Holland, photographed, sound-recorded; 7-8 January, Stiltswerderweg, Middelstum, Loppersum, Groningen, photographed (A-E de Winter via W-J Fontijn and B-J Prak); 7 November, Vogelringstation Meijendel, Wassenaar, Zuid-Holland, ringed, photographed (V van der Spek, N Aarts, H Lucas; Dutch Birding 40: 65, plate 78, 2018); 8-11 November, Noordhollands Duinreservaat, Castricum, Noord-Holland, photographed, sound-recorded (H Groot et al); 30 November, Vogelringstation Castricum, Noordhollands Duinreservaat, Castricum, Noord-Holland, ringed, photographed (J Visser et al; Dutch Birding 40: 65, plate 76-77, 2018); 17-24 December, Noordereng, Heiloo, Noord-Holland, photographed, sound-recorded (P Stroeken, G van Duin et al; Dutch Birding 40: 68, plate 86, 2018); 17-27 December, Oudorp, Alkmaar, Noord-Holland, photographed, sound-recorded (A de Moel, A van Halem et al).

2016 remains the best year, with nine, but this year equals the second-best year (2003). Feathers of both ringed birds were analysed and, as expected, proved that the nominate subspecies P h humei was involved rather than the Chinese subspecies P h mandellii (van der Spek & CDNA 2018). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the genetics of this species were analysed in Europe. 2017 was the last year this Central Asian species was reviewed. Who would have thought that a decade or two ago?

Radde’s Warbler / Raddes Boszanger Phylloscopus schwarzi 2,41,2

13 October, Vogelringstation Van Lennep, Kennemerduinen, Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland, Bloemendaal, Noord-Holland, first calendar-year, ringed, photographed (R Luntz, L J R Boon); 21 October, Bomenland, Vlieland, Friesland, photographed (M van den Bergh, A Dwarshuis et al).

With 14 records, Vlieland is the hotspot for this species.

Iberian Chiffchaff / Iberische Tjiftjaf Phylloscopus ibericus 2,37,4

9 April to 12 May, Prins Hendrikweg, Noordwijk aan Zee, Noordwijk, Zuid-Holland, singing, photographed, sound-recorded (C Zuyderduyn et al); 29-30 April, De Cocksdorp, Texel, Noord-Holland, singing, photographed, sound-recorded (V van der Spek et al); 8 May to 26 June, Heidepaed, Lycklamabos, Nijemirdum, De Fryske Marren, Friesland, singing, photographed, sound-recorded (J Postma et al); 14-15 July, Bosjes van Poot, Den Haag, Den Haag, Zuid-Holland, adult, photographed, sound-recorded (V van der Spek et al).

Another good year for the species: only 2010 (six) and 2016 (five) were better. The July bird represented only the second record of a calling (and not singing) bird; it was actively moulting its remiges.

Siberian Lesser Whitethroat / Siberische Braamsluiper Sylvia althaea blythi 0,7,0

The CDNA awaits the DNA analysis of two submitted records: a bird ringed on Texel, Noord-Holland, on 30 September and one in Nijmegen, Gelderland, which was present from 9 February to 15 March. Furthermore, the CDNA awaits the submission of two records of presumed birds, both ringed in Castricum, Noord-Holland, and on which DNA analyses were performed.

Western Subalpine Warbler / Westelijke Baardgrasmus Sylvia inornata 0,7,0

2016 8 May, Tweede Water, Zwanenwater, Schagen, Noord-Holland, second calendar-year, ringed, photographed (F J Koning, P Spannenburg).

This female was submitted as an unidentified subalpine warbler but the CDNA found enough clues to identify it as a Western Subalpine Warbler. The tail pattern easily ruled out Eastern Subalpine Warbler S cantillans but ruling out Moltoni’s Warbler S subalpina was less easy. The bird’s moult, however, did not fit the strategy of Moltoni’s, which was kindly confirmed by Gabriel Gargallo (in litt).

Eastern Subalpine Warbler / Balkanbaardgrasmus Sylvia cantillans 1,32,1

20 May, Robbenjager, Texel, Noord-Holland, male, photographed (A Klaren).

The CDNA awaits the submission of a bird seen and photographed on Texel, Noord-Holland, on 9 September.

subalpine warbler / baardgrasmus Sylvia inornata/subalpina/cantillans 4,35,1

21-22 May, Wimmenummerduinen, Noordhollands Duinreservaat, Bergen, Noord-Holland, male, sound-recorded (A Wijker, K Klaij, N F van der Ham).

Totals include birds accepted as inornata/cantillans (ie, subalpina being excluded).

Dartford Warbler / Provençaalse Grasmus Sylvia undata 1,9,1

22 April, Berkheide, Wassenaar, Zuid-Holland, photographed (A van Egmond et al; Dutch Birding 39: 217, plate 297, 2017).

The CDNA could not assign this bird to subspecies. Totals include four birds accepted as S u dartfordiensis.

Pallas’s Grashopper Warbler / Siberische Sprinkhaanzanger Locustella certhiola 0,10,1

17 September, Vogelringstation Castricum, Noordhollands Duinreservaat, Castricum, Noord-Holland, first calendar-year, ringed, photographed (A Wijker et al; Dutch Birding 39: 422, plate 606, 2017).

Here we go again: out of 11 records, eight (!) have been ringed at this site. There is only one field record, at Maasvlakte, Zuid-Holland, in October 2009.

Booted Warbler / Kleine Spotvogel Iduna caligata 0,28,1

19 September, Neeltje Jans, Oosterscheldekering, Veere, Zeeland, first calendar-year, photographed (J Walhout et al; Dutch Birding 39: 423, plate 608, 2017).

Paddyfield Warbler / Veldrietzanger Acrocephalus agricola 1,40,1

13 October, Vogelringstation Paradijsveld, Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen, Zandvoort, Noord-Holland, first calendar-year, ringed, photographed (J van Ee).

Already the sixth record in 10 years’ time for this ringing site.

Blyth’s Reed Warbler / Struikrietzanger Acrocephalus dumetorum 0,39,2

28 August, Vogelringstation Van Lennep, Kennemerduinen, Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland, Bloemendaal, Noord-Holland, first calendar-year, ringed, photographed (A B van den Berg, A van Aken, M Koster; Dutch Birding 39: 359, plate 508, 2017); 25 September, Vogelringstation Castricum, Noordhollands Duinreservaat, Castricum, Noord-Holland, first calendar-year, ringed, photographed (A J van Loon, J Visser, L Knijnsberg).

The CDNA still awaits the submission of two birds ringed on Vlieland, Friesland, in autumn 2016.

Moustached Warbler / Zwartkoprietzanger Acrocephalus melanopogon 0,1,1

18-21 March, Polder Maltha, Brabantse Biesbosch, Werkendam, Noord-Brabant, singing, photographed, sound-recorded (J Bosch et al; Bosch 2017; Dutch Birding 39: 142, plate 222, 2017).

Who would have thought that the second record would come only a year after the first? For twitchers, it was déjà (non) vu. Although the distance to the bird was much smaller than in 2016 and it sang more or less continuously, this bird too refused to show to all but a few lucky observers. The trick to find this species seems to be to check singing Acrocephalus warblers in very early spring.

Eyebrowed Thrush / Vale Lijster Turdus obscurus 2,5,1

20-21 October, Oost-Vlieland, Vlieland, Friesland, first calendar-year male, photographed, videoed (J Denee et al; Denee & Hart 2017; Dutch Birding 39: 423, plate 609, 432, plate 618, 2017).

The first twitchable since 1988 (!) was very much appreciated by those who were on the island or who travelled by boat to it, where it showed well within walking distance from the ferry. At the end of the second day, it suddenly took off, never to be seen again. The previous record was in 2001.

Black-throated Thrush / Zwartkeellijster Turdus atrogularis 0,9,0

A bird ringed on Vlieland, Friesland, on 30 October 2017 (Dutch Birding 39: 422, plate 607, 2017) has been submitted only recently.

Red-flanked Bluetail / Blauwstaart Tarsiger cyanurus 1,24,2

31 October, Groene Glop, Schiermonnikoog, Friesland, first calendar-year, ringed, photographed (K Oosterbeek, O Verhoeven, C Eising); 25-27 November, Beijum, Groningen, Groningen, Groningen, first calendar-year, photographed (J Bosma et al; Dutch Birding 40: 68, plate 87, 155, plate 208, 2018).

What is it with the suburb of Beijum and rare birds? Within 13 years’ time, this urban oasis has now hosted Pine Grosbeak Pinicola enucleator, Hume’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus humei, Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis, (a still pending) Dusky Thrush Turdus eunomus and this species. Three of these rarities were found by the same observer.

Eastern Black Redstart / Oosterse Zwarte Roodstaart Phoenicurus ochruros phoenicuroides 0,7,3

12-15 January, Smitshoek, Barendrecht, Barendrecht, Zuid-Holland, second calendar-year male, photographed, videoed (M van der Schalk, E B Ebels, H Moerman et al; Ebels et al 2018; Dutch Birding 39: 55, plate 77, 139, plate 216, 2017, 40: 143, plate 193, 158, plate 213, 2018); 29 November to 2 December, Bantpolder and Anjumer en Lioessenserpolder, Lauwersmeer, Dongeradeel, Friesland, first calendar-year male, photographed, videoed (W Solarz, M Kopijn et al; Ebels et al 2018; Dutch Birding 40: 67, plate 85, 156, plate 210, 2018); 3-9 December, Zanddijk, Zuid-Eierland, Texel, Noord-Holland, first calendar-year male, photographed (fam van den Dries, A Wassink et al; Ebels et al 2018; Dutch Birding 40: 67, plate 84, 155, plate 209, 2018).

2011 13 November, Oosterend, Terschelling, Friesland, male, photographed (H van Diek; Ebels et al 2018; Dutch Birding 34: 68, plate 90, 2012, 40: 155, plate 202, 2018).

The recent history of this taxon is remarkable. The January record was part of the autumn influx of 2016 that already delivered three birds. The bird appeared to be very weak and it was speculated to have died after it was last seen. With two more birds in late autumn 2017 and – as will be mentioned in next year’s report – another one in early 2018, no less than seven were found within 15 months’ time (plumage analyses proved them to be different individuals). The 2011 bird was not accepted at the time but new identification insights (van der Spek & Martinez 2018) led to the acceptance of this now second record. Therefore, within two years the number of records increased from three to no less than 11! A previously not accepted report on Schiermonnikoog, Friesland, on 31 October 2005 is currently being reconsidered.

Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush / Rode Rotslijster Monticola saxatilis 2,11,1

3-4 May, Noordduinen, Den Helder, Noord-Holland, male, photographed, videoed (H J Bouma et al; Dutch Birding 39: 213, plate 290, 2017).

Blue Rock Thrush / Blauwe Rotslijster Monticola solitarius 0,1,1

25-26 April, Noordoosthoek, and 26 April, Oude Eendenkooi, Vlieland, Friesland, second calendar-year male, photographed, videoed (A Zijlstra et al; Zijlstra et al 2017; Dutch Birding 39: 192, plate 256, 194, plate 257-258, 220, plate 302, 2017).

The morning of the second day of the bird’s stay, it apparently tried to leave the eastern tip of the island several times but seemed to get cold feet when confronted with so much water. At c 10:30, it took off again, this time in a westerly direction, and disappeared out of sight above the island. Amazingly, this needle in a haystack was relocated 7 km to the west, near a forester’s house in a small wooded area, where it was twitched until dusk. This was the second record, after a first calendar-year bird at Westkapelle, Zeeland, on 20 September 2003.

Stejneger’s Stonechat / Stejnegers Roodborsttapuit Saxicola stejnegeri 0,1,0

The CDNA awaits the DNA analysis of an already submitted bird on Vlieland, Friesland, on 16-17 October 2017 (Buckx et al 2017). The CDNA furthermore awaits the submission of a bird ringed on Vlieland on 9 October 2016 (Dutch Birding 38: 477, plate 726, 2016).

* Seebohm’s Wheatear / Seebohms Tapuit Oenanthe seebohmi 0,0,1

22 May, Kijkduin and Solleveld, Den Haag, Zuid-Holland, second calendar-year male, photographed, videoed (N van der Marel, G J Gelling, V van der Spek et al; Gelling & van der Spek 2017; Dutch Birding 39: 221, plate 303, 222, plate 304, 284, plate 388-389, 2017).

With the Pacific Swift and Brown Booby unavailable for birders, this probably was the birding highlight of 2017. The throat-patch was on the larger end for the taxon but all other features were spot on for Seebohm’s. It came unexpected but one could also argue that a spring overshoot record to north-western Europe of this medium-distance migrant was long overdue. Previous vagrants have turned up in Cameroon, the Canary Islands, Gibraltar, Malta and Tunisia.

Isabelline Wheatear / Izabeltapuit Oenanthe isabellina 0,12,1

23 October, Zwanewaterduinen, Ameland, Friesland, and 26 October, Dorpzicht, De Cocksdorp, Texel, Noord-Holland, first calendar-year, photographed (M Bot, K de Jong et al; Dutch Birding 39: 424, plate 610, 2017).

Remarkably, plumage analysis showed that the bird seen briefly on Ameland was the same individual as the one on Texel three days later.

Desert Wheatear / Woestijntapuit Oenanthe deserti 1,39,2

4 November, Paal 48, Vlieland, Friesland, female, photographed (B Lagerveld, L Stegeman, C Zuhorn et al; Dutch Birding 40: 66, plate 82, 2018); 17 November to 2 December, Amsterdam-Airport Schiphol, Haarlemmermeer, Noord-Holland, first calendar-year male, photographed, videoed (P Marcus et al; Dutch Birding 40: 66, plate 83, 2018).

Western Black-eared Wheatear / Westelijke Blonde Tapuit Oenanthe hispanica 0,2,1

19 October, Waal en Burgerdijkje, Texel, Noord-Holland, first calendar-year male, photographed, videoed (K Stork et al; Stork & Ebels 2017; Dutch Birding 39: 431, plate 617, 2017).

This bird was found by a teenage birder biking his way to school. The structure and several plumage features pointed towards Western Black-eared rather than Eastern Black-eared Wheatear O melanoleuca so, despite the collected faeces not yet having been analysed, the CDNA decided not to await mtDNA results and to accept the record.

Pied Wheatear / Bonte Tapuit Oenanthe pleschanka 0,22,1

25 October, Hondsbossche Zeewering, Bergen, Noord-Holland, male, photographed (R Costers).

Spanish Wagtail / Iberische Kwikstaart Motacilla cinereocapilla iberiae 0,0,0

A bird photographed and sound-recorded at Kooiplaats, Schiermonnikoog, Friesland, on 3-5 May (Dutch Birding 39: 284, plate 391, 2017), submitted as a male Spanish Wagtail, is still under review.

Citrine Wagtail / Citroenkwikstaart Motacilla citreola 0,51,4

2 May, Kustweg, Lauwersmeer, De Marne, Groningen, second calendar-year male, photographed (M Oudega); 5 May, Vijfhuizerweg/IJweg, Haarlemmermeer, Noord-Holland, adult female, photographed (H van der Meulen, H Moerman et al; Dutch Birding 39: 284, plate 390, 2017); 25 August, Crezéepolder, Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht, Zuid-Holland, first calendar-year, photographed, sound-recorded (C Fokker, D van der Spoel); 6 September, Groote Meer, Kalmthoutse Heide, Grenspark de Zoom, Woensdrecht, Noord-Brabant, first calendar-year, photographed (J van der Linden, F Franken).

2009 27 April, Polder Hardenhoek, Noordwaard, Brabantse Biesbosch, Werkendam, Noord-Brabant, adult male (R Los, L van Beest et al).

Blyth’s Pipit / Mongoolse Pieper Anthus godlewskii 0,10,1

8 January to 22 April, Noordwaard, Brabantse Biesbosch, Werkendam, Noord-Brabant, second calendar-year, photographed, sound-recorded, videoed (J Lidster et al; Dutch Birding 39: 57, plate 79, 138, plate 214, 2017).

2014 19 October, Oosterkwelder, Schiermonnikoog, Friesland, sound-recorded (M van Oss, O van Herwaarden).

The popular bird at Brabantse Biesbosch was found by one of the committee members who instantly recognized the call from the many trips he guided to Mongolia. Its prolonged stay did not only allow many to connect with the bird, it also offered an opportunity to follow its progressing moult.

African Chaffinch / Afrikaanse Vink Fringilla coelebs africana/spodiogenys 0,2,0

A male winter plumage at Onnerweg, Haren, Groningen, from 28 November 2003 to 6 January 2004 (Brinkhuizen et al 2004; Dutch Birding 26: 85, plate 144-145, 2004; see 2003) remains not accepted after a second review. The tail pattern does not perfectly fit either Atlas Chaffinch F c africana, Tunisian Chaffinch F c spodiogenys or Common Chaffinch F c coelebs (cf Corso et al 2015). Furthermore, the very pinkish bill looks odd and some subtle plumage colours also look atypical for African or Common. Calls of these taxa differ diagnostically but were not recorded. In all, this raised too many questions about the identification.

Dark-eyed Junco / Grijze Junco Junco hyemalis 1,1,1

7-8 May, Bergen aan Zee, Bergen, Noord-Holland, male, photographed (N Spaarkogel, via D Groenendijk; Groenendijk 2018; Dutch Birding 40: 328, plate 433, 2018).

During a small spring influx of the species in Europe, this bird was photographed with a smartphone in a garden. The (poor) shots showed just enough detail for a birding colleague to recognize the species. By then, the bird was no longer present. It belonged to the subspecies group hyemalis. Previous records were in 1962 and 2015.

Black-headed Bunting / Zwartkopgors Emberiza melanocephala 2,14,1

31 May, Maasvlakte, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, male, photographed (M Benders et al).

Pine Bunting / Witkopgors Emberiza leucocephalos 15,32,3

18 December to 15 January 2017, Loodsmansduin, Texel, Noord-Holland, first-winter male, photographed, videoed; 3-4 January, Oosternieuwlandpolder, Vrouwenpolder, Veere, Zeeland, second calendar-year male, photographed (M Klootwijk et al); 10-31 January and 4-13 March, Buitengebied Westzijde, Smilde, Midden-Drenthe, Drenthe, and Nieuwe Vaart, Appelscha, Ooststellingwerf, Friesland, female, photographed, videoed (T Bakker et al); 12-15 February, Wolfshuis, Eijsden-Margraten, Limburg, male, photographed (H Kossen, A Bouns, M Berlijn et al; Dutch Birding 39: 140, plate 217, 2017).

2016 27 October, Koarnwertersân (Kornwerderzand), Súdwest-Fryslân, Friesland, first calendar-year female, photographed (M O Bleijerveld);

The left-overs of the autumn 2016 influx further increased the number of records. The number of records for 2016 now stands at 10, which by far makes this the best year for the species.

* Yellowhammer x Pine Bunting / Geelgors x Witkopgors Emberiza citrinella x leucocephalos 0,0,1

3 April, De Plaat, Terschelling, Friesland, male, photographed (H Schouwenburg, A Ouwerkerk, I Navarro; Dutch Birding 39: 219, plate 301, 2017).

This beauty of a bird looked just like a male Pine Bunting except for the prominent yellow fringes on its primaries. The CDNA decided to classify these types of birds as hybrids.

Systematic list of not accepted reports

This list contains all records not accepted by the CDNA. Records marked with @ were not accepted by all committee members in the first or second voting. Most records were not accepted because the identification was not fully established (often due to lack of documentation) or when the bird showed signs of captivity, such as dubious rings, excessive wear and/or aberrant behaviour.

Richardson’s Cackling Goose / Kleine Canadese Gans Branta hutchinsii hutchinsii 5 May, Oosterboer, Meppel, Drenthe, videoed (@ video shows subspecies B h minima); 2 July, Jan van den Boschpad, Oostvaardersplassen, Lelystad, Flevoland, photographed (description incomplete and photographs show too little detail to exclude other taxa). Ross’s Goose / Ross’ Gans Anser rossii 5 February, Het Leuven, Groessen, Duiven, Gelderland, blue morph, photographed (@ photographs show known escape, most likely hybrid individual, wandering around area for longer period of time). Ross’s x Barnacle Goose / Ross’ Gans x Brandgans Anser rossii x Branta leucopsis 3 February, Grutte Wielen, Tytsjerksteradiel, Friesland, photographed (@ photographs show too little detail to exclude other taxa or hybrids). Greenland White-fronted Goose / Groenlandse Kolgans Anser albifrons flavirostris 5 February, Twijzel, Achtkarspelen, Friesland (description incomplete and photographs do not exclude Greater White-fronted Goose A a albifrons); 25 February, De Grind, Doesburg, Gelderland, second calendar-year (description incomplete and photographs do not exclude Greater White-fronted Goose A a albifrons); 28 February, Rommelpot, Waal en Burg, Texel, Noord-Holland (description incomplete and photographs do not exclude Greater White-fronted Goose A a albifrons). Hooded Merganser / Kokardezaagbek Lophodytes cucullatus 9-18 December, Gouwzee, Waterland, Noord-Holland, adult male (@ identification accepted but photographs do not document absence of rings). Lesser Scaup / Kleine Topper Aythya affinis 17 April, Breezanddijk, IJsselmeer, Súdwest-Fryslân, Friesland, male, photographed (description incomplete and photographs do not support identification). Pallid Swift / Vale Gierzwaluw Apus pallidus 20 October, Telpost Doesburg, Eldrik, Bronckhorst, Gelderland (@ description incomplete). Grey-headed Swamphen / Grijskoppurperkoet Porphyrio poliocephalus 16-18 June, Zijdekade, Overheicop, Zederik, Zuid-Holland, adult, photographed (@ not considered genuine vagrant as a small zoo within a few kilometres of this location is known to breed swamphens; bird was documented to be unringed). American Golden Plover / Amerikaanse Goudplevier Pluvialis dominica 19 August, Hoek van de Bant, Lauwersmeer, Dongeradeel, Friesland (@ description incomplete). Collared Pratincole / Vorkstaartplevier Glareola pratincola 15 October, Dordrecht, Eierland, Texel, Noord-Holland (@ description incomplete). Baltic Gull / Baltische Mantelmeeuw Larus fuscus fuscus 29 March, Vuilstort Barneveld, Barneveld, Gelderland, photographed (features of this bird do not comply with criteria to identify this taxon); 27 August, Netterdensche Broek, Netterden, Oude IJsselstreek, Gelderland, photographed (@ features of this bird do not comply with criteria to identify this taxon). Griffon Vulture / Vale Gier Gyps fulvus 23 May, Mijdrecht, Ronde Venen, Utrecht (@ description incomplete); 10 June, Venemaat, De Wieden, Steenwijkerland, Overijssel, two (@ description incomplete). Lesser Spotted Eagle / Schreeuwarend Aquila pomarina 28 August, Paal 6, De Hors, Texel, Noord-Holland (@ description incomplete). Long-legged Buzzard / Arendbuizerd Buteo rufinus 18 July, Oostvaardersplassen, Lelystad, Flevoland, photographed (@ description incomplete and photographs show too little detail to exclude other taxa); 9 August, Pomona, De Weiden, Wageningen, Gelderland (@ description incomplete). Snowy Owl / Sneeuwuil Bubo scandiacus 21 January, Oosterhout-Oost, Oosterhout, Noord-Brabant (@ description incomplete). Gyr Falcon / Giervalk Falco rusticolus 7 October, Oud-Reemsterveld, Nationaal Park De Hoge Veluwe, Ede, Gelderland, white morph (@ description incomplete). Greater Short-toed Lark / Kortteenleeuwerik Calandrella brachydactyla 24 September, Geldermalsen, Geldermalsen, Gelderland (@ description incomplete); 16 October, Westenschouwen, Schouwen-Duiveland, Zeeland, photographed, sound-recorded (@ photographs and sound seem to fit Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis better). Radde’s Warbler / Raddes Boszanger Phylloscopus schwarzi 1 October, Grebbeberg, Rhenen, Utrecht (description incomplete). Red-spotted Bluethroat / Roodsterblauwborst Luscinia svecica svecica 15 June, Bloemendalergouw, Waterland, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, male, photographed (@ photographs show orange-spotted White-spotted Bluethroat L s cyanecula). Red-flanked Bluetail / Blauwstaart Tarsiger cyanurus 17 November, Osdorper Bovenpolder, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland (@ description incomplete). Siberian Stonechat / Aziatische Roodborsttapuit Saxicola maurus 26 April, Haarlerberg, Sallandse Heuvelrug, Hellendoorn, Overijssel (@ description incomplete). White-throated Wagtail / Witkeelkwikstaart Motacilla cinereocapilla 3 May, Ketelhaven, Ketelmeer, Dronten, Flevoland (@ possibly same bird as Ashy-headed Wagtail of 1 May at same location, for which see below, but description incomplete and no photographs to confirm this). Ashy-headed Wagtail / Italiaanse Kwikstaart Motacilla cinereocapilla cinereocapilla 1 May, Ketelhaven, Ketelmeer, Dronten, Flevoland, male, photographed, sound-recorded (@ sound-recordings show song element, so no sound-recording of call, which CDNA requires for acceptance of this taxon). Black-headed Wagtail / Balkankwikstaart Motacilla feldegg 19 April, Lancasterdijk, Zeeburg, Texel, Noord-Holland, male, photographed (Dutch Birding 39: 218, plate 381, 2017), sound-recorded (@ sound-recordings show no distinctive call, which CDNA requires for acceptance of this taxon); 3-4 May, Hoogveenkern, Engbertsdijksvenen, Twenterand, Overijssel, male, photographed (@ photographs show male Grey-headed Wagtail M thunbergi); 9 May, Informatiecentrum Fochteloërveen, Ooststellingwerf, Friesland, male (@ no sound-recording of call, which CDNA requires for acceptance of this taxon).

2016

Dalmatian Pelican / Kroeskoppelikaan Pelecanus crispus 27 July to 23 September 2017, Oer de Wiel, Feanwâlden (Veenwouden), Dantumadiel, Friesland, and several locations in seven, mostly northern, provinces, maximum of two, photographed (@ identification accepted but both birds were known escapees from nearby zoo at Leeuwarden, Friesland, in July 2016, together with two Great White Pelicans P onocrotalus). Azure Tit / Azuurmees Cyanistes cyanus 12 November, Opmeer, Noord-Holland, photographed (@ identification accepted but photographs show presence of ring used in captivity). Pine Bunting / Witkopgors Emberiza leucocephalos 17 October, Sebastopol, Texel, Noord-Holland, photographed (description incomplete and photographs show too little detail to exclude Yellowhammer E citrinella or hybrid); 29 October, Hondsbossche Zeewering, Bergen, Noord-Holland, sound-recorded (no photographs and sound-recording not enough to exclude hybrid); 30 October, Trektelpost De Punt, Westenschouwen, Schouwen-Duiveland, Zeeland, photographed, sound-recorded (@ description incomplete and photographs show too little detail to exclude hybrid); 30-31 December, Legeweg, Zuidbroek, Menterwolde, Groningen, photographed (observation duration was short and photograph shows too little detail to exclude hybrid).

2011

Pallid Harrier / Steppekiekendief Circus macrourus 3 October, Wimmenummerduinen, Noordhollands Duinreservaat, Bergen, Noord-Holland, first calendar-year (@ description incomplete).

2006

Elegant Tern / Sierlijke Stern Sterna elegans 16 July, Mokbaai, Texel, Noord-Holland, photographed (Dutch Birding 28: 247, plate 341, 2006; not accepted after review, see main text).

2004

African Chaffinch / Afrikaanse Vink

Fringilla coelebs africana/spodiogenys 28 November 2003 to 6 January, Onnerweg, Haren, Groningen, male, winter plumage, photographed, videoed (Brinkhuizen et al 2004; Dutch Birding 26: 85, plate 144-145, 2004; see 2003).

2003

African Chaffinch / Afrikaanse Vink

Fringilla coelebs africana/spodiogenys 28 November to 6 January 2004, Onnerweg, Haren, Groningen, male, winter plumage, photographed, videoed (Brinkhuizen et al 2004; Dutch Birding 26: 85, plate 144-145, 2004; not accepted after review, see main text).

1989

Marsh Sandpiper / Poelruiter Tringa stagnatilis 3 June, Vogelringstation Castricum, Noordhollands Duinreservaat, Castricum, Noord-Holland (description incomplete).

1987

Baird’s Sandpiper / Bairds Strandloper Calidris bairdii 12 August, Wagejot, Texel, Noord-Holland (@ bird re-identified as Temminck’s Stint C temminckii by other observers; description is not conclusive, with some elements indeed matching Temminck’s better than Baird’s).

1977

Greater Flamingo / Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus 6 October, Hoekplas, Oostvaardersplassen, Lelystad, Flevoland (@ description incomplete).

1971

Rosy Starling / Roze Spreeuw Pastor roseus 5-6 May, Oost-Vlieland, Vlieland, Friesland, ringed (@ no description, photographs or other information to review).

1968

Red-headed Bunting / Bruinkopgors Emberiza bruniceps 27 July, Boschplaat, Terschelling, Friesland, male (@ description incomplete).

1939

Yellow-breasted Bunting / Wilgengors Emberiza aureola 12 September, Vinkenbaan van Hoos, Monster, Westland, Zuid-Holland, adult male, trapped, photographed (this formerly accepted report was not accepted after review in the 1990s. A previously unknown photograph of the bird, showing a male Yellow-breasted Bunting, prompted a reconsideration of the report. However, because Dekker & Voous (1964) considered the report to be a prank, it was again not accepted, despite the impeccable reputation of ringer Dirk Hoos, who is often considered the godfather of ringing in the Netherlands. However, the CDNA could not ignore the shadow cast over this record.)

Acknowledgements

The CDNA wishes to thank Bram Rijksen who kindly provided the drawing of the Brown Booby on p 357. The editors of Dutch Birding assisted in checking record details. Jan van der Laan provided the statistics among which the total number of bird species recorded in 2017. On our request, Chris Batty, Nils van Duijvendijk, Dick Forsman, Paul French, Gabriel Gargallo and Fred Visscher shared their expertise during the assessment of several records. British Birds kindly provided several identification papers to the committee members.

References

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Gerjon Gelling, Ieplaan 112, 2565 LR Den Haag, Netherlands (gerjon.gelling@dutchbirding.nl)

Vincent van der Spek, Acaciastraat 212, 2565 KJ Den Haag, Netherlands (vincent.van.der.spek@dutchbirding.nl)

CDNA, p/a Ieplaan 112, 2565 LR Den Haag, Netherlands (cdna@dutchbirding.nl)