Rare Birds in The Netherlands in 2008

21 december 2009  ·  Arjan Ovaa, Dick Groenendijk, Max Berlijn & CDNA

Rare Birds in The Netherlands in 2008

Arjan Ovaa, Dick Groenendijk, Max Berlijn & CDNA

This is the 29th annual report on rare birds in the Netherlands to be published in Dutch Birding. This report comprises records from 2008 as well as belat­ed and reconsider­ed records, dating back to 1902, which have been evaluat­ed by the Dutch rarities committee, the Commissie Dwaal­gasten Nederlandse Avifauna (CDNA). Several 2008 records are still under review or awaiting submission and could therefore not be includ­ed. In addition, some records for 2007 and earlier years are still under consideration for various reasons.

Details includ­ed for each record are, if avail­able: date(s); location and/or municipality (municipal divisions as on 1 January 2009); province; number of birds if more than one, plumage and sex; type of record, if trapped and ringed, photographed, soundrecorded, videoed or found dead (and where specimen is stored); 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 2007 lasting into 2008 that were already published in the 2007 report (Ovaa et al 2008) are repeat­ed here without reference, for the sake of completeness. Observations not (yet) submitted mention­ed in the 2007 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. A compilation of most of the birds videoed can be found in Boon & Slaterus (2009) and Plomp et al (2009). 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: Rob S A van Bemmelen, Ruud E Brouwer, Nils van Duivendijk, Dick Groenendijk (chairman), Teus J C Luijendijk, Arjan Ovaa, Willem van Rijswijk (secretary), Roy Slaterus, Laurens B Steijn and Arend Wassink. Max Berlijn supported the committee as non-voting archivist and assisted in submitting many records published on national and regional websites. Records can be submitted through e-mail (cdna@dutchbirding.nl), via the CDNA page on the Dutch Birding website (www.dutchbirding.nl), using an electronic submission form or filling in this form after entering a record of a rare bird on www.waarneming.nl. Records can also be sent by ordinary mail to CDNA, Duinlustparkweg 98A, 2082 EG Santpoort-Zuid, the Netherlands, preferably using standard forms which can be obtained free of charge from CDNA. On the Dutch Birding website, it is possible to see which records are currently under review, which were recently accept­ed and which were rejected.

Decisions regarding taxonomy have been delegated to the Dutch committee for avian systematics (Commissie Systematiek Nederlandse Avifauna; CSNA), which on 1 January 2008 consisted of the following members: Arnoud B van den Berg, André J van Loon, C S (Kees) Roselaar and George Sangster (secretary).

In 2008, at least 358 species were recorded; remarkably, none was new to the Dutch list. From 2007, Spanish Imperial Eagle Aquila adalberti was accepted as new to the Dutch list and is included in this report. The previous year without new species dates back as far as 1969. The Dutch list now counts 497 species but a few are currently under review and may face deletion. Highlights for 2008 included the second Audouin's Gull Larus audouinii, third Eurasian Pygmy Owl Glaucidium passerinum, fifth Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus, fifth Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris, sixth to eighth Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus, seventh Hutchins's Cackling Goose Branta hutchinsii hutchinsii, seventh Blyth's Pipit Anthus godlewskii, eighth Eurasian Scops Owl Otus scops, and ninth Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis. Also, 2008 was a good year for Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata with three individuals, Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola with three, American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica with four, Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus with five, Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes with five, River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis with six, Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus with eight and Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus with nine. In addition, two pairs of Boreal Owl Aegolius funereus with a total of five young constituted the first successful breeding to be confirmed since 1979.

Systematic list of records

Ross's Goose / Ross' Gans
Anser rossii 0,6,0
2006 26 March and 2 and 20 April, Dollardkwelder, Reiderland, Groningen, adult, photograph­ed (H Lanters).
This individual is considered to be one of the returning birds from previous years. In 2006, at least two individuals were involved (cf van der Vliet et al 2007). Note that no birds were accepted for 2008, indicating that the returning birds changed their occurrence patterns or died. In the summers of 2006 and 2007, a male Ross's Goose raised chicks with a female Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis on the island of Kolguev in the Barents Sea, Russia (Kondratyev & Zöckler 2009; cf Limicola 23: 72, plate 24, 2009). This Ross's may have been one of the two seen with Barnacle during recent winters.

Hutchins's Cackling Goose / Hutchins' Canadese Gans
Branta hutchinsii hutschinsii 0,6,1
11 April, Tacozijl, Lemsterland, Friesland, photographed (G Ottens, L Hoogenstein, M Wesselius; Dutch Birding 30: 203, plate 239, 2008).
This taxon is still very rare; this was only the seventh, after birds in 1997 (two), 1998 (three) and 2002 (one). Despite extensive searching, this bird could not be relocat­ed during the following days. A report of possibly the same bird at Carel Coenraadpolder, Groningen, on 14 April has not (yet) been submitted (cf Slaterus & van der Spek 2008). Identifying this taxon can be challenging because of its resemblance with, for instance, Intermediate Canada Goose B canadensis parvipes. In addition, hybrids can also hamper the identification process. Future observers are encouraged to submit detailed records, preferably accompanied with quality photographs or video images.

Canvasback / Grote Tafeleend
Aythya valisineria 0,1,0
22 August to 22 November, Hoefijzermeer, Castricum, Noord-Holland, adult male, photographed (R van Rossum, E B Ebels et al; Dutch Birding 30: 50, plate 64, 2008).
2007 27 September to 17 February 2008, Hoefijzermeer, Castricum, Noord-Holland, adult male.
This returning bird was present for the sixth and seventh winter since 9 January 2003, not being recorded in the winter of 2003/04. The record is currently under review because it was shown that a wing-clip was present on the bird's left wing. The bird was not report­ed after 22 November but may have been present at an inaccessible site nearby.

Ring-necked Duck / Ringsnaveleend
Aythya collaris 5,24,1
12-30 April, Kamperhoek, Dronten, Flevoland, female, photographed (T Janssen et al).
2007 16 December to 8 March 2008, Eijsder Beemden, Eijsden, Limburg, female.
The bird at Eijsder Beemden was already mentioned in last year's report (Ovaa et al 2008); it regularly crossed the border with Belgium.

Ring-necked x Tufted Duck / Ringsnaveleend x Kuifeend
Aythya collaris x fuligula 0,8,0
2007 6 December to 29 March 2008, Cattenbroek, Woerden, Utrecht, adult male.
This bird was already mentioned in last year's report (Ovaa et al 2008).

Surf Scoter / Brilzee-eend
Melanitta perspicillata 3,18,3
17 February, Buren, Ameland, Friesland, adult male (B-J Prak, M Bot); 20 December, Nes, Ameland, Fries­land, adult female (M Bot, R Cazemier, J Bosma); 24 December, Schiermonnikoog, Friesland, adult female (M Olthoff).
2007 4 March, Hondsbossche Zeewering, Bergen, Noord-Holland, adult male (P M A van der Wielen, P de Jong).
With three records, 2008 was a good year. The increased interest of observers for seawatching from the Dutch Wadden islands even in winter may show that the species is not as rare here as previously thought.

Bufflehead / Buffelkopeend
Bucephala albeola 0,1,0
4 October into 2009, Gaatkensplas and surroundings, Barendrecht, Zuid-Holland, male, photographed (A de Baerdemaker, L van Oerle, T van Oerle et al).
2007 28 October to 12 May 2008, Gaatkensplas and surroundings, Barendrecht, Zuid-Holland, male, photographed.
The returning male stayed at Gaatkensplas and surroundings for its fifth consecutive winter.

American Wigeon / Amerikaanse Smient
Anas americana 5,49,3
16-27 March, Amerongen, Utrecht, and Maurik, Gelder­land, male, photographed (A Vink, H Vink, R Keizer et al); 6-23 April, Middelpolder, Amstelveen, Noord-Holland, male, photographed (F van Groen, K Jonker et al); 28 April to 4 May, Veenhuizerstukken, Stadskanaal, Groningen, male, photographed (D Meijer, A Boven, M Jonker et al).
2007 14 December, Middelplaten, Goes, Zeeland, male, photographed (R Sponselee et al).

Blue-winged Teal / Blauwvleugeltaling
Anas discors 6,28,1
25 February to 12 April, Alblasserdam and De Gorzen, Ridderkerk, Zuid-Holland, adult male, photographed (J Hakbijl et al; Birding World 21: 104, 2008, Dutch Birding 30: 138, plate 167, 210, plate 234, 2008).
This long-staying adult male attracted many visitors. Most Dutch records are from April and May, although there are also four previous records for January-March.

Green-winged Teal / Amerikaanse Wintertaling
Anas carolinensis 6,39,4
24 March, Houtrakkerbeemden, Haarlemmerliede en Spaarn­woude, Noordholland, male, photographed (R Slaterus et al); 26 April, Willeskop, Montfoort/Oudewater, Utrecht, male, photographed (H van der Klis); 28-29 April, Aart Eloyenbosch, Sliedrecht, Zuid-Holland, male, photographed (H van Stijn, E van Stijn, L van Stijn et al); 9 October to 25 December, Ottersaat, Dijkmanshuizen and Wagejot, Texel, Noord-Holland, male, photographed (J D Eerdmans, P W W de Rouw et al; Dutch Birding 30: 440, plate 527, 2008).
2007 8-13 May, Slikken van de Heen, Sint Philipsland, Zeeland, male, photographed (P A Wolf, S Lilipaly, R van Loo et al)
Both in 1999-2001 and in 2006-08, four or five individuals were accepted, suggesting an increase.

Atlantic Great Cormorant / Grote Aalscholver
Phalacrocorax carbo carbo 6,22,11
3 October to 29 March 2009, Engelenmeer, 's-Hertogenbosch, Noord-Brabant, photographed (J van der Linden et al); 5-6 January, Hoornse Meer, Groningen, Groningen, second-winter, photographed (R Winters et al); 16 January, Hoornse Meer, Groningen, Groningen, second-winter, photographed (R Winters et al); 2 February to 2 March, IJmuiden, Velsen, Noord-Holland, adult, photographed, videoed (R S A van Bemmelen, D Groenendijk, A B van den Berg et al; Dutch Birding 30: 138, plate 168, 2008); 22-25 March, Ingensche Waarden, Buren, Gelderland, first-winter, photographed, videoed (D Groenendijk, W Janssen, A Vink et al); 29 March, Maasvlakte, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, two, photographed (R S A van Bemmelen, R Bisschop et al); 25 July and 1-2 August, Rockanje, Westvoorne, Zuid-Holland, immature (probably second calendar-year), videoed (W van Rijswijk, D Groenendijk, R S A van Bemmelen); 24 August, IJmuiden, Velsen, Noord-Holland, immature, photographed (R Slaterus); 31 August, Eemshaven-Oost, Eemsmond, Groningen, immature, photographed (R Win­ters); 13 October, Kraaijenbergse Plassen, Cuijk, Noord-Brabant, adult winter, photograph­ed (R Wester, J van der Zee); 18 October, De Cocksdorp, Texel, Noord-Holland, adult, photographed (N van Duivendijk, D Groenendijk, J de Bruijn).
2007 21 December to 20 April 2008, Engelenmeer, 's-Hertogenbosch, Noord-Brabant.
2005 27-28 September, Westkapelle, Veere, Zeeland, immature, photographed (P A Wolf)
1986 9 February, Veerse Dam, Veere, Zeeland, first-winter, wearing colour ring, found dead (J Tramper)
The individual found dead at Veerse Dam in February 1986 had been ringed as a chick on St Margaret's Island near Tenby, Wales, on 23 June 1986; the record was already listed in the previous report. The one at Engelenmeer in 2007-09 was present for its third consecutive winter (cf Ovaa et al 2008). The reports at Hoornse Meer, Groningen, refer to different individuals. The publication of discriminating characters between Continental Great Cormorant P c sinensis and Atlantic Great Cormorant (Newson et al 2004) triggered some observers to search for the latter in flocks of cormorants. This led to a series of reports, of which some have not yet been submitted. The strong increase in the number of records suggests that Atlantic is less rare than previously thought and it is most probably best regarded as a scarce visitor throughout the year but especially during September to March. Intriguingly, an adult was photographed on a nest in a Continental Great colony in Zeeland in May 2008 (not yet submitted) and a mixed breeding pair was discovered during spring 2009 in Friesland. This taxon is no longer considered from 1 January 2009 but the CDNA still welcomes reports from before this date.

Green Heron / Groene Reiger
Butorides virescens 0,1,0
2006 25 April to 24 June, De Nieuwe Meer, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland.
This is a date extension of this first Green Heron, which was found again in this region in 2007 and 2009. The CDNA did not receive any detailed information about a report on 20 April 2006 and, therefore, 25 April remains the first date. The bird was wintering at Berre-l'Etang, Bouches-du-Rhône, France, for three consecutive years (16 December 2006 to 2 May 2007, 31 October to 4 May 2008 and 8 November to 6 May 2009) and has recently been accepted by the French rarities committee (Reeber & CHN 2009).

Squacco Heron / Ralreiger
Ardeola ralloides 25 (since 1866),48,1
14 June, Barendrecht, Zuid-Holland, adult, summer plumage, photographed (P Goumen).

Griffon Vulture / Vale Gier
Gyps fulvus 9,169,8
29-31 May, Rimburg, Landgraaf, Limburg, maximum of three (on 29-30 May, one until 31 May), photographed (W Eijgelshoven, J Roemen, P van Nuys et al); 29-30 May, Kats, Noord-Beveland, Zeeland (T Sluijter, P van Veelen et al; Birding World 21: 194, 2008; 22: 31, 2009, Dutch Birding 30: 274, plate 330, 2008), and 3-4 June, Biggekerke, Veere, Zeeland, photographed (C Beeke et al; Dutch Birding 30: 274, plate 329, 2008), and 8-9 June, Welzinge, Vlissingen, Zeeland, photographed (F Roest, H Eland et al); 24 June, Achtmaal, Zundert, Noord-Brabant, three, photographed (W Beeren, G van Gool); 9-13 July, Wieringermeer, Noord-Holland, third calendar-year (found dead on 13 July), wearing colour ring (yellow 438) and aluminium ring (MADRID 1105055), photographed, videoed, skin retained at Nationaal Natuurhistorisch Museum Naturalis, Leiden (G Lont, B Woets et al; van den Berg & Woets 2008; Birding World 21: 277, 2008, Dutch Birding 30: 289, plate 357, 2008).
2007 19 June, Heeswijk-Dinther, Bernheze, Noord-Brabant, 33, photograph­ed (J Wouters).
The bird at Wieringermeer had been ringed as a first calendar-year in a bird asylum at Burgos, Spain, and released at nearby Gozón de Ucieza, Palencia, Spain, on 27 November 2006 (1370 km from Wieringermeer). The three reports from Zeeland are considered to belong to the same individual. The group flying near Heeswijk-Dinther in 2007 was seen at several sites in Noord-Brabant and Limburg during 18-19 June; more reports of these individuals can be found in Ovaa et al (2008). Following an exceptional year with a total of 112 in 2007, the number of individuals in 2008 was eight, which is also more than usual.

Short-toed Snake Eagle / Slangenarend
Circaetus gallicus 3,34,9
23 April, Houtrakkerbeemden, Haarlemmerliede en Spaarnwoude, Noord-Holland, photograph­ed (R Slaterus, L Blokland; Dutch Birding 30: 202, plate 235, 2008), and 24 April, De Koog, Texel, Noord-Holland, photographed (A van Kreveld, I Roerhorst); 29 April, Loozer­heide, Weert, Limburg, adult female, photographed (F Neijts, R Bouwman, C Kessels et al); 5 May, Loozer­heide, Weert, Limburg, photographed, adult (F Neijts et al; Dutch Birding 30: 189, plate 211, 2008); 8 May, Loozerheide, Weert, Limburg, adult, photographed (R Verbraak, R Weenink, R G Bouwman); 15-18 May, Aekingerzand, Appelscha, Friesland, two, and 15-16 May, Doldersummerveld, Westerveld, Drenthe (one of the birds at Aekingerzand on 15-18 May), photographed, videoed (R Voesten, N Lord); 9 June, Aekingerzand, Appelscha, Friesland, photographed, videoed (R Voesten); 28 June to 16 August, Fochteloërveen, Noordenveld, Drenthe, and Ooststellingwerf, Friesland, second calendar-year, photographed (L van Welie, R Mensch, L van Rijnsbergen et al); 13 July, Strabrechtse Heide, Heeze-Leende, Noord-Brabant, second calendar-year, photographed (R van den Heuvel, J Aarts, J van Rijswick et al).
A record year with eight records of at least nine individuals, following a recent increase with a total of 24 in 2001-07. Based on photographic evidence, the bird on 24 April on Texel, Noord-Holland, was the same as the one discovered a day earlier at Houtrakkerbeemden, Noord-Holland. A remarkable series of three records was produced at the inland migration site of Loozerheide, Limburg. Scrutinizing the series of photographs of each sighting revealed that three different individuals were involved. Also the records at Aekingerzand, Friesland, involved at least three different birds. The long-staying individual at Fochteloërveen is a more expected record because this site attracted this species in every summer from 2001 onwards except 2004; it is noteworthy that, as in previous years, the one in 2008 was not a returning bird as it was in its second calendar-year.

Pallid Harrier / Steppekiekendief
Circus macrourus 5,28,5
22 April, Breskens, Oostburg, Zeeland, adult female, photographed (P A Wolf, I Meulmeester, T Luiten et al; Dutch Birding 30: 280, plate 342, 2008); 24 April, Zwaagdijk-Oost, Wervershoof, Noord-Holland, second calendar-year, photographed (R Slaterus, N F van der Ham, S Lagerveld et al; Dutch Birding 30: 202, plate 236, 2008); 9 May, Ketelbrug, Dronten, Flevoland, second calendar-year, photographed (R F J van Beusekom, M Roos, G J ter Haar et al); 14 September, Sliedrecht, Zuid-Holland, male, at least third-calendar-year (A de Jong); 14 September, Kolham, Slochteren, Groningen, adult male, photographed (W-J Fontijn).
Long-staying individuals are rare and 2008 was no exception: all were flying past, being present for a couple of hours at the most. The year's total of five is as many as in 2006, following a recent increase from none in 1992-98 to 25 in 1999-2007.

Steppe Buzzard / Steppebuizerd
Buteo buteo vulpinus 3,0,0
1918 11 April, Ravensbosch, Valkenburg aan de Geul, Limburg, adult male, collected, skin retained at Nationaal Natuurhistorisch Museum Naturalis, Leiden (collection number RMNH 55986).
1902 16 April, Twickel, Hof van Twente, Overijssel, adult male, collected, skin retained at Nationaal Natuurhistorisch Museum Naturalis, Leiden (collection number RMNH 55982); 10 November, Deurne, Noord-Brabant, first-winter female, skin retained at Nationaal Natuurhistorisch Museum Naturalis, Leiden (collection number RMNH 2115).
The CDNA revised all records of this taxon, including 27 specimens labelled as vulpinus in museum collections (cf van den Berg & Bosman 1999, 2001). Only three of these remain on the Dutch list. A paper on this revision and the identification of this taxon is in preparation for Dutch Birding.

Long-legged Buzzard / Arendbuizerd
Buteo rufinus 1,3,1
8 May, De Hamert, Bergen, Limburg, adult, photographed (J E Kikkert).
The single photograph of this eastward flying bird made the work of the CDNA a lot easier. Previous records were in December 1905, September 2000, July 2004 and May 2007.

Booted Eagle / Dwergarend
Aquila pennata 0,17,0
2006 13 August, Zwanenwater, Zijpe, Noord-Holland, dark morph (P M A van der Wielen, M Markx, N Dijkstra et al).

* Spanish Imperial Eagle / Spaanse Keizerarend
Aquila adalberti 0,1,0
2007 6 May, Loozerheide, Weert, Limburg, and Cranendonck, Noord-Brabant, second calendar-year, photographed (C Kessels, R Weenink).
Undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary records ever. The identification of this bird was troublesome and not clinched before consulting Dick Forsman. Four recent records of first or second calendar-year individuals as far north as France from 1999 onwards (Frémont et al 2006) and several as far south as southern Morocco and even Senegal (van den Berg 2007) show the vagrancy potential of this species. A paper about this record is in preparation for Dutch Birding.

Gyrfalcon / Giervalk
Falco rusticolus 4,3,1
1-8 November, Dollard, Reiderland, Groningen, juvenile, photographed, videoed (A Boven, W Wind, M Jonker et al; Wind et al 2008; Dutch Birding 30: 452, plate 542-543, 2008, 31: 61, plate 43, 2009).
This bird proved to be quite popular during its eight-day stay, showing very well from time to time. However, it could also be elusive for hours or even days. A few reports later in the winter of 2008/09 of what may have been the same bird in the same area remain unconfirmed.

Eurasian Stone-curlew / Griel
Burhinus oedicnemus -, 55,3
31 March, Balijbos, Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland, photo­graph­ed (K Vreugdenhil et al; Dutch Birding 30: 202, plate 237, 2008); 26 April, Vughtse Gement, Vught, Noord-Brabant, photographed (D Hornman, J Schwiebbe); 5-10 June, Aekingerzand, Appelscha, Drenthe, photographed, videoed (R Voesten et al).
This species is no longer considered since 1 January 2009 but the CDNA still welcomes reports from before this date.

Collared Pratincole / Vorkstaartplevier
Glareola pratincola 5,17,2
14-15 May, Doldersummerveld, Westerveld, Drenthe, photographed (N Lord); 28 May to 4 June, Buitendijk, Texel, Noord-Holland, adult, summer plumage, photographed (G Elemans et al; Dutch Birding 30: 276, plate 333, 2008, 277, plate 335, 2008).

Black-winged Pratincole / Steppevorkstaartplevier
Glareola nordmanni 12,23,1
13 September, Petten, Noord-Holland, first-winter, photographed (L Stegeman, S Lagerveld, H Groot et al, Dutch Birding 30: 440, plate 526, 2008)

Greater Sand Plover / Woestijnplevier
Charadrius leschenaultii 1,11,0
2007 1-3 August, Groote Keeten, Zijpe, Noord-Holland, adult male, summer plumage, photographed (M Ren­den, R Hovinga et al).
The CDNA could not decide to which subspecies (group) the adult male at Groote Keeten belonged. Totals include Anatolian Sand Plover C l columbinus (three).

American Golden Plover / Amerikaanse Goudplevier
Pluvialis dominica 1,21,4
20 April, Breskens, Oostburg, Zeeland, second calendar-year, photographed (J Leclercq, P A Wolf et al; Dutch Birding 30: 202, plate 238, 2008); 17-29 May, Prunjepolder, Schouwen-Duiveland, Zeeland, adult, summer plumage, photographed (M Hoekstein, R Wee­nink, A Hamers et al; Dutch Birding 30: 279, plate 339-340, 2008); 4-5 June, Workumerwaard, Nijefurd, Friesland, adult, summer plumage, photographed (B Aarts, J van Bruggen); 15 July, Oterdum, Delfzijl, Groningen, adult, summer plumage, photographed (R van der Vliet, N Gregoire, D Laponder et al).
The bird at the migration watchpoint on the Breskens dyke on 20 April was only seen when flying past but remarkably well photographed.

Pacific Golden Plover / Aziatische Goudplevier
Pluvialis fulva 9,25,3
27 June to 10 July, Ezumakeeg, Dongeradeel, Friesland, adult, summer plumage, photographed (K Bode, R Caze­mier; Dutch Birding 30: 276, plate 332 and 334, 2008); 14 July, Polder Breebaart, Delfzijl, Groningen, adult, summer plumage, photographed (L Punt, V van der Spek, W Teunissen); 20 July, Zwarte Haan, Het Bildt, Friesland, adult, summer plumage, photographed (S Bernardus).
2007 28-31 July, Workumerwaard, Workum, Friesland, adult, summer plumage, photographed (J D Eerdmans, P de Vries, A Vink et al).

White-rumped Sandpiper / Bonapartes Strandloper
Calidris fuscicollis 1,32,2
25 July and 29 July to 1 August, Westhoek, Het Bildt, Friesland, adult, photographed (R Slaterus, J Lidster et al); 17 August, Jachthaven, Schiermonnikoog, Friesland, adult, photo­graph­ed (L Peters, K Eradus, E B Ebels et al; Dutch Birding 30: 360, plate 439, 2008).
A report at Zwarte Haan, Friesland, on 3-5 August is still in circulation and one at Polder Breebaart, Groningen, on 16-22 August has not (yet) been submitted (cf Slaterus & van der Spek 2008).

Buff-breasted Sandpiper / Blonde Ruiter
Tryngites ruficollis 3,36,3
20-22 May, Ezumakeeg, Dongeradeel, Friesland, photographed (R Cazemier et al); 11 June, Waal en Burg, Texel, Noord-Holland, adult, photographed (P Duin, E Menkveld, R Pop; Dutch Birding 30: 279, plate 338, 280, plate 343, 2008); 4 August, Ottersaat, Texel, Noord-Holland, adult, photographed, videoed (W van Rijswijk, A Wassink, A B van den Berg et al).

Great Snipe / Poelsnip
Gallinago media -,26,3
11 May, Banckspolder, Schiermonnikoog, Friesland, photographed (C Zuyderduyn, A van Egmond, M Guyt et al); 14 May, Dwars in de Weg, Schouwen-Duiveland, Zeeland, photographed (T Janssen et al; Dutch Birding 30: 279, plate 337, 2008); 17-19 May, Vlieland, Friesland, adult, photographed (N van Duivendijk et al).
Three records within one week suggest a minor influx.

Terek Sandpiper / Terekruiter
Xenus cinereus 1,39,4
17 May, Ezumakeeg, Dongeradeel, Friesland, adult, summer plumage, photographed (R Cazemier et al); 25-27 May, Harlingen, Friesland, adult, summer plumage, photographed (P de Jong, P Gelderblom et al); 25 May, Buttinge, Veere, Zeeland, videoed (R Sponselee); 13 July, Bantpolder, Dongeradeel, Friesland (R Cazemier, D Hoekstra).
2007 24 November to 12 January 2008, Polder Breebaart, Delfzijl, Groningen, photographed.
The bird at Polder Breebaart (the first-ever winter record) was already mentioned in last year's report (Ovaa et al 2008).

Lesser Yellowlegs / Kleine Geelpootruiter
Tringa flavipes 2,15,5
5-7 May, De Cocksdorp, Texel, Noord-Holland, adult, photographed (J de Bruijn, E Menkveld et al), and 31 May to 2 June, Ezumakeeg, Dongeradeel, Friesland, adult, summer plumage, photographed (F van Duivenvoorde, L Punt, W Teunissen et al; Dutch Birding 30: 277, plate 336, 2008); 16-29 July, Bokkegat, Noord-Beveland, Zeeland, photographed (M Hoekstein et al); 8 August, Achter de Zwarten, De Marne, Groningen, photographed (S Schilperoort, V van der Spek, A Dwars­huis et al); 18-19 August, Dijkgatsweide, Wieringermeer, Noord-Holland, adult, photographed (B Woets, E Schoppers et al); 17 October, Westkapelle, Veere, first-year, photographed, videoed (R Sponselee et al).
With five records, this is the best year ever for this species; the second best is 2004 with four. Based on plumage details visible on the photographs, it was conclud­ed that the bird on Texel, Noord-Holland, was the same individual as the one at Ezumakeeg, Friesland. The distance between both locations is c 90 km as the bird flies.

Audouin's Gull / Audouins Meeuw
Larus audouinii 0,1,1
13 April, Pietersplas, Maastricht, Limburg, adult (J van der Coelen, M Maas; Beckers 2008).
The bird flew past a single astonish­ed observer, his non-birding girlfriend and their dog, walking their regular round south of Maastricht at Pietersplas at c 13:40. It was found earlier that day at c 11:00 as the first for Belgium near Stokkem, Limburg, c 23 km north of Pietersplas. In the evening, it was relocated in Belgium, at Herstal, Liège, c 22 km south of Pietersplas. All these sites are situated along the river Meuse (Maas). The first was on 1 May 2003 at Oosterscheldekering, Zeeland, and that bird was also seen abroad, at Dungeness, Kent, England, on 5-7 May 2003, as the first for Britain.

Ring-billed Gull / Ringsnavelmeeuw
Larus delawarensis 0,8,0
2007 11 August to 7 March 2008, Tiel, Gelderland, adult male.
This record was already mentioned in last year's report (Ovaa et al 2008) but note date extension. It winter­ed at Tiel for five consecutive years but did not return in the autumn of 2008.

Hybrid Ring-billed x Mew Gull / hybride Ringsnavel­meeuw x Stormmeeuw
Larus delawarensis x canus 0,0,0
A third calendar-year gull reported and photographed at Zandvoortweg, Middelburg, Zeeland, on 24-27 April (cf Dutch Birding 30: 203, plate 240-241, 2008) is still under consideration. The bird looked very much like a second-winter Ring-billed Gull and this was the initial thought of the finders. However, it showed too much black on the primaries and, more importantly, also a dark iris which does not seem to fit a pure Ring-billed. Therefore, it was identified as a probable hybrid with Mew Gull, although it is still subject of further investigations whether this variation can also be found in pure Ring-billed. A paper documenting this bird is in preparation for Dutch Birding. Note that this type of hybrid is still very rare and, if accepted, this will be only the second, after one at Millisle, Down, Northern Ireland, in February-March 2008 which had been ringed as chick at Copeland Islands, Down, in June 2004 (cf www.habitas.org.uk/cbo/sightings2008.htm).

Pale Barn Owl / Witte Kerkuil
Tyto alba alba 1,2,0
1976 22 January, Ommen, Overijssel, ringed, photographed (F Haverschmidt; Haverschmidt 1981).
Three months later, on 22 April 1976, this bird was found dead at Varades, Loire-Atlantique, France, within the breeding range of Pale Barn Owl. It concerns the only record mentioned in van den Berg & Bosman (1999, 2001) and, until recently, it was not clear whether this taxon should actually be considered by the CDNA. The record precedes two published in last year's report (Ovaa et al 2008). A paper documenting all Pale Barn records in the Netherlands has been prepared for Dutch Birding.

Eurasian Scops Owl / Dwergooruil
Otus scops 5,2,1
22 May to 19 June, Noordwijk, Zuid-Holland, singing, sound-recorded (A Marijnis, B van den Burg et al).
This was the first twitchable Eurasian Scops Owl since the one singing in May-June 1998. It could be heard at the grounds of a mental clinic where birders were welcome every evening.

Snowy Owl / Sneeuwuil
Bubo scandiacus 7,8,1
13 November, Oudeschild, and 14-15 November, Oosterend, and 16 November to 7 February 2009, Zeeburg, Texel, Noord-Holland, first-year female, photo­graphed, videoed (F Tatenhove, G Vis, P Duin et al; Plomp & Ebels 2008; Birding World 21: 454, 2008, Dutch Birding 30: 417, plate 480, 454, plate 544, 2008, 31: 39, plate 22, 61, plate 44, 2009).
Like the previous species, this bird was also popular during its long stay. During the first days of its presence, it was sometimes difficult to find because it had different roosting sites. However, it settled at Zeeburg from 16 November onwards and was seen there daily, often sitting on its preferred pole and only becoming active in the evening.

Eurasian Pygmy Owl / Dwerguil
Glaucidium passerinum 0,2,1
10-11 February, Leenderbos, Heeze-Leende, Noord-Brabant, second calendar-year, photographed, videoed (J Kuipers, C Kuipers, E B Ebels et al; Scholten et al 2008, Birding World 21: 60, 2008, 22: 36, 2009, Dutch Bird­ing 30: 68-71, plate 84-92, 409, plate 476, 2008).
The third record and the first to be twitchable. Found in the late afternoon, it attracted many observers, especially on the second day of its stay. The bird was successfully hunting mice, storing its prey in tree holes. Considering this behaviour, it was regarded as a surprise that it had disappeared the next day. Two reports of birds found dead in autumn are still in circulation, at Koudum, Fries­land, on 9 October and at Marnewaard, Lauwers­meer, Gronin­gen, on 18 October. Previous records were in October 2002 and December 2005, both in Fries­land.

Boreal Owl / Ruigpootuil
Aegolius funereus -,10,10
23 February to 19 July, Boswachterij Schoonloo, Aa en Hunze, Drenthe, nine (two breeding pairs with two and three young, latter three ringed on 8 July), photographed, sound-recorded (M Jonker, J Klaver et al; Jonker et al 2008ab, van Manen et al 2009; Dutch Birding 30: 309, plate 379, 310, plate 380-381, 312, plate 382, 2008); 16 December, Heino, Overijssel, second calendar-year, photographed, found weakened, died in bird asylum on 18 or 19 December, skin retained at EcoDrome Zwolle (V Rosendal, H Bouman, H Pohlman et al; Dutch Birding 31: 62, plate 46, 2009).
The two breeding pairs represented the first successful breeding to be confirmed since 1979. Although a few singing males had been documented in 1980-2007, no breeding could be established. This small breeding population offered the opportunity to a new generation of birders to see or hear this species. Immediately after the discovery of two calling males, a few successful excursions were organized in co-operation with local nature conservation managers. For the rest of the breeding season, the forest was closed at night for all visitors. At least three of the young died after fledging, probably being predated by a Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis.

Greater Short-toed Lark / Kortteenleeuwerik
Calandrella brachydactyla 3,36,1
5 May, Breskens, Oostburg, Zeeland, photograph­ed, sound-recorded (A Boele, M S Robb et al).
2007 21 November to 7 January 2008, Noordhollands Duinreservaat, Castricum, Noord-Holland.
The record at Noordhollands Duinreservaat was already mentioned in last year's report (Ovaa et al 2008).

 

Blyth's Pipit / Mongoolse Pieper
Anthus godlewskii 0,6,1
11 October, Westkapelle, Veere, Zeeland, sound-recorded (P A Wolf, C Beeke).
This bird was flying past a migration watchpoint and could be documented thanks to continuously running recording equipment during the count.

Olive-backed Pipit / Siberische Boompieper
Anthus hodgsoni 0,18,1
17 October, West-Terschelling, Terschelling, Friesland (E Nieuwstraten).
Two birds seen at Lange Paal, Vlieland, Friesland, on 18 October (Dutch Birding 30: 442, plate 528, 2008) are still in circulation (cf Slaterus & van der Spek 2008).

British Rock Pipit / Britse Rotspieper
Anthus petrosus petrosus 0,1,0
1958 10 March, Den Helder, Den Helder, Noord-Holland, trapped (ten Kate & Taapken 1959, ten Kate 1960).
This bird had been ringed as juvenile on Fair Isle, Shetland, Scotland, on 3 July 1956; the year of ringing was incorrectly given as 1957 in van IJzendoorn et al (1996) and van den Berg & Bosman (1999, 2001) (André van Loon in litt).

Citrine Wagtail / Citroenkwikstaart
Motacilla citreola 0,19,1
22-28 August, Oude Waal, Ubbergen, Gelderland, first-winter, photographed, sound-recorded, videoed (M Horn­man et al; Dutch Birding 30: 354, plate 429, 362, plate 444-445, 2008).

Alpine Accentor / Alpenheggemus
Prunella collaris 0,4,1
10-19 May, Oost-Vlieland, Vlieland, Friesland, adult, photographed (D Vogt, P de Boer et al; Vogt 2008; Dutch Birding 30: 271, plate 326, 2008).
Although this bird stayed longer than a week, it was still a tough job to see it. During its presence, it showed itself well but irregularly on the roof and chimney of the house of a local birder, next to the lighthouse. However, it was only present during early morning and at some unpredictable moments during the rest of the day. One birder took the ferry to Vlieland four times without seeing the bird.

Thrush Nightingale / Noordse Nachtegaal
Luscinia luscinia 7,59,3
13-19 May, Voornes Duin, Westvoorne, Zuid-Holland, singing, photographed, sound-recorded (M Hoekstein, N Godijn et al); 31 August, Meijendel, Wassenaar, Zuid-Holland, first-year, ringed, photographed (K Hendriks, V van der Spek, W Teunissen et al; Dutch Birding 30: 360, plate 442, 2008); 31 August, Noordhollands Duinreservaat, Castricum, Noord-Holland, first-year, ringed, photographed (A J van Loon, R Reijnders, C S Rose­laar et al).

Red-spotted Bluethroat / Roodsterblauwborst
Luscinia svecica svecica 24,43,3
16-19 May, Maasvlakte, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, male, photographed, videoed (W van Rijswijk, E van den Linden, E B Ebels et al; Dutch Birding 30: 281, plate 347, 2008); 21 May, Groene Strand, Terschelling, Friesland, adult male, photographed (B van As, C Jobse); 25 May, Lettele, Diepenveen, Overijssel, adult male, photographed (H Bosman, E Bosman).
Males ringed at Oostvaardersdijk, Flevoland, on 1 June (Dutch Birding 30: 281, plate 348, 2008) and photographed at De Cocksdorp, Texel, Noord-Holland, on 18 May (Dutch Birding 30: 281, plate 346, 2008) are still in circulation (cf Slaterus & van der Spek 2008).

Red-flanked Bluetail / Blauwstaart
Tarsiger cyanurus 1,4,3
6 October, Vlieland, Friesland, first-year, ringed, photographed (L Kelder, G Bochem et al); 29 October to 11 November, Groene Glop, Schiermonnikoog, Friesland, first-year, ringed, photographed (A J Dijkstra, J van Ardenne, A J van Loon et al; Dutch Birding 30: 442, plate 529, 2008, 31: 64, plate 55, 2009); 30 October, Putten, Gelderland, found dead as window victim, photographed, skin not retained (M Voskuilen-Berg­hauser; Dutch Birding 31: 64, plate 56, 2009).
This is the first year with more than a single record. The one at Putten was the first inland.

Siberian Stonechat / Aziatische Roodborsttapuit
Saxicola maurus 9,26,1
6 November, IJmuiden, Velsen, Noord-Holland, first-winter, photographed, videoed (R Slaterus et al; Dutch Birding 31: 64, plate 53, 2009).
Allegedly, this bird was already reported on 5 November but the CDNA has not (yet) received sufficient information.

Pied Wheatear / Bonte Tapuit
Oenantha pleschanka 0,12,1
13-16 October, Jan Ayeslag, Texel, Noord-Holland, adult male, photographed, videoed (E Sandberg et al; Dutch Birding 30: 443, plate 530, 2008).

Desert Wheatear / Woestijntapuit
Oenanthe deserti 1,20,2
9-16 November, Schoorl, Noord-Holland, male, photographed (A van Kreveld, I Roerhorst et al; Dutch Birding 31: 67, plate 57, 2009); 13-25 December, Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe, Hulst, Zeeland, female, photographed, videoed (F Mineur, D Plu, M Jeurissen et al; Dutch Birding 31: 67, plate 58, 2009).

Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush / Rode Rotslijster
Monticola saxatilis 1,7,1
9 May, Drouwenerzand, Aa en Hunze, Drenthe, male, photographed (A Groenendal; Dutch Birding 30: 281, plate 345, 2008).
The presence of this bird was kept secret because it was in a vulnerable area with rare breeding birds.

River Warbler / Krekelzanger
Locustella fluviatilis 6,41,6
23-28 May, Ora et Labora, Brunssum, Limburg, singing, sound-recorded (T Zeegers, W Quaedackers et al); 27 May to 1 June, Bremerbergbos, Dronten, Flevoland, singing, photographed, sound-recorded (S Deuzeman, J van Bruggen, E van Wijhe et al); 1-12 June, Dijkgatbos, Wieringermeer, Noord-Holland, singing, sound-recorded (O de Vries et al); 3-5 June, Borgsweer, Delfzijl, Groningen, singing, photographed, sound-recorded (D J Moer­beek, W Wind, M Jonker et al); 18-23 June, Krimpenerhout, Nederlek, Zuid-Holland, singing, sound-recorded (G Mourik, W Halfwerk et al); 13 September, Maasvlakte, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, photographed (I Meulmeester, T Luiten et al; Dutch Birding 30: 355, plate 431, 2008).
A very good year for this species (the best was 2004 with seven individuals). The one at Maasvlakte is (only) the second field observation in autumn (other autumn records concern birds ringed or found dead). The Brunssum bird was singing at exactly the same site as in 2007 (cf Ovaa et al 2008) and may have been a returning individual. As documentation is lacking that only one bird was involv­ed, the CDNA decided to treat them as separate records.

Paddyfield Warbler / Veldrietzanger
Acrocephalus agricola 1,21,3
30 May, Terwispel, Opsterland, Friesland, male, ringed, photographed (O Dijk, W Bil); 2-4 June, Zwanenwater, Zijpe, Noord-Holland, ringed (on 2 and 4 June), singing, photographed (F Koning, P Spannenburg, M Haas et al; Dutch Birding 30: 282, plate 349, 2008); 13 September, Noordhollands Duinreservaat, Castricum, Noord-Holland, ringed, photographed (H Levering et al).
With three records in 2006 and four individuals (one adult and three recently fledged juveniles at one location on Vlieland, Friesland) in 2007, the three in 2008 are in line with the increase in recent years. A bird ring­ed at Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen, Zandvoort, Noord-Holland, on 10 September is still in circulaton. Despite the increase in records, there is still only one field record, on Vlieland on 18 September 1994.

Booted Warbler / Kleine Spotvogel
Acrocephalus caligatus 0,12,1
12-13 September, Maasvlakte, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, photographed, videoed (T Fijen, T van Kessel, C Brink­man et al; Dutch Birding 30: 443, plate 531, 2008)
For the fifth time, and the third year in a row, this species was found at Maasvlakte.

Subalpine Warbler / Baardgrasmus
Sylvia cantillans 5,50,4
6 June, Maasvlakte, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, first-summer female, photographed (W van Rijswijk et al); 8 June, Vlieland, Friesland, first-summer male, photographed (M Verdoes).
Totals include Western Subalpine Warbler S c cantillans/inornata (11, see below) and Eastern Subalpine Warbler S c albistriata (one).

Western Subalpine Warbler / Westelijke Baardgrasmus
Sylvia cantillans cantillans/inornata 2,7,2
23-25 April, Grafelijkheidsduinen, Den Helder, Noord-Holland, male, photographed, sound-recorded (W M van der Schot, F Padmos, M Renden et al); 14-15 September, Duinen Noordkop, Den Helder, Noord-Holland, photograph­ed, sound-record­ed (M Renden, R E Brouwer, R Halff et al; Dutch Birding 30: 446, plate 534, 2008).

Greenish Warbler / Grauwe Fitis
Phylloscopus trochiloides 6,44,1
28-30 August, Bomenland, Vlieland, Friesland, sound-recorded (A Borhem et al).

Arctic Warbler / Noordse Boszanger
Phylloscopus borealis 2,16,0
2001 11 and 13 September, Groene Glop, Schiermonnikoog, Friesland, first-winter, ringed, photographed (U Rijpma, F Tuinstra, C Monkel et al; Dutch Birding 23: 378, plate 438, 2001).
This concerns a date extension of a record already mentioned in van der Vliet et al (2002). It appears that the bird was trapped not only on 13 September but also two days earlier (André van Loon/Vrs Schiermonnikoog in litt).

Hume's Leaf Warbler / Humes Bladkoning
Phylloscopus humei 2,32,1
5-31 December, Offingawier, Sneek, Friesland, photo­graphed, sound-recorded (D Pruiksma, R Mulder, S Bernardus et al; Dutch Birding 31: 68, plate 59, 2009).
An individual at Ballastplaatbos, Lauwersmeer, Groningen, on 4-22 December (Dutch Birding 31: 64, plate 54, 2009) is still in circulation (cf Slaterus & van der Spek 2009).

Dusky Warbler / Bruine Boszanger
Phylloscopus fuscatus 1,55,1
30 October, IJmuiden, Velsen, Noord-Holland, sound-recorded (R Slaterus).

Western Bonelli's Warbler / Bergfluiter
Phylloscopus bonelli 5,24,1
13 May, Zwanenwater, Zijpe, Noord-Holland, singing (M Haas, F Koning, N F van der Ham et al).
This bird was not only singing but also calling, which made it easy to separate from Eastern Bonelli's Warbler P orientalis. This was (only) the second spring record in 2001-08, with an additional two singing in 2004 and 2006 not specifically identifiable as Western Bonelli's or Eastern Bonelli's.

Siberian Chiffchaff / Siberische Tjiftjaf
Phylloscopus collybita tristis -,29,1
11-25 January, Ringselven, Cranendonck, Noord-Brabant, and Weert, Limburg, photographed, sound-recorded (R Weenink, R Voesten et al; Dutch Birding 30: 136, plate 161, 2008, 31: 97, plate 93, 2009).
2007 22 November, Noordhollands Duinreservaat, Castricum, Noord-Holland, ringed, videoed (H Levering et al).
1987 23 October to 7 November, Muiderzand, Almere, Noord-Holland, sound-recorded (R F J van Beusekom).
An overview of all records was published by Ebels (2009) while van den Berg & The Sound Approach (2009) analysed current views on vocalizations, identification and taxonomy. Based on this information, the CDNA will evaluate the identification criteria for this taxon. Subsequently, the long-staying and much discussed bird at De Bilt, Utrecht, from 19 January to 9 April 2007 will be consider­ed.

Iberian Chiffchaff / Iberische Tjiftjaf
Phylloscopus ibericus 2,20,0
2006 7-11 June, Egmond-Binnen, Bergen, Noord-Holland, sound-recorded (A Wijker, C Hopman, C S Roselaar).

Collared Flycatcher / Withalsvliegenvanger
Ficedula albicollis 24,8,1
1915 5 April, Loosdrechtse Plassen, Wijdemeren, Noord-Holland, male (K Boedijn; Levende Natuur 19 (24) 520, 1915).
This record, by more than two weeks the earliest ever, was incorrectly published for Loosdrecht, Utrecht, in van der Vliet et al (2006).

Lesser Grey Shrike / Kleine Klapekster
Lanius minor 21,18,1
8 June, Groote Vlak, Texel, Noord-Holland, first-summer male, photograph­ed (M Plomp, M van der Schalk, S Wytema et al; Dutch Birding 30: 280, plate 341, 2008).

Witstuitbarmsijs / Arctic Redpoll
Carduelis hornemanni 43,67,0
A bird photographed at Acht, Noord-Brabant, on 22 November 2008 (Dutch Birding 31: 63, plate 48, 2009) is still in circulation. Totals include Hornemann's Redpoll C h hornemanni (one).

Parrot Crossbill / Grote Kruisbek
Loxia pytyopsittacus 15,609,1
7 March, Eerbeek, Brummen, Gelderland, female, found dead as window victim, photographed, collected, skin retained at Nationaal Natuurhistorisch Museum Naturalis, Leiden (J Louwe Kooijmans).
2007 12 October, Vlieland, Friesland, six, photographed, sound-recorded (W M van der Schot, M de Vries, D Hoekstra et al); 25 October to 14 January 2008, Hazenwater, Leusden, Utrecht, maximum of 11 (eight females and three males); 8 December to 8 February 2008, Hargen aan Zee and Schoorl, Bergen, Noord-Holland, minimum of nine (five males and four female-types).
The groups at Hazenwater and Hargen aan Zee were already mentioned in last year's report (Ovaa et al 2008). The six Vlieland birds and the one found dead at Eer­beek take the total for the 2007/08 influx to 27 (cf Ebels 2008). The totals exclude the years 1993-2001, when the species was not considered.

Pine Bunting / Witkopgors
Emberiza leucocephalos 15,19,1
13 January, Renkum, Gelderland, female, videoed (R Keizer, D Groenendijk, W M Wiegant et al).

Rustic Bunting / Bosgors
Emberiza rustica 14,64,2
4-8 October, De Cocksdorp, Texel, Noord-Holland, first-winter, photographed, sound-recorded, videoed (J de Bruijn, N van Duivendijk et al; Birding World 21: 420, 2008, Dutch Birding 30: 444, plate 533, 2008); 17 November, Groene Glop, Schiermonnikoog, Friesland, female, first-winter, ringed, photographed (H Bouwmeester, H Huiskamp).
This species is no longer considered since 1 January 2009 but the CDNA welcomes reports from before this date.

Systematic list of rejected reports
This list contains all records not accept­ed by the CDNA. Records mark­ed with @ were reject­ed by all committee members in the first or second voting. Most records were reject­ed because the identification was not fully establish­ed (often due to lack of documentation) or when the bird show­ed sings of captivity, such as dubious rings, excessive wear and/or aberrant behaviour. Species for which the CDNA unanimously decid­ed that all records up to now refer to birds of captive origin are indicat­ed with *. This includes records of birds of which all ancestors are assum­ed to be of captive origin (introduced species of British category C).

Ross's Goose / Ross' Gans Anser rossii 24 February, Brabantsche Biesbosch, Werkendam, Noord-Brabant, two, blue morph, photographed (@ hybrids with Snow Goose A caerulescens not sufficiently excluded; origin as wild birds doubtful because of their tameness and odd behaviour, eg, not associated with wild geese flocks). Greenland White-front­ed Goose / Groenlandse Kolgans Anser albifrons flavirostris 10 February, De Auken, Steenwijk, Overijssel, adult, photographed (Siberian White-fronted Goose A a albifrons not excluded); 3 November, Noordhollands Duinreservaat, Castricum, Noord-Holland (@ insufficient description, other Anser species or hybrid not excluded). Bufflehead / Buffelkopeend Bucephala albeola 28 June, Noorderplassen, Almere, Flevoland, female, photographed (@ identification accepted but origin as a wild bird doubtful as it was not possible to establish whether it wore no ring). *Hooded Merganser / Kokardezaagbek Lophodytes cucullatus 2-17 February, 13 April and 1-2 May, Beuningse Veld, Beuningen, Gelderland, photographed (@ identification accepted but origin as a wild bird doubtful as it was not possible to establish whether it wore no ring). Falcated Duck / Bronskopeend Anas falcata 22 February, 's-Gravenzande, Zuid-Holland, male, photographed (@ identification accepted but this individual was very tame and therefore most probably an escape). American Wigeon / Amerikaanse Smient Anas americana 27 January to 1 February, Kinseldam, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, male, photographed (@ bird with a partially clipped wing, most probably an escape). Blue-winged Teal / Blauwvleugeltaling Anas discors 10 May, Hitland, Nieuwerkerk aan de IJssel, Zuid-Holland, male (@ bird flying by, hybrid not excluded). Baikal Teal / Siberische Taling Anas formosa 14 May, Bilderdam, Jacobswoude, Zuid-Holland (@ description does not exclude other Anas species or hybrids). Cory's/Scopoli's Shearwater / Kuhls/Scopoli's Pijlstormvogel Calonectris borealis/diomedea 29 September, Vlieland, Friesland (@ description partly wrong for this species pair); 6 October, Terschelling, Friesland (@ bird flying at a distance of c 5 km, which explains insufficient description). Atlantic Great Cormorant / Grote Aalscholver Phalacrocorax carbo carbo 5 April, IJmuiden, Velsen, Noord-Holland, adult, photographed (@ photograph shows Continental Great Cormorant P c sinensis). *Pink-back­ed Pelican / Kleine Pelikaan Pelecanus rufescens 29 June, Enkhuizen, Noord-Holland, juvenile, photographed (@ probably escaped from Avifauna bird park near Alphen aan den Rijn, Zuid-Holland). Griffon Vulture / Vale Gier Gyps fulvus 28 May, Boxmeer, Noord-Brabant (@ other large raptors not excluded); 28 May, Strabrechtse Heide, Heeze-Leende, Noord-Brabant, four (@ other vulture species not excluded). Pallid Harrier / Steppekiekendief Circus macrourus 22 April, Jipsinghuizen, Vlagtwedde, Groningen, adult male (@ insufficient description). Greater Spotted Eagle / Bastaardarend Aquila clanga 12 May, Brandemeer, Weststellingwerf, Friesland, photographed (@ photographs show an Aquila eagle but the CDNA was unable to determine the species); 28 August, Oss, Noord-Brabant (@ no description and the added photograph concerned a Lesser Spotted Eagle A pomarina photographed in eastern Europe); 9-10 October, Boschplaat, Terschelling, Friesland (@ description incomplete, other Aquila eagles not excluded). Booted Eagle / Dwergarend Aquila pennata 28 April, Plasserwaard, Wageningen, Gelderland, dark morph (@ description insufficient); 4 June, Strabrechtse Heide, Heeze-Leende, Noord-Brabant, dark morph (@ description insufficient). Gyr Falcon / Giervalk Falco rusticolus 15 November, Maasvlakte, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, and 18 November, Zoetermeer, Zuid-Holland, and 25 November, Ede, Gelderland, white morph, immature, photographed, picked up exhausted on 25 November and brought to bird asylum and, in March 2009, recovered bird was transported to Iceland where it regained its freedom (@ this bird was first found on a tanker ship which was piloted into the harbour of Rotterdam; it flew off and, remarkably, was refound twice, the last time more than 100 km inland; as it was proven to be ship-assisted it is not acceptable for the Dutch list). Great Bustard / Grote Trap Otis tarda 4 May, Heino, Overijssel (@ description incomplete and partly wrong for this species). Pacific Golden Plover / Aziatische Goudplevier Pluvialis fulva 19 October, Dijkgatbos, Wieringermeer, Noord-Holland (@ description incomplete, even for acceptance as 'lesser golden plover' P dominica/fulva). Great Snipe / Poelsnip Gallinago media 7 June, Maasvlakte, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland (description incomplete); 15 August, Stroothuizen, Losser, Overijssel (@ description incomplete); 8 September, De Nek, Hoorn, Noord-Holland, photographed (@ photograph probably shows Common Snipe G gallinago). Long-billed/Short-billed Dow­itcher / Grote/Kleine Grijze Snip Limnodromus scolopaceus/griseus 28 April, Verdronken Zwarte Polder and Breskens, Oostburg, Zeeland, photographed (@ bird flying by, no description, photograph shows insufficient detail to exclude other waders). Slender-billed Gull / Dunbekmeeuw Chroicocephalus genei, 6 October, Stellendam, Goedereede, Zuid-Holland, adult (@ description incomplete). Ross's Gull / Ross' Meeuw Rhodostethia rosea 26 January, Nes, Ameland, Friesland (insufficient description). Chimney Swift / Schoorsteengierzwaluw Chaetura pelagica 16 July, Ezumakeeg, Dongeradeel, Friesland (@ description insufficient for a new species, and aberrant Common Swift Apus apus not safely excluded). Calandra Lark / Kalanderleeuwerik Melanocorypha calandra, 26 April, Loozerheide, Weert, Limburg, and Budel-Dorplein, Cranendonck, Noord-Brabant (@ identification accepted; one week earlier, three illegally held in a Dutch aviary were released at Strabrecht, Noord-Brabant, c 20 km north of Loozerheide (J Fischer/vogel­asiel Someren in litt); the CDNA concluded that most likely one of these three was involved and not a wild bird). Greater Short-toed Lark / Kortteenleeuwerik Calandrella brachydactyla 19 April, De Pomp, Dongeradeel, Friesland (@ seen for only a few seconds, which explains insufficient description); 30 April, Bussumerheide, Hilversum, Noord-Holland (@ description incomplete). Eurasian Crag Martin / Rotszwaluw Ptyonoprogne rupestris 19 October, Vijfhoek, Diemen, Noord-Holland (@ description incomplete). Black-headed Wagtail / Balkan­kwikstaart Motacilla feldegg 4 May, Eemshaven, Eemsmond, Groningen, male, photographed (@ the two photographs did not show sufficient details and there was no sound-recording). Citrine Wagtail / Citroen­kwikstaart Motacilla citreola 4 September, Dijkgatsweide, Wieringermeer, Noord-Holland, photographed (@ probably a White Wagtail M alba). Pechora Pipit / Petsjora-pieper Anthus gustavi 21 October, Lange Paal, Vlieland, Friesland (@ insufficient description). Red-spotted Bluethroat / Roodsterblauwborst Luscinia svecica svecica 22 April, Kraaijenbergse Plassen, Cuijk, Noord-Brabant, photographed (@ this bird showed an orangey throat patch, which does not exclude some female White-spotted Bluethroats L s cyanecula); 17 June, Vliehors, Vlieland, Friesland, female, photographed (@ the CDNA considers identification of females of this subspecies not possible on current knowledge). Western Black-ear­ed Wheatear / Westelijke Blonde Tapuit Oenanthe hispanica 15 October, 't Horntje, Texel, Noord-Holland, photographed (@ description very brief and photographs do not give sufficient information about the bird's identity either). Black-eared wheatear / blonde tapuit Oenanthe melanoleuca/hispanica 20 May, Westerheide, Laren, Noord-Holland, photographed (@ Northern Wheatear O oenanthe not excluded). Red-throated Thrush / Roodkeellijster Turdus ruficollis 1 December, Park Oudegein, Nieuwegein, Utrecht, male (@ insufficient description). River Warbler / Krekelzanger Locustella fluviatilis 27 July to 2 August, Weerribben, Steenwijk, Overijssel, sound-recorded (recording of song probably concerns a Grasshopper Warbler L naevia, with a song type regularly uttered during early autumn, different from normal spring song). Collared Flycatcher / Withals­vliegenvanger Ficedula albicollis 24-25 September, Ameland, Friesland, first-year or female, photographed (description insufficient, photographs do not show sufficient detail to exclude Pied Flycatcher F hypoleuca); 2 October, De Cocksdorp, Texel, Noord-Holland, first-year, photographed (@ description insufficient and photographs do not show sufficient detail either); 4 October, Schiermonnikoog, Friesland, first-winter, photographed (@ photographs do not show sufficient detail, and no description was received). Azure x European Blue Tit / Azuurmees x Pimpelmees Cyanistes cyanus x caeruleus 22 October, Maasvlakte, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland (@ aberrant European Blue Tit not excluded). Arctic Red­poll / Witstuit­barmsijs Carduelis hornemanni 24 November, Wagenpad, Wieringermeer, Noord-Holland, photographed (@ description too brief and photographs give insuf­ficient detail). Parrot Cross­bill / Grote Kruisbek Loxia pytyopsittacus 22 December to 4 January 2009, Schoorlse Duinen, Bergen, Noord-Holland, four, photographed (@ Red Crossbill L curvirostra not excluded). *House Bunting / Huisgors Emberiza sahari, 4-16 October (probably since mid-September), Wieringerwerf, Wieringermeer, Noord-Holland, adult male, photographed (@ identification accepted but the CDNA considers this species as an escape, being unable to arrive on its own force, based on the very limited dispersal known in the regular range; in addition, the bird's moult showed anomalies which also made an origin from captivity likely). Yellow-head­ed Blackbird / Geelkop­troepiaal Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus 16 September, Oostvaardersplassen, Lelystad, Flevoland, photo­graphed (@ poor photograph; probably an escaped Yellowhooded Blackbird Chrysomus icterocephalus).

2007
Greenland White-fronted Goose / Groenlandse Kolgans Anser albifrons flavirostris 2 December, Sandebuur, Noordenveld, Drenthe, three (@ description insufficient, especially described colours of bare parts raised doubts). Surf Scoter / Brilzee-eend Melanitta perspicillata 26 April, Haamstede, Schouwen-Duiveland, Zeeland, female (sketch of this bird flying by looking too perfect, as if copied from a book). Short-toed Snake Eagle / Slangenarend Circaetus gallicus 27 April, Ruimel, Sint-Michielsgestel, Noord-Brabant (description insufficient). Semipalmated Sandpiper / Grijze Strandloper Calidris pusilla 19 November, Scherpenissepolder, Tholen, Zeeland, photographed, sound-recorded, videoed (@ despite a substantial amount of gathered information, it was still impossible to determine whether indeed this species had been present). Great Snipe / Poelsnip Gallinago media 5 September, Ameland, Friesland (@ description incomplete). European Roller / Scharrelaar Coracias garrulus 15 May, Leiden, Zuid-Holland (@ description insufficient). Red-spotted Blue­throat / Roodsterblauwborst Luscinia svecica svecica 18 August, Oostvaardersdijk, Almere, Flevoland, male, ringed, photographed (@ this individual showed relatively broad orangered edges to the central breast-feathers; museum studies show­d that there are also White-spotted Bluethroats L s cyanecula in autumn with much red on these feathers). Parrot Crossbill / Grote Kruisbek Loxia pytyopsittacus 14 October, West-Terschelling, Terschelling, Friesland, three, photographed, sound-recorded (@ no excitement calls or flight calls were recorded, which are in the opinion of the CDNA needed to identify crossbill species; the photographs alone were not convincing).

2006
Short-toed Snake Eagle / Slangenarend Circaetus gallicus 5 June, Hoge Veluwe, Ede, Gelderland (description incomplete).

2005
Ehrenberg's Redstart / Oosterse Gekraagde Roodstaart Phoenicurus phoenicurus samamisicus 10 September, Grote Vlak, Texel, Noord-Holland, male, photographed (@ bird was a Common Redstart P p phoenicurus with pale tawny fringes along tertial edges).

2003
Great Snipe / Poelsnip Gallinago media 23 October, Kennemermeer, IJmuiden, Velsen, Noord-Holland (description incomplete).

1999
Greenland White-fronted Goose / Groenlandse Kolgans Anser albifrons flavirostris 6 December, Hoeksmeer, Loppersum, Groningen, adult (@ description insufficient).

1989
*Pink-backed Pelican / Kleine Pelikaan Pelecanus rufescens 22-24 September, Nieuwe Robbengat, Lauwersmeer, De Marne, Groningen, photographed (Dutch Birding 18: 76, plate 67, 1996; @ the CDNA considers this species as an escape, being unable to arrive on its own force; cf Ebels 1996).

1930
Cape Petrel / Kaapse Stormvogel Daption capense, between mid-August and mid-September, Hoek van Holland, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, skull found on beach, photographed, collected, skull retained at Nationaal Natuurhistorisch Museum Naturalis, Leiden (Dutch Birding 31: 25, plate 13, 2009; @ identification accepted but the CDNA considers a beached skull as insufficient proof that the bird died at or near the finding location, cf Haas & Crochet 2009).

Acknowledgements
The CDNA wishes to thank Jan van der Laan who was for eight years co-author of the annual report. Bram Rijksen kindly provided the drawing of the Eurasian Pygmy Owl on p 331. The editors of Dutch Birding and, especially, Enno Ebels assisted in various ways.

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Arjan Ovaa, In de Molt 112, 6268 EJ Margraten, Netherlands
Dick Groenendijk, Elzenstraat 14, 4043 PB Opheusden, Netherlands
Max Berlijn, Wilhelminastraat 9, 6285 AS Epen, Netherlands
CDNA, Duinlustparkweg 98A, 2082 EG Santpoort-Zuid, Netherlands (cdna@dutchbirding.nl)