Checklist S38903065

Observations

1. Mallard

   Number observed:  4

2. Mourning Dove

   Number observed:  2

3. Chimney Swift

   Number observed:  7

4. Ruby-throated Hummingbird

   Number observed:  2

5. American Herring Gull

   Number observed:  5

6. Double-crested Cormorant

   Number observed:  1

7. Great Blue Heron (Great Blue)

   Number observed:  1

8. Osprey (American)

   Number observed:  1

9. Red-bellied Woodpecker

   Number observed:  2

10. Downy Woodpecker (Eastern)

    Number observed:  1

11. Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

    Number observed:  1

12. Eastern Wood-Pewee

    Number observed:  1

13. Eastern Kingbird

    Number observed:  2

14. Red-eyed Vireo

    Number observed:  1

15. Black-capped Chickadee

    Number observed:  10

16. Tufted Titmouse

    Number observed:  7

17. Tree Swallow

    Number observed:  550

    Details

    Approx.

18. Violet-green Swallow

    Number observed:  1

    Details

    ***Mega; second state record. Confirmed by MARC board and eBird submission was requested.
    
    I'm entering this record quite late due to year-long MARC review and busyness. Following are my original notes taken immediately after the sighting.
    
    I was watching hundreds of TRES traveling to their evening roost. There were none loafing around, and almost none going any other direction than directly south to north. The reason this bird immediately caught my attention enough to grab my camera was because it came from my left, the west, and went straight over my house, unwaveringly to the east. Its flight style struck me as being more like a butterfly or a swift, with short and quick movements side to side and shallow, flicking wingbeats. The style contrasted with the lazier flight pattern of the TRES. When I observed it further, still with my naked eye, I could tell it was paler and whiter overall; a very relative impression; but seemingly due to the extensive white on the rump and the head. It was at that point I realized I needed photos as quickly as possible, but was only able to capture three shots before it disappeared over the treeline.
    
    Physical features visible in photos:
    - Broad white on cheek apparently extending behind eye.
    - White wrapping very high up from the vents onto the rump.
    - Emerald green iridescence on nape and lower back.
    
    I feel, along with many others with whom I have discussed, that these observations coupled with the photos are telling enough to confirm this bird. Given the bird's rarity, I took every precaution in the confirmation process. The record was finally confirmed by MARC, and I have no hesitation entering it here.

    Media

19. Barn Swallow (American)

    Number observed:  12

20. White-breasted Nuthatch (Eastern)

    Number observed:  2

21. Northern House Wren

    Number observed:  1

22. European Starling

    Number observed:  4

    Exotic: Naturalized

23. Gray Catbird

    Number observed:  1

24. American Robin

    Number observed:  14

25. Cedar Waxwing

    Number observed:  9

26. House Finch

    Number observed:  3

    Exotic: Naturalized

27. American Goldfinch

    Number observed:  9

28. Chipping Sparrow

    Number observed:  6

29. Song Sparrow

    Number observed:  2

30. Baltimore Oriole

    Number observed:  8

31. Common Grackle (Bronzed)

    Number observed:  80

32. Northern Cardinal

    Number observed:  2