Rare birds in Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg 2019 – annual report of the AK-SH/HH

Abstract

For 2019, the Avifaunistic Commission of Schles-wig-Holstein and Hamburg (AK-SH/HH) presents its fourth annual report. It lists records of regional rare species which fall within the responsibility of the AK-SH/HH, and those of national rarities processed by the DAK (German Avifaunistic Commission). A total of 188 records of 63 taxa were reviewed by the two commissions, of which 146 were accepted in category A.

In addition, the report addresses the revision of the lists of species assessed by the DAK and AK-SH/HH as of 1.1.2019. The DAK deleted six taxa from its list, which are now considered by the AK-SH/HH in the present report for the first time.
First records of Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon and Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Iduna pallida were outstanding. Observations of Stilt Sandpiper Calidris himantopus, Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla and Blyth‘s Pipit Anthus godlewskii each constituted second records. The Laughing Gull was the same individual which had already been found in Hamburg in December 2018. 

Other highlights include a Pallid Swift Apus pallidus (3rd record), a Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus (4th) and a Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus (5th). Four records of Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina are also worth mentioning as are two observations of Blyth’s Reed Warbler, a species not occurring annually. By far the most common rarities were Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus (28 records with 45 individuals) and Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus (26 records).