Introduction

Although there were no new species to Ireland recorded in 2017, there were still several notable records for Ireland included in this report. These include the 3rd Irish records of Black Stork Ciconia nigra (Mayo) in April and Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula (Donegal) in May.


In addition, Ireland's 4th Pied Wheatar Oenanthe pleschanka (Cork) was recorded in December, while a Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis (Dublin) in May, a Yellow warbler Piranga olivacea (Cork) in October were recorded for the 5th time


Other highlights in 2017 included the 7th Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus (Cork) for Ireland, the 7th and 8th Marsh Warblers Acrocephalus palustris (Cork and Wexford), the 8th Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus (Cork), and the 10th and 12th records for Grey-cheeked Thrush Catharus minimus (Cork)


The backbone of the IRBC’s system for recording occurrences of rare birds in the Republic of Ireland is the Provisional List, published online, which is updated regularly. Most of the data in this report were taken directly from the 2017 Provisional List. The IRBC expresses its sincere gratitude to all those who provided information during 2017, either directly or indirectly. The committee also extends its grateful thanks to Kieran Fahy, Joe Hobbs, Roger Riddington, and Andy Stoddart for their invaluable assistance.


C.Barton and C.Flynn (on behalf of the Irish Rare Birds Committee)
BirdWatch Ireland, Unit 20, Block D, Bullford Business Campus, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow.


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