Greetings All

The Pacific Common Eider (v-nigra) has an interesting vagrancy history. There
are 4 Common Eider records from BC, two of which I know were definitively
ID'd as the expected v-nigra. What is unexpected is that there are v-nigra
records from KS, ND, and 5 from Manitoba. There is also a recent Common Eider record
from CO, and I am unaware of its subspecific ID. Finally, all should be aware
that there was a Common Eider in CA this summer.... again, I don't know what
race it was, but presumably it was v-nigra. In any case, there are at least 2,
and probably 3-4, previous lower 48 records of v-nigra. Plus the WA report
from the early 20th century....

Re: blackbird median coverts: Red-winged Blackbirds often show white median
coverts during summer, until they've molted into their rich autumn plumage. Of
course, they never should show dark red lesser coverts. This time of year, a
Tricolored BB should have startingly white median coverts, turning a cream
color after their pre-basic molt.

Best Wishes
Steven Mlodinow
Everett WA