Welcome

This is the website for the Michigan Bird Records Committee.  On these pages you will find important information pertaining to the operation of the MBRC, the actions taken by the MBRC, photos of rare birds in Michigan, and a database of all accepted records.

If you find any information you feel is incorrect or if you find your photo on this page and would like it removed or you have a general inquiry about something on this website, you can send an email to: michiganbirdrecordscommittee@gmail.com and we will get back to you as soon as the volunteers are able.

Recent News

July 2024

The rare species showing up in Michigan continues! While not reviewed yet, a Black-tailed Gull was seen along the Lake Michigan shoreline in the Upper Peninsula which, if accepted, would represent a new species for the state. While not firsts, there were also sightings of a White-winged Tern and Bar-tailed Godwit (both 2nd state records). The photo gallery has been updated to include such great birds as Brambling, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Ancient Murrelet, and Groove-billed Ani.

April 2024

Michigan has officially added Black-chinned Hummingbird and American Flamingo to the state list! Both species have media added under the Photo Gallery page. The rest of the Photo Gallery has been updated which includes most records through the end of 2023 including rarities such as Hammond’s Flycatcher, Brant, and Black-throated Gray Warbler… many more great photos of rare birds to look through.

January 2024

Michigan has continued its streak of very rare birds. White-winged Tern has been officially added to the state list AND there are currently two more species yet to be reviewed: American Flamingo and Black-chinned Hummingbird! Additionally there have been many other rarities documented. The Photo Gallery has been updated with actions through December 2023. Lots of good photos from many observers.

November 2023

Once again we’ve added a new species to our state list, Pink-footed Goose! In addition we’ve added a new sub-species, “Vega” Gull, that some ornithological authorities considered a full species. On top of this there is another potential first, White-winged Tern, being reviewed as I write this. The Photo Gallery has been updated from summer of 2023.

May 2023

We’ve officially added another species to the state list, Limpkin, and April of 2023 brought another potential first, Pink-footed Goose, that has yet to be reviewed! The Photo Gallery has been updated through the spring of 2023.

January 2023

The Actions Articles for 2020 and 2021 are now on the website as downloadable PDF’s. The Photo Gallery has been updated through all record finalized in 2022… there’s a lot of wonderful photos of rare birds to look through.

November 2022

This amazing year has continued. Now we actually have 5 more potential first state records yet to review(!) AND we recently officially added another species to the state list, Common Redshank! The photo gallery has been updated through November 2022.

This committee and website are made possible through funding and support of the Michigan Audubon Society.

Updated 18 April 2024 by Scott Terry.