Photographs of the hottest birds:

American White Pelican: Valerie White told Christine Turnbull about the pelican she discovered on May 29 on Lake Massapoag in Sharon, and Christine got out the word. Photo from Justin Lawson.

Franklin's Gull: On May 29 Justin Lawson and Jessica Johnson were at Bolton Flats and noticed a large, black-headed gull (note lower case!). After studying it they realized they were looking at a Franklin's Gull, a first for Worcester County. Justin got photos!

Lewis's Woodpecker: On May 27 some backyard birdwatchers noticed a new woodpecker in their yard. After they consulted resources they concluded it was a Lewis's Woodpecker and snapped some photos. Sadly the bird did not return.

Cave Swallow: Cave Swallow has become almost expected along the coast in the fall, but there are only a couple of spring records, also from the coast. It was therefore astonishing when Cole and Jalen Winstanley spotted on at Great Meadows in Concord on May 27 for a second Middlesex County record - the first was only last fall, also at Great Meadows.

Mississippi Kite: On May 27 two Mississippi Kites were sighting flying over the Pilgrim Heights Hawkwatch. Blair Nikula scouted the area and relocated one over Provincetown .

Common Ringed Plover: On May 20 Suzanne Sullivan was scanning the Semipalmated Plovers at Sandy Point on Plum Island when she spotted a bird that was slightly different. After photographing and studying it she realized it was a Common Ringed Plover, only a third state record. The first was on September 5, 1990 on Plum Island and the second on September 10, 2010 on South Beach in Chatham, so this is also a first spring record for this species. On May 21 many others saw and photographed this bird, including Jason Forbes, Phil Brown, and David Bernstein.

Mountain Bluebird: Gael Hurley was on a Hoffman Bird Club trip to Williamstown on April 28 when she spotted this gorgeous western vagrant. Many folks got to see it, including Justin Lawson and Ian Davies.

Northern Lapwing: Remember the Lapwings last winter? And the three (three!) that lingered into spring on Nantucket? We figured we'd seen the last of these in Massachusetts for a long, long time. So imagine their surprise when Steve Arena and Amy O'Neill spotted one flying over Bolton Flats on April 27. Steve got photos, and subsequent visitors did also,  including Justin Lawson and Jess Johnson.

Fieldfare: Unless you were birding in 1986 you haven't seen this bird in the state! Alan Ankers discovered this bird in Carlisle on St. Patrick's day, and it was seen and enjoyed by many and photographed by Jeremiah Trimble, Jeff Offerman, Justin Lawson, Ian Davies, Marshall Iliff, Steve Mirick, and Jason Forbes.

Pacific Loon: This species is annual in the state, but rarely do conditions allow recognizable photographs. Check these out from a pond in Provincetown on March 3 by Jeff Offerman, and on the same day at Race Point from Erik Nielson. Normally this species is only seen offshore, so when Phil Brown discovered on just off Jodrey Pier in Gloucester on March 10 it afforded great views to many, including Bob Stymeist, Jason Forbes, and Christopher Ciccone.

LeConte's Sparrow: Think horses, not zebras. That's what Pete Gilmore was thinking on February 12 when he identified the Ammodramus sparrow as a Grasshopper Sparrow on Shadyside Avenue in Concord. It wasn't long before he realized he was looking at the much rarer LeConte's Sparrow! Many got to see this bird, so check out photos from Chris Sheriden, John Hoye, Dorian Anderson, Henry Mauer, Suzanne Sullivan, Tom Murray, Gary Freedman, Gary Kessler, Bruce deGraaf, and Justin Lawson. Also check out videos from David Sibley, Bruce deGraaf, and Justin Lawson.

Black-throated Gray Warbler: A non-birding homeowner was able to identify the new bird at his feeder on January 2: a Black-throated Gray Warbler. He notified Mass Audubon. The homeowner permitted groups of birders to visit every day, and photos can be seen here: 1/11 Jeremiah Trimble, 1/17 Garry Kessler, 1/19 Tom Murray, 1/22 Bruce deGraaf., 1/23 Bo Zaremba.

Mew Gull: On January 3 Linda Pivacek discovered a Mew Gull at Nahant, and it continued to be seen from Nahant through Lynn to Swampscott. Photos from Suzanne Sullivan and Bob Stymeist on January 5, and Tom Murray on January 10.

Gyrfalcon: On December 13 Michael Delesantro photographed a Gyrfalcon at the Model Airplane Airfield in Hadley but it was not seen again until January 1 when Sue Lewis (one, two, three) photographed one there. On January 2 David Bernstein, Keith Carver, and Greg Dysart got photos. Will Martens, Jeff Offerman.

MacGillivray's Warbler: On December 13 Tim Factor discovered a MacGillivray's Warbler at the Fenway Gardens in Boston, and later in the day Bob Stymeist got photos, and Jeremiah Trimble got photos and audio. Devon Hefferon and Ian Davies got photos on December 14. Tom Murray on December 22.

Rufous Hummingbird: On December 7 Phyllis Bennett called Mass Audubon about a hummingbird that hadn't  migrated yet - Wayne Petersen went to check it out and sure enough, it was a Selasphorus. On December 11 Sue Finnegan went to measure and band it, and it was an adult female Rufous. Photos from David Bernstein Paul Kinnaly on December 12, Tom Murray and L.D. Love on December 14, L.D. Love on De

Western Grebe: On November 25 Steve Grinley and Margo Goetschkes discovered a Western Grebe on Plum Island, and on the following day Kirk Elwell and Tom Wetmore saw four! Jeremiah Trimble got photos on December 1. Steve Arena on December 9. Phil Brown on December 10, Tom Murray on December 12.

Cackling Geese: Jim Sweeney found and photographed three Cackling Geese on November 24 at Bristol County High School in Dighton, and Marshall Iliff photographed them on December 2 and Pete Gilmore on December 4. On December 5 James P. Smith captured photos of one at Turners Falls. December 6 Ian Davies photographed a Cackling Goose in Amherst.

Little Egret: On November 29 Myer Bornstein posted some photos of a small white heron at Kalmus Beach in Hyannis: Snowy or Little Egret, he asked. Doug Hlousek originally spotted the bird, and drew it to Myer's attention. It looks really good for Little Egret, and many birders when to check it out. On December 1 Peter Crosson, Bob Stymeist, Rich Bowes, and on December 2 Peter Bono, John Hoye, L.D. Love, Phil Brown (be sure to look at the gull/egret dispute!) Tom Murray on December 9. 

Allen's Hummingbird: A first Martha's Vineyard record, an Allen's Hummingbird was discovered in Vineyard Haven on November 29. Lanny McDowell captured diagnostic photographs.

Varied Thrush: Ian Davies went to Cuttyhunk on Thanksgiving weekend and found a spiffy Varied Thrush - a real rarity. Also an "Audubon's Warbler" - a subspecies but very rare in the state.

Oregon Junco: Last winter an Oregon Junco was visiting a feeder in Marlboro, and it returned again this year. Check out Tim Spahr's photos.

Cackling Goose: On November 14 David Sibley found a Cackling Goose among the many Canadas at the School Street fields in Concord. Photos can be seen here along with David's discussion of identification.

Mountain Bluebird: On November 11 Jim Berry and Miles Brengle discovered a Mountain Bluebird at Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester. This is hard on the heels of one discovered in Rhode Island on November 10. Jeff Offerman, Phil Brown, and Bo Zaremba got photos.

Northern Lapwing: On November 11 Judd Carlisle put out the word that he had discovered a Northern Lapwing at the Cumberland Farms fields - this is the fourth for the state this fall! Check out photos by Ian Davies, Bob Lessard and Hank Levesque, on November 12 by Bruce deGraaf , on November 14 by Myer Bornstein. Then on November 12 Kevin Ryan discovered another Lapwing in nearby Bridgewater, and Bruce deGraaf added a second Lapwing to his day list Garry Kessler got photos on November 17! Still at Bridgewater on November 25 David Bernstein got photos. On November 29 Steve Arena got a video with its vocalization and on November 30 still photos. On December 1 Bob Stymeist. On December 2 Phil Brown. Tom Murray on December 9. Tom Murray on December 12. On November 11 the two Nantucket birds are still there and Ken Blackshaw got photos.

Ash-throated Flycatcher: On November 3 Mike McWade discovered an Ash-throated Flycatcher in Squantum, and on Novwember 4 Bob Stymeist and Liam Waters got photos.

White Pelican: So many pelicans! Now it's White Pelicans - Mark Faherty reported he had received a report from Philip Henson of a flyover at Wellfleet Bay WS on November 3, then on November 6 Mark saw the bird himself, and got photographs. to quote Mark: "I wonder how many total pelicans are in Massachusetts right now?" Mary and Ashley Keleher, Jeff Offerman, and Peter Bono caught up on November 10.

Magnificent Frigatebird: Another Superstorm Sandy bird, on October 30 Michael Spoor and Colin Williams were walking on the beach at Ricketsons Point in South Dartmouth when they saw a frigatebird, and Colin got photos.

Brown Pelicans: Since the Halloween Pelicans on Nantucket they have been popping up all over the place! Start with photos of three Birds on Nantucket on October 31 from Edie Ray and Vern Laux, more Nantucket photos by Vern Laux  and Bob Stymeist on November 3, and on November 4 from Jeff Offerman. From Provincetown, an unknown photographer captured this on November 2. On November 2 and 3, Kristen Demong and Bob Lessard photographed one in Mattapoisett Harbor (note the leg band!). On November 2, Lanny McDowell and Jeff Bernier photographed at Chilmark. From Brewster, photos from Blair Nikula and a short video clip on a bird rescued in Brewster. From Harwich Blair Nikula's photos from November 2.

Northern Lapwings: Yes, plural! On October 30 the Massbird mailing list received an email: two lapwings spotted on Nantucket by Vern Laux. Moments later another email, Mark Faherty had spotted another at First Encounter beach in Eastham. Good grief. Only two previous records in the state. Check out photos of the Nantucket birds from Vern, and of Jeremiah Trimble's photos of the Eastham bird. Jeff Offerman on November 4. Dorian Anderson on November 2.

LeConte's Sparrow: On October 30 Ryan Schain and Jeremiah Trimble discovered a LeConte's Sparrow at Fort Hill in Eastham, and both got photos.

Ross's Goose: On October 27 Vin Zollo discovered a Ross's Goose on Wolomolpaug Pond in Sharon. He got the word out quickly, and Will Sweet and George Gove got photos the same day. On October 28 more photos from John Hoye and Jeff Offerman. It was still there  on October 30 for Garry Kessler's camera. On November 30, Steve Arena including a video. November 27 Liam Waters.

Gray-tailed Tattler: A fourth continental US record and the first for the east coast (not to mention Massachusetts)! On October 18 Jeremiah Trimble, Simon Perkins, and Peter Alden were scouting birds for the Nantucket Birding Festival when Jeremiah heard an odd shorebird call - sounded like a tattler, but it couldn't be! Before they could get a good visual fix on the bird, it flushed, but they were able to note dark underwings in flight. The team alerted participants and leaders to look for this bird, and the following day, against all odds, Peter Trimble and Peter Alden relocated the bird. Check out Jeremiah's photos, video, and audio. Tom Johnson also got some audio and photos.

Pink-footed Goose: On October 20 George Gove and Judy Gordon discovered a Pink-footed Goose at Artichoke Reservoir and photographed it for posterity. (This is teh second time this couple has discovered a Pink-footed Goose!)

Bell's Vireo: On October 23 Lanny McDowell discovered a Bell's Vireo at Aquinnah (nee Gay Head).

Yellow-headed Blackbird: Discovered on October 14 by Scott Surner and photographed on several days thereafter by Larry Therrien.

White Pelican: On October 13 Suzanne Sullivan watched and photographed two White Pelicans flying over Plum Island Sound.

Northern Wheatear: On October 11 Diane Reynolds and Bob Prescott discovered a Northern Wheatear on Skaket Beach in Orleans. It was still there on October 12 when it was photographed by Mark Faherty, Peter Bono, and October 13 by Steve Arena and Ryan Schain.

Purple Gallinule: On October 7 Mona Tighe and Sue Malspei located a Purple Gallinule in the Marsh at Stony Brook Mass Audubon Sanctuary in Norfolk. Other folks got to see this bird and provided photos. Will Sweet on October 8, John Hoye on October 9, Bob Stymeist on October 12.

Rufous Hummingbird: A Rufous Hummingbird was discovered in Amherst coming to a feeder on private property on October 5. The homeowner graciously allowed a handful of locals to view the bird and you can see photos from Larry Therrien and Ian Davies.

Say's Phoebe: On October 4 Eric Labado discovered a Say's Phoebe on Plum Island and captured these photos. It was rediscovered the following day and Ryan Schain and Steve Arena got photos.

Little Stint: On September 2 Blair Nikula discovered a Little Stint on South Beach in Chatham. Is it the same bird he discovered on July 21? Check out Blair's photos to see what you think. Dorian Anderson was nearby was also able to photograph it.

White Ibis: Don Manchester mans the Morris Island Hawkwatch and on August 29 his spotted a White Ibis which unfortunately flew off, but not before he got photos.

BBC Extreme Pelagic: For many years Ida Giriunas of the Brookline Bird Club has organized deep water pelagic trips with spectacular results. This year's trip on August 25-26 was no exception. Check out photos from Nick Bonomo, John Hoye, and Jeff Offerman. Check out Steve Mirick's photos of people enjoying the trip!

Curlew Sandpiper: Ellison Orcutt was leading a trip at Tern Island Sanctuary in Chatham on August 24 when he spotted and photographed a Curlew Sandpiper. The following day Ryan Schain kayaked over and was able to relocate and photographed "this ridiculously tame bird from sometimes as little as ten feet." Still there on September 2 for Dorian Anderson.

Bar-tailed Godwit: First seen on June 21 on South Beach in Chatham by Blair Nikula. Or was it? Could it have been the same bird seen by Dick Veit on June 6-9? Amazingly enough it was still being seen on South Beach on August 4 when it was photographed by Ryan Schain. Fred Atwood got photos on August 8. Compare three different species on godwit in a photo by Ashley Keleher taken August 21.

Rufous Hummingbird: On July 25 Lisa Buchanan of Randolph describes hearing a strange high "zzzzing" through the window that overlooked her hummingbird feeder. She looked out and this handsome male Rufous Hummingbird. It remained through July 29 but Lisa hasn't seen it since.

Black-bellied Whistling Duck: Nope, not the Great Meadows bird, but TWO at the Fenway in Boston on July 22. Anne Barker discovered them, realized the importance of the sighting, went back home to get her camera and photographed them for the record! What is going on with these birds?!

Little Stint: It isn't surprising that if there is a rare shorebird on South Beach that it was found by Blair Nikula. On July 21 Blair discovered a bright adult Little Stint at South Beach in Chatham, and was able to photograph it. He saw it again on July 22 and got more photos.

Black-bellied Whistling Duck: Ryan Doherty describes doing a triple-take when he spotted the subject bird resting by the dike at Great Meadows in Concord (July 3). He got some photos and pointed it out to some other birders including Jeff Offerman, Ryan Schain, and Cherrie Corey. Although Ryan got the word out quickly it was already late in the day and searchers the following days had no luck so it was the last thing Jason Forbes expected when he went for an early morning walk at Great Meadows on July 15. He was able to photograph it flying over his head, and later when it settled in at the same location it was on July 3! Many birders were able to get there and enjoy this rarity. More photos through July: Josh Gahagan,