Picture this: you’re out for a walk and an unexpected bird flashes across your binoculars. You do a double take. Could that possibly be a Bullock’s Oriole in New Hampshire? 

Moments like these are what make birding so thrilling. They’re also what spark the question: what exactly counts as a “rare bird”? 

What is a Rare Bird? 

In New Hampshire, a rare bird is any species that shows up so infrequently that the sighting needs to be verified to protect the accuracy and scientific value of our state’s bird records. Sometimes these are birds that are common elsewhere but unusual here, and other times they’re species that are surprising even within their normal range. 

Who decides what’s rare? That’s the job of the New Hampshire Rare Bird Committee (NHRBC), a team of experienced and dedicated volunteers who maintain the state’s official review list. The list changes as bird populations shift. 

For example, the Red-headed Woodpecker was once rare enough in New Hampshire to require review, but by 2017, it was removed from the list because it had become a more regular visitor (one or two sightings a year). This southern species has been gradually moving northward, a reminder of how climate change is reshaping bird distributions. 

Sometimes rarity is about location, not just species. Take the Mississippi Kite. Since 2008, it’s been known to breed in Newmarket, but nowhere else in the state. A kite seen in another town? That would definitely raise eyebrows and would require review. 

A bird out of season may also require review. A Cape May Warbler lingering into winter, for example, would be a rare bird not because of the species but the time of year. The committee may not need to review these type of sightings, but it is always a good idea to document a rarity well. 

How to Report a Rare Bird 

So, you think you’ve spotted a rarity—what next? 

The best way is to submit your sighting through eBird, with detailed notes. Include: 

• All the field marks you observed (plumage, size, behavior). 
• How you ruled out similar species. 
• Any behaviors that helped confirm the ID. 

Photos, even fuzzy ones, can be very helpful, but they’re not always required. If you do not use eBird, email birdrecords@nhaudubon.org. We can provide a digital form. 

What Does the Rare Bird Committee Do? 

The NHRBC was formed in 1994 by George Robbins, Kimball Elkins, and the seasonal editors of New Hampshire Bird Records. Their mission is simple but important: carefully evaluate reports of rare bird sightings to maintain a trusted record for the state. 

Here’s how it works: 

1. Each member reviews the submitted documentation. 
2. They cast individual votes on whether the sighting should be accepted. 
3. Any non-unanimous votes get discussed at the committee’s annual summer meeting. 

Importantly, a “rejection” doesn’t mean you misidentified the bird. It just means the evidence wasn’t strong enough to include in the official record. 

The committee also maintains the official state list of New Hampshire birds, which you can explore here: NH State Review List (2023). The NHRBC is independent from NH Audubon and New Hampshire Bird Records. We are not responsible for decisions made by the committee. 

Why It Matters 

Rare bird reports aren’t just exciting. They’re essential. They help scientists and birders alike understand how species’ ranges shift over time, how climate change is affecting migration, and where conservation efforts may be needed most. 

So the next time you catch sight of something unusual in your binoculars, take notes, snap a photo if you can, and share your discovery. You might just add a new piece to the ever-evolving story of New Hampshire’s birdlife.