Vagrant birds — individuals occurring far beyond the expected geographical limits of their taxa — have fascinated people for centuries. Long dismissed as the stuff of mere sport and as biologically
meaningless accidents, these records are emerging as a valuable dataset. Listen as Dr. Mitra presents this as a more rational approach to conservation.
Dr. Shai Mitra has studied birds in the northeastern United States and around the world for more than 40 years. He is Assistant Professor of Biology at the College of Staten Island, Editor of The Kingbird (publication of the New York State Ornithological Association); co-compiler of bird records for the New York City and Long Island region; Chair of the Rhode Island Avian Records Committee; and co-compiler of the Southern Nassau County and Napatree, Rhode Island, CBCs.