The Texas Rare Bird Alert reports primarily on Texas Review species. An email message service for the Texas Rare Bird Alert reports is available. See the TX RBA Email Service page for more information and to subscribe.
For more reports of Texas sightings, please refer to the Texbirds archives.
To report a Texas rare bird sighting, please email staff@narba.org
*Texas Review Species are indicated with CAPITAL LETTERS and an asterisk - please send reports to Mark Lockwood, Texas Bird Records.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: ROADSIDE HAWK* --
first report: Feb 5; last update: Mar 17
On Feb 5 an immature ROADSIDE HAWK* was seen and photographed by Frank Yulling and Carolyn Young at Falcon State Park . It was found along the park road between the butterfly garden and and the shelter area. The location is in the lower right corner at the convergence of the Roadrunner Trail and the Verdin Trail. (Falcon State Park map). (Photo by Park Host Ellen, 2/5).
Latest Reports: Feb 14: multiple sightings throughout the day around the picnic area and later back of shelter #23. Feb 16: 2:45pm, 4:30pm (same general area). Feb 17-18. Feb 20: multiple sightings close to the boat launch. Feb 22: near boat ramp at 10:30am and 5pm. Feb 24: 6-6:30pm, on phone pole near boat ramp. Feb 25: 2:45-3:15pm around the boat ramp area. Feb 26: 9:30am near boat ramp. Feb 27: 1:30-1:50pm, picnic area. Feb 28: picnic area. Mar 2: (location not specified). Mar 3: 2nd hand report of a brief sighting in the morning, not found in the afternoon. Mar 5: 2nd hand report of a sighting near the boat ramp. Mar 6: 4:30-5pm, perched on 3 different power poles near boat ramp. Mar 8: in the morning, at the boat ramp. Mar 11-12 (am). Mar 13-14: negative reports.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: BLUE BUNTING* -- first report: Feb 17; last update: Mar 15
On the afternoon of Feb 17 a male BLUE BUNTING* was found by Joyce Stevens and Dave Kuceyeski at Osprey Overlook at Laguna Atascosa NWR. (Photo by Chris Neri). Joyce first found it right along the parking area, It then worked down the roadside before it jumped the road and was lost as it moved down Alligator Pond Road. For anyone coming to search for this bird, be very aware that there may be lots of truck traffic along Lakeside Drive. There are improvements to trails and roads being conducted in this area and birders should be sure not to interfere with the traffic flow or block gates. The truck traffic will be entering the gated road located on the right side of the road about 150 yards before the Osprey Overlook parking area or dumping at the large piles of rock on the left side of the road. Do not park along the road before reaching the gated road.
Latest Sightings: Feb 18: 9:10am. Same location. It followed the road edge and Alligator pathway actively feeding in weeds and even on pavement. Feb 19: 8:30am, about 20 yards from Osprey Overlook. Feb 20: 7:45am (near the 2 porta-potties). Feb 25: 10am, at the intersection of the Alligator Pond trail and Lakeshore Drive. Mar 2: multiple sightings next to the parking lot at the junction of Lakeside Road and the Alligator Pond Road. Mar 6: at the Osprey Overlook parking lot. It was in a clump of bushes about 20 feet to the right of a trail marked "Area Closed". Mar 11: 11:15am, on the "construction zone" lakeside trail leading away from Osprey Overlook. Mar 14.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: CRIMSON-COLLARED GROSBEAK* --
first report: Feb 3; last update: Mar 9
Kent Anderson reported that on the afternoon of Feb 3 a male CRIMSON-COLLARED GROSBEAK* was seen at Quinta Mazatlan at the right side of the house in a tree next to the greenhouse/glass house. (Photos by Dan Jones, 2/6).
Latest Sightings: Feb 4: throughout the day. Feb 5: 9:45-10:15am (elusive on both of the first trails & road entering Quinta Mazatlan), 2:50-4:15pm. Feb 6: 9:30am (near water & feeding stations). Feb 10-19: multiple sightings. Feb 20-24: no sightings. Mar 9: bird reported on the El Monte Trail by the apartment complex in the afternoon. Check at front desk for latest sighting locations.
Site Guidelines: Quinta Mazatlan is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: ROSE-THROATED BECARD* -- first report: Nov 14; last update: Mar 13
On Nov 14 an immature male ROSE-THROATED BECARD* was seen at Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco. It continued through Feb 1. On Feb 22 it was relocated at the new feeding station near the south end of the Tropical Area. (Photos by Lee Ann Reiners & Charlie Houpt, 2/25)
Latest Sightings: Feb 26, Mar 13.
Guidelines for Estero Llano Grande SP: Visitors are requested to enter the Tropical Zone from the west side of Ibis Pond (south of the park headquarters) and NOT via the old RV Park entrance road. Be sure to check in at the park before accessing the Tropical zone - your cooperation will ensure continued easy access to this area.
Choke Canyon SP: NORTHERN JACANA* -- first report: Nov 1; last update: Mar 15
Pat Bowen reported that on Nov 1 she, Glenda Janca and Jo Ann Andrews identified a NORTHERN JACANA* at Choke Canyon State Park at the Calliham Unit in 75-Acre Lake. (Map of Choke Canyon SP). (Photos and Video by Frank Farese, 11/12). It was seen in the early morning from the jetty that is immediately off the parking lot (this is the jetty that has a concrete sidewalk on the top). The bird was along the earthen dam that separates 75-Acre Lake from the larger lake. At about 9:15 am it was feeding along the edge of the lake, and for the next 45 minutes continued along the edge walking counter-clockwise around the lake perimeter - first north along the dam, then west along the northern lake edge including walking along the edge right below the parking lot and picnic area. At 10:30 it was between the picnic area and the earthen jetty on the northern edge. It is possible the bird is starting its day on the eastern part of the lake.
Latest sightings: Feb 1-2, Feb 10. Feb 13-15, Feb 20, Feb 22 (11:30am), Feb 24, Feb 27, Mar 1, Mar 5, Mar 10 (9am, along earthen dam on 75-Acre Lake near the picnic area from the dike walkway), Mar 11. Mar 13 (in the reeds to the left looking from the jetty), Mar 14.
Directions & Tips: The most convenient entrance to the park for 75-Acre Lake is about 11 miles west of Three Rivers on Hwy 72. To view the area you need to walk down the service road to the next area of water and look along the NNW coast of the lake. There is a jetty from which the bird has been seen. By standing on the jetty, with your back to the parking lot, you may locate the jacana from looking left to looking directly across the marsh. There is a whole section of the lake you can not see from the picnic area near the parking lot. You will need to walk down the dirt road to find it. There is a "Road not open to the Public" further along the service road, where the grass is overgrown which would probable give anyone the best view of the area but snakes could be an issue. Caution is also advised because of the alligators in the lake. The jacana is often at quite a distance and a scope is very helpful.
Coastal Bend: WESTERN GULL* -- first report: Mar 6; last update: Mar 9
On Mar 6 Martin Reid found a first cycle WESTERN GULL* at the new Corpus Christi landfill. There is also a Glaucous Gull and several Lesser Black-backed Gulls. The Western Gull was on the first lined pond south of the work area. The landfill is located south of the junction of FM 2444 and FM 665\43. The landfill is closed on Sundays.
Latest Sighting: Mar 9 (in the large unlined pond).
Coastal Bend: NORTHERN WHEATEAR* -- first report: Jan 2; last update: Mar 16
On Jan 2 a NORTHERN WHEATEAR* was seen, photographed and confirmed by a group of birders including Mel Cooksey, Willie Sekula and Martin Reid. (Photos). The bird was first discovered by John Borntrager, a young Amish man on his farm in SW Bee County on Dec 30. This is believed to be only the 2nd record for Texas. Sightings have continued through Mar 15.
Directions and Guidelines: The site is CLOSED ON SUNDAYS with no exceptions. John welcomes visitors other days. The bird is located nearly 11 mi SW of the Bee County courthouse at latitude 28° 15' 53.2" and longitude 97° 50' 37.92". (To view location, go to Google Maps and type 28.2642 -97.8436 in the search box). To get there, starting about 7 miles SW of Beeville on Hwy 59, at the intersection of Hwy 59 and FM 796, go south on FM 796 for 6.0 miles - there should be a small vegetable stand on your right. Turn right into the driveway next to the veggie stand and drive back towards the brown building. Please park on the right out of the way before the brown building. Walk slowly behind the house and watch for the wheatear on the woodpile, in the horse pasture and on the stacks of blocks. Please be sure to sign the sightings book.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: TAMAULIPAS CROW* -- first report: Mar 14
On Mar 14 a pair of TAMAULIPAS CROWS* flew over Scarlet Colley's house in Port Isabel, Cameron County. They were flying toward the shrimp boat docks SW of their house.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: PURPLE SANDPIPER* -- first report: Feb 25; last update: Mar 14
On Feb 25 Scarlet Colley and two other birders found and photographed a PURPLE SANDPIPER* on the exposed tidal flats in the bay in Port Isabel. (Photo by Gwyn Carmen, 2/27). Two male mangrove warblers (1st yr and 2nd yr) are being seen in the vicinity. Sightings of the sandpiper and the warblers have continued at least through Mar 14.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: BROWN JAY* -- first report: Jan 21; last update: Mar 12
On Jan 21 a group of birders saw a BROWN JAY* from the tower at San Ygnacio. The site is the old Seedeater Sanctuary at the foot of Washington St. On Feb 19 Mary Beth Stowe reported that an out-of-town birder had photographed a Brown Jay visiting a homeowner's feeders in San Ygnacio on Feb 15. The bird has been coming to the feeder about three times a day, most reliably in the morning (9:30-11am), and has been present for about a month. Jim believes there may be two adult birds visiting the feeder, although only one has been seen at a time. The homeowners are Brenda and Jim Ringo and are willing to have birders visit, on a very discretionary basis. If interested, please email Jim Ringo at rngjm@yahoo.com and put Brown Jay in the subject line.
Latest Sightings: Feb 21: 10:30am at the feeder. The bird had been missing on Feb 19-20 and has been more sporadic in its visits to the Ringos. It is possible to find the bird from the trails behind their yard. The bird has been coming to the feeder only for tortillas. On Feb 22 searches throughout the day were unsuccessful. Feb 24: 9:30am, 10:10am (at the feeder). Feb 25: 9:50am, 10:00 am (best viewing from the grass across the street (Travino St.) just south of Washington St.) Feb 27: 8:30-9am, 10am. Mar 3: 9:15am, 9:30am. Mar 5: 8:45-9:15am. Mar 12: one bird seen at about 12:45pm and one at about 1:30pm. In both cases the bird stayed along the tree line and was viewed from the Ringos' patio. It did not come to the feeder.
Directions: Take Washington St. to the end at Trevino St. Park in the dirt lot (with a PARK sign) and walk next door to the white home with a red tin roof. Stand on the grass across from the gated drive way on the south / east side of the house and watch the feeding tray which is on top of a 4-foot stump with other red feeding containers on it.
North Texas: LITTLE GULL* -- first report: Mar 3; last update: Mar 16
Late in the afternoon on Mar 3 Chris Runk found an adult LITTLE GULL* at White Rock Lake in Dallas. The gull was on the SW side of the lake and easily viewed from below Tee Pee Hill. Little Gull has also been found at this location for several years in a row.
Latest Reports: Mar 5 (8:30-9am). Mar 16: negative report.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: Tropical Parula -- last update: Mar 4
A Tropical Parula was present at Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen (Photos by Dan Jones, 2/6), but there have been no reports for the past week. A Tropical Parula is also being seen at the feeding station at Frontera Audubon in Weslaco - it has continued at least through Mar 4.
Updated Central Texas: Hutton's Vireo -- first report: Mar 18; last update: Mar 18
On Mar 18 Rhandy Helton found a single singing Hutton's Vireo near noon at South Llano River SP in Junction. He believes this is a first county record for Kimble Co. He first heard the bird on Mar 17. On Mar 18 the bird was located near Deer Blind #7 where the Golden-cheeked Warblers are located. It was in with a flock of Chipping Sparrows and a few Bushtits.
Directions: From the park office, hike N on the road by the Maintenance Barn into the Walter Buck WMA. After 1/2 mile, pavement ends and becomes just a rock road. Continue straight ahead and stay right at windmill crossing dry creek bed shortly. Rhandy saw the vireo in the wooded area to left walking the creek bed. On Mar 17 he heard the bird 1/4-1/2 mile on ahead on the rocky road but again off to the left in the dry creek/canyon. You will have to cross over/under the electric fence (caution - it may be hot). If you navigate the fence you will be in a thick grassy area--- be sure to spray for chiggers/ticks.
Also on Mar 18 George Baker had at least one singing Hutton's Vireo at his ranch about 12 miles N of Junction along Hwy 83.
Panhandle: Northern Shrike -- first report: Mar 13
On Mar 13 Barrett Pierce found two two Northern Shrikes in Dallam County on the Rita Blanca National Grasslands, one near Gate 18 on High Lonesome Drive and the other at The Quail Unlimited watering station west of Thompson Grove, this possibly being the same bird that was present on Jan 6.
North Texas: White-tailed Hawk -- first report: Mar 6
On Mar 6 David Scott and two other birders found a White-tailed Hawk on Hwy 50 across the road from Horizon Turf Farm in Burleson County. David reported that the bird was very cooperative. It was perched on a large rolling sprinkler across from the turf farm. There is only one prior record of this species in the county (Jan 28, 1976).
North Texas: Red-throated Loon -- first report: Mar 16
On the mornings of Mar 13-16 Tim Fennell had a basic Red-throated Loon on Lake O' the Pines (Marion Co.), seen from Tejas Village on the south shore (seen most often in front of the green-roofed house on the opposite shore).
Upper TX Coast: Glaucous Gull -- first report: Mar 13
On Mar 13 a group of birders including Adam Wood found a 2nd cycle Glaucous Gull in the gull flock at the base of the Quintana Jetty.
North Texas: Glaucous Gull -- first report: Mar 7
Steve Gross reported large numbers of gulls at the Lake Livingston spillway on Mar 7, including a Glaucous Gull and an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull.
Central Texas: Calliope Hummingbird -- first report: Sep 16; last update: Mar 7
On Sep 16 Scott Young discovered a male Calliope Hummingbird coming into a hummingbird feeder at the Zilker Botanical Garden Center in Austin. (Click on map of the gardens on the Zilker website to see the building location). The feeder is on the north/left side of the Garden Center building at the rear on an elevated portico-like deck on the main building at the center. The bird has continued at least through Mar 7.
Central Texas: Black-throated Gray Warbler -- first report: Jan 30; last update: Mar 13
On Jan 30 Ian Layton and his wife found a Black-throated Gray Warbler at John Stokes River Park in San Marcos, Hays County. It has continued at least through Mar 13.
Directions: After parking (the lot can be very full), head up river on the (first cement) dirt path. Go past the first smallish fork (it only goes in a small loop. At the second fork, take a left and continue along the river's edge until you reach a huge cypress (location of many of the sightings).
Upper TX Coast: Rock Wren -- first report: Dec 20; last update: Mar 15
On Dec 19 Tad Finnell's Armand Bayou CBC group found a Rock Wren working the rip-rap on the bay at Pine Gully Park, just outside of Seabrook. The bird has continued at the same location at least through Mar 15. It seems to like the edge of the stones and the grass. It can be difficult to find as it pops in and out of the rocks.
Directions: The park is off Toddville Rd between Port Rd and Red Bluff. Maas Nursery is along the road. Car entrance is $10 per car if you are not a Seabrook resident. You can also park at Toddville and Red Bluff at Robinson Park and walk 1.18 miles into the back of the park. When near the bay take the path to the right. The path is the Seabrook jogging path - a good path. You can park at the pier and see the rocks at the south end of the park. It is believed that the pier is accessible and you can look back at the rocks. You have to walk on grass at the north end. Sometimes the wren can be seen from the parking lot.
Central Texas: Least Grebe -- first report: May 29; last update: Mar 15
On May 29 Vincent O'Brien discovered that the Least Grebe had returned for the second year to the Triangle Pond at 4600 Guadalupe in Austin. They fledged several young throughout the summer. (Photos by Karen Melody, 7/25). In September they had a third successful breeding, with 2 adults and 2 young found on Sep 13. On Sep 27 two chicks were spotted being tended by one parent.
Latest sightings: Nov 14 (3 adults, 1 chick), Nov 22 (2 adults, 3 chicks), Dec 21 (4 grebes), Jan 2 (2 adults), Jan 10 (3 adults). The single adult has continued at least through Mar 14.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: White-collared Seedeater -- last update: Mar 12
Latest sightings: Feb 22: Zapata: female at the pond adjacent to the library. Mar 12: Zapata: 5:45pm, female along the fence line of the field at the SE end of the library pond where there is still good seed grass.
In general, Salineno (#80 on the Lower Texas Coast Wildlife Trail) is one of the more reliable locations for this species.
The bird sanctuary at San Ygnacio is also a traditional site. Directions: The upper part of the Raptor Trail is at the North end of Trevino Street. The entrance is on Uribe Ave. one block to the north and parallel to Washington. San Ygnacio is #87 on the Lower Texas Coast Wildlife Trail. Parking and pedestrian entry to the sanctuary at south end of Washington St.
The Las Palmas Trail in Laredo has also been a reliable location. Directions: The trail begins just east of International Bridge II; parking is available just southeast of Water Street underneath the bridge. The trail extends for approximately half a mile along the Rio Grande ending at Zacate Creek. Be advised to use great caution on the trail, as the amount of border traffic has increased in the area.
Zapata: Behind the library at the county park in Zapata.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: Red-billed Pigeon, Muscovy Duck -- last update: Mar 14
On Feb 13 Kim Eckert found 13 Red-billed Pigeons at the staging/roosting area near the beginning of Las Palmas Rd, just N of Zapata (in taller trees N side of road).
Latest Sightings: Feb 21 (3 birds in the trees just east of Hwy 83 and north of Las Palmas Road), Feb 25 (6 birds at 6pm), Feb 27 (a single bird in the morning), Mar 3 (8:30 am, 7 birds near the top of one of the larger trees about 1/10 to 2/10 mile beyond Las Palmas Road on US83 (not on Las Palmas). They were near the top of the tree easily seen, about 50 to 100 feet back from the road. The trees seem to be along a stream or wet spot where the road dips BEFORE reaching the first house.) Mar 13 (2 flocks of 4 birds each, 0.2 miles NE of US83 on Las Palmas Rd N of Zapata. The birds were sitting on top of some bushes on the NW side of the road.)
Salineno (#80 on the Lower Texas Coast Wildlife Trail. Map) is a traditional site for Red-billed Pigeons and Muscovy Ducks.
Latest Sightings: Feb 27: Red-billed Pigeons are currently being seen at Salineno on the island in the early morning. Feb 27: a single Muscovy Duck was sitting on a large log on the US side of the river at Salineno. It was about as far upriver as you can see. Mar 12: 8:30am, a single Red-billed Pigeon on usual perch on island - it then flew directly down the river at the boat landing.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl --
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls are heard (and rarely seen) at Bentsen Rio Grande Valley SP-WBC in the pre-dawn hours, with the last report on Mar 8. Remember, the use of tapes is not allowed at Bentsen or many LRGV sites. Always ask before using tapes. Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls are at San Miguelito Ranch about 10 miles north of Raymondville, easiest seen February through May. There is a fee to access this site, and prior arrangements are required. Contact Leticia Tijerina, at 956-369-3118. (Photos). They are also present on the King Ranch and often at El Canelo (both fee sites), although there are no recent reports.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: Aplomado Falcon --
Recommended places to look for Aplomado Falcons include Old Port Isabel Road and Laguna Atascosa NWR. At Laguna Atascosa both approach roads (from Harlingen/Rio Hondo and South Padre Island) and the refuge itself should be searched. The 15-mile Bayside Loop has been particularly productive. On Mar 2 two falcons were seen along Route 100 on the way to the refuge. On Mar 6, four falcons were on Old Port Isabel Rd, near the paved bridge, in the fields on the east side. They appeared to be doing a courtship display.
Updated Lower Rio Grande Valley: Hook-billed Kite -- last update: Mar 18
There are irregular reports from near Acacia Loop at Bentsen Rio Grande Valley SP-WBC in Mission and from Anzalduas County Park (#68 on the Lower Texas Coast Wildlife Trail). The latest sightings at Bentsen were on Feb 26 (3 kites soaring over HQ at 3:30pm) and Mar 7 (one over hawk tower). There have also been frequent reports at Santa Ana NWR, particularly around Cattail Lakes, with the latest sighting on Mar 19 (3 kites seen from the Hawk Tower at 9-10am). On Mar 10 a male kite was found at the Nature Conservancy's Chihuahua Woods Nature Preserve north of Palmview. The kite was near the gate.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: Mangrove (Yellow) Warbler --
Mangrove Warblers, a well-marked subspecies or unrecognized species, are present year-round. For more information on seeing them, contact Scarlet Colley (telephone: 956-299-1957) at the South Padre Island Nature Center.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: Red-crowned Parrots, Green Parakeets --
In general, Red-crowned Parrots are most often seen in flight. Red-crowned Parrots are sometimes seen in the areas of Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen, and Valley Nature Center in Weslaco. There is a very large flock in the Llano Grande in Weslaco. Green Parakeets are readily seen the large roost in McAllen on North 10th Street between Violet and Dove in the evening. On Feb 20 there were 58-60 at 11am along N. 10th and Sprague in McAllen. A single Aztec Parakeet (escaped exotic) continues from last winter at this site. Green Parakeets are also found in Mission on Bentsen Palm Drive in the morning. Green Parakeets are often seen in north Edinburg, particularly in the fields around the Edinburg North High School. Both Green Parakeets and Red-crowned Parrots have been seen recently in Harlingen (near Pendleton Park or 7th and Rio Hondo at dusk), Pharr (sometimes at Allen Williams residence on Sam Houston), and Brownsville.
