To report a Texas rare bird sighting, please email staff@narba.org

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. For sightings in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, check the Lower Rio Grande Valley Birding Hotline.

Texas eBird Portal

*Texas Review Species are indicated with CAPITAL LETTERS and an asterisk - please send reports to Eric Carpenter, Secretary, Texas Bird Records Committee.

Pelagic Trips: Three pelagic trips are scheduled aboard the Osprey, leaving from the southern tip of South Padre Island: June 30 (sign up by June 14), July 28 (sign up by July 12), and August 25 (sign up by August 9). Details on www.texaspelagics.com.

TEXAS REVIEW SPECIES

Sabine Woods:  TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD* --
first report: Apr 20; last update: May 13
On Apr 20 a TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD* was identified at Sabine Woods, a TX Ornithological Society bird sanctuary in Sabine Pass. (Map)  The bird was first discovered by James Clark and Don Jeane on Apr 18 and later several other birders noticed the unusual looking mockingbird. Terry Ferguson was able to photograph it on the morning of Apr 20 and researched its identification. (Photos by Terry Ferguson: Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3). This is a potential ABA first record, but some feel that the amount of fraying on the tail adds weight to the argument of this being an escapee.
Guidelines: TOS sanctuaries are free to TOS members. Registration fee of $5 for non-TOS members.
Latest Reports: Apr 21: Sightings throughout the day till at least 4:30pm in the field on the right as you enter Sabine Woods. It often associated with a Northern Mockingbird. (Photos by Joe Fischer) (Photos by Gary Hodne). Apr 22: continued sightings at same location with the first report at 7:45am. (Photos by Isaac Sanchez). It has been observed being chased/wooed by a Northern Mockingbird and engaged in nest-building activity (Photos by Frank Farese). Apr 23: 1:45pm, present (Margo Holst & DJ Kava). Apr 24: early morning, present (Cody Conway - video). Sightings have continued through May 13.

Valley Nature Center: CRIMSON-COLLARED GROSBEAK* --
first report: Apr 28; last update: May 1
On Apr 28 Raul Garza reported that there have been sightings of a female CRIMSON-COLLARED GROSBEAK* for the past week at Valley Nature Center in Weslaco (Map). He was able to observe and confirm the sighting on the morning of Apr 28. The bird is an expert at hiding and only does a single call note. It has been feeding off the spiny hackberry tree.
Latest Reports: May 1: present (Raul Garza, Brush Freeman)

Updated Uvalde Co: RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER -- first sighting: Apr 22; last update: May 16
Tim Lenz reported that on the morning of Apr 22 he observed and photographed a RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER* (RCWA) at Chalk Bluff Park, Uvalde County. (Map). The bird is present near the boat ramp along the river. Just listen from the boat ramp and you will be able to hear the bird. The bird is quite vocal and has been seen on an island of reeds/cane in the river near the boat ramp and along the river edge. (Photos by Tim Lenz)
Guidelines: please avoid using recordings and stressing the bird. There is an $8 park entry fee.
Latest Reports: Apr 23: 7:30am, observed & photographed at same location (David Hursh, Bill Drummond, others). Apr 24-25: present (Tim Lenz) Apr 26: morning, a Nature Quest Group led by Derek Muschalek found a 2nd RCWA 1/2 mile south of the non-stop singing bird near the boat ramp. Derek wrote that this bird is still molting rufous into its face. RCWA #1 -- just south of boat ramp in cane and sycamores. RCWA #2 -- 1/2 mile south of boat ramp; park at very south end of park near picnic tables and then walk the narrow trail along the Nueces River; the bird ranges along the first 60 yards of this narrow trail; it sings non-stop. Apr 27: morning, one RCWA about 100 yards left of the boat ramp. Later 2nd bird was also found. (Charmaine Ganson). Apr 28-29: singing male present (Chris Benesh, Bob Rasa, others). May 1: sighting of one bird (Catherine Winans). May 3: evening, one bird seen, another heard. (Tripp Davenport). May 6: not seen or heard 2:30-4:45pm. At 4:45pm started singing from opposite bank and was eventually seen. (John Tharp). May 8: 11am, seen to the left of the dock near the end of the clearing on the park side of the river (Tom Morris). May 9: 8:30am, about 100 yards downstream from boat launch in a large sycamore (Rhandy Helton, others). May 16: 10:40am, 100 yds to left of boat ramp (Gil Eckrich, Eric Runfeldt) afternoon sighting (Bryan Calk)

Updated Estero Llano Grande SP: ROSE-THROATED BECARD* -- first sighting: Nov 9: last update: May 16
On Nov 9 a Big Day van group led by Jon Dale and Michael Retter during the RGV Birding Festival found a female ROSE-THROATED BECARD* (RTBE) at Estero Llano Grande SP by the bathrooms in the tropical zone. (Map)
Latest Reports: Off and on sightings continued through Apr 4 when it was not seen every day, and there was not a predictable time of day. After a long absence, it was once again found in the tropical zone on Apr 20. May 8: reported present by Huck Hutchins, who also discovered she is building a nest. Mating is not believed to have occurred. May 9-16: present

Quintana: possible CONNECTICUT WARBLER* -- first sighting: May 12; last update: May 13
On the morning of May 12 Ron Weeks heard a bird singing a classic CONNECTICUT WARBLER* song at Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary. (Map) The songs and calls continued to be heard until 1:30pm, but the bird was never seen, despite the presence of many others at the sanctuary. Audio recordings were made.
Latest Reports: May 13: many searches, no definitive identification or sighting.

Coastal Bend: BLACK-WHISKERED VIREO* -- first sighting: May 11; last update: May 14
On May 11 at about 1:15pm Mark Scheuerman found a BLACK-WHISKERED VIREO* at Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary. (Map)  (Photos by Mark Scheuerman). This is possibly the same bird that was seen at High Island on May 9.
Latest Reports: May 14: sighting on Matagorda Island just south of the old Army Base buildings in a lime prickly ash/mesquite clump.(Petra Hockey)

High Island: BLACK-WHISKERED VIREO* -- first sighting: May 9
On May 9 Bryan Tarbox found a BLACK-WHISKERED VIREO* at Houston Audubon's Smith Oaks Bird Sanctuary at High Island. It was seen in the back (NE) section of the sanctuary at 6:30pm. (Photo by Bryan Tarbox)

San Luis Pass: PURPLE SANDPIPER* -- first sighting: May 4
Scott Atkinson reported that on May 4 in the late afternoon when he was on the San Luis Pass ferry, he saw a PURPLE SANDPIPER* riding on a coastal tramper. The bird was on the stern, roosting on some rocky/sandy debris along with about 8-9 Ruddy Turnstones. The birds took off shortly afterwards as the tramper headed out to open water.

UPPER AND CENTRAL TX COAST - Non-Review Species 

Galveston: Pacific, Red-throated Loon -- first sighting: Mar 23; last update: May 8
On the morning of Mar 23 Joseph Kennedy found two Red-throated Loons in the area of 61st Street and the bridge in Galveston. Several Pacific Loons also present in the area. 
Latest Reports: Mar 24: Sightings of both species continued around the docks and Offats Bayou. (John Berner, Duke Liebler). Mar 25: mid-morning, 10 Red-throated Loons seen by kayak, N to NE of Moody Gardens. Two Pacific Loons also present. (Joe & Renee Fischer). Negative report for 2-3:30pm on both sides of 61st Street. Mar 26: 6pm, Offats Bayou -- 1 Red-throated, 2 probable Pacific Loons seen (Vicki Crutchfield). Mar 27: 2 Pacific, 1 probable Red-throated along Offats Bayou (John Tharp) Mar 28: 2 Pacific Loons seen (Richard Peake); 3-3:45pm: 1 Pacific and 1 Red-throated Loon offshore from the grass hut gazebo at Offats Bayou -- on Moody Gardens side of 61st Street. (Paul Sellin). Mar 30: 2 Red-throated, 6 Pacific Loons (Michael & Sarah Kuzio, Tom Morris. Mar 31: 2 Pacific Loons; negative on Red-throated Loons (Terry Woodward, David Hanson, others). Apr 14: 2 Pacific Loons found on Offats Bayou (Derek Muschalek). Apr 20: 1 Pacific Loon photographed at Offats Bayou - almost in full breeding plumage (Richard Peake). Apr 21: 1 Pacific Loon present at Offats Bayou (Marshall Iliff). Apr 24: 1 Pacific Loon at Offats Bayou (Andrew Farnsworth). May 8: one Pacific Loon at Offats Bayou (Vicki Crutchfield)

LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY - Non-Review Species
For more sightings check the Lower Rio Grande Valley Birding Hotline.

Santa Ana: Tropical Parula -- first sighting: Mar 30; last update: May 14
On the morning of Mar 30 Andy Bankert reported a singing male Tropical Parula at Santa Ana NWR. The bird was seen on the Jaguarundi Trail between the Oriole Trail and the outer loop road.
Latest Reports: Apr 18, 21: in same place -- going clockwise on Chachalaca Trail soon after leaving water viewing area that has the wood walls with cutout windows (Thomas Gates). Apr 24-May 1: present. On Apr 28 it was heard in the morning near Willow Lake. (Tim Brush). May 5: evening, found singing on Chachalaca Trail near Willow Lake. Visuals obtained (C.J. Goin, Mark Pendleton, Donna Simonetti). May 7: 8:30-10:30am, singing male high in canopy but seen well several times along the north shore of Willow Lake, especially along the trail that connects Chachalaca Trail to the Willow Lakes Trail (David & Christopher Dunford). May 14: morning, singing along Chachalaca Trail (Peter Barnes, Ross Rickett)

Guadalupe County: Varied Bunting -- first sighting: May 13
On the morning of May 13 Dan Jones found a Varied Bunting at the Yturria Brush tract of the Lower Rio Grande NWR. The bird was a singing basic plumaged bird in the first draw north of the high tension lines where the road jags. (Photo by Dan Jones)

Weslaco: MacGillivray's Warbler -- first sighting: May 6; last update: May 8
On the morning of May 6 Dan Jones photographed a MacGillivray's Warbler at Frontera Audubon Thicket in Weslaco. (Map) (Photo by Dan Jones)
Latest Reports: May 8: present at water feature at entrance. (Mary Gustafson)

Lower Rio Grande Valley: White-collared Seedeater -- last update: May 12
Locations for White-collared Seedeater (WCSE):
San Ygnacio Bird Sanctuary at the foot of Washington St. in San Ygnacio. (Map) Park at the top of the hill and walk down. San Ygnacio is #87 on the Lower Texas Coast Wildlife Trail.
Zapata: WCSE come in to drink at the county park pond next to the library (south end of 9th Street and Laredo).
Laredo Locations: Las Palmas Trail  (annotated map). 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. Other Laredo locations: Father McNaboe Park (408 Rienda Drive - annotated map), North Central Park ( annotated map), Chacon Creek Trail (annotated map) . 
La Laja Ranch also has WCSE. Access is by arrangement. The ranch is in Zapata County, just over the Webb County line. (Map) The owner of the ranch allows birders to visit by appointment ($25 fee). Phone: 956-763-0045.
Latest Reports: Apr 19: 2 WCSE along Zacate Creek in Laredo. (Serge Beaudette). Apr 22: 7:45am, 8:45am, 2 males singing in bare trees above cane at La Laja Ranch (Don Glasco); 8am, 6 WCSE at Zacate Creek & river intersection within carrizo cane (Raul Delgado). Apr 26: 9am, pair at San Ygnacio Bird Sanctuary, near city's water pump. Early morning best viewing time (Joel Ruiz). Apr 28: afternoon, one WCSE near Zapata library (John Brush). May 1: 3 WCSE at San Ygnacio Bird Sanctuary (Nancy Nelson). May 6: morning, 2 WCSE in Laredo at Chacon Creek & river intersection; 1 WCSE near the baseball field/in the cane (Raul Delgado). May 8: morning before 9am, possibly 2 pairs at San Ygnacio Bird Sanctuary -- 1 pair by water pump area & 2nd pair in middle of sanctuary (Joel Ruiz). May 12: early morning, male WCSE seen along Chacon Creek Trail, midway to the river within the carrizo cane. (Raul Delgado)

Lower Rio Grande Valley: Red-billed Pigeon, Muscovy Duck 
Salineno (#80 on the Lower Texas Coast Wildlife Trail. Map) is a traditional site for Red-billed Pigeons (RBPI) and Muscovy Ducks (MUDU). Highest probability for sightings occurs early and late in the day from the boat ramp. Chapeno and San Ygnacio can also be productive.
Directions: Salineno  is #80 on the Lower Texas Coast Wildlife Trail. Map 
Chapeno: from US 83 W of Roma, 10 miles, turn W on Fm 2098. Entering Falcon Heights watch for Chapeno Rd across from the Catholic Church. Turn South on Chapeno Rd and go 2.7 miles. (Fee).
San Ygnacio County Park/Seedeater Sanctuary: the park is at the foot of Washington St. in San Ygnacio. Park at the top of the hill and walk down. San Ygnacio is #87 on the Lower Texas Coast Wildlife Trail.
La Laja Ranch also has RBPI. Access is by arrangement. The ranch is in Zapata County, just over the Webb County line. (Map) The owner of the ranch allows birders to visit by appointment ($25 fee). Phone: 956-763-0045.
Latest Reports: Both species were seen at Salineno during the week of Apr 5-12. Apr 15: 8am, a MUDU seen from Salineno boat ramp. No RBPI present. (Don Glasco). Apr 18: 2 RBPI at San Ygnacio. (Serge Beaudette) Apr 19: 1 RBPI along Zacate Creek in Laredo. (Serge Beaudette) Apr 22: 7:30am, 3 RBPI at La Laja Ranch (Don Glasco)

Lower Rio Grande Valley: Hook-billed Kite
The best public areas to look for Hook-billed Kites (HBKI) are Bentsen Rio Grande Valley SP-WBC in Mission, Anzalduas County Park (#68 on the Lower Texas Coast Wildlife Trail), and Santa Ana NWR (often best from the Tree Tower). Hook-billed Kites nested in western Hidalgo County in the summer of 2010 and 2011, the first US nests since 2002. Hook-billed Kites are least difficult to observe in March-April and November, and hardest to detect in summer.
Latest Reports: Apr 18: morning, one HBKI at Bentsen Hawk Tower (Jon Glase) Apr 20: morning, one HBKI at Bentsen Hawk Tower (Jon Glase). May 8: 8:30am, adult female seen low over forest south of levee and west of HQ at Santa Ana NWR (Mary Gustafson). May 9:  9am, seen attacking a Gray Hawk and driving it from its perch near La Coma Circle southeast of the Green Jay Blind.  An hour later it was seen from the Hawk Tower soaring upward from the same general area and then soaring away northwest. (Christopher & David Dunford)

Lower Rio Grande Valley: Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl  
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls (FEPO) have not been seen or heard since the floods in the summer of 2010 at Bentsen Rio Grande Valley SP-WBC. 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, open March 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 - Norias Division (Map) and often at El Canelo (both fee sites).
Latest Report: Apr 12: FEPO at San Miguelito Ranch (Craig Provost) Apr 14: Four owls in 2 separate locations at King Ranch-Norias Division. Fleeting looks at two (males bringing food?) at each location. Good look at one in owl box, half body, presumed female. One in full view for 10 minutes for excellent photo op, presumed female (2 fleeting looks of second hiding one nearby). (Don Glasco). Apr 28:  great looks of one owl. (Karen Prager, others)

Lower Rio Grande Valley: Red-crowned Parrots, Green Parakeets   
In general, Red-crowned Parrots are most often seen in flight. They are sometimes seen in the areas of Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen, and Valley Nature Center in Weslaco. Both Green Parakeets (GREP) and Red-crowned Parrots (RCPA) can be seen in Harlingen (near Pendleton Park or 7th and Rio Hondo at dusk), Pharr (sometimes at Allen Williams residence on Sam Houston), and Brownsville. Green Parakeets traditionally can be seen near 10th and Dove (or 10th and Violet) in the evening; however, since a hail storm they have been missing at this location. In Laredo there is a roost of GREP on Saint Peter's Square at Houston Street.
San Benito  is also a reliable location, in the area of Camino Blvd and Harvey Dr. RV Park, Cameron County (Google map). Both GREP and RCPA are regular and apparently roost in the area of the RV park and the lots. A few years ago when a neighbor had been putting out peanuts there had been 100's of parrots at the RV park. Now, there are just a few handfuls that come in. At San Benito mornings are better for the parrots and evenings for the parakeets but both can be seen if you start earlier in the mornings before the parakeets fly off. This is a good spot to find both species without having to dash from location to location if your time is limited. (Tips provided by Bill Tarbox.)
Latest Reports: Apr 28: 6 GREP seen in Weslaco at the corner of the frontage & Westgate on the south side. (Karen Prager)

TEXAS INTERIOR - Non-Review Species

Uvalde County: Tropical Parula -- first sighting: Mar 11; last update: May 5
On Mar 11 Steve Gross found a Tropical Parula behind Cabin 24 at Neal's Lodges in Concan. (Map) It was a singing parula with no evidence of eye arcs. Latest Reports: Mar 23: three Tropical Parulas photographed (Betty & Lee Pasquali - photos). Mar 25: one Tropical Parula found (Marcin Kojtka). Sightings of at least one bird have continued through Apr 24. Apr 24: a singing male was seen, heard, & photographed along the banks of the Rio Frio about 200 yards upstream from the highway crossing at Neal's Lodge. (Ed Harper). Apr 27: singing male around Cabin 61.  Apr 28: singing male present (Derek Muschalek). Apr 29: present (Susan Foster). May 2: seen well along Frio River at Neal's Lodges (Tal Roberts). May 5: singing male still present (Bob Rasa)

Llano County: Pacific Loon-- first sighting: May 8
On May 8 Tim Fennell found and photographed a Pacific Loon (full alternate plumage) at Buchanan Dam. (Map)

New Guadalupe County: MacGillivray's Warbler -- first sighting: May 17
On May 17 Susan Schaezler photographed a MacGillivray's Warbler at Warbler Woods Bird Sanctuary in Cibolo, Guadalupe County (Map). See the sanctuary website for directions. (Photo by Susan Schaezler)

Austin: Hutton's Vireo -- first sighting: Apr 24; last update: May 4
On Apr 24 Chris Warren found a singing male Hutton's Vireo in St Edward's Park in Austin (Map). A couple of weeks ago he had heard one in an area not accessible to the public.
Latest Reports: May 4: present, singing, in the drainage that runs north into Bull Creek (Chris Warren)

Updated Guadalupe County: Hutton's Vireo -- first sighting: Mar 24; last update: May 16
On Mar 24 there were numerous sightings of Hutton's Vireo at Warbler Woods Bird Sanctuary in Cibolo, Guadalupe County (Map). See the sanctuary website for directions
Latest Reports: Sightings have continued through May 16. At times as many as 4 birds have been present.