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.
Updated Lower Rio Grande Valley: ROADSIDE HAWK* -- first report: Feb 6; last update: Mar 1
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 Sightings: Feb 11: after 5 pm, roosting in a dark green tree close to the Y before the picnic area, toward the sheltered huts. There was another sighting earlier in the day. Feb 12: 12:45-2:45pm, along the road that runs from the recreation building to the shelters (and that also branches off to the right to go to the lakeside picnic area). As one drives from the recreation area along this road, one soon comes to a branch off to the right that goes to the picnic area. The hawk was perched in a mesquite tree on the right (outbound) just before the branch in the road. 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.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: AZTEC THRUSH* -- first report: Feb 16; last update: Feb 18
On the afternoon of Feb 16 an AZTEC THRUSH* was found on the north side of the inner loop at Bentsen Rio Grande Valley SP-WBC in Mission. The bird was found by Dawn and Bob Scranton and Madeline and Hans Van der Zweep. Rick Nirschl made the initial call. The bird is an adult male. It was first found near the feeding station at the Acacia Loop and Kiskadee Trail intersection and last seen behind the restrooms at Paixtle Circle. (Photos by Rick Nirschl). Later in the day birders were not able to relocate it.
Latest Reports: Feb 17: 8:40am and 9:30am, in the same general area west of the Paixtle Rest Area on the Acacia Loop. Feb 18: heard only at 8:30am, Kiskadee Blind.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: BLUE BUNTING* -- first report: Feb 13; last update: Feb 26
On the evening of Feb 12 Chris Neri found and photographed a female BLUE BUNTING* in the Laguna Atascosa NWR Visitor Center garden. (Photo).
Latest Sightings: Feb 14: 10:45am, same general area. Feb 15: last sighting.
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. It was in a bush right next to the bench by the gate. After about ten minutes it flew out to the southeast roughly 30 meters and disappeared.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: CRIMSON-COLLARED GROSBEAK* --
first report: Feb 3; last update: Feb 25
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. Check at front desk for latest sighting locations.
Site Guidelines: Quinta Mazatlan is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Updated Choke Canyon SP: NORTHERN JACANA* -- first report: Nov 2; last update: Mar 1
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.
Directions & Tips: Park in the 1st parking lot on the right and you will see a dirt road. 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.
Updated Coastal Bend: AMERICAN FLAMINGO* -- last update: Mar 1
On Feb 24 Patrick Walther saw the pair of famous flamingos at Aransas NWR. The last time they had been spotted was also by Patrick on Oct 20, also at Aransas NWR. These two banded flamingos have been making appearances in Texas and Louisiana over the past few years. One of the birds is an AMERICAN FLAMINGO* (the darker one, a wild bird from the Yucatan Peninsula) and the other a Greater Flamingo (the pale bird, from the Wichita Zoo). There are records for this pair going back to December of 2006 when they were also seen at Aransas NWR.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: ROSE-THROATED BECARD* -- first report: Nov 3; last update: Feb 26
On Oct 30 a female-plumaged ROSE-THROATED BECARD* (strongly capped) was photographed at Bentsen Rio Grande Valley SP-WBC in Mission. On Nov 15 a bright male was found at Bentsen. It has been found near the feeders at the "Y" intersection in the park (adjacent to Ebony Grove). Sightings have been 8:15-9:00am. This bird seems to be a different individual than the October 30 bird, as the cheeks are black limiting the capped appearance. Sightings have continued at least through Feb 16. On Feb 20-21 the bird was not found. Currently it is usually spotted at the gatehouse feeder just inside the park. Most reliably seen when peanut butter is put into feeder at 8-8:30am.
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 and has continued through Feb 26. (Photos by Lee Ann Reiners & Charlie Houpt, 2/25)
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.
On Feb 13 at about 10am David Dauphin found an adult male ROSE-THROATED BECARD at the National Butterfly Center (1 mile west of Bentsen SP-WBC). At the same time the Bentsen becard was being seen. The Butterfly Center is open from 9am-5pm, every day except Monday or if it is raining or very cold. The bird was coming to peanut butter feeders.
Updated Coastal Bend: NORTHERN WHEATEAR* -- first report: Jan 2; last update: Mar 1
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 1.
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.
Central Texas: NORTHERN GOSHAWK* -- first report: Feb 27
On the morning of Feb 26 Jake McCumber had a NORTHERN GOSHAWK* (a likely female) fly over his head at Camp Mabry in Austin. He got very good looks but was not able to photograph the bird. Jake is very familiar with the species, having worked as a wildlife technician in Wyoming.
Updated Lower Rio Grande Valley: PURPLE SANDPIPER* -- first report: Feb 26; last update: Feb 28
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). The bird has continued at least through the morning of Feb 28 at the same location. A young male mangrove warbler is being seen in the vicinity.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: BROWN JAY* -- first report: Jan 21; last update: Feb 27
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. 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.
North Texas: LITTLE GULL* -- first report: Dec 12; last update: Feb 21
On the afternoon of Dec 12 Greg Cook, Thomas Riecke, and Blaine Carnes found an adult basic plumaged LITTLE GULL* from Wynn Joyce Park on Lake Ray Hubbard, Dallas County. It was associating with 100 or more Bonaparte's Gulls.
Latest Sightings: Feb 20: ;most likely the same bird was relocated. Feb 21: last sighting.
Directions: (by Greg Cook) To reach Wynn Joyce Park follow Interstate 30 east from Dallas and exit Broadway (just over 2 miles east of the I-30/I-635 interchange). Turn north (left) on Broadway and follow it 2 miles to Wynn Joyce Road. Turn right on Wynn Joyce and follow it to its terminus. The lake will in front of you - just find a good viewing location and scan the gulls. There is a trail toward the water about half way between the north and south ends of the park. This is the same location that LIGU has shown up at several times in the past.
North Texas: EURASIAN WIGEON* -- first report: Feb 16; last update: Feb 18
On Feb 16 at 1:55pm Brady Surber found an adult male EURASIAN WIGEON* on a small playa/flooded winter wheat field in Foard Co. He bird was walking around among about 100-200 American Wigeons. The playa is just off US Hwy. 70 on CO RD 291 about 1/4 mile east of Thalia in Foard Co. On Feb 17 two unsuccessful attempts were made to relocate the bird. On Feb 18 Brady and Ronny Moore observed the bird 8:45-10:00am at the same location and were able to obtain photographs.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: Tropical Parula -- last update: Feb 24
A Tropical Parula is still present at Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen (Photos by Dan Jones, 2/6). A Tropical Parula is also being seen at the feeding station at Frontera Audubon in Weslaco. Last sightings at Frontera were on Feb 24 (2:30pm at feeding station, 3:34pm).
New! Lower Rio Grande Valley: Cassin's Kingbird -- first report: Feb 28
On Feb 27 Mary Gustafson found a Cassin's Kingbird at Falcon State Park . It was near the restroom inside the non-electric camping loop.
Coastal Bend: Glaucous Gull -- first report: Feb 18; last update: Feb 26
On Feb 15 Bernie and Pauline Morris found an immature Glaucous Gull on the beach in Galveston next to the south jetty. On Feb 25 at 3pm a Glaucous Gull was perched on a post on the bay side of Sportsman's Rd.
Updated North Texas: Glaucous Gull -- first report: Jan 11; last update: Feb 28
On Jan 11 at 10:30am a 1st-cycle Glaucous Gull was found in the Dallas area. It was in Rowlett at E. Main St. at the lake. On Feb 28 it was refound by Bob Stone and Chris Runk at the same location at the same time of day. On both occasions the bird was flying to the NW.
Updated Coastal Bend: Townsend's Warbler -- first report: Jan 9; last update: Mar 1
On Jan 9 Jon McIntyre found a Townsend's Warbler at Aransas NWR. On Jan 23, when it was seen at 10am feeding in the live oaks near the headquarters. It has been associating with a mixed flock of Orange-crowned Warblers, kinglets, and Chipping Sparrows.
Latest Sightings: Jan 26, Jan 28, Feb 6 (am, in the oak trees near the visitor center). Feb 9, Feb 13 (same location). Feb 15, Feb 21, Feb 25 (3:45-4pm, in the oaks across from the visitor center parking lot), Mar 1.
Coastal Bend: Long-tailed Duck -- first report: Feb 8; last update: Feb 27
On Feb 8 between 11am-noon Karon Broadbent observed and photographed a female Long-tailed Duck at Rockport Beach Park, Aransas County. The bird was on the southeast side opposite the Connie Hagar Wildlife Sanctuary and was associating with a group of Redheads. It was about halfway between the entrance booth and the first pier on the right side driving in. It was not very skittish and when alarmed it circled back around with the Redheads and settled down near the same place. On Feb 9 the bird was relocated at noon a little further offshore and at 4pm on the Aransas Bay side near the first pavilion on the right after entering the park. The bird has continued at least through Feb 27. On Feb 27 it was seen in the afternoon off Water St. with a small flock of Redheads and scaup.
Central Texas: Long-tailed Duck -- first report: Jan 18; last update Feb 25
On Jan 17 Glen Coleman and Sarah McDonald found an immature male Long-tailed Duck at Walter E. Long Lake on the east side of Austin. The bird was seen fairly close to the boat ramp and also a little to the right (towards the dam). The duck has continued at least through Feb 24. (Photos by Greg Lasley).
Tips by Greg Lasley: Enter the Lake Walter E. Long Park (City of Austin Park, $5.00 vehicle admittance if someone is in the entry booth) and turn to the right and go down pretty much as far as you can drive. The bird was hanging out near a reed bed down near the base of the dam. It seems to like to forage quite close to the bank. The shots I've posted were all taken from my car window with a telephoto lens. The bird actively dives while foraging, so watch for that behavior to help locate the bird. As long as you remain the the car, the bird tends to ignore you, but perhaps the bird would tolerate a person on foot, but I did not try.
Updated Central Texas: Calliope Hummingbird -- first report: Sep 16; last update: Mar 1
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 1.
Updated Central Texas: Black-throated Gray Warbler -- first report: Jan 30; last update: Mar 1
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 Feb. 28. Latest Sighting: Feb 28 - 8:30-9:30am, actively feeding feeding across the river from the big cypress tree on Thompson Island in the park.
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 the HUGE cypress.
Updated Central Texas: Least Grebe -- first report: May 29; last update: Mar 1
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 through Feb 27.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: White-collared Seedeater -- last update: Feb 22
Latest sightings: Feb 22 -Zapata: female at the pond adjacent to the library. Feb 8, Feb 16: along Zacate Creek in Laredo. (Photo by Alan Schmierer, 2/8).
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: Another good site is behind the library at the county park in Zapata.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: Red-billed Pigeon, Muscovy Duck -- last update: Feb 27
On Feb 13 Kim Eckert found 13 Red-billed Pigeons at the staging/roosting area near beginning of the Las Palmas Rd, just N of Zapata (in taller trees N side of road). On Feb 20 there were 6 Red-billed Pigeons and on Feb 21 three birds in the trees just east of Hwy 83 and North of Las Palmas Road, just north of Zapata. There were 6 birds at this roost on Feb 25 at 6pm. On Feb 27 a single pigeon was spotted on the morning of Feb 27. Salineno (#80 on the Lower Texas Coast Wildlife Trail. Map) is a traditional site for Red-billed Pigeons and Muscovy Ducks. On Feb 27 it was reported that Red-billed Pigeons were being seen at Salineno on the island in the early morning. On 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.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls --
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls are heard (and rarely seen) at Bentsen Rio Grande Valley SP-WBC in the pre-dawn hours. 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. Beware the approach roads! They are full of potholes. Old Port Isabel Road is in even poorer condition.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: Hook-billed Kite -- last update: Feb 26
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 sighting at Bentsen was on Feb 26 (3 kites soaring over HQ at 3:30pm). There have also been frequent reports at Santa Ana NWR, particularly around Cattail Lakes. The latest sighting at Anzalduas Co. Park is Feb 21.
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 -- last update: Feb 21
On Feb 9-10 at 7:30-8am Kim Eckert found about 25 Red-crowned Parrots in a residential area off 34th St in Weslaco, a few blocks W of Estero Llano Grande parking lot (also 2-3 Lilac-crowneds among them). 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.
