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The American Birding Association recommends that birders use a standard FRS (Family Radio Service) channel. This kind of common communication is often essential when trying to re-find a roving rarity. The ABA recommends channel 11 subcode 22 for birding communications. Many of the modern FRS radios have built-in GPS and can transmit location information to other capable receivers. For more information, see Using Radios for Birding by Paul Baicich on the Bird Watcher's Digest web site.
To report a Texas rare bird sighting, please email staff@narba.org
*Texas Review Species - please send reports to Mark Lockwood, Texas Bird Records.
Updated South Texas: PINE FLYCATCHER* --
first report: Jan 3; last update: Jan 8
On Jan 3 Sheridan Coffey reported an almost certain PINE FLYCATCHER* (a Mexican empid) at the Calliham Unit of Choke Canyon SP in McMullen County, south of San Antonio. The bird was first found by Willie Sekula on Dec 13. It was thought to be a western type, which it resembles. On Jan 1 Martin Reid, Willie, Derek Muschalek and Sheridan Coffey went to the unit and observed, photographed, and recorded the bird. Full report, description, directions to site, and guidelines. On the morning of Jan 3 more audio and some video were obtained. Martin has posted a web page on the bird with photos and audio. This bird, if accepted will be a first record for the US. The Pine Flycatcher looks most like a western type in plumage, but less bulky, smaller billed and with black legs. The tear drop is whitish rather than yellow and is not as extensive behind the eye as a typical western. Please be courteous. Absolutely do not chase or pressure the bird. It will come in if you are patient. Martin reported that "It does seem to be absent for longer periods around midday, but becomes more active again in the afternoon; if it's not around when you arrive, walk slowly between the barrier and the fenced area, listening for its rather loud and distinctive call, usually delivered in fairly long bursts before going quiet again." Please avoid excessive movements and loud talking. Stay on the service road or trail and remember to sign the guest book. On Jan 4 it was seen in the morning at the posted location and also later in the morning on the Birding Trail. (Photos). On Jan 1 it had been heard calling on that trail, so that area is also well worth checking out. It has continued to be seen intermittently with the last reported sighting at 4:40pm on Jan 8. NOTE: Choke Canyon State Park will be closed 10pm Sun, Jan 11, to 2pm on Wed, Jan 14.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER* --
first report: Jan 3; last update: Jan 5
On Jan 3 around noon Nick Wallisch found an adult male FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER* in Willacy County southeast of Raymondville. The area was searched without success on Jan 4.
Directions: From Raymondville go east on TX 186 toward Port Mansfield. Then go south on FM 1420. The road will make a "S" curve and at that point go left (east) on CR 2100, also named Zinnia Rd. (signed "Willamar Oil Field"). Follow this road until it turns to the right (south) and becomes county road 505, also named Citation rd. Not far after this, turn left (east) again onto county road 5007, also named Wild Life Rd. Go about a mile or so and you'll notice US Fish and Wildlife signs on your right. After you pass a yellowish gate on the left you'll reach an area with a lot of brush and wetlands on both sides of the road. The Fork-tailed Flycatcher was reported from the wires in this area.
Updated Lower Rio Grande Valley: CRIMSON-COLLARED GROSBEAK* --
first report: Dec 14; last update: Jan 8
On Dec 14 at noon Jamie Ritter and two others got very good looks at a female CRIMSON-COLLARED GROSBEAK* at Frontera Audubon in Weslaco. (Photos). The bird was refound on Dec 15. On Dec 22 it was seen at 2pm on the trail furthest to the right, along the fence boundary, but inside Frontera. It was halfway to the boardwalk on this trail. The bird has continued through Jan 8. CLAY-COLORED THRUSHES and ALTAMIRA ORIOLES are also present. Frontera Audubon Thicket is #58 on the Lower Texas Coast Wildlife Trail.
Updated Lower Rio Grande Valley: BLUE BUNTING* --
first report: Dec 9; last update: Jan 8
On Dec 6, a female BLUE BUNTING* was found at Frontera Audubon's nature sanctuary in Weslaco. Latest sightings: Dec 23-25, Dec 27, Dec 29 (am and as late as 2:45pm to the right of the entrance gate on the old orange grove side), Jan 2-4, Jan 8.
A second BLUE BUNTING, an adult male, was seen at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park on Jan 4-5 and was photographed on Jan 7. It is in the Acacia Loop and Kiskadee Blind area. The bird continued on Jan 8.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: MASKED DUCK* --
first report: Dec 15; last update: Jan 6
On Dec 14 five MASKED DUCKS* were found during the La Sal Vieja CBC. The location is just outside of the East Lake tract of the LRGV NWR.(#9 on the Lower TX Coast Wildlife Trail). Sightings have continued through Jan 6 with up to six ducks being present. (Photos). Please note that the ponds are on private property, but it may not be necessary to get out of the car.
Directions: To reach the site, take Texas 88 north from Weslaco to its end at TX 186. Turn right/east on 186 to 1761. Turn left/north on 1761 & continue until it makes a sharp right (eastern) turn. At that point, instead of following paved 1761 eastward, continue directly north onto a dirt (caliche road) which is Rt. 141 (and is marked). Continue on 141 until one comes to a green/white street sign that says "Brushline Rd." and then turn left. (At this "T" intersection, there also is a sign pointing left that says "Wildlife Refuge.") Again, when one sees a sign for Brushline Road (and the "Wildlife Refuge" signing pointing left), turn left there (onto Brushline Road). At this point you will be heading west. After about 0.2 miles, you will find the first of the small ponds where Masked Duck has been found, but be sure to check the ponds further up the road (i.e., to the west) for that species.
Alternate Directions: For Valley birders it may be easier to take 1425 east of Mercedes by the outlet mall. Then it's a straight drive north with few stops signs up to 186. Turn right on 186 to 1761 and north to CR3700 and left to the fenced ponds.
North Texas: LITTLE GULL* -- first report: Jan 2
On Jan 2 at about 11am Greg Cook found an adult basic LITTLE GULL* on the Dallas County side of Lake Ray Hubbard. Greg's report: "The bird was accompanying about 25 Bonaparte's Gulls feeding and resting on the water. Blaine Carnes joined me and we both viewed the bird until 12:30, at which time we left. Note: This is an area where we have somewhat routinely found Little Gull in past winters.
Directions: Exit Broadway off Interstate 30 west of the causeway. Proceed north on Broadway approximately 1.5 miles and turn right onto Wynn Joyce Road. Follow Wynn Joyce to its at the lake and proceed right to the open area in which to view the lake. The bird was approximately 100 yards off shore.
North Texas: possible ARCTIC LOON* -- first report: Jan 2
On Jan 2 Richard Kinney reported that the possible ARCTIC LOON* that was at Lake Tawakoni last year has returned to the same location. It was seen at least once at the same boat launch near the Holiday Marina. Once again the bird was very far out on the lake. Also present on the lake are a Pacific Loon and a Red-thraoted Loon. Please refer to the Arctic Loon section for directions to the marina, photos, and reports on last year's loon.
Updated South Padre Island: PURPLE SANDPIPER* --
first report: Dec 1; last update: Jan 8
On Nov 29 Nancy Norman observed and photographed a PURPLE SANDPIPER* on the South Padre Island Jetty. It was hanging out with a flock of Ruddy Turnstones when she saw it. The location was about half the way out, on the north side. On the morning of Dec 2 Scarlet and George Colley refound the bird. It was feeding with Ruddy Turnstones right at the very end of the north jetty on the north side just about ten granite blocks from the tip. Dan Jones has posted photos of his Dec 7 observations: Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3 with Ruddy Turnstone. The sandpiper has continued at least through Jan 8.
Caution: It is a long, tough walk out to see the bird, and the slippery rocks can be very treacherous especially early in the morning. Please be extremely careful when birding the jetty. Scarlet Colley has offered to take anyone who can't make the trek on foot in the Dolphin Research and Sealife Center's pontoon boat (handicap accessible). The cost is $15/person for the boat trip. Please call the Sealife Nature Center at 956-299-1957 for more information.
Updated Lower Rio Grande Valley: DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER* --
first report: Nov 5; last update: Jan 8
On the morning of Nov 5 a DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER* was heard and seen in front of the visitor center at Sabal Palm Audubon Center by a group of birders on the Harlingen Birding Festival tour. It has continued to be reported almost daily as of Jan 8 but is more often heard calling than seen. It is believed that two birds may be present.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: ROSE-THROATED BECARD* --
first report: Nov 6; last update: Jan 4
On the morning of Nov 6 a male ROSE-THROATED BECARD* was spotted by the RGV Birding Festival group at Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco. It continued to be seen almost daily through Nov 20. On Dec 8 presumably the same bird was refound and has continued through Jan 3. The bird is in a restricted access area. Access is by scheduled field trips or escort only. Guided tours are currently scheduled for Mondays at 10 AM, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sundays at 8:30am. In addition to the above scheduled times, if you inquire at the visitor's center a volunteer or staff member may be available to escort you back to the area. Contact the park at 956-565-3919 for more information.
Updated South Texas: CASSIN'S VIREO --
first report: Jan 3; last update: Jan 8
A Cassin's Vireo was photographed at Bentsen State Park on Jan 3 and was conclusively identified and photographed Jan 6. It is in the Headquarters area near the store.
Updated South Texas: LONG-TAILED DUCK, GREATER SCAUP --
first report: Dec 22; last update: Jan 8
On Dec 22 Glenn Perrigo observed a LONG-TAILED DUCK and a GREATER SCAUP which have been present at Kaufer-Hubert Park in Riviera, Kleberg County. (Photos). Both birds continued on Jan 2. The Scaup has continued at least through Jan 7.
Directions: From Kingsville, go 11 mi. south on US 77 to FM 628. Turn left and go about 8.5 mi. to Loyola Beach. Continue southeast on 628 to park.
North Texas: LONG-TAILED DUCK -- first report: Jan 3
On Jan 3 Keith Lockhart and Greg & Kay McIntire observed a female LONG-TAILED DUCK at Hagerman NWR. Keith reported that the sighting was along the access road to L Pad. The bird was first sighted along the south side of the road and then flew to the north side and remained in view for at least 10 minutes.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: GLAUCOUS GULL -- first report: Dec 28; last update: Jan 2
On Dec 27 during the Brownsville CBC Martin Hagne & Jean Owen tentatively identified a 1st winter GLAUCOUS GULL at the Brownsville landfill. It has now been confirmed and was refound on Jan 2 at 3:15-3:45pm. Martin's report: "It seemed very content there with the 11,000 some other gulls (Laughing, Ring-billed, Herring). It spent much time on the ground on the slopes of the landfill, but would at times join in the massive gull flights over the machines covering the garbage. It was easily distinguished by its large size (about the size of the Herrings) and by its very pale (almost pure white) appearance mixed with some fine very light brown mottling. In flight it looks pure white, massive and full bodied."
Landfill Directions & Guidelines: At the intersection of FM511 and FM802 continue east on FM802 (also called Ebony Rd) to the entrance to the Brownsville City Landfill. The Landfill is open from 7:00am to 3:45pm, and is closed on Sundays and holidays. As you enter the Landfill, pull up to the right side of the small entry office (not onto the scales on the left) and indicate that you are a birder and you will be allowed to continue with a map they give you. Park only in designated areas.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: BLACK-THROATED MAGPIE-JAY, TROPICAL PARULA -- last update: Jan 4
As of Jan 3 the continuing BLACK-THROATED MAGPIE-JAY at Estero Llano Grande State Park is being seen almost every day in an area near the headquarters. (Photos). The bird is of captive origin. It is being seen in a closed area of the park; access is by prior arrangement. A TROPICAL PARULA, CLAY-COLORED THRUSH, and TROPICAL KINGBIRD are also being seen in the same area. Contact the park at 956-565-3919 for information.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: TROPICAL PARULA , CLAY-COLORED THRUSH --
first report: Nov 8; last update: Dec 29
On Nov 8 Several groups with the RGV Birdfest spotted both female and male TROPICAL PARULAS on Saturday at Quinta Mazatlan WBC in McAllen. They've been spotted at the back of the facility in the corner where the property meets the country club golf course in the salt cedars and also around the parking spaces in the front of the house and have continued through Dec 28. CLAY-COLORED THRUSH and TROPICAL KINGBIRD have also been reported recently. Reminder: Quinta Mazatlan is closed on Sundays and Mondays. The facility is on 10th Street south of US 83.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: ZONE-TAILED HAWK --
first report: Dec 30; last update: Jan 1
On Dec 30 Karen Chiasson and Pat Reilley found a ZONE-TAILED HAWK at Anzalduas County Park (#68 on the Lower Texas Coast Wildlife Trail). Sightings of up to 3 birds have continued through Jan 3.
Upper Texas Coast: THAYER'S GULL -- first report: Jan 8
On Jan 7 Joseph Kennedy observed a THAYER'S GULL at Quintana at the mouth of the Brazos.
Katy Prairie: BELL'S VIREO -- first report: Dec 31
On the morning of Dec 29 Ken and Rachel Blankenship found a BELL'S VIREO on the Katy Prairie west of Houston. The bird was found on Longenbaugh Rd, just east of its intersection with Porter Rd, which is off of FM 529. It was working the scrubby fence row on the south side of the road across from the trailers. (Photos).
Upper Texas Coast: VARIED BUNTING -- first report: Jan 7
On Jan 3-4 Janet and Jeff Goings observed a VARIED BUNTING on their property in Wharton, Wharton County, southwest of Houston. The last sighting was on Jan 4. The bird was also photographed.
Central Texas: WESTERN GREBE -- first report: Dec 30
On Dec 28 Drew Plummer found four WESTERN GREBES at Lake Buchanan. He reported that the best view was from Black Rock Park. Lake Buchanan is on the Colorado River in Burnet County and Llano counties, west of the town of Burnet. (Map and Directions to Black Rock Park).
Panhandle: HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER -- first report: Dec 28
On Dec 28 Anthony Hewetson observed and photographed a fall plumage HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER in Dickens Springs (Dickens County). Anthony reported: "The bird was flycatching from willows, cottonwoods, and junipers right where the creek first spreads out, as you hike down the trail, and the trail becomes a little too spongy to traverse without rubber boots. I wouldn't be surprised if it lingers for a bit longer as temperatures are supposed to remain mild for the next several days and there were plenty of bugs to catch."
Panhandle: NORTHERN SHRIKE -- first report: Dec 29
On Dec 28 Janet Rathjen observed a young (probably first year) NORTHERN SHRIKE about a mile or so past the turn-off to the Bigbee unit of Lake Merideth National Recreation Area. Her report: "To find the area go across the dam from Sanford, go left at the brown sign to Lake Merideth National Recreation area Bigbee. Go straight past the small brown sign that says Bigbee, past a small lake, up the hill and a short ways down. If you get to a large stack of hay you have gone past the place we saw it. It had flown across the road in front of us and landed at the top of a small tree fairly close to the road. It did not stay for very long before flying off to the west."
Lower Rio Grande Valley: ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD --
first report: Sept 11; last update: Jan 5
A banded hummingbird, first spotted on Sept 9 at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, has been identified as an adult male ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD. It was initially banded at the same park on Oct 7, 2007. It is fairly regular at the feeders at the west end of the Headquarters area.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: WHITE-COLLARED SEEDEATER --
first report: Dec 26
On Dec 26 a female WHITE-COLLARED SEEDEATER was reported at Salineno. Salineno is #80 on the Lower Texas Coast Wildlife Trail.
Lower Rio Grande Valley - San Ygnacio: WHITE-COLLARED SEEDEATER -- last update: Jan 2
The bird sanctuary at San Ygnacio has been flooded by the Rio Grande. The Chachalaca Trail and the Goat Trail are still useable. The upper part of the Raptor Trail is at the North end of Trevino Street and is the original sighting of the White-collared Seedeater sometime in the 1920's. The regular Raptor Trail is under water. The Raptor Trail is 1/2 mile to the end and 1/2 mile back. The first half of the trail is not very birdy; but the second half is. 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. Alternate sites for White-collared Seedeaters are at Zapata near the pond at the south end of 9th Street and Laredo.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: RED-BILLED PIGEON, MUSCOVY DUCK -- last update: Jan 6
Watch for RED-BILLED PIGEONS and MUSCOVY DUCKS early or late in the day at Salineno. On Jan 2 twenty-four MUSCOVY DUCKS were observed late in the day flying overhead. On Jan 3-6 flocks of both species were seen multiple times. Also present were CLAY-COLORED THRUSH, GROOVE-BILLED ANI, ALTAMIRA and AUDUBON ORIOLE. (Map). Salineno is #80 on the Lower Texas Coast Wildlife Trail.
Lower Rio Grande Valley: FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWLS --
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWLS may be seen at the San Miguelito Ranch about 10 miles north of Raymondville. These birds are reportedly very visible near their nest site at the ranch. There is a fee to access this site. Prior arrangements are required - contact Leticia Tijerina, at 956-369-3118. They are also present on the King Ranch and El Canelo (both fee sites). In addition, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls may be found at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park. The last reported sighting for Bentsen is Dec 6. Please remember that the use of tapes is not allowed at Bentsen and many other sites in the valley.
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: Jan 5
Red-crowned Parrots seem to be roosting in the area of the Valley Nature Center, and Green Parakeets are staging before going to roost on 10th street between Violet and Dove at about 5:30 PM. Both species are seen at Quinta Mazatlan on South 10th street in McAllen, and in Harlingen, Pharr, and Brownsville. Red-crowned Parrots are also seen flying over Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco.
General Guidelines: Both species can be seen or heard in many valley cities, especially early and late in the day. In McAllen, Green Parakeets stage on 10th Street between Violet and Dove. In Harlingen, try Pendleton Park at the intersection of Grimes and Morgan. Fort Brown in Brownsville has both species, and they have been on Cowan Terrace recently as well north of Rt. 4 near the airport. Frontera Audubon Sanctuary and Valley Nature Center in Weslaco are good places for both species.
