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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.

Texas Christmas Bird Counts --  Find a list of Christmas Bird Counts throughout Texas on the Houston Audubon website.

Upper Texas Coast: KELP GULL* --
first report: Nov 8; last update: Nov 29
On the morning of Nov 8 Ron Weeks found a KELP GULL* at the base of the Quintana Jetty. (Photos and Detailed Description). The gull was also seen later in the day and photographed by Mark Bartosik. (Photos). He noted that the bird was slightly limping when walking, and believes there's a chance it will stay a while. When he observed it, it would make flights over open water to feed but kept coming back after that to the same spot. Mark also photographed a second black-backed gull which was present and may be a GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL*. (See photo link above for photos of possible Great Black-backed Gull). (Photos by Frank Farese). (See previous reports for sightings before Nov 18.) On Nov 18 the gull was seen by the Surfside jetties at 3:00pm and at Quintana at 4:00pm. On Nov 20 it was present at the Quintana jetty at 3:00pm. On Nov 22 it showed up on Quintana Beach at about 3:00pm and stayed for about 25 minutes and then flew over to Surfside jetty. In general, recommended viewing times are early morning (before 9:30am), afternoons after 3pm. On Nov 23 it was seen at about 2:15pm; as of Nov 29 there have been no reports of more recent sightings.  On Nov 12 five LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS were also present (three adults, one 2nd cycle, and one 3rd cycle). At least one Lesser Black-backed Gull continues to be seen as of Nov 28. (Map, prepared by Cin-Ty Lee.)

Updated South Padre Island: PURPLE SANDPIPER* --
first report: Dec 1; last update: Dec 3
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. It is a long, tough walk out to see the bird, and Scarlet 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). Please call the Sealife Nature Center at 956-299-1957 for more information.

Updated Lubbock: BRANT* --
first report: Dec 2; last update: Dec 3
On the morning of Dec 2 Brian Gibbons saw an adult "Black" BRANT* fly in with Lesser Canada Geese at McAlister Park in SW Lubbock. Brian reported: "They were resting at the north end of the pond just south of US hwy 82. There were several hundred Canadas by the time I left at 10:30, The geese had first started dropping in at at 10:00. If you are looking for this bird it can be a challenge in amongst so many geese. The blacker head and thicker neck might stick out a little but the darker chest and back might be easier to pick out in a flock of Canadas."  The Brant continued on Dec 3 at the same location.

Lower Rio Grande Valley: ROSE-THROATED BECARD* --
first report: Nov 24; last update: Nov 27
On Nov 22 an immature male ROSE-THROATED BECARD* was at Salineno. It came repeatedly to the feeder area (but did not use the feeders). Both MUSCOVY DUCKS and RED-BILLED PIGEONS were along the river. (Map). Salineno is #80 on the Lower Texas Coast Wildlife Trail. On Nov 27 the becard was present around the feeder area about 8-10am. The Salineno bird is more advanced into adult plumage (dark gray back contrasting with rufous wings) and has more extensive and intense rose on the throat than the one at Estero Llano Grande SP. Also present on Nov 27 were about 71 RED-BILLED PIGEONS, a pair of GRAY HAWKS and several MUSCOVY DUCKS, juvenile and adult.

Lower Rio Grande Valley: DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER* --
first report: Nov 5; last update: Dec 1
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 Dec 1 but is more often heard calling than seen. Another DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER was heard at Santa Ana NWR near the old managers residence on Nov 8.

Coastal Bend: BRANT* --
first report: Nov 22; last update: Nov 25
On the morning of Nov 22 Larry and Judith Jordan found two probable BRANTS* in a pond south of Kingsville. The area also had perhaps a thousand Ross', Snow and White-fronted Geese. The birds were refound at 3:00pm at the same location. On Nov 23 the birds were not found. On Nov 25 one was seen at about 9:30am at the original location.
Directions: The pond is located southeast of the intersection of Kleberg County Roads 1120 and 2240. Probably the easiest way to get there is go south from Kingsville on US 77 and go east on FM 628 to FM 772. Go north on 772 for 1.5 miles and turn right (east) on County Road 2240 and go 1 mile to the intersection with 1120. About 1/2 mile before you get to the intersection, there is another pond which also had several hundred geese.
Alternate Route: Going south from Kingsville, proceed through Ricardo about 2 to 3 miles to where C/R 772 crosses Hwy-77 (this is before C/R 628). Turn left (east) and go down C/R 772 for 4 miles to a stop sign and turn right continuing on 772 for another 4.2 miles to C/R 2240 and again turn left (east). This road is only 1.0 miles long with the the fore mentioned pond on each end. C/R 2240 does go past the intersection with C/R1120, but as a small dead end caliche road.

Coastal Bend: SURF SCOTER --
first report: Nov 23; last update: Nov 24
On Nov 23 Robert Creglow found two female SURF SCOTERS in a mixed raft of ducks at Drum Point on the Cayo Del Grullo finger of Baffin Bay. They continued on Nov 24.
Directions to Drum Point (all mileages estimated): From Hwy-77 headed south, turn left (east) on CR 628 and go approx. 7 to 8 miles to the sharp turn to the right. this the intersection of CR 628 and CR 1140 (there is a store on the left hand corner and Kings Inn resturant is in front of you). Turn left (north) on CR 1140 about a mile to where it turns back west and becomes CR 2250. Continue on about .5 mile to the intersection of CR 1132 which will take you out to Drum Point. The scoters were seen straight out from where the asphalt meets the unpaved shoreline road. Note: CR2250 and 1132 are unmarked. Driving south on FM 772, look for the sign for CR2240 and turn left on the next road. Drive east on 2250 until you reach a group of white bins on the left and turn at those. You will see the sign for 1132 after you make the turn.

Galveston: THAYER'S GULL -- first report: Nov 22
On Nov 22 Cin-Ty Lee observed a pale 1st year THAYER'S GULL in Galveston. The bird was associating with Herring, Ring-billed and Laughing Gulls on the beach behind the McDonald's and just before the turn-off to the ferry.

Lower Rio Grande Valley: TROPICAL PARULA , CLAY-COLORED THRUSH--
first report: Nov 8; last update: Nov 26
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. Parula sightings and sightings for a GROOVE-BILLED ANI have continued through Nov 20. On the morning of Nov 25 the parula and ani continued, as well as two CLAY-COLORED THRUSHES. Reminder: Quinta Mazatlan is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Upper TX Coast: MAGNIFICENT HUMMINGBIRD --
first report: Oct 18; last update: Nov 28
On Oct 18 a MAGNIFICENT HUMMINGBIRD was caught and banded by Kay and Robert Lookingbill at Lake Jackson during the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory's on-going banding project. It was a juvenile male, with the iridescent purple starting to show on the top of the head, and the brilliant green gorget feathers coming in. This may be the first record of this species for Brazoria Co. It was not refound the rest of the day. On Oct 21 the hummingbird appeared in the Lookingbills' backyard in Lake Jackson and stayed for at least 20 minutes. On Nov 28 presumably the same bird was seen again in Lake Jackson; three times in the afternoon it visited a feeder about 2 miles from the banding location.

Lower Rio Grande Valley: ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD --
first report: Sept 11; last update: Nov 27
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 now becoming more regular at the feeders at the west end of the Headquarters area.

Katy Prairie: PYRRHULOXIA -- first report: Dec. 2
On Dec 1 Jeff Mohamed discovered that the female PYRRHULOXIA has returned to the same location on the Katy Prairie: Longenbaugh Rd. just east of Porter End at the creek crossing. Last year it was first seen on Dec. 12 with reports continuing through Feb. 13. It appears to like the southeast corner of the bridge along the ditch at Bear Creek. It has also been seen feeding in the grass on both sides of the road and perching up in the hedgerows.

Lower Rio Grande Valley: RED-BILLED PIGEON, MUSCOVY DUCK --
Watch for RED-BILLED PIGEONS and MUSCOVY DUCKS early or late in the day at Salineno. On Nov 6 six RED-BILLED PIGEONS were seen. Jack Eitniear reported that this species flocks in the fall and moves into Mexico so groups tend to be more difficult to observe late in the year. While a few often reside in the area in winter now seems to be your best opportunity to view this species. (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).

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: Dec 4
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.

Lower Rio Grande Valley - San Ygnacio: WHITE-COLLARED SEEDEATER -- last update: Dec 4
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. In general during the months of August, September, October, and part of November WHITE-COLLARED SEEDEATERS are very difficult to find. 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: BLACK-THROATED MAGPIE-JAY --
last update: Nov 18
As of Nov 18 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. Contact the park at 956-565-3919 for information.