Rio Grande Valley Rare Bird Alert - November 18, 2024

 Rarities in the Rio Grande Valley, from West to East: 

Starr County

A Wood Thrush was reported at Falcon State Park in the Butterfly Garden on 11/11 and continued through at least 11/13. 

Morelet's Seedeater and Muscovy Duck have been reported at Salineño recently. Seedeaters are closely associated with the cane grass right along the river trail and on the island. A Red-breasted Nuthatch was at the same location on 11/10-12. Two Hook-billed Kites, one of which was photographed, were seen on 11/16. 

Santa Margarita Ranch: Brown Jay, Mottled Owl, Muscovy Duck, Rose-throated Becard, Red-billed Pigeon, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, and Hook-billed Kite have been present here. Recently a Limpkin (11/12-16), an Anna's Hummingbird (11/15-16), a Song Sparrow (11/14-18), and a Dunlin (11/12) have been seen as well. Site admission is through pre-arranged guided access only.

Hidalgo County

A Sage Thrasher was found on 11/10 on Jaras Chinas Road. See eBird for exact coordinates.

Two Audubon's Orioles have been at Bentsen State Park from 11/7 to 11/14. 

An Audubon's Oriole and a hybrid Audubon's x Altamira continue at the National Butterfly Center for the third year this season. 

A drake Wood Duck was at Edinburg Scenic Wetlands on 11/10 and continues through at least 11/16. 

A young male Rose-throated Becard was photographed on 10/28 on the Chachalaca Trail at Santa Ana NWR. A Rose-throated Becard was reported most recently on 11/14 near Cattail Lake.  

A young Reddish Egret is hanging out at Delta Lake, usually on the east side of FM 88. Most recently reported on 11/16. 

A male Greater Scaup was found on Donna Reservoir amongst the scores of Lesser Scaup on 11/15.

A Dunlin was found at Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco on 11/12.

A Say's Phoebe was photographed at Anzalduas Park on 11/18.

Cameron County

A Hermit Warbler continues at Buena Vista Cemetery in Brownsville through at least 11/18. A Tropical Parula continued through 11/17 as well. 

A Hermit Warbler appears to be overwintering in Brownsville in the same location where one wintered last year. Photo by Evan Farese.

An Iceland Gull was at the Brownsville Landfill on 11/9 and photographed again on 11/16. 

A Tropical Parula was at Resaca de la Palma State Park on 11/11. Two Dusky-capped Flycatchers were reported here on 11/15.

A Sooty Shearwater was seen from Boca Chica Beach near the mouth of the Rio Grande on 11/7. 

An immature Bald Eagle was seen over Laguna Atascosa on 11/6. A Tropical Parula was near the HQ on also on 11/6. 

A Tropical Parula was found on the Laguna Vista Nature Trail on 11/1, continuing through at least 11/8. An Anna's Hummingbird was photographed at this location on 11/18.

A Townsend's Warbler was found at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center on 11/17. A Brewer's Sparrow and a White-throated Sparrow were observed here, both most recently reported on 11/16. Lingering Bay-breasted Warblers and Chestnut-sided Warblers continue at the Birding and Nature Center through at least 11/17. A late Groove-billed Ani has been reported there as well, most recently on 11/16. A Purple Gallinule has been hanging out at this location since 10/24, often seen around Blind 5. An Anna's Hummingbird was reported here on 11/9. 

A Bay-breasted Warbler continues through 11/18 at the Valley Land Fund Lots on W Sheepshead St on South Padre Island. A Prairie Warbler was observed here on 11/12. A late Scarlet Tanager (11/10-13) and a late Swainson's Thrush (11/5-11/14) have been reported at this location as well. A late Worm-eating Warbler was photographed on (11/15).

A Red-breasted Nuthatch was found at the South Padre Island Convention Center on 11/8. Chestnut-sided Warbler and Groove-billed Ani were both most recently reported on 11/13. 

Willacy County

A Sabine's Gull was found at Fred Stone County Park in Port Mansfield on 11/16 and continues through 11/18. 

Willacy County's second Sabine's Gull. Photo by Evan Farese

A Red-necked Phalarope and a Western Kingbird were found near Santa Monica on 11/7. 

Full, up-to-date county eBird Rare Bird Alert Summaries:

Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy 

A note on playback: Playback is strictly prohibited in ALL State Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and many if not all private nature parks. In addition to being potentially harmful to birds when used extensively, it is also disruptive towards other birders. Thank you for not using playback! 

Good Birding! 

---------------------------

Compiled by Evan Farese
Nature Ninja Birding Tours 

Additional resources for visiting birders may be found at NatureNinjaBirding.com. 

Rio Grande Valley Rare Bird Alert - November 11, 2024

Rarities in the Rio Grande Valley, from West to East: 

Starr County

A Wood Thrush was reported at Falcon State Park in the Butterfly Garden on 11/11. 

Morelet's Seedeaters and Muscovy Duck have been reported at Salineno recently. They are closely associated with the cane grass right along the river trail and on the island. A Red-breasted Nuthatch was at the same location on 11/10 - 11/11, as well as a Common Grackle on 11/8. 

Santa Margarita Ranch: Brown Jay, Mottled Owl, Muscovy Duck, Rose-throated Becard and Hook-billed Kite have been present here. Site admission is through pre-arranged guided access only. 

Hidalgo County

A Sage Thrasher was found on 11/10 on Jaras Chinas Road. 

Two Audubon's Orioles have been at Bentsen State Park from 11/7 to 11/11. 

An Audubon's Oriole and a hybrid Audubon's x Altamira continue at the National Butterfly for the third year this season. 

A Spotted Towhee was at Quinta Mazatlan on 11/7 and 11/8. 

A drake Wood Duck was at Edinburg Scenic Wetlands on 11/10 through 11/11. 

A young male Rose-throated Becard was photographed on 10/28 on the Chachalaca Trail at Santa Ana NWR. It was reported again on 11/3. A late Groove-billed Ani was found on 11/8. 

A late-staying Groove-billed Ani was reported in the Tropical Zone at Estero State Park on 11/11. A female Painted Bunting was found in the same park, in the Tropical Zone, on 11/5. 

An immature Bald Eagle was seen soaring over Frontera Audubon on 11/6. 

A Reddish Egret was at Delta Lake from 11/6 to 11/8. 

Cameron County

A Hermit Warbler continues at Buena Vista Cemetery in Brownsville through at least 11/10. A Tropical Parula was here on 11/10. 

A Tropical Parula was found at UTRGV Brownsville on 10/31. 

An Iceland Gull was at the Brownsville Landfill on 11/9. 

A Tropical Parula was at Resaca de la Palma on 11/11. 

A Sooty Shearwater was seen from Brazos Island in Brownsville on 11/7. 

An immature Bald Eagle was seen over Laguna Atascosa on 11/6. A Tropical Parula was near the HQ on 11/6. 

A Tropical Parula was found on the Laguna Vista Nature Trail on 11/1, continuing through 11/8. 

A Cape May Warbler was reported on 11/1 at the Valley Land Fund lots on Sheepshead Street, continuing through at least 11/5. 

A Red-breasted Merganser was found at the South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center on 11/6. A Groove-billed Ani was here on 11/10 to 11/11. A Red-Breasted Nuthatch on 11/8. An Anna's Hummingbird was present on 11/9, and Purple Gallinule from 11/8 to 11/10. A Western Kingbird on 11/9. 

A Townsend's Warbler was found at the South Padre Island Convention Center on 11/5.  

Willacy County

A Red-necked Phalarope and a Western Kingbird were found near Lyford on 11/7. 

There are a lot of late-staying migrants and lesser rarities this season not reported above. Full, up-to-date county eBird Rare Bird Alert Summaries:

Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy 

A note on playback: Playback is strictly prohibited in ALL State Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and many if not all private nature parks. In addition to being potentially harmful to birds when used extensively, it is also disruptive towards other birders. Thank you for not using playback! 

Good Birding! 

---------------------------

Compiled by Tiffany Kersten 
Nature Ninja Birding Tours 

Additional resources for visiting birders may be found at NatureNinjaBirding.com. 

Rio Grande Valley Rare Bird Alert - Nov 5, 2024

Rarities in the Rio Grande Valley, from West to East: 

Here is a short list of rarities seen over the past week. 

Weekly Sunday / Monday blog updates will commence on Nov 10 or 11. Tomorrow begins the first day of the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, so we are expecting a lot more birds to turn up! 

Starr County

A Reddish Egret was reported at Falcon State Park on 11/2. A Black Skimmer was present at the same park from 11/1 to 11/5. 

Morelet's Seedeaters have been reported at Salineno recently. They are closely associated with the cane grass right along the river trail and on the island. 

Santa Margarita Ranch: Brown Jay, Mottled Owl, Muscovy Duck, Rose-throated Becard and Hook-billed Kite have been present here. Site admission is through pre-arranged guided access only. 

Hidalgo County

An immature male Rose-breasted Grosbeak was in the parking lot at Bentsen State Park on 11/5. 

A young male Rose-throated Becard was photographed on 10/28 on the Chachalaca Trail at Santa Ana NWR. It was reported again on 11/3. 

A Palm Warbler was reported at Estero State Park on 10/31. A female Painted Bunting was found in the same park, in the Tropical Zone, on 11/5. 

Cameron County

A Hermit Warbler continues at Buena Vista Cemetery in Brownsville through at least 11/1. 

A Tropical Parula was found at UTRGV Brownsville on 10/31. 

A Tropical Parula was found on the Laguna Vista Nature Trail on 11/1. 

A female Black-throated Blue Warbler and a Swainson's Warbler were found at the South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center on 10/30, with the Black-throated Blue reported through 11/1. 

A Cape May Warbler was reported on 11/1 at the Valley Land Fund lots on Sheepshead Street, continuing through at least 11/5. 

A Townsend's Warbler was found at the South Padre Island Convention Center on 11/5.  

Willacy County

No rarities to report, likely due to lack of birder presence. 

A note on playback: Playback is strictly prohibited in ALL State Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and many if not all private nature parks. In addition to being potentially harmful to birds when used extensively, it is also disruptive towards other birders. Thank you for not using playback! 

Good Birding! 

---------------------------

Compiled by Tiffany Kersten 
Nature Ninja Birding Tours 

Additional resources for visiting birders may be found at NatureNinjaBirding.com. 

Weekly Updates Returning in November!

Weekly rarity reports will return in November 2024! 

A note on playback: Playback is strictly prohibited in ALL Rio Grande Valley State Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and many, if not all private nature parks. In addition to being potentially harmful to birds when used extensively, it is also disruptive towards other birders. Thank you for not using playback! 

Good Birding! 

---------------------------

Tiffany Kersten
Nature Ninja Birding Tours 

Additional resources for visiting birders, including birding sites, target specialty species, and lodging and restaurant recommendations, may be found at NatureNinjaBirding.com. 

Rio Grande Valley Rare Bird Alert - April 8, 2024

 Rarities in the Rio Grande Valley, from West to East: 

Spring migration is underway and species that are reported as rare but are just a little early will not be listed below. If interested in these sightings, please check eBird.

Starr County

The BARE-THROATED TIGER-HERON being seen at Santa Margarita Ranch was last seen at Salineño on 3/15. It is possible it is still in the area. Morelet's Seedeaters have been reported regularly at Salineno recently, perhaps due to increased birder presence. They are closely associated with the cane grass right along the river trail and on the island. A Song Sparrow was seen at Salineno on 11/30 and continued through at least 3/25. Red-billed Pigeons have been relatively regular the last few weeks. A male and two female Rose-throated Becard have been around, seen through 3/17. Wild Muscovy Ducks have been reported flying along the river at Salineno recently as well.

Santa Margarita Ranch (restricted access): Several BROWN JAYS, Rose-throated Becards, a BARE-THROATED TIGER HERON and a MOTTLED OWL (as well as some lesser rarities) have been present here. Below is a full list of local and visiting birders and professional guides leading trips to the ranch. Those guiding will provide further information via email on accessibility, fees, group sizes (sometimes up to 20), and other relevant information. Trip fees are set individually by the guides and are currently $140 on weekdays and $160 weekends. 

Daytime Trips: 

Monday - Wednesday: Cameron Cox (kumlieni@gmail.com) & Ryan Rodriguez (Cameron is handling bookings for both)

Thursday - Sunday: Simon Kiacz (simonkiacz@gmail.com) & Zach Johnson (santamargaritatxranch@gmail.com) 

Nighttime Trips: 

Simon Kiacz & Zach Johnson (mottledowlsmr@gmail.com) 

Hidalgo County

A Rose-throated Becard has been seen off and on this winter and spring at Bentsen State Park. It was most recently reported near the visitors center on 4/4. A Hook-billed Kite was seen from the hawk tower on 4/7.

An adult Audubon's Oriole, as well as a young Audubon's x Altamira hybrid continue at the National Butterfly Center this season. They are often in the vicinity of the feeding station. 

A CRIMSON-COLLARED GROSBEAK was found on 12/10 at Frontera Audubon in Weslaco, and continues through at least 4/6. Two individuals were reported on 4/2. Frontera is closed Sunday mornings and Mondays. 

At least one Black-headed Grosbeak has been hanging out at Estero Llano Grande State Park since 2/7, continuing through 4/3. A CRIMSON-COLLARED GROSBEAK was reported by the Green Jay Trail on 3/25. 

Cameron County

A GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER continued at Hugh Ramsey Park near Cypress Pond through at least through 3/23. A Black-capped Vireo was photographed here on 4/2. 

A Limpkin continues at Kennedy Park in San Benito through 4/2.  

A juvenile ROADSIDE HAWK was found near the resaca along the tram route, at Resaca de la Palma State Park, on 11/7, and it continues through 3/23. The third ABA record, and first Texas record, of of GRAY-COLLARED BECARD has been present since 11/24 and continues through at least 4/2. A Rose-throated Becard was seen in the parking lot area and was last reported on 4/6. A Tropical Parula was found on 11/12 and one continues to be reported through 4/7. At least two Western Tanagers were seen here on 11/8 and continued through 4/1.  

At least one Brewer's Sparrow continues at Palo Alto Battlefield through 3/30. 

A FAN-TAILED WARBLER was found at UTRGV Brownsville on 1/5 and continues through 4/5. See eBird for details on where it has been seen. 

The county's second and valley's third Downy Woodpecker has been seen at the Valley Land Fund lots on Sheepshead Street as well as near the west end of Mesquite and Retama Streets on South Padre Island. It was most recently seen at the Valley Land Fund Lots on 4/4.

A pair of ROSE-THROATED BECARDS (male and female) were photographed on 3/22 in Lincoln Park in Brownsville. 

A MEXICAN VIOLETEAR was found on 4/7 on a bottlebrush tree in a lot between West Carolyn Drive and West Cora Lee Drive on South Padre Island. The tree is on private property so if chasing, please respect the homeowner's wishes to not visit between 5pm and 10am. 

The county's fifth Mexican Violetear was an amazing find on South Padre Island this week. Photo by Evan Farese.

A Black-capped Vireo was found at the South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center on 4/2, and was last reported on 4/4. It was joined briefly by a male Varied Bunting on 4/3. 

A Black-capped Vireo was found on West Oleander Street on 4/7.

Two Townsend's Warblers were found at the South Padre Island Convention Center on 4/7 and at least one continued on 4/8. A Brewer's Sparrow was also seen here on 4/7. A Prairie Warbler was found here on 4/8 as well. 

A male BLUE BUNTING was seen briefly and audio was recorded at Sabal Palm Sanctuary on 4/6. 

Willacy County

The county's first Plumbeous Vireo was found at the Raymondville Cemetery on 4/3. 

***EXTRALIMITAL: Cattle Tyrant is continuing in downtown Corpus Christi. Check eBird for current updates. 

A note on playback: Playback is strictly prohibited in ALL State Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and many if not all private nature parks. In addition to being potentially harmful to birds when used extensively, it is also disruptive towards other birders. Thank you for not using playback! 

Good Birding! 

---------------------------

Compiled by Evan Farese
Nature Ninja Birding Tours 

Additional resources for visiting birders may be found at NatureNinjaBirding.com. 

Rio Grande Valley Rare Bird Alert - March 25, 2024

 Rarities in the Rio Grande Valley, from West to East: 

*Say's Phoebes, Dusky-capped Flycatchers, and Green-tailed Towhees have been in many places in the RGV this year, and will not be listed below. Check eBird for details on locations of these species. 

Spring migration is underway and species that are reported as rare but are just a little early will not be listed below. If interested in these sightings, please check eBird.

Starr County

An adult Little Gull was an incredible find on 3/17 at Falcon State Park in western Starr County. The bird was seen at the southmost reaches of the park and was watched foraging along the dam later in the day. Despite much effort, the gull was not refound on 3/18 but conditions were terrible.

A juvenile CRANE HAWK was photographed at the boat launch at Salineno Birding Center on 1/29, first in flight and then found soon after perched in a tree upriver. It was most recently reported to be in flight on 3/14. A Common Black-Hawk was photographed in the area on 3/11 and again on 3/13. The BARE-THROATED TIGER-HERON being seen at Santa Margarita Ranch has been seen at both Salineño and the ranch in recent days. Morelet's Seedeaters have been reported regularly at Salineno recently, perhaps due to increased birder presence. They are closely associated with the cane grass right along the river trail and on the island. A Song Sparrow was seen at Salineno on 11/30 and continues through at least 3/25. Red-billed Pigeons have been relatively regular the last few weeks. A male and two female Rose-throated Becard have been around, seen through 3/17. 

Wild seeming Muscovy Ducks and at least two Morelet's Seedeaters have been observed off and on at Fronton over the last few weeks. 

Santa Margarita Ranch (restricted access): Several BROWN JAYS, Rose-throated Becards, a BARE-THROATED TIGER HERON and a MOTTLED OWL (as well as some lesser rarities) have been present here. Below is a full list of local and visiting birders and professional guides leading trips to the ranch. Those guiding will provide further information via email on accessibility, fees, group sizes (sometimes up to 20), and other relevant information. Trip fees are set individually by the guides and are currently $140 on weekdays and $160 weekends. 

Daytime Trips: 

Monday - Wednesday: Cameron Cox (kumlieni@gmail.com) & Ryan Rodriguez (Cameron is handling bookings for both)

Thursday - Sunday: Simon Kiacz (simonkiacz@gmail.com) & Zach Johnson (santamargaritatxranch@gmail.com) 

Nighttime Trips: 

Simon Kiacz & Zach Johnson (mottledowlsmr@gmail.com) 

Hidalgo County

A ROADSIDE HAWK was found on 11/9 at Bentsen State Park on Roadrunner Trail and was most recently seen on 2/29 near the park entrance. A Rose-throated Becard has been seen off and on this winter often around feeder #4 and the nature center. It was most recently reported on 3/21.

An adult Audubon's Oriole, as well as a young Audubon's x Altamira hybrid continue at the National Butterfly Center this season. They are often in the vicinity of the feeding station. 

A GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER was found at Frontera Audubon on 11/7, continuing through at least 3/11. A CRIMSON-COLLARED GROSBEAK was found on 12/10, and continues through at least 3/22. Frontera is closed Sunday mornings and Mondays. 

At least 3 Limpkin continue at Estero Llano Grande State Park through at least 2/29. At least one Black-headed Grosbeak has been hanging out here since 2/7, continuing through 3/25. A CRIMSON-COLLARED GROSBEAK was reported by the Green Jay Trail on 3/25. 

Cameron County

A GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER continues at Hugh Ramsey Park, near Cypress Pond, through at least through 3/23.  A Western Tanager has been seen on and off here through 2/19. A Winter Wren continues here through 2/24.

A Limpkin continues at Kennedy Park in San Benito through 3/23.  

A juvenile ROADSIDE HAWK was found near the resaca along the tram route, at Resaca de la Palma State Park, on 11/7, and it continues through 3/23. The third ABA record, and first Texas record, of of GRAY-COLLARED BECARD has been present since 11/24 and continues through at least 3/23. A Tropical Parula was found on 11/12 and at least two continue through 3/19. At least two hybrids are in the area as well. At least two Western Tanagers were seen here on 11/8 and continued through 3/23.  

One of the stars of the winter has been the ABA's third Gray-collared Becard, which has been seen with regularity around the parking lot and visitor's center at Resaca de la Palma State Park in Cameron County. It was first found on 11/25. Photograph by Evan Farese

A Tropical Parula was at the Laguna Vista Nature Trail on 1/13, continuing through at least 3/2. A Western Tanager has been photographed here, most recently seen on 3/17.

At least one Brewer's Sparrow continues at Palo Alto Battlefield through 3/15. 

A FAN-TAILED WARBLER was found at UTRGV Brownsville on 1/5 and continues through 3/9. The Fan-tailed was refound after an absence on 3/18. Most recent report is from 3/22. See eBird for details on where it has been seen. A wintering Brown Thrasher continues near Lincoln Park and the southern parking lot at UTRGV, last reported on 3/22. A wintering male Cape May Warbler has been seen sporadically over the last few months, most recently in the oak trees across from the butterfly garden on 3/19.

A Hermit Warbler was found at Buena Vista Cemetery on 12/8 and continued through 3/13. 

The county's second and valley's third Downy Woodpecker has been seen at the Valley Land Fund lots on Sheepshead Street as well as near the west end of Mesquite and Retama Streets on South Padre Island. It was most recently seen on Mesquite Street on 3/21.

A male Black-capped Vireo was found at the Convention Center on South Padre Island on 3/15. The most recent report is from 3/22. 

Two Brewer's Sparrows were found in the northeast corner of the South Padre Island Convention Center mudflats on 3/23. 

A pair of ROSE-THROATED BECARDS (male and female) were photographed on 3/22 in Lincoln Park in Brownsville. 

Willacy County

The county's first Cassin's Vireo was found at the Raymondville Cemetery on 11/10 and continued through 3/18. It has been in a mixed flock that also contains a Tropical Parula, which was most recently photographed on 3/3. 

The county's first ROADSIDE HAWK was photographed on a power line 3/4. See eBird for specific details. 

***EXTRALIMITAL: Cattle Tyrant is continuing in downtown Corpus Christi. Check eBird for current updates. 

A note on playback: Playback is strictly prohibited in ALL State Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and many if not all private nature parks. In addition to being potentially harmful to birds when used extensively, it is also disruptive towards other birders. Thank you for not using playback! 

Good Birding! 

---------------------------

Compiled by Evan Farese
Nature Ninja Birding Tours 

Additional resources for visiting birders may be found at NatureNinjaBirding.com. 

Rio Grande Valley Rare Bird Alert - March 19, 2024

 Rarities in the Rio Grande Valley, from West to East: 

*Say's Phoebes, Dusky-capped Flycatchers, and Green-tailed Towhees have been in many places in the RGV this year, and will not be listed below. Check eBird for details on locations of these species. 

Spring migration is kicking off with shorebirds like Pectoral and Buff-breasted Sandpiper, and American Golden Plover arriving in small to good numbers. Swallow-tailed Kites are starting to show up and songbirds like Northern Parula, Louisiana Waterthrush, Hooded Warbler, various swallows, and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are showing up at migrant traps

Starr County

An adult Little Gull was an incredible find on 3/17 at Falcon State Park in western Starr County. The bird was seen at the southmost reaches of the park and was watched foraging along the dam later in the day. Despite much effort, the gull was not refound on 3/18 but conditions were terrible, 

A juvenile CRANE HAWK was photographed at the boat launch at Salineno Birding Center on 1/29, first in flight and then found soon after perched in a tree upriver. It was most recently seen and photographed flying downriver from the boat ramp on 3/11. A Common Black-Hawk was photographed flying downriver from the boat ramp on 3/11 as well! The BARE-THROATED TIGER-HERON being seen at Santa Margarita Ranch has been seen at both Salineño and the ranch in recent days. Morelet's Seedeaters have been reported more frequently at Salineno recently, perhaps due to increased birder presence. The most recent report was from 3/11. They are closely associated with the cane grass right along the river trail and on the island. A Song Sparrow was seen at Salineno on 11/30 and continues through at least 3/10. Red-billed Pigeons have been relatively regular the last few weeks. A male and two female Rose-throated Becard have been around, seen through 3/11.

Wild seeming Muscovy Ducks and at least two Morelet's Seedeaters have been observed off and on at Fronton over the last few weeks. 

Santa Margarita Ranch (restricted access): Several BROWN JAYS, Rose-throated Becards, a BARE-THROATED TIGER HERON and a MOTTLED OWL (as well as some lesser rarities) have been present here. Below is a full list of local and visiting birders and professional guides leading trips to the ranch. Those guiding will provide further information via email on accessibility, fees, group sizes (sometimes up to 20), and other relevant information. Trip fees are set individually by the guides and are currently $140 on weekdays and $160 weekends. 

Daytime Trips: 

Monday - Wednesday: Cameron Cox (kumlieni@gmail.com) & Ryan Rodriguez (Cameron is handling bookings for both)

Thursday - Sunday: Simon Kiacz (simonkiacz@gmail.com) & Zach Johnson (santamargaritatxranch@gmail.com) 

Nighttime Trips: 

Simon Kiacz & Zach Johnson (mottledowlsmr@gmail.com) 

Hidalgo County

A ROADSIDE HAWK was found on 11/9 at Bentsen State Park on Roadrunner Trail and was most recently seen on 2/29 near the park entrance. A Rose-throated Becard has been seen off and on this winter often around feeder #4 and the nature center. It was most recently reported on 3/11

An adult Audubon's Oriole, as well as a young Audubon's x Altamira hybrid continue at the National Butterfly Center this season. They are often in the vicinity of the feeding station. 

Mountain Plovers are being seen in a field near McCook, with a high count of 59 on 2/25. A Prairie Falcon has been seen in the same area, most recently on 2/24. Check eBird for details. 

A GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER was found at Frontera Audubon on 11/7, continuing through at least 3/11. A CRIMSON-COLLARED GROSBEAK was found on 12/10, and continues through at least 3/15. Two individuals were reported from 1/13 to 1/26, and also on 2/16. Frontera is closed Sunday mornings and Mondays. 

At least 3 Limpkin continue at Estero Llano Grande State Park through at least 2/29. A Black-headed Grosbeak has been hanging out here since 2/7, continuing through 3/11. It has been seen on the Wader's Trail and at the host's feeding area. 

A Rock Wren was found at Anzalduas Park on 2/10 and was most recently reported on 3/6.

A Northern Flicker has been wintering at Delta Lake and was most recently reported on 2/20.

Cameron County

A GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER continues at Hugh Ramsey Park, near Cypress Pond, through at least through 3/10 and probably more recently.  A Western Tanager has been seen on and off here through 2/19. A Winter Wren continues here through 2/24.

A Limpkin continues at Kennedy Park in San Benito through 3/4. 

A male BLUE BUNTING was photographed on 2/19 and continued through at least 2/25 near the Laguna Atascosa NWR Visitor's Center. A Tropical Parula was found on 10/22 near the Visitor Center, with two being found on 10/23, and at least one continuing through 3/2. (There's also a Northern x Tropical Parula hybrid in the area.) 

A juvenile ROADSIDE HAWK was found near the resaca along the tram route, at Resaca de la Palma State Park, on 11/7, and it continues through 3/18. The third ABA record, and first Texas record, of of GRAY-COLLARED BECARD has been present since 11/24 and continues through at least 3/18. A Tropical Parula was found on 11/12 and at least two continue through 3/18. At least two hybrids are in the area as well. A Rose-throated Becard was found on 11/10 and continued in the parking lot, near the water feature, and by the observatory through 2/20. At least two Western Tanagers were seen here on 11/8 and continued through 3/5. A Western Flycatcher was reported on 11/24 and again on 12/9, continuing through at least 2/15. A Hammond's Flycatcher was here on 1/20, continuing through 2/19. A Bullock's Oriole has been observed near the visitors center, most recently on 2/25.

One of the stars of the winter has been the ABA's third Gray-collared Becard, which has been seen with regularity around the parking lot and visitor's center at Resaca de la Palma State Park in Cameron County. It was first found on 11/25. Photograph by Evan Farese

A second juvenile ROADSIDE HAWK was found south of Resaca de la Palma SP on 1/13 and was most recently seen along Military Hwy on 2/14. Check eBird for more precise details on this bird. 

A Tropical Parula was at the Laguna Vista Nature Trail on 1/13, continuing through at least 3/2. A Yellow-breasted Chat was photographed there on 2/25 as well, continuing through 3/2. A Western Tanager has been photographed here, most recently on 3/2.

A Brewer's Sparrow continues at Palo Alto Battlefield through 2/24. 

A FAN-TAILED WARBLER was found at UTRGV Brownsville on 1/5 and continues through 3/9. The Fan-tailed was refound after an absence on 3/18. See eBird for details on where it has been seen. A rare-in-winter Yellow-breasted Chat was seen here on 2/3 and continued through 2/20. A Lazuli Bunting was photographed by the land bridge at UTRGV on 3/1. A wintering Brown Thrasher continues near Lincoln Park and the southern parking lot at UTRGV, last reported on 3/3. A wintering male Cape May Warbler has been seen sporadically over the last few months, most recently in the oak trees across from the butterfly garden on 3/11.

A Hermit Warbler was found at Buena Vista Cemetery on 12/8 and continues through 3/11.

At least three Iceland Gulls have been seen at the Brownsville Dump in recent weeks. The most recent report is from 3/6. An adult California Gull was photographed at the same location on 2/13 and again on 3/1.

The county's second and valley's third Downy Woodpecker continues at the Valley Land Fund lots on Sheepshead street on South Padre Island, most recently photographed on 3/4.

Willacy County

Two Long-tailed Ducks continue at Laguna Point Recreation Area, through at least 2/22.

The county's first Cassin's Vireo was found at the Raymondville Cemetery on 11/10 and continued through 3/3. It has been in a mixed flock that also contains a Tropical Parula, which was also most recently photographed on 3/3. 

Two Audubon's Orioles have been photographed at the County Line Road ponds in western Willacy County, most recently on 2/20. See eBird for details. 

***EXTRALIMITAL: Cattle Tyrant is continuing in downtown Corpus Christi. Check eBird for current updates. 

A note on playback: Playback is strictly prohibited in ALL State Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and many if not all private nature parks. In addition to being potentially harmful to birds when used extensively, it is also disruptive towards other birders. Thank you for not using playback! 

Good Birding! 

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Compiled by Ryan Rodriguez
Nature Ninja Birding Tours 

Additional resources for visiting birders may be found at NatureNinjaBirding.com.