RGV Rare Bird Alert - March 24, 2025

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

Starr County

Red-billed Pigeon and Muscovy Duck have been sporadic at Salineno this year. Morelet's Seedeaters have been around this season and were reported several times this week. They are closely associated with the cane grass right along the river trail and on the island. A Hook-biled Kite was seen several days over the past week. A Bald Eagle and Western Tanager were seen on 3/20. A Rose-throated Becard was seen on 3/20.

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

Below is a list of guides offering tours to Santa Margarita Ranch, in alphabetical order by last name. Visiting birders should be aware that there is a Facebook page run by two guides that excludes some guides and does not include all tour options available to visiting birders. Contact those below for full access to your visitation options. 

Cameron Cox: kumleini@gmail.com 

Jesse Huth: jesse@pibird.com

Zach Johnson / Simon Kiacz: simonkiacz@gmail.com 

Ryan Rodriguez: ryvicrodriguez23@gmail.com 

Hidalgo County

Two Green-tailed Towhees were present at the Yturria Brush Tract of Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, continuing through 2/23. 

Two Audubon's Orioles have been at Bentsen State Park through at least 3/24, most commonly near the La Familia Nature Center and Green Jay Blind. Bird feeding has been suspended here for the spring and summer season 

An Audubon's Oriole and a hybrid Audubon's x Altamira continue at the National Butterfly Center for the third year this season. Bird feeding here is temporarily suspended due to concerns of avian flu. 

Snowy Plovers are at their usual location at Sal Del Rey this winter. 

A Black-capped Vireo was found at Santa Ana on 3/18. 

At least one Greater Scaup continues at Edinburg Scenic Wetlands recently. Last reported 3/20. A Lazuli Bunting is present through 3/23. 

A Winter Wren is continuing at Estero Llano Grande SP through 3/24. A  Tropical Parula was present on 3/20. 

Cameron County

Six Buff-breasted Sandpipers were at La Feria Sod Farm on 3/24.  

Resaca de la Palma State Park Western Flycatcher was here on 3/19. 

A King Rail continues at Tiocano Lake through 3/23. 

A Ruff continues on Holly Beach Road through 3/23. 

Willacy County

No rare birds reported recently from Willacy County due primarily to lack of birder presence. 

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

Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy 

A note on playback: Playback is strictly prohibited in ALL State Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and many if not all municipal and 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 - Feb 23, 2025

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

*Say's Phoebes and Anna's Hummingbirds are unusually plentiful this season and, though rare for the area, will not be listed below. Check eBird for recent sightings of these species. 

Starr County

Red-billed Pigeon and Muscovy Duck have been sporadic at Salineno this year. Morelet's Seedeaters have been around this season and were reported several times this week. They are closely associated with the cane grass right along the river trail and on the island. A Northern Flicker was present on 2/18. A Winter Wren was here on 2/14. 

A Sage Thrasher was photographed at Falcon State Park near the butterfly garden on 2/20.

Santa Margarita Ranch: Brown Jay, Mottled Owl, Muscovy Duck, Rose-throated Becard, Red-billed Pigeon, and Hook-billed Kite have been present here in recent weeks. A Common Black Hawk was seen on 2/14. Site admission is through pre-arranged guided access only.

Below is a list of guides offering tours to Santa Margarita Ranch, in alphabetical order by last name. Visiting birders should be aware that there is a Facebook page run by two guides that excludes some guides and does not include all tour options available to visiting birders. Contact those below for full access to your visitation options. 

Cameron Cox: kumleini@gmail.com 

Jesse Huth: jesse@pibird.com

Zach Johnson / Simon Kiacz: simonkiacz@gmail.com 

Ryan Rodriguez: ryvicrodriguez23@gmail.com 

Hidalgo County

Two Green-tailed Towhees were present at the Yturria Brush Tract of Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, continuing through 2/23. 

Two Audubon's Orioles have been at Bentsen State Park through at least 2/22, most commonly near the La Familia Nature Center and Green Jay Blind. 

An Audubon's Oriole and a hybrid Audubon's x Altamira continue at the National Butterfly Center for the third year this season. A Winter Wren continued through 2/16. Bird feeding here is temporarily suspended due to concerns of avian flu. 

A Spotted Towhee was at Quinta Mazatlan on 2/18. (Closed Sundays and Mondays).

Mountain Plovers have been found north of Edinburg this week - check eBird for location details. 

Snowy Plovers are at their usual location at Sal Del Rey this winter. 

Four Brewers Blackbirds were at Rio Beef Farm on 1/13, with several continuing into the first week of February. Birds are probably still present, as that area isn't birded regularly.

A pair of Greater Scaup have been hanging around Edinburg Scenic Wetlands recently. Last reported 2/22.

A Winter Wren is continuing at Estero Llano Grande SP through 2/16. A female Mallard is present through 2/18. 

Cameron County

Over 50 Brewer's Blackbirds continue in La Feria this week. Check eBird for coordinates. 

A Tropical Parula was reported at Los Fresnos Nature Park 11/28 through 2/19. 

Two Tropical Parulas continue at Resaca de la Palma State Park through 2/20. Two Dusky-capped Flycatchers continue through 2/14. 

A  Vega Gull was found at the Brownsville Landfill on 2/8 and continues through 2/14. A Glaucous Gull was continued on 2/14 and an Iceland Gull on 2/11. A possible California Gull was photographed on 2/20. (Closes at 3:45 pm and closed Sundays) 

A Tropical Parula was at Laguna Atascosa through 2/11. A Black-headed Grosbeak has been wintering here as well, most recently reported by the visitors center on 2/23. 

At least two King Rails have been present at Tiocano Lake near La Feria and Harlingen. Check eBird for details. 

Willacy County

No rare birds reported recently from Willacy County due primarily to lack of birder presence. 

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

Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy 

A note on playback: Playback is strictly prohibited in ALL State Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and many if not all municipal and 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 - Feb 16, 2025

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

*Say's Phoebes and Anna's Hummingbirds are unusually plentiful this season and, though rare for the area, will not be listed below. Check eBird for recent sightings of these species. 

Starr County

Red-billed Pigeon and Muscovy Duck have been sporadic at Salineno this year. Morelet's Seedeaters have very sparse this season but were reported several times this week. They are closely associated with the cane grass right along the river trail and on the island. A Northern Flicker was present on 2/5. A Winter Wren was here on 2/14. 

Santa Margarita Ranch: Brown Jay, Mottled Owl, Muscovy Duck, Rose-throated Becard, Red-billed Pigeon, and Hook-billed Kite have been present here in recent weeks. A Common Black Hawk was seen on 2/14. Site admission is through pre-arranged guided access only.

Below is a list of guides offering tours to Santa Margarita Ranch, in alphabetical order by last name. Visiting birders should be aware that there is a Facebook page run by two guides that excludes some guides and does not include all tour options available to visiting birders. Contact those below for full access to your visitation options. 

Cameron Cox: kumleini@gmail.com 

Jesse Huth: jesse@pibird.com

Zach Johnson / Simon Kiacz: simonkiacz@gmail.com 

Ryan Rodriguez: ryvicrodriguez23@gmail.com 

Hidalgo County

Two Green-tailed Towhees were present at the Yturria Brush Tract of Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, continuing through 2/16. 

Two Audubon's Orioles have been at Bentsen State Park through at least 2/16, most commonly near the La Familia Nature Center and Green Jay Blind.A Winter Wren was reported on 12/26.  

An Audubon's Oriole and a hybrid Audubon's x Altamira continue at the National Butterfly Center for the third year this season. A Winter Wren continues through 2/16. Bird feeding here is temporarily suspended due to concerns of avian flu. 

A Royal Tern was perched at Anzalduas Park on 2/15. 

A Spotted Towhee was at Quinta Mazatlan 2/12 and 2/13. (Closed Sundays and Mondays). A female Painted Bunting was here on 2/11. 

Mountain Plovers have been found north of Edinburg this week - check eBird for location details. 

Snowy Plovers are at their usual location at Sal Del Rey this winter. 

Four Brewers Blackbirds were at Rio Beef Farm on 1/13, with several continuing into the first week of February. 

At Santa Ana, a Winter Wren continues through 2/7, near the entrance trail intersection past the bridge. 

A Groove-billed Ani was at Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco on 12/21, with four reported on 1/16 and 8 reported on 1/17. A Winter Wren is continuing through 2/16. A female Mallard is present through 2/15. 

Cameron County

Over 100 Brewer's Blackbirds were found in La Feria this week. Check eBird for coordinates. 

A Tropical Parula was reported at Los Fresnos Nature Park 11/28 through 12/8. 

A Tropical Parula was photographed at Mont Meta Cemetery near San Benito on 11/26. Two Groove-billed Anis were here on 1/2. 

Two Tropical Parulas continue at Resaca de la Palma State Park through 2/14. Some birders have reported two individuals. Two Dusky-capped Flycatchers continue through 2/14. 

A  Vega Gull was found at the Brownsville Landfill on 2/8 and continues through 2/14. A Glaucous Gull was and Iceland Gull on 2/8. (Closes at 3:45 pm and closed Sundays) 

A Tropical Parula was at Laguna Atascosa through 2/11. 

Willacy County

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

Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy 

A note on playback: Playback is strictly prohibited in ALL State Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and many if not all municipal and 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 - February 11, 2025

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

*Say's Phoebes, Anna's Hummingbirds, and Eastern Bluebirds are unusually plentiful this season and, though rare for the area, will not be listed below. Check eBird for recent sightings of these species. 

Starr County

Red-billed Pigeon and Muscovy Duck have been sporadic at Salineno this year. Morelet's Seedeaters have very sparse this season but were reported several times this week. They are closely associated with the cane grass right along the river trail and on the island. A Northern Flicker was present on 1/15 and again on 2/5. 

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

Below is a list of guides offering tours to Santa Margarita Ranch, in alphabetical order by last name. Visiting birders should be aware that there is a Facebook page that excludes some guides and does not include all tour options available to visiting birders. Contact those below for full access to your visitation options. 

Cameron Cox: kumleini@gmail.com 

Jesse Huth: jesse@pibird.com

Zach Johnson / Simon Kiacz: simonkiacz@gmail.com 

Ryan Rodriguez: ryvicrodriguez23@gmail.com 

Hidalgo County

Two Green-tailed Towhees were present at the Yturria Brush Tract of Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, with at least one continuing through 2/9. 

Two Audubon's Orioles have been at Bentsen State Park from 11/7 through at least 2/8, most commonly near the La Familia Nature Center and Green Jay Blind.A Winter Wren was reported on 12/26.  

An Audubon's Oriole and a hybrid Audubon's x Altamira continue at the National Butterfly Center for the third year this season. Bird feeding here is temporarily suspended due to concerns of avian flu. 

A female-plumage Crimson-collared Grosbeak was found at Quinta Mazatlan and continues through at least 2/8. (Closed Sundays and Mondays). 

Mountain Plovers have been found north of Edinburg this week - check eBird for location details. 

Snowy Plovers are at their usual location at Sal Del Rey this winter. 

Four Brewers Blackbirds were at Rio Beef Farm on 1/13, with several continuing into the first week of February. 

A Rose-throated Becard has been near the nature center from 1/14 to 1/17. A Winter Wren continues through 2/7, near the entrance trail intersection past the bridge. 

A Groove-billed Ani was at Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco on 12/21, with four reported on 1/16 and 8 reported on 1/17. A Winter Wren is continuing through 2/8. 

Cameron County

Over 100 Brewer's Blackbirds were found in La Feria this week. Check eBird for coordinates. 

A Tropical Parula was reported at Los Fresnos Nature Park 11/28 through 12/8. 

A Tropical Parula was photographed at Mont Meta Cemetery near San Benito on 11/26. Two Groove-billed Anis were here on 1/2. 

A Hermit Warbler continues at Buena Vista Cemetery in Brownsville through at least 1/16. A Tropical Parula was here through 12/29.

Two Tropical Parulas continue at Resaca de la Palma State Park through 2/10. Some birders have reported two individuals. A Dusky-capped Flycatcher continues through 2/10. 

A  Vega Gull was found at the Brownsville Landfill on 2/8 and continued on 2/10. A Glaucous Gull was and Iceland Gull on 2/8. (Closes at 3:45 pm and closed Sundays) 

 A Tropical Parula was at Laguna Vista Nature Trail on 1/12 to 1/18. 

A Tropical Parula was at Laguna Atascosa through 2/8. 

Willacy County

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

Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy 

A note on playback: Playback is strictly prohibited in ALL State Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and many if not all municipal and 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 - Jan 26, 2025

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

*Say's Phoebes, Anna's Hummingbirds, Palm Warblers and Eastern Bluebirds are unusually plentiful this season and, though rare for the area, will not be listed below. Check eBird for recent sightings of these species. 

Starr County

A male Rose-throated Becard was seen at Salineno on 12/29 along the river trail and continued through 1/18. Red-billed Pigeon and Muscovy Duck have been sporadic here this year. Morelet's Seedeaters have been reported periodically throughout the fall and are closely associated with the cane grass right along the river trail and on the island. A Song Sparrow was located on 1/1 continues through 1/18. A Northern Flicker was present on 1/15. 

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 in recent weeks. Some lesser rarities such as Song Sparrow and Winter Wren have been present here as well. Site admission is through pre-arranged guided access only.

Below is a list of guides offering tours to Santa Margarita Ranch, in alphabetical order by last name. Visiting birders should be aware that there is a Facebook page that excludes some guides and does not include all tour options available to visiting birders. Contact those below for full access to your visitation options. 

Cameron Cox: kumleini@gmail.com 

Jesse Huth: jesse@pibird.com

Zach Johnson / Simon Kiacz: simonkiacz@gmail.com 

Ryan Rodriguez: ryvicrodriguez23@gmail.com 

Hidalgo County

Two Green-tailed Towhees were present at the Yturria Brush Tract of Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, with at least one continuing through 1/16. 

An Audubon's Oriole has been at Bentsen State Park from 11/7 through at least 1/25, most commonly near the La Familia Nature Center but also seen from Green Jay Blind. Bird feeding south of the levee is currently suspended due to aggressive javelina activity. 

An Audubon's Oriole and a hybrid Audubon's x Altamira continue at the National Butterfly Center for the third year this season. A Winter Wren has been spending the winter here as well, most recently reported on 1/22. Bird feeding happens daily at 8:30 and 1:30. 

A Spotted Towhee was present at Quinta Mazatlan on 1/1, continuing through 1/15. A Wood Duck has been present there most of the winter, most recently reported on 1/24.

A Prairie Falcon and Mountain Plovers have been found northwest of Edinburg - check eBird for location details. 

An American Woodcock was at Santa Ana on 1/17. A Rose-throated Becard has been near the nature center from 1/14 to 1/17. A Winter Wren continues through 1/17.

Groove-billed Anis have been present at Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco since 12/21. The most recent ani reports are from 1/24. A Winter Wren was here on 12/21 through 1/25. An overwintering Louisiana Waterthrush continues through 1/19.

A Lazuli Bunting was photographed at Edinburg Scenic Wetlands on 1/25.

Cameron County

A Tropical Parula was reported at Los Fresnos Nature Park 11/28 through 1/22. 

A Hermit Warbler continues at Buena Vista Cemetery in Brownsville through at least 1/22. A Tropical Parula was here through 12/29.

A Kelp Gull was photographed at the Brownsville Landfill on 1/25. A Gray Gull was present on 1/3 and continued through 1/6. Only negative reports since then. A Glaucous Gull was here on 1/16. An Iceland Gull was seen here on 1/25. 

***Brownsville Landfill info***:

Open 7 am - 3:45 pm. Closed Sundays.

High-vis safety vests are REQUIRED. They have a few on hand but if a ton of people show up they will run out quick, so please bring your own and wear it while outside of your car.

Stop in at the office and sign in. Everyone should follow directions on where to drive and park - roughly up the road/hill to the right to where the active trash is being moved, and park out of the way by the yellow birding benches (yes they put up benches for us). 

They said they are OK with people walking down to the impoundments from there.  Walk straight south from where you parked to the edge of the hill facing all of the impoundments, and there should be a crappy 2-track "road" going down the hill diagonally to the left. Just always stay out of the way of passing vehicles. This access gives us incredibly close views of loafing gulls, so please be mindful of how you act and where you go there. 

If it's super windy or wet from recent rain, they will turn you away at the gate. Staff are super friendly and happy to let birders in, so please continue to be respectful and thank them if you go!

A Kelp Gull was photographed at the Brownsville Landfill on 1/25. Photo credit Hector Duran.

A Painted Bunting was found on the Laguna Vista Nature Trail on 12/21 and continues through 1/15. A Tropical Parula was here on 1/12 to 1/20. A Groove-billed Ani was here on 12/29 and up to four have been reported through 1/24.

A Tropical Parula was at Laguna Atascosa through 12/29. A Black-headed Grosbeak has been here, most recently reported on 1/20. A Western Tanager was photographed here most recently on 1/21.

A Groove-billed Ani has been lingering at the South Padre Island Convention Center, most recently reported on 1/20. 

Both Surf Scoters and Black Scoters have been reported from South Padre Island within the past week. See eBird for specific locations. A Common Goldeneye was seen in the Laguna Madre from West Sheepshead Street on 1/25.

A Grace's Warbler has been present near Oliveira Park in Brownsville on 12/29 and has continued through 1/21. It is typically located in the tamarisk trees along the bike path near the northeast corner of the park. Monk Parakeets have been reported off and on from this location in the past month.

            Grace's Warbler at Oliviera Park in Brownsville. Photo by Michelle Cano. 

Willacy County

Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls have occasionally been heard along TX-186. Please refrain from using playback if trying for these birds.

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

Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy 

A note on playback: Playback is strictly prohibited in ALL State Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and many if not all municipal and 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 - Jan 19, 2025

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

*Say's Phoebes, Anna's Hummingbirds, Palm Warblers and Eastern Bluebirds are unusually plentiful this season and, though rare for the area, will not be listed below. Check eBird for recent sightings of these species. 

Starr County

A male Rose-throated Becard was seen at Salineno on 12/29 along the river trail and continues through 1/18.  Red-billed Pigeon,and Muscovy Duck have been sporadic here this year. Morelet's Seedeaters have been reported periodically throughout the fall and are closely associated with the cane grass right along the river trail and on the island. A Song Sparrow on 1/1 continues through 1/18. A Northern Flicker was present on 1/15. 

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 in recent weeks. Site admission is through pre-arranged guided access only.

Below is a list of guides offering tours to Santa Margarita Ranch, in alphabetical order by last name. Visiting birders should be aware that there is a Facebook page that excludes some guides and does not include all tour options available to visiting birders. Contact those below for full access to your visitation options. 

Cameron Cox: kumleini@gmail.com 

Jesse Huth: jesse@pibird.com

Zach Johnson / Simon Kiacz: simonkiacz@gmail.com 

Ryan Rodriguez: ryvicrodriguez23@gmail.com 

Hidalgo County

Two Green-tailed Towhees were present at the Yturria Brush Tract of Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, with at least one continuing through 1/16. 

Mountain Plovers have been in their usual place this January, near McCook. 

An Audubon's Oriole has been at Bentsen State Park from 11/7 through at least 1/3, most commonly near the La Familia Nature Center but also seen from Green Jay Blind. A Hook-billed Kite was seen on 12/25 perched near the Green Jay Blind. A Winter Wren was reported on 12/26. Bird feeding south of the levee is currently suspended due to aggressive javelina activity. 

An Audubon's Oriole and a hybrid Audubon's x Altamira continue at the National Butterfly Center for the third year this season. Bird feeding happens daily at 8:30 and 1:30. 

A Spotted Towhee was present at Quinta Mazatlan on 1/1, continuing through 1/15.

A Prairie Falcon and Mountain Plovers have been found north of Edinburg this week - check eBird for location details. 

Four Brewers Blackbirds were at Rio Beef Farm on 1/13. 

An American Woodcock was at Santa Ana on 1/17. A Rose-throated Becard has been near the nature center from 1/14 to 1/17. A Winter Wren continues through 1/17.

A Groove-billed Ani was at Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco on 12/21, with four reported on 1/16 and 8 reported on 1/17. A Glossy x White-faced Ibis hybrid was here 1/2 and 1/3. A Winter Wren was here on 12/21 through 12/31. A Tropical Parula was reported in the tropical zone on 12/16. A Louisiana Waterthrush continues through 1/19

Cameron County

A Tropical Parula was reported at Los Fresnos Nature Park 11/28 through 12/8. 

A Tropical Parula was photographed at Mont Meta Cemetery near San Benito on 11/26. Two Groove-billed Anis were here on 1/2. 

A Hermit Warbler continues at Buena Vista Cemetery in Brownsville through at least 1/16. A Tropical Parula was here through 12/29.

A Tropical Parula was at Resaca de la Palma State Park on 11/11 and continued through 12/27. Some birders have reported two individuals. Two Dusky-capped Flycatchers were reported here on 11/15, with at least one continuing through 12/1. 

A possible Gray Gull was photographed at the Brownsville Landfill on 1/3 and continued on 1/4. A Glaucous Gull was here on 1/16. 

Open 7 am - 3:45 pm. Closed Sundays.

High-vis safety vests are REQUIRED. They have a few on hand but if a ton of people show up they will run out quick, so please bring your own and wear it while outside of your car.

Stop in at the office and sign in. Everyone should follow directions on where to drive and park - roughly up the road/hill to the right to where the active trash is being moved, and park out of the way by the yellow birding benches (yes they put up benches for us). 

They said they are OK with people walking down to the impoundments from there.  Walk straight south from where you parked to the edge of the hill facing all of the impoundments, and there should be a crappy 2-track "road" going down the hill diagonally to the left. Just always stay out of the way of passing vehicles. This access gives us incredibly close views of loafing gulls, so please be mindful of how you act and where you go there. 

If it's super windy or wet from recent rain, they will turn you away at the gate. Staff are super friendly and happy to let birders in, so please continue to be respectful and thank them if you go!

A Groove-billed Ani was on Old Port Isabel Road on 1/13. 

A Painted Bunting was found on the Laguna Vista Nature Trail on 12/21 and continues through 1/15. A Tropical Parula was here on 1/12 to 1/18. A Groove-billed Ani was here on 12/29 and up to four have been reported through 1/17.

A Palm Warbler was at the South Texas Ecotourism Center on 1/15. 

A Tropical Parula was at Laguna Atascosa through 12/29. A Black-headed Grosbeak was here on 1/18. 

A Purple Gallinule has been hanging out at the South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center since 10/24, bouncing around between this site and South Padre Island Convention Center, last reported on 12/18. 

A Groove-billed Ani has been lingering at the South Padre Island Convention Center, most recently reported on 12/27. 

A Tropical Parula was at Sabal Palm Sanctuary on 12/28. 

A Grace's Warbler was a great find at Oliviera Park in Brownsville on 12/29 and has continued through 1/18. A Western Tanager continues through 1/3. 

Grace's Warbler at Oliviera Park in Brownsville. Photo by Michelle Cano. 

Willacy County

A Sabine's Gull was found at Fred Stone County Park in Port Mansfield on 11/16 and, remarkably has been hanging around through at least 12/22.

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

Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy 

A note on playback: Playback is strictly prohibited in ALL State Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and many if not all municipal and 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 - January 5, 2025

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

*Say's Phoebes, Anna's Hummingbirds, Palm Warblers and Eastern Bluebirds are unusually plentiful this season and, though rare for the area, will not be listed below. Check eBird for recent sightings of these species. 

Starr County

A male Rose-throated Becard was seen at Salineno on 12/29 along the river trail and has been reported daily through 1/4.  Red-billed Pigeon,and Muscovy Duck have been sporadic here this year. Morelet's Seedeaters have been reported periodically throughout the fall and are closely associated with the cane grass right along the river trail and on the island. A Golden-crowned Kinglet was reported on 12/11 continuing through 12/29 and a Winter Wren on 12/11 also continuing through 12/29, and a Song Sparrow on 1/1. 

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 in recent weeks. Site admission is through pre-arranged guided access only.

Below is a list of guides offering tours to Santa Margarita Ranch, in alphabetical order by last name. Visiting birders should be aware that there is a Facebook page that excludes some guides and does not include all tour options available to visiting birders. Contact those below for full access to your visitation options. 

Cameron Cox: kumleini@gmail.com 

Jesse Huth: jesse@pibird.com

Zach Johnson / Simon Kiacz: simonkiacz@gmail.com 

Ryan Rodriguez: ryvicrodriguez23@gmail.com 

Hidalgo County

Two Green-tailed Towhees were present at the Yturria Brush Tract of Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, with at least one continuing through 12/27.

An Audubon's Oriole has been at Bentsen State Park from 11/7 through at least 1/3, most commonly near the La Familia Nature Center but also seen from Green Jay Blind. A Hook-billed Kite was seen on 12/25 perched near the Green Jay Blind. A Winter Wren was reported on 12/26. 

An Audubon's Oriole and a hybrid Audubon's x Altamira continue at the National Butterfly Center for the third year this season. A Winter Wren is present through 1/2. Bird feeding happens daily at 8:30 and 1:30. 

A Wood Duck was present at Quinta Mazatlan on 1/2 and 1/3. A Spotted Towhee was here through 1/1. 

Two to six Wood Ducks were at San Juan Wetlands on 12/23, with at least one continuing on 1/2.

A Red-breasted Merganser was at Donna Reservoir on 1/3 and 1/4. 

Four Wood Ducks were at Weslaco Wetlands on 12/21. 

A Groove-billed Ani was at Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco on 12/21, with two reported on 12/31. A Glossy x White-faced Ibis hybrid was here 1/2 and 1/3. A Winter Wren was here on 12/21 through 12/31. A Tropical Parula was reported in the tropical zone on 12/16. A Louisiana Waterthrush continues through 1/3.

Cameron County

A Tropical Parula was reported at Los Fresnos Nature Park 11/28 through 12/8. 

Five late Groove-billed Anis were reported at Palo Alto Battlefield on 12/11. 

A Tropical Parula was photographed at Mont Meta Cemetery near San Benito on 11/26. Two Groove-billed Anis were here on 1/2. 

A Hermit Warbler continues at Buena Vista Cemetery in Brownsville through at least 1/4. A Tropical Parula was here through 12/29.

A Tropical Parula was at Resaca de la Palma State Park on 11/11 and continued through 12/27. Some birders have reported two individuals. Two Dusky-capped Flycatchers were reported here on 11/15, with at least one continuing through 12/1. 

A possible Gray Gull was photographed at the Brownsville Landfill on 1/3 and continued on 1/4. From Justin: 

Open 7 am - 3:45 pm. Closed Sundays.

High-vis safety vests are REQUIRED. They have a few on hand but if a ton of people show up they will run out quick, so please bring your own and wear it while outside of your car.

Stop in at the office and sign in. Everyone should follow directions on where to drive and park - roughly up the road/hill to the right to where the active trash is being moved, and park out of the way by the yellow birding benches (yes they put up benches for us). 

They said they are OK with people walking down to the impoundments from there.  Walk straight south from where you parked to the edge of the hill facing all of the impoundments, and there should be a crappy 2-track "road" going down the hill diagonally to the left. Just always stay out of the way of passing vehicles. This access gives us incredibly close views of loafing gulls, so please be mindful of how you act and where you go there. 

If it's super windy or wet from recent rain, they will turn you away at the gate. Right now it's totally dry up there but we're supposed to get some rain next week. Staff are super friendly and happy to let birders in, so please continue to be respectful and thank them if you go!

A Painted Bunting was found on the Laguna Vista Nature Trail on 12/21 and continues through 12/31. A Groove-billed Ani was here on 12/29 and up to four have been reported through 1/4. 

A Tropical Parula was at Laguna Atascosa through 12/29. 

A Purple Gallinule has been hanging out at the South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center since 10/24, bouncing around between this site and South Padre Island Convention Center, last reported on 12/18. 

A Groove-billed Ani has been lingering at the South Padre Island Convention Center, most recently reported on 12/27. 

A Tropical Parula was at Sabal Palm Sanctuary on 12/28. 

A Grace's Warbler was a great find at Oliviera Park in Brownsville on 12/29 and has continued daily through 1/3. A Western Tanager continues through 1/3. 

Grace's Warbler at Oliviera Park in Brownsville. Photo by Michelle Cano. 

Willacy County

A Sabine's Gull was found at Fred Stone County Park in Port Mansfield on 11/16 and, remarkably has been hanging around through at least 12/22.

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

Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy 

A note on playback: Playback is strictly prohibited in ALL State Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and many if not all municipal and 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.