Welcome back to the Rio Grande Valley Rare Bird Alert Blog postings!
Rarities in the Rio Grande Valley, from East to West:
Willacy County
A Ferruginous Hawk was seen on the Cameron County/Willacy County line around here: (26.3195,-97.6673).
Cameron County
A Tropical Parula was photographed in the parking lot at Resaca de la Palma State Park on 10/11 and seen again on 10/29. This is a regular wintering spot for the species. This individual was seen both times around the parking lot and visitor's center.
A Tropical Parula was also found at Los Fresnos Nature Park on 11/6 and continued through 11/7. This is also a typical wintering spot for the species.
A Northern Flicker was at the South Padre Island Convention Center starting on 10/19. It was most recently reported 11/5. A very late Golden-winged Warbler and a Painted Bunting have been hanging out here as well, most recently reported on 11/10.
A Prairie Warbler was at South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center from 10/20 to at least 11/8. A Red-breasted Nuthatch was seen here as well, most recently reported on 11/8.
A Brown Creeper was present at the Valley Land Fund Lots on Sheepshead St on South Padre Island. It was last reported on 11/7.
A Masked Booby was seen from Boca Chica Beach on 11/4.
Brewer's Blackbirds have been seen south of La Feria. This has been a spot where they've wintered in recent years. See eBird for specifics.
A Burrowing Owl has been reported from the south of La Feria as well near the large solar farm.
Hidalgo County
A Tropical Parula was found at Estero Llano Grande State Park on 10/15 in the Tropical Zone. It was seen again on 10/30. A late Painted Bunting was observed here on 10/30 and again on 11/5. A late Groove-billed Ani was seen near Alligator Lake on 11/9. A Cassin's Vireo was reported here on 11/8. Northern Beardless Tyrannulets have been difficult to find recently in the valley, but one has been present by the visitor's center here as well.
A Groove-billed Ani was reported from Santa Ana NWR on 11/7. A Northern Flicker was photographed here as well, most recently seen on 11/9. A Painted Bunting was reported here on 11/9.
Two Rose-throated Becards have been at the National Butterfly Center, most recently reported on 11/10. A Roadside Hawk has been observed at this location (after originally being found at Bentsen State Park) with the most recent sighting on 11/10. It is occasionally seen at Bentsen SP as well near the visitor's center. A hybrid Altamira x Audubon's Oriole continues at the same location.
A Hook-billed Kite was seen at Bentsen State Park on 10/18 and again on 11/7.
A Tropical Parula was photographed at Frontera Audubon Society on 11/5.
Green-tailed Towhees have returned to their typical wintering spot at the Yturria Tract of the LRGV NWR in western Hidalgo County.
Delta Lake continues to be a hotspot for county-level rarities. Dunlin, Ruddy Turnstones, Prairie Willets, Marbled Godwits, American Golden Plovers, Reddish Egrets, Black-bellied Plovers, and Snowy Plovers were all observed here on 10/30. A Northern Flicker was also here on 11/4.
A Common Loon was photographed at Edinburg Scenic Wetlands on 11/6.
Brewer's Blackbirds were reported from the parking lot at the HEB near I-2 and Shary Rd.
Starr County
A Mottled Owl, Rose-throated Becards and Brown Jays continue this season at Santa Margarita Ranch. Recently, a Rufous-capped Warbler has been seen at this location as well. Dusky-capped Flycatcher arrived at the ranch this week. Lesser rarities such as Red-breasted Merganser, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Winter Wren, Morelet's Seedeater, and Red-billed Pigeon have also been reported. Restricted access through tours with professional guides only.
A Hook-billed Kite was reported from Salineno on 11/8. Additionally a Warbling Vireo that could be a Western Warbling Vireo was reported from this location as well.
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.
