Rio Grande Valley Rare Bird Alert - October 10th, 2026

Welcome back to our Rio Grande Valley Rare Bird Alert Blog postings! 

Postings will be made weekly during our peak season for visiting birders, from November through April. 

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

Willacy County

No recent rarities reported. 

Cameron County  

A good candidate for Western Wood-Peewee was seen at the South Padre Island Convention Center on the boardwalk on 10/10. 

Hidalgo County

A Rose-throated Becard and Western Tanager were both found at the National Butterfly Center on 10/9. A hybrid Altamira x Audubon's Oriole continues at the same location. 

An immature ROADSIDE HAWK was found at Bentsen State Park on 10/8 and continues through 10/9. An immature Bald Eagle was seen over the same location on 10/8. 

Starr County

A Mottled Owl and two Rose-throated Becards continue at Santa Margarita Ranch. Restricted access through tours with professional guides only. 

Full, up-to-date eBird rarity reports by county:

Willacy, Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr 

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! 

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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 - August 24, 2026

Welcome back to our Rio Grande Valley Rare Bird Alert Blog postings! 

Postings may be somewhat sporadic until November, when the Rare Bird Alert will again be posted weekly. 

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

Starr County

No recent rarities reported. 

Hidalgo County

A hybrid Altamira x Audubon's Oriole continues at the National Butterfly Center. 

At Edinburg Scenic Wetlands, a Ring-necked Duck and a Lesser Scaup are summering, through at least August 15. 

On July 31st, an Olive-throated Parakeet was reported at the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse. 

A  Reddish Egret was reported at Delta Lake on August 21. Multiple coastal shorebird species were reported Aug 22-23, including Willet, Black-bellied Plover, American Golden-Plover, Snowy Plover, and Ruddy Turnstone.

Cameron County  

A Yellow-green Vireo was reported at Resaca de la Palma State Park on August 22nd. 

Willacy County

No recent rarities reported. 

Full, up-to-date eBird rarity reports by county:

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 - August 16, 2026

Welcome back to our Rio Grande Valley Rare Bird Alert Blog postings! 

After a hiatus last year, we're revitalizing our compilations. Postings may be sporadic until November, when the Rare Bird Alert will again be posted weekly. 

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

Starr County

No recent rarities reported. 

Hidalgo County

At Edinburg Scenic Wetlands, a Ring-necked Duck and a Lesser Scaup are summering, through at least August 15. 

On July 31st, an Olive-throated Parakeet was reported at the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse. 

A white morph Reddish Egret was reported at Delta Lake on August 14. 

Cameron County  

On August 6th, a Masked Booby was seen foraging at a distance from Boca Chica / SPI jetties. 

On August 10th, a male Western Tanager was in the front gardens at SPI Birding & Nature Center. 

Two early Hooded Warblers have been reported at SPI Convention Center on August 11th. 

Willacy County

On July 30th, a Brown Noddy was feeding with Black Terns off of the Port Mansfield jetty. 

Full, up-to-date eBird rarity reports by county:

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 - April 15, 2025

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

**Birds that are slightly early or late on their Spring migration will not be included here. Check eBird for details for any specific migrant 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 have been reported sporadically as well. They are closely associated with the cane grass right along the river trail and on the island. 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. A Dusky-capped Flycatcher and a Tropical Parula were observed on 4/13. 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

An Audubon's Oriole has been at Bentsen State Park through at least 4/10, most commonly near the La Familia Nature Center and Green Jay Blind. A hybrid Audubon's x Altamira continues through 4/5. Four Wood Storks were photographed at the resaca on 4/14. Bird feeding has been suspended here until fall, as per the usual schedule. 

An Audubon's Oriole and a hybrid Audubon's x Altamira continue at the National Butterfly Center for the third year this season. A female Rose-throated Becard was seen feeding on the mulberry tree along Hackberry Trail on 4/5 and 4/6. Bird feeding here is temporarily suspended due to concerns of avian flu. 

A male Flame-colored Tanager was found at Quinta Mazatlan on 4/4 and continued on 4/5. A Spotted Towhee, unreported for quite some time, was refound on 4/5 and continued through 4/12. Quinta Mazatlan is closed on Sundays and Mondays. 

A Short-tailed Hawk was photographed at Santa Ana NWR on 4/12 circling up with migrating raptors.

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

 

Cameron County  

A King Rail continues at Tiocano Lake through 4/8.

A Ruff was found in northern Cameron County in a flooded field on 4/7 and continued through 4/9. See eBird for precise location. A Glossy Ibis was also reported from this flooded field.

A Parasitic Jaeger was on the mudflats of SPI, north of the convention center, on 4/4 and 4/5. The bird has been seen on the mudflats and over the Laguna Madre as recently as 4/15. 

A male Lazuli Bunting was reported from the South Padre Island Convention Center on 4/15. 

An immature male Flame-colored Tanager was found at the South Padre Island Convention Center on 4/12. That evening the bird moved next door to the South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center where it has remained enjoying mulberries through 4/15. A Brown Booby was found on 4/15 looking out on the Laguna Madre from the Birding & Nature Center. 

Palm Warblers have been reported from various locations on South Padre Island as recently as 4/11. Check eBird for recent sightings and locations.

Willacy County

A Ruff was reported from flooded fields in southern Willacy County on 4/9. This location is 6.5 miles north of where a Ruff was photographed in Cameron County. Glossy Ibises and hybrid Glossy x White-faced Ibises have been reported from this location as well. See eBird for exact location.

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 - April 5, 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 have been reported sporadically. 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 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

An Audubon's Oriole has been at Bentsen State Park through at least 3/24, most commonly near the La Familia Nature Center and Green Jay Blind. A hybrid Audubon's x Altamira continues through 4/5. Bird feeding has been suspended here until fall, as per the usual schedule. 

An Audubon's Oriole and a hybrid Audubon's x Altamira continue at the National Butterfly Center for the third year this season. A female Rose-throated Becard was seen feeding on the mulberry tree along Hackberry Trail on 4/5. Bird feeding here is temporarily suspended due to concerns of avian flu. 

A male Flame-colored Tanager was found at Quinta Mazatlan on 4/4 and continued on 4/5. A Spotted Towhee, unreported for quite some time, was refound on 4/5. A Bell's Vireo was at the drip on the Bird Cafe trail on 4/5. Quinta Mazatlan is closed on Sundays and Mondays. 

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

Two Greater Scaup continue at Edinburg Scenic Wetlands through 4/5.  A Lazuli Bunting is present through 4/1. 

A Winter Wren is continuing at Estero Llano Grande SP through 3/31. A  Tropical Parula was present on 3/20. 

A Field Sparrow was at Blue Bunting Lodge on 3/28, continuing to 4/1. 

Cameron County

Six Buff-breasted Sandpipers were at La Feria Sod Farm on 3/24 through 3/26.  

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

A Brown Thrasher is at Lincoln Park, Brownsville, from 3/28 to 3/29. 

A King Rail continues at Tiocano Lake through 3/27. 

A Purple Gallinule was at SPI Birding & Nature Center on 3/29. 

A Pomerine Jaeger was on the mudflats of SPI, north of the convention center, on 4/4 and 4/5. 

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 - March 30, 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 have been reported sporadically. 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 until fall, as per the usual schedule. 

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 spring. 

Two Greater Scaup continue at Edinburg Scenic Wetlands through 3/27.  A Lazuli Bunting is present through 3/30. 

A Say's Phoebe was on FM490 in Weslaco on 3/24. 

A Winter Wren is continuing at Estero Llano Grande SP through 3/29. A  Tropical Parula was present on 3/20. 

A Field Sparrow was at Blue Bunting Lodge on 3/28. 

Cameron County

Six Buff-breasted Sandpipers were at La Feria Sod Farm on 3/24 through 3/26.  

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

A Brown Thrasher is at Lincoln Park, Brownsville, from 3/28 to 3/29. 

A King Rail continues at Tiocano Lake through 3/27. 

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

A Purple Gallinule was at SPI Birding & Nature Center on 3/29. 

An out of place Burrowing Owl was at the Valley Land Fund Lots on 3/27. 

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. 

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.