RGV Rare Bird Alert - Dec 26, 2022

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!

General species notes: Golden-crowned Kinglets have invaded this year with individuals at most large parks and some even in residential neighborhoods. 

The polar vortex has dumped a fair number of Bonaparte's Gulls at various Hidalgo Co. sites. They are more numerous than usual on South Padre Island too. 

A good amount of Swainson's Hawks (rare in winter) have been flying around the valley the past week

The Valley from West to East: 

Starr County

A wandering group of five BROWN JAYS (at least three immatures) were photographed on the trail at Salineno on 12/12. Only negative reports since. Tropical jays are notorious for wandering far distances, so keep an eye out for these anywhere in Starr or Zapata counties. No recent reports

Morelet's Seedeaters have been sporadic near the west end of the trail at Salineno, more often heard than seen. Seedeaters are easier to find further up river and were at Bravo Park in Zapata County recently. 

Hidalgo County

A young male ROSE-THROATED BECARD has been present sporadically over the last few weeks at Bentsen State Park, wandering mostly between the Nature Center (south of the main gate) and the picnic area, last reported near the Nature Center through at least 12/25.  

A Red-breasted Nuthatch, a good bird for the RGV, has been present at Bentsen State Park wandering between the Headquarters and Nature Center / Maintenance Yard with a mixed flock through at least 12/25. 

Up to FOUR different Winter Wrens have been present at Bentsen State Park in various different areas. Most sightings have been from the headquarters and first section of road. Last reported on 12/21

It's been a phenomenal fall for HOOK-BILLED KITES, with up to seven being seen somewhat reliably near the Bentsen State Park hawk tower. They have been seen from the tram road and Roadrunner Trail in recent days, feeding in the trees north and west of the hawk tower. Walk very slowly and meticulously search the trees. It is very easy to walk right past one. When reporting, PLEASE include plumage details. 

The National Butterfly Center has been hosting an Audubon's Oriole all across the gardens and trails. With it is an Audubon's x Altamira Oriole hybrid that hatched at the park earlier this year. 

A female BLUE BUNTING was found at Santa Ana during the Christmas Bird Count on 12/17, between the Cemetery Viejo Trail and Vireo Trail. No recent reports. 

A Black-headed Grosbeak has been seen very sporadically in different areas of Estero Llano Grande State Park

Cameron County

Two Tropical Parulas (or possible hybrids) have been seen recently at Laguna Atascosa, near the photo blind, with at least one seen through 12/16. A Brown crested Flycatcher (rare in winter) has also been seen in the same area recently. 

Tyrannulets have few and far between this winter, but one has been semi-reliable associating with a mixed flock in the Resaca de la Palma State Park general parking lot area. Other recent Tyrannulet locations include Bentsen State Park, the National Butterfly Center, Anzalduas County Park, Santa Ana NWR (all Hidalgo Co.), and the Harlingen Thicket.

A FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER was found on Ted Hunt Road just north of FM510 near Bayview with a large group of scissor tails on 12/22. No positive reports since. Check eBird for coordinates. 

The SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (fourth US record, first found in November 2021) continues at UTRGV Brownsville, usually on or near the land bridge (west end of the eastern resaca). Park at Lincoln Park and walk over. A possibly wintering Chestnut-sided Warbler was seen again on 12/19

Good Birding! 

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Starr and Hidalgo County Reports Compiled by Tiffany Kersten (tiffanykersten@gmail.com) and Ryan Rodriguez.

Cameron and Willacy County Reports Compiled by Justin LeClaire (justin.leclaire87@gmail.com) and Javi Gonzalez. 

RGV Rare Bird Alert - Dec 19, 2022

The Valley from West to East: 

General notes: Golden crowned Kinglets have invaded this year with individuals at most large parks and some even in residential neighborhoods. 

A quick 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!

Starr County

A wandering group of five BROWN JAYS (at least three immatures) were photographed on the trail at Salineno on 12/12. Only negative reports since. Tropical jays are notorious for wandering far distances, so keep an eye out for these anywhere in Starr or Zapata counties

Morelet's Seedeaters have been sporadic near the west end of the trail at Salineno, more often heard than seen. Seedeaters are easier to find further up river and were at Bravo Park in Zapata County recently. A Red breasted Nuthatch was photographed along the river trail on 12/11. 

Up to three Reddish Egrets (one dark morph and two white morphs) have been seen on the lake at Falcon State Park. A Green tailed Towhee was photographed at the camp host RV feeding stations on 12/07

Hidalgo County 

PLEASE NOTE: The Costa's look-alike immature female hummingbird being reported at Bentsen is actually a Black-chinned.

Two ROSE-THROATED BECARDS, a young male and adult male, have been present sporadically over the last few weeks at Bentsen State Park, wandering mostly between the Nature Center (south of the main gate) and the picnic area, last reported near the Nature Center through at least 12/19. 

A Red-breasted Nuthatch, a good bird for the RGV, has been present at Bentsen State Park wandering between the Headquarters and Nature Center / Maintenance Yard with a mixed flock through at least 12/19. 

Two Winter Wrens were present at Bentsen State Park, near the Headquarters, through at least 12/16.

It's been a phenomenal fall for Hook-billed Kites, with up to seven being seen reliably near the Bentsen State Park hawk tower. They have been seen from the tram road and Roadrunner Trail in recent days, feeding in the trees north and west of the hawk tower. Walk very slowly and meticulously search the trees. It is very easy to walk right past one. When reporting, PLEASE include plumage details. 

A pair of Groove-billed Anis has been traveling along the irrigation canal between the National Butterfly Center and Bentsen. 

The National Butterfly Center has been hosting an Audubon's Oriole all across the gardens and trails. With it is an Audubon's x Altamira Oriole hybrid that hatched at the park earlier this year. A Field Sparrow continued near the conservatory on 12/11. 

A female BLUE BUNTING was found at Santa Ana during the Christmas Bird Count on 12/17, between the Cemetery Viejo Trail and Vireo Trail. 

A gorgeous adult male Tropical Parula was photographed on 12/12 at Santa Ana with a mixed flock in the parking lot. It continues through at least 12/16. 

The county-first Red Knot was seen again at Delta Lake on both 12/12 and 12/17. It was on the mudflats west of FM88. You can view this area from the small parking lot. 

A Northern Pintail x Gadwall hybrid had returned for its seventh winter at Estero Llano Grande State Park, but has not been reported since 11/26. A Black headed Grosbeak has been seen very sporadically in different areas of the park. A Northern Waterthrush and a Dickcissel were two good recent winter finds at Estero.

Cameron County

Two Tropical Parulas (or possible hybrids) have been seen recently at Laguna Atascosa, near the photo blind, with at least one seen through 12/15. A Brown crested Flycatcher (rare in winter) has also been seen in the same area recently. 

This has been a tricky winter for Tyrannulets, but one has been semi-reliable associating with a mixed flock in the Resaca de la Palma State Park general parking lot area. Other recent Tyrannulet sightings include Bentsen SP (Hidalgo Co.) and the National Butterfly Center (Hidalgo Co.). 

The SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (fourth US record, first found in November 2021) continues at UTRGV Brownsville, usually on or near the land bridge (west end of the eastern resaca). Park at Lincoln Park and walk over. Last reported on 12/16. A possibly wintering Chestnut sided Warbler was seen again on 12/19

Good Birding! 

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

Starr and Hidalgo County Reports Compiled by Tiffany Kersten (tiffanykersten@gmail.com) and Ryan Rodriguez.

Cameron and Willacy County Reports Compiled by Justin LeClaire (justin.leclaire87@gmail.com) and Javi Gonzalez. 

Brown Jays at Salineno - Dec 12, 2022

Gary Graves heard, saw, and photographed Brown Jays at Salineno on Monday morning, December 12. This is the first confirmed sighting since 2012. 

https://ebird.org/checklist/S123889745?fbclid=IwAR3QKKlUstWHHasuKKqRwdIA4S20NTvPLuUsNhorncwAKsw97xgPwSwL67g&mibextid=Zxz2cZ 

A few people have looked on Tuesday 12/13  but no additional reports since the initial sighting. 

There were no eBird checklists submitted for the site on 12/14. 

Tiffany Kersten 

RGV Rare Bird Alert - Dec 12, 2022

 The Valley from West to East: 

General notes: Golden crowned Kinglets have invaded this year with individuals at most large parks and even some in residential neighborhoods.

PLEASE NOTE: The Costa's look-alike immature female hummingbird being reported at Bentsen is actually a Black chinned

Starr County

Morelet's Seedeaters have been sporadic near the west end of the trail at Salineno, more often heard than seen. Seedeaters are easier to find further up river and were at Bravo Park in Zapata County recently. A Red breasted Nuthatch was photographed along the river trail on 12/11

A Sage Thrasher was photographed along the dump road on 12/07

Up to three Reddish Egrets (one dark morph and two white morphs) have been seen on the lake at Falcon State Park. A Green tailed Towhee was photographed at the camp host RV feeding stations on 12/07

Hidalgo County 

Two ROSE THROATED BECARDS, a young male and adult male, have been present sporadically over the last few weeks at Bentsen State Park, wandering mostly between the Nature Center (south of the main gate) and the picnic area, last reported near the Nature Center through at least 12/11. 

A Red-breasted Nuthatch, a good bird for the RGV, is also present at Bentsen State Park, in a mixed flock, wandering between the Headquarters and Nature Center / Maintenance Yard, through at least 12/11. 

Two Winter Wrens were present at Bentsen State Park, near the Headquarters, through at least 12/4. A White throated Sparrow continues to pop around the front area at least through 12/08. A Northern Flicker was reported at the hawk tower 12/07

It's been a phenomenal fall for Hook-billed Kites, with up to seven being seen reliably near the hawk tower. They have been seen from the tram road and Roadrunner Trail in recent days, feeding in the trees north and west of the hawk tower. Walk very slowly and meticulously search the trees. It is very easy to walk right past one. When reporting, PLEASE include plumage details. 

The National Butterfly Center has been hosting an Audubon's Oriole all across the gardens and trails. With it is an Audubon's x Altamira Oriole hybrid that hatched earlier this year.

Two late Groove-billed Anis have been present at the National Butterfly Center for several days; continuing through at least 12/11.  Also at NBC a Northern Beardless Tyrannulet (hard to find right now) has been with a mixed flock along the Hackberry Trail. And a Field Sparrow continued near the conservatory on 12/11

A gorgeous adult male Tropical Parula was photographed today 12/12 at Santa Ana with a mixed flock in the parking lot. 

The county first Red Knot was seen again at Delta Lake today 12/12. It was on the west side on the mudflats. You can view this area from the small parking lot. A yellow shafted Northern Flicker was also photographed in the park itself

A Northern Pintail x Gadwall hybrid had returned for its seventh winter at Estero Llano Grande State Park, but has not been reported since 11/26. 

Cameron County

A Townsend's Warbler was a good find on 11/23 at Laguna Vista Nature Trail and continues through at least 12/3. 

Two Tropical Parulas (or possible hybrids) have been seen at Laguna Atascosa, near the photo blind, with at least one seen through at least 12/9. 

This has been a tricky winter for Tyrannulets, but one has been semi-reliable at Resaca de la Palma SP around parking lot area. Other recent sightings include Bentsen (Hidalgo Co.) and the National Butterfly Center (Hidalgo Co.). 

The Social Flycatcher (fourth US record, first found in November 2021) continues at UTRGV Brownsville, usually on or near the land bridge. Park at Lincoln Park and walk over. Last reported on 12/11. A possibly wintering Chestnut sided Warbler was seen on 12/11

Good Birding! 

Compiled by Tiffany Kersten and Ryan Rodriguez 

RGV Rare Bird Alert - Dec 5, 2022

 The Valley from West to East: 

Starr County

Morelet's Seedeaters have been sporadic near the west end of the trail at Salineno, more often heard than seen. Seedeaters are easier to find further up river and were at Bravo Park in Zapata county recently

Up to three Reddish Egrets (one dark morph and two white morphs) have been seen on the lake at Falcon State Park. 

Hidalgo County 

Two Rose-throated Becards, a young male and a female, have been present sporadically over the last month at Bentsen State Park, wandering mostly between the Nature Center (south of the main gate) and the picnic area, last reported on 11/22. 

A Red-breasted Nuthatch, a good bird for the RGV, was also present at Bentsen State Park, in the same area, last reported on 11/28 in a mixed flock near the Headquarters. 

Two Winter Wrens continue at Bentsen State Park, near the Headquarters, through at least 12/3. Another was seen near the bench between the Nature Center and the Picnic Area on 12/1. 

It's been a phenomenal fall for Hook-billed Kites, with up to seven being seen reliably near the hawk tower. They have been seen from the tram road and Roadrunner Trail in recent days, feeding in the trees north and west of the hawk tower. Walk very slowly and meticulously search the trees. It is very easy to walk right past one

Golden crowned Kinglets have invaded the RGV this year, with individuals at Bentsen, The National Butterfly Center, Santa Ana, Estero Llano, and Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. 

White throated Sparrows have seen a similar invasion but have dropped off. The latest report being at Bentsen

The National Butterfly Center has been hosting an Audubons Oriole all across the gardens and trails. With it is an  Audubons x Altamira Oriole hybrid that hatched earlier this year

A Field Sparrow was photographed in the field west of Oleander Acres RV Resort in Mission on 11/26

A Northern Pintail x Gadwall hybrid has returned for its seventh winter at Estero Llano Grande State Park, last reported 11/26. Dunlin and Black Skimmer were two good finds for this far inland this past week, being seen from the levee

A Black-headed Grosbeak was seen on the Spoonbill Trail at Estero Llano Grande State Park, on 11/26. 

Cameron County

A Townsend's Warbler was a good find on 11/23 at Laguna Vista Nature Trail and continues through at least 12/3. 

Two Tropical Parulas (or possible hybrids) have been seen at Laguna Atascosa, near the photo blind, through at least 12/3. 

This has been a tricky winter for Tyrannulets, but one has been semi-reliable at Resaca de la Palma SP around parking lot area. 

The Social Flycatcher (fourth US record, first found in November 2021) continues at UTRGV Brownsville, usually on or near the land bridge. Park at Lincoln Park and walk over. 

A Sage Thrasher was photographed at Palo Alto National Battlefield on 11/29

Two Brown Boobies were seen from Boca Chica Beach on 12/03

Good Birding! 

Compiled by Tiffany Kersten and Ryan Rodriguez