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
