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!
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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.
