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
