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!
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 boat ramp, typically at or near the nature center. It was last reported near the Nature Center through at least 1/16.
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 1/14.
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 at the visitors center on 1/16.
A Brown Creeper was heard near feeder #3 at Bentsen on 12/6. It was heard again at the camping area on 12/14
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 kites have started to be less reliable from down below but still around. They have ben seen soaring from the hawk tower recently as well.
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 and the regular Altamiras. Be sure to check into the visitors pavilion on the way in.
A male Black-headed Grosbeak was found at amphitheater feeding station at Quinta Mazatlan on 1/12, continuing through at least 1/14.
Two Northern Flickers have been seen sporadically at Delta Lake Park on the northern side of the county. Last reported on 1/14
An adult male ROSE-THROATED BECARD was found and photographed on 1/6 at Estero Llano Grande State Park. The Becard was found in the tropical zone by the Pauraque rec hall feeding station. It was seen again the next day in the same general area but not since 1/7.
A rare in winter Dickcissel continues at Estero through 1/15 at the feeding station by the VC bathrooms.
Cameron County
Two Tropical Parulas (or possible hybrids) have been seen recently at Laguna Atascosa NWR visitor center near the photo blind, with at least one seen through 12/30. A Brown crested Flycatcher (rare in winter) has also been seen in the same area recently.
A Glossy Ibis has been observed from the Laguna Atascosa NWR Osprey Overlook wandering the shoreline alone.
A stunning adult male Tropical Parula has been coming into the bird bath at blind #3 of the Laguna Vista Nature Trail. Found on 12/27 and continues through 01/10. This bird seems to be on a routine and makes an appearance at the bird bath mostly between 3pm and 4pm.
Anther Tropical Parula was discovered at Resaca de la Palma SP on 1/12 and continues through 1/16 in the parking lot area and has been seen visiting the water feature at the bird blind behind the visitor center.
A Groove-billed Ani has also been observed at the Laguna Vista Trails bird blind #3 in the late afternoon.
At Palo Alto Battlefield, a Sage Thrasher continues through at least 1/14 and is mostly seen from the concrete sidewalk at the intersection of the Mexican battle line.
A Winter Wren was recently photographed along the land bridge behind the library at UTRGV Brownsville. A Zone-tailed Hawk has also been frequenting the area.
Tyrannulets have few and far between this winter, but one has been semi-reliable associating with a mixed flock in the Laguna Atascosa NWR Visitor Center trails, other Cameron County Tyrannulets have been reported from Adolph Thomae County Park in Arroyo City, and around the Resaca de la Palma SP parking lot. 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.
Palm Warblers have been reported from several locations, including Old Port Isabel Rd. and UTRGV Brownsville.
Sea watching has proven fruitful in the last couple of weeks, especially from the jetty on windy days. Recent notable sighting include Sooty Shearwater, Brown Booby, and Parasitic Jeager.
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. There have been no sightings for almost two weeks, last observation on eBird being on 1/7
Willacy County
A Ferruginous Hawk was photographed from the Raymondville Memorial Park Cemetary on 12/30.
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.
