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 1/1.
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 12/30.
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 12/27.
Three seasonally rare Hooded Orioles, two females and a young male, have been seen at Bentsen State Park, most commonly near the headquarters area, through at least 12/30.
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 and the regular Altamiras. Be sure to check into the visitors pavilion on the way in.
A female ROSE-THROATED BECARD was seen at Santa Ana NWR, behind the visitor center, on 12/27. No positive reports since.
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 12/30. A Brown crested Flycatcher (rare in winter) has also been seen in the same area recently.
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 01/02.
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 handful of Jeager reports were strung out along the gulf shore on 01/01 and a few more from 01/02. Most observations were made from the SPI Jetty, with a couple more coming from SPI beach and Boca Chica Beach. Sea watching has proven fruitful in the last couple of years, especially from the jetty on windy days.
Most notable from the SPI Jetty on 01/01 was a Sooty Shearwater, a Texas Bird Records Commitee review species. Photos can be seen on eBird.
Several warbler species considered rare during the winter season in the RGV have been reported from scattered sites. An American Redstart (12/31), a female Black-throated Blue Warbler (12/31), and a Yellow Warbler have been reported from the UTRGV Brownsville Resaca Habitat. A Magnolia Warbler has been reported from Old Port Isabel Road (12/30). A Palm Warbler was observed at the SPI Birding & Nature Center on (01/01). Photos of these birds are desired by eBird reviewers.
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.
Willacy County
Another FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER was found at the Raymondville Cemetery on___. No positive reports since.
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.
