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 female Mountain Bluebird was found near campsite 52 at Falcon State Park and continues to at least 2/24, though it looks like it has been searched for and not found over the last few days.
Up to three Red-billed Pigeons have been see at Salineno along the river trail, perched in the treetops of very distant trees on the island, through 2/26. A Morelet's Seedeater has been sporadic near the west end of the river trail at Salineno, more often heard than seen along the waters edge. Seedeaters are easier to find further up river and were at Bravo Park in Zapata County recently.
An adult male ROSE-THROATED BECARD was seen at Salineno Birding Center on 2/19.
A wandering group of five BROWN JAYS (at least three immatures) were photographed on the trail at Salineno on 12/12/22. 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.
Hidalgo County
A young male ROSE-THROATED BECARD has been present over the last few months 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's been reported near the Nature Center and in the Ebony Grove picnic area through at least 2/26.
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 2/15.
It's been a phenomenal fall for HOOK-BILLED KITES, with up to eight 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 a bit less reliable from down below but still around. They have been 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.
A male Wood Duck continues at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge's Willow Lake through at least 2/26.
A Northern Flicker continues at Delta Lake through at least 2/24.
A Say's Phoebe has been present daily at Progreso Sod Farm eBird hotspot. This sod farm is currently being converted into a residential neighborhood. Last reported 2/19.
A rare in winter Dickcissel continued at Estero through 2/16 at the feeding station by the VC bathrooms. It is hanging out with the House Sparrows and Red-winged Blackbirds.
Cameron County
Up to two Tropical Parulas (including a possible hybrid) have been seen at Laguna Atascosa NWR visitor center near the photo blind, with at least one seen through 2/13. Watch for the birds associating with a mixed passerine flock. A Brown-crested Flycatcher (rare in winter) has also been seen in the same area through at least 2/25.
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 at least 2/23. This bird seems to be on a routine and often makes an appearance at the bird bath between 3pm and 4pm.
Another male Tropical Parula continues at Resaca de la Palma SP through 2/24 in the parking lot/visitors center area and has been joined by a second Tropical Parula type, though this may be a hybrid. Look for the mixed birds associating with a mixed passerine flock. Difficult this winter, a Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet has been seen near the same area.
The SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (fourth US record, first found in November 2021) at UTRGV Brownsville has not had a positive report since 1/7. The bird was usually on or near the land bridge (west end of the eastern resaca). Park at Lincoln Park and walk over. It has previously disappeared for a significant period of time before returning.
Willacy County
No rarities have been observed recently in Willacy (mostly due to limited birder presence).
Good Birding!
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Compiled by Tiffany Kersten (tiffanykersten@gmail.com).
