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
Four BROWN JAYS were found at Santa Margarita Ranch (restricted access), on 3/3, and are now coming to oranges daily. Check the blog post for updates on sightings and access. Red-billed Pigeons have also been seen daily here, and a young male Rose-throated Becard, male Hook-billed Kite, and Tropical Parula have been seen here in the last week, as well as a Sage Thrasher.
Red-billed Pigeons have been see at Salineno along the river trail, perched in the treetops of very distant trees on the island, through 3/12. 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.
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 3/9.
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 3/12.
It's been a phenomenal winter for HOOK-BILLED KITES. Walk very slowly and meticulously search the trees, or spend time watching from the hawk tower. 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. The Audubon's is once again paired with an Altamira, and is following it around.
A Say's Phoebe has been present daily at Progreso Sod Farm eBird hotspot, through at least 3/9. This sod farm is currently being converted into a residential neighborhood.
A rare in winter Dickcissel continued at Estero through 3/4 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 3/3. Watch for the birds associating with a mixed passerine flock.
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.
Another male Tropical Parula continues at Resaca de la Palma State Park through 2/28 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.
A female BLUE BUNTING was seen at Resaca de la Palma State Park, at the water feature behind the visitor center on 3/1 and 3/3.
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).
