Rio Grande Valley Rare Bird Alert - April 3, 2023

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 been seen almost daily here. Seen here (sporadically) in March: A young male Rose-throated Becard, male Hook-billed Kite, male Tropical Parula, Morelet's Seedeater, Sage Thrasher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Black-capped Vireo, Bell's Vireo, Winter Wren, and a (wild) Muscovy Duck.

The Salineno feeding station closed on March 19th for the season, but the walking trail near the river remains open year-round. Red-billed Pigeons have been see at Salineno along the river trail, perched in the treetops of very distant trees on the island. 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. 

Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls were found on 3/17 at the lake at Falcon State Park and continue through at least 3/21. 

Hidalgo County

A Tropical Parula was found at Bentsen State Park just north of the visitor center on 3/31. Difficult this winter, a Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet has been reasonably reliable near the Ebony Grove and Kingfisher Overlook areas.  

The National Butterfly Center has been hosting an Audubon's Oriole all across the gardens and trails.  The male Audubon's is once again paired with an Altamira, and is following it around. 

A Tropical Parula was found at Santa Ana on 3/15. 

A Say's Phoebe has been present daily at Progreso Sod Farm eBird hotspot, through at least 3/22. This sod farm is currently being converted into a residential neighborhood.  

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 Tropical Parula continues at Laguna Vista Nature Trail through at least 3/21. 

A Tropical Parula was seen at Sabal Palm Sanctuary on 3/16. 

Another male Tropical Parula continues at Resaca de la Palma State Park through 3/23 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 Scott's Oriole was found on South Padre Island Convention Center on 3/25. It was not relocated the next day. 

A California Gull was found at the Brownsville Landfill on 3/15 and continued through at least 3/17. 

A Mountain Bluebird was found at Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island on 3/29 and continued through 4/2. 

A Surfbird was found on the mudflats at the South Padre Island Convention Center on 4/3. 

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).