Rio Grande Valley Rare Bird Alert - April 16, 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 for not using playback! 

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. Also seen here (sporadically) in April: Hook-billed Kite, Morelet's Seedeater, 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 seen 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. 

Hidalgo County

Three Hook-billed Kites were seen at Bentsen State Park, from the hawk tower, on 4/16. 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 Glossy Ibis was found at Santa Ana, at the north end of Willow Lake, on 4/16.

A Blue Bunting was found at Estero State Park along the Orchard Trail on 4/13. 

Cameron County

A Surfbird was found on the mudflats at the South Padre Island Convention Center on 4/3 and continues through at least 4/13.

A Tropical Parula was found at the South Padre Island Convention Center on 4/11. 

An adult male Western Tanager was found at the South Padre Island Birding Center on 4/15. A Purple Gallinule was found at the same location on 4/11. 

A Mountain Bluebird was found at Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island on 3/29 and continues through at least 4/14.

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).