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The Valley from West to East:
Starr County
Several BROWN JAYS continue at Santa Margarita Ranch (restricted access), having originally been found in March 2023, and five have been returning to oranges during weekly visits by birders. Check the blog post for updates on sightings, difficult terrain, and site access. Wild Muscovy Ducks, Red-billed Pigeons, Rose-throated Becards and Morelet's Seedeaters have been somewhat regular here as of recently. A Rufous-crowned Sparrow was found on 10/29.
Brown Jays have been seen very irregularly at Salineno along the river trail over the last six months, and the possibility exists that they may find the feeders at Salineno this upcoming season. The Salineno feeding station will re-open for the season on November 1st and will remain open through mid-March.
Hidalgo County
A Red-naped Sapsucker was found at Bentsen State Park near the Nature Center on 10/17 and continued through at least 10/28. A Rose-throated Becard was found at Ebony Grove Picnic Area at Bentsen State Park on 10/18. A Green-tailed Towhee was reported near the second feeding station beyond the Nature Center on 10/26. Hook-billed Kites have been sporadically seen, distantly from the hawk watch during the fall hawk count.
Say's Phoebes were reported at Bentsen (10/25) and the National Butterfly Center (10/26).
A Green-tailed Towhee was found at Quinta Mazatlan on 10/25.
Two dark morph Reddish Egrets (rare inland) were found on Delta Lake on 10/21 and continued through at least 10/26.
A female BLUE BUNTING was found at Estero Llano Grande State Park, near the entrance path and the Green Jay Trail, on 10/27 and continued through at least 10/29. Two LIMPKIN continue through at least 10/27.
Cameron County
A GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER continues at Hugh Ramsey Park, near Cypress Pond, through at least 10/29.
An AMERICAN FLAMINGO was found at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, resting on the water just out from Alligator Pond on 10/22, and was joined by a second individual on 10/23, both continuing through at least 10/28. A Tropical Parula was also found on 10/22 at Laguna Atascosa, near the Visitor Center, with two being found on 10/23, and at least one continuing through 10/28.
A Green-tailed Towhee continues at the Valley Land Fund Lots / Sheepshead Street, through at least 10/29.
A Townsend's Warbler was found at the South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center on 10/29.
A DOWNY WOODPECKER was found at the South Padre Island Convention Center on 10/22.
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
