Rarities in the Rio Grande Valley, from West to East:
Starr County
A Western Grebe was reported at Falcon Lake (technically on the Zapata County side, as the lake spans two counties) on 11/26. A white morph Reddish Egret continues through 12/9.
Morelet's Seedeaters have been hit or miss at Salineno recently. They are closely associated with the cane grass right along the river trail. A Song Sparrow was seen at Salineno on 11/30 and continues through 12/17. Red-billed Pigeons have been regular the last few weeks. A female type Rose-throated Becard was here on 12/7 and 12/14. A Dusky-capped Flycatcher was reported on 12/15.
A juvenile Bald Eagle was seen from 11/28 to at least 11/30, cruising the river, with sightings from Falcon State Park, Salineno, and Santa Margarita Ranch.
Santa Margarita Ranch (restricted access): A BARE-THROATED TIGER HERON, MOTTLED OWL and several BROWN JAYS continue at here. Red-billed Pigeons have been somewhat regular here. Limpkin, Rose-throated Becard, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Rock Wren and Morelet's Seedeater have also been present lately. Brown Jays have been missed on several days over the last two weeks; last reported December 12th. Check the blog post for a comprehensive list of area birders and professional guides who are currently offering tours to the ranch.
Hidalgo County
An adult ROADSIDE HAWK was found on 11/9 at Bentsen State Park on Roadrunner Trail and was seen again briefly on 11/29 near Kingfisher Overlook. A female Rose-throated Becard was seen near the nature center (not HQ) building on 12/2. Hook-billed Kites have been sporadically seen this fall, mostly distantly from the hawk watch. A female Rose-throated Becard was found near the nature center on 12/2. A Dusky-capped Flycatcher was heard in the woods across from Kingfisher Overlook on 12/8. A late staying Broad-winged Hawk continues through 12/16.
An adult Audubon's Oriole, as well as a young Audubon's / Altamira hybrid continue at the National Butterfly Center this season, through at least 12/10. This is a rare/irregular bird for Hidalgo County. A Dusky-capped Flycatcher was seen here on 11/23, continuing through at least 11/25. A Field Sparrow was found on 12/2. The National Butterfly Center has had a bobcat regularly visiting their feeders and has halted bird feeding until at least 12/15. Check with them directly for updates.
A Winter Wren was found at Edinburg Scenic Wetlands on 11/24, at the eastern edge of the park, continuing through at least 12/8. A Tropical Parula continues through at least 12/15.
At Santa Ana, a Dusky-capped Flycatcher was found on Willow Lakes Trail on 11/28 and continues through 12/15.
A GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER was found at Frontera Audubon on 11/7, continuing through at least 12/17. A CRIMSON-COLLARED GROSBEAK was found on 12/10, continuing through at least 12/17. Frontera is closed Sunday mornings and Mondays.
At Estero State Park, one, then two, and up to THREE Limpkin, with at least one continuing through at least 12/5, most recently at Kiskadee Pond. A Wood Stork was at Alligator Lake on 12/15 and 12/16. A Mallard was present on 12/13 through 12/15.
Cameron County
A GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER continues at Hugh Ramsey Park, near Cypress Pond, through at least 12/13. A Winter Wren continues there through 12/16.
A Tropical Parula was at Los Fresnos Nature Park on 11/11 and continues though at least 12/11.
A Tropical Parula was found on 10/22 at Laguna Atascosa, near the Visitor Center, with two being found on 10/23, and at least one continuing through 11/26. (There's also a Northern x Tropical Parula hybrid in the area.)
A juvenile ROADSIDE HAWK was found near the resaca along the tram route, at Resaca SP, on 11/7, and it continues (being seen sporadically, and often after investing time) through 12/17, splitting time at the same location and/or near the park entrance road. The third ABA record, and first Texas record, of of GRAY-COLLARED BECARD was identified on 11/25 had been present since 11/24 and continues through at least 12/17. A Tropical Parula was found on 11/12 and continues through at least 12/17. A Rose-throated Becard was found on 11/10 and continues in the parking lot and near the water feature through 12/11. A Western Tanager was seen here on 11/8 and continues through 12/15. A Western Flycatcher was reported on 11/24 and again on 12/9, and two were reported on 12/17. Dusky-capped Flycatcher was reported on 11/26 and continues through at least 12/10. A Golden-crowned Warbler was found on 11/26. A late Groove-billed Ani continues on the Bobcat Trail through at least 12/8. A Green-tailed Towhee was found on 12/8. A female type Painted Bunting was found on 12/17.
A Downy Woodpecker was found on 12/15 on Atol Street on South Padre Island. It continues through 12/17 on W Retama St.
A Brewer's Sparrow continues at Palo Alto Battlefield through 12/7.
A Hermit Warbler was found at Buena Vista Cemetery on 12/8 and continues through 12/17.
A Surf Scoter was at Isla Blanca Park on 12/4 and 12/5.
A Long-tailed Duck was reported from South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center on 12/9.
Several late migrant songbirds continue at many locations in Cameron County. Too many to track! Check eBird hotspots for details.
Willacy County
No rarities have been reported in Willacy County at this time, mostly due to lack of birder presence.
***EXTRALIMITAL: Cattle Tyrant reported at intersection of Chaparral and Schnatzell in downtown Corpus Christi. Reported 11/12 and continuing through at least 12/16.
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!
Good Birding!
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Compiled by Tiffany Kersten
tiffanykersten@gmail.com
