GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER - Hugh Ramsey Nature Park - September 13, 2023

Jeffrey Bryant found a GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER today, Wendnesday, September 13, 2023, at Hugh Ramsey Nature Park in Harlingen, Texas. The bird was reported to be very vocal and hanging with a mixed flock of warblers

Rio Grande Valley Rare Bird Alert - OFF SEASON / INTERMITTENT

Due to the low number of birders in the Rio Grande Valley in the summer months, weekly blog posts are on a hiatus. Visitors are encouraged to check the county eBird rarity reports: 

From West to East: 

Starr County

Hidalgo County

Cameron County 

Here is the link to the regularly updated blog post regarding the most recent access updates for BROWN JAYS at Santa Margarita Ranch (Starr Co.):  https://rgvrarebirdalert.blogspot.com/2023/03/brown-jays-santa-margarita-ranch.html

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! 

Feel free to email me with any questions or concerns. 

Good Birding! 

Tiffany Kersten 

tiffanykersten@gmail.com

Rio Grande Valley Rare Bird Alert - May 22

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 up to eight are present now now coming to oranges daily. Check the blog post for updates on sightings and access. Wild Muscovy Ducks and Hook-billed Kites have also been somewhat regular here. Jays have been seen very irregularly at Salineño along the river trail as well. 

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. Morelet's Seedeaters have been more regular in late April, singing at the end of the river trail. Two ROSE-THROATED BECARDS were found on 05/20 past the end of the trail near the cypress trees. 

Morelet's Seedeaters have been very regular along the dirt path at the end of River Rd. in the town of Fronton west of Roma lately. Listen for them singing and try to spot the singing males in one of the many dead snags or phragmites stands. 

Hidalgo County

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. 

Two Yellow-green Vireos were photographed on 05/13 along the main road near the pintail lakes trailhead. The birds were apparently silent. Another was found more recently on Vireo trail. 

A SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was found at a private residence in Weslaco on 05/22. 

Cameron County

Yellow-green Vireos have returned to breed on the south end of Cannon Road in south San Benito. Be careful on the road itself because it can have very bad ruts and mud. 

A MANGROVE CUCKOO was an incredible find along a drainage canal bordering the Arroyo Colorado west of Arroyo City on 05/10. The bird remained for the day but was not refound the day after despite pretty extensive efforts. Exact coordinates can be found in eBird

Another Yellow-green Vireo was found on 05/12 at Sabal Palm Sanctuary on the forest trail. These vireos are low density but regular breeders and may be found anywhere where there are tall trees, usually in Cameron county. 

A  male CRIMSON-COLLARED GROSBEAK was reported at the Rabb House at Sabal Palm Sanctuary on 05/14. Further documentation needed. 

Check eBird for reports of other migrants throughout the South Padre Island birding sites. 

Willacy County

No rarities have been observed recently in Willacy (mostly due to limited birder presence).

Good Birding! 

---------------------------

Compiled by Ryan Rodriguez 

Rio Grande Valley Rare Bird Alert - May 14, 2023

 

Rio Grande Valley Rare Bird Alert - May 7

 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 up to eight are present now now coming to oranges daily. Check the blog post for updates on sightings and access. Red-billed Pigeons have been seen almost daily here. Wild Muscovy Ducks and Hook-billed Kites have also been somewhat regular here. Jays have been seen very irregularly at Salineño along the river trail as well. 

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 female Rose-throated Becard was seen on April 24th. Morelet's Seedeaters have been more regular in late April, singing at the end of the river trail. 

Morelet's Seedeaters have been very regular along the dirt path at the end of River Rd. in the town of Fronton west of Roma lately. Listen for them singing and try to spot the singing males in one of the many dead snags or phragmites stands. 

Hidalgo County

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. 

Two Yellow-green Vireos were photographed on 05/13 along the main road near the pintail lakes trailhead. The birds were apparently silent.

Cameron County

Yellow-green Vireos have returned to breed on the south end of Cannon Road in south San Benito. Be careful on the road itself because it can have very bad ruts and mud. 

A MANGROVE CUCKOO was an incredible find along a drainage canal bordering the Arroyo Colorado west of Arroyo City on 05/10. The bird remained for the day but was not refound the day after despite pretty extensive efforts. Exact coordinates can be found in eBird

Another Yellow-green Vireo was found on 05/12 at Sabal Palm Sanctuary on the forest trail. These vireos are low density but regular breeders and may be found anywhere where there are tall trees, usually in Cameron county. 

A  male CRIMSON-COLLARED GROSBEAK was reported at the Rabb House at Sabal Palm Sanctuary on 05/14. Further documentation needed. 

Check eBird for reports of other migrants throughout the South Padre Island birding sites. 

Willacy County

No rarities have been observed recently in Willacy (mostly due to limited birder presence).

Good Birding! 

---------------------------

Compiled by Ryan Rodriguez 

Rio Grande Valley Rare Bird Alert - May 7

 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! 

Migration is slowing down but we've seen a push of high quality migrants like Hudsonian Godwit and Buff-breasted Sandpiper showing up in most sod/turf farm spots. 

The Valley from West to East: 

Starr County

Four BROWN JAYS were found at Santa Margarita Ranch (restricted access), on 3/3, and up to eight are present now now coming to oranges daily. Check the blog post for updates on sightings and access. Red-billed Pigeons have been seen almost daily here. Wild Muscovy Ducks and Hook-billed Kites have also been somewhat regular here. Jays have been seen very irregularly at Salineño along the river trail as well. 

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 female Rose-throated Becard was seen on April 24th. Morelet's Seedeaters have been more regular in late April, singing at the end of the river trail. 

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 singing Tropical Parula was found at Anzalduas County Park on 4/26 and continues through at least 4/28. 

A Black-headed Grosbeak was seen at Estero Llano Grande State Park on 5/03. These seem to have had an influx lately so could be worth looking out for anywhere in the valley. 

Cameron County

A Lazuli Bunting was found at the South Padre Island Valley Land Fund lots on 4/28 and continues through at least 4/29. 

Yellow-green Vireos have returned to breed on the south end of Cannon Road in south San Benito. Be careful on the road itself because it can have very bad ruts and mud. 

Check eBird for reports of other migrants throughout the South Padre Island birding sites. 

Willacy County

No rarities have been observed recently in Willacy (mostly due to limited birder presence).

Good Birding! 

---------------------------

Compiled by Ryan Rodriguez 

Rio Grande Valley Rare Bird Alert - April 30

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. 

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 female Rose-throated Becard was seen on April 24th. Morelet's Seedeaters have been more regular in late April, singing at the end of the river trail. 

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 singing Tropical Parula was found at Anzalduas County Park on 4/26 and continues through at least 4/28. 

Cameron County

A Lazuli Bunting was found at the South Padre Island Valley Land Fund lots on 4/28 and continues through at least 4/29. 

Check eBird for reports of other migrants throughout the South Padre Island birding sites. 

Willacy County

No rarities have been observed recently in Willacy (mostly due to limited birder presence).

Good Birding! 

---------------------------

Compiled by Tiffany Kersten (tiffanykersten@gmail.com). 

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! 

---------------------------

Compiled by Tiffany Kersten (tiffanykersten@gmail.com).