May 31, 2007

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, May 31st, 2007:

--- Exceptional Sightings ---

A GREEN VIOLET-EAR (Colibri thalassinus) photographed at a private
residence between Bastrop and Paige on April 29th continues to be seen
as of May 19th.

--- Rarities found this past week ---

Two SCOTT'S ORIOLES (Icterus parisorum) visited a backyard feeder in
west Austin near 360 and Bee Caves on May 29th.

On May 26th along Alum Creek in Bastop/Buescher State Park, there was
2 WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) and a SWAINSON'S WARBLER
(Limnothlypis swainsonii).

A BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Dendroica striata) was in far northwest Austin
(Williamson County) on May 26th.

Three BUSHTITS (PSaltriparus minimus) was on the Barton Creek Preserve
in southwest Austin on May 26th.

A GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH (Catharus minimus) made an appearance in a Round
Rock backyard on May 26th.

A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Seiurus noveboracensis) was along the West
Bouldin Creek Greenbelt in Austin on May 25th.

Another NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Seiurus noveboracensis) was on Ft. Hood
(Bell County) on May 24th.

--- Continuing birds from previous weeks ---

A LONG-BILLED CURLEW (Numenius americanus) near Utley on May 8th was
still in the area as of May 16th.

BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRDS (Amazilia yucatanensis) have been seen
recently at three different private residences in Bastrop County the
past few weeks (last reports from May 29th).

SCOTT'S ORIOLES (Icterus parisorum) are nesting at two locations on
and near the Balcones Canyonland NWR.

LONG-BILLED THRASHERS (Toxostoma longirostre) are being heard and seen
regularly on the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo.

--- Rare sightings from previous weeks ---

The Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo held a WOOD THRUSH
(Hylocichla mustelina) May 19th thru May 23rd while a MACGILLIVRAY'S
WARBLER (Oporornis tolmiei) was there on May 22nd.

Another WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) was in Temple on May 21st
thru May 25th while a different bird was in far northwest Travis
County on May 20th.

A GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH (Catharus minimus) was detected in Utley
(Bastrop County) on May 21st.

A TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor) was at Hornsby Bend on May 20th.

In Temple on May 19th, a RED-NECKED PHALAROPE (Phalaropus lobatus) was
on private property while a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus
erythropthalmus) was at Lions Park.

A BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus) was reported from
the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on May 19th.

Two BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS (Pluvialis squatarola) were at Hornsby Bend
on May 19th.

A MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER (Oporornis tolmiei) was near Stillhouse
Hollow Reservoir (Bell County) on May 17th.

Two SNOWY PLOVERS (Charadrius alexandrinus) were on a holding pond at
the Mueller Airport development site in Austin on May 16th.

A WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) was near the Barton Creek
Greenbelt in southwest Austin on May 16th.

A SCOTT'S ORIOLE (Icterus parisorum) has been in northern Spring
Branch (Blano/Comal counties) since May 10th (last reported there on
May 16th).

A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica) was at Richard Moya
Park in southeast Austin on May 15th.

A COMMON LOON (Gavia immer) was found on Austin's Town Lake near
Longhorn Dam on May 14th.

A SURF SCOTER (Melanitta perspicillata) put in an appearance on Pond 2
at Hornsby Bend on May 13th.

A rather late HARRIS'S SPARROW (Zonotrichia querula) was near HWY 95
southwest of Granger Lake on May 12th.

--
Eric Carpenter
Rare Bird Alert Compiler, Travis Audubon Society

FAQ

May 24, 2007

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, May 24th, 2007:

--- Exceptional Sightings ---

A GREEN VIOLET-EAR (Colibri thalassinus) photographed at a private
residence between Bastrop and Paige on April 29th continues to be seen
as of May 19th.

--- Rarities found this past week ---

The Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo held a WOOD THRUSH
(Hylocichla mustelina) May 19th thru May 23rd while a MACGILLIVRAY'S
WARBLER (Oporornis tolmiei) was there on May 22nd.

Another WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) was in Temple on May 21st
while a different bird was in far northwest Travis County on May 20th.

A GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH (Catharus minimus) was detected in Utley
(Bastrop County) on May 21st.

A TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor) was at Hornsby Bend on May 20th.

In Temple on May 19th, a RED-NECKED PHALAROPE (Phalaropus lobatus) was
on private property while a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus
erythropthalmus) was at Lions Park.

A BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus) was reported from
the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on May 19th.

Two BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS (Pluvialis squatarola) were at Hornsby Bend
on May 19th.

--- Continuing birds from previous weeks ---

A LONG-BILLED CURLEW (Numenius americanus) near Utley on May 8th was
still in the area as of May 16th.

BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRDS (Amazilia yucatanensis) have been seen
recently at three different private residences in Bastrop County the
past few weeks (last reports from May 16th).

SCOTT'S ORIOLES (Icterus parisorum) are nesting at two locations on
and near the Balcones Canyonland NWR.

LONG-BILLED THRASHERS (Toxostoma longirostre) are being heard and seen
regularly on the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo.

--- Rare sightings from previous weeks ---

Two SNOWY PLOVERS (Charadrius alexandrinus) were on a holding pond at
the Mueller Airport development site in Austin on May 16th.

A WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) was near the Barton Creek
Greenbelt in southwest Austin on May 16th.

A SCOTT'S ORIOLE (Icterus parisorum) has been in northern Spring
Branch (Blano/Comal counties) since May 10th (last reported there on
May 16th).

A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica) was at Richard Moya
Park in southeast Austin on May 15th.

A COMMON LOON (Gavia immer) was found on Austin's Town Lake near
Longhorn Dam on May 14th.

A SURF SCOTER (Melanitta perspicillata) put in an appearance on Pond 2
at Hornsby Bend on May 13th.

A rather late HARRIS'S SPARROW (Zonotrichia querula) was near HWY 95
southwest of Granger Lake on May 12th.

A GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera) was on the Schaezler's
Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on May 9th.

Fort Hood (Bell County) held a BLUE-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora pinus)
on May 6th and a LAUGHING GULL (Larus atricilla) on May 5th.

A singing YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica) was a nice find
at Temple Lions Park on May 5th.

A thorough search of the area below the Granger Dam on May 5th yielded
3 LECONTE'S SPARROWS (Ammodramus leconteii) as well as a SORA (Porzana
carolina).

A NORTHERN HARRIER (Circus cyaneus) was over the Schaezler's Warbler
Woods property near Cibolo on May 5th and May 6th.

Three CASPIAN TERNS (Sterna caspia) put in an appearance at some
flooded fields on private property in Temple on May 4th.

A SCOTT'S ORIOLE (Icterus parisorum) was reported from Dripping
Springs on May 4th.

A BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Dendroica striata) was in Elgin on May 3rd.

A visit to Lake Buchanan on May 3rd yielded the following interesting
birds: 7 COMMON LOONS (Gavia immer), 5 WESTERN GREBES (Aechmophorus
occidentalis), 1 ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus), 1 PIPING PLOVER
(Charadrius melodus), and 7 RING-BILLED GULLS (Larus delawarensis).

A GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera) was on the San Gabriel
WMA at Granger Lake on May 3rd.

Temple Lions Park held a PALM WARBLER (Dendroica palmarum) on May 3rd,
while a LAZULI BUNTING (Passerina amoena) was there on May 4th.

--
Eric Carpenter
Rare Bird Alert Compiler, Travis Audubon Society

FAQ

May 17, 2007

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, May 17th, 2007:

--- Exceptional Sightings ---

A GREEN VIOLET-EAR (Colibri thalassinus) photographed at a private
residence between Bastrop and Paige on April 29th continues to be seen
as of May 8th.

--- Rarities found this past week ---

Two SNOWY PLOVERS (Charadrius alexandrinus) were on a holding pond at
the Mueller Airport development site in Austin on May 16th.

A WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) was near the Barton Creek
Greenbelt in southwest Austin on May 16th.

A SCOTT'S ORIOLE (Icterus parisorum) has been in northern Spring
Branch (Blano/Comal counties) since May 10th (last reported there on
May 16th).

A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica) was at Richard Moya
Park in southeast Austin on May 15th.

A COMMON LOON (Gavia immer) was found on Austin's Town Lake near
Longhorn Dam on May 14th.

A SURF SCOTER (Melanitta perspicillata) put in an appearance on Pond 2
at Hornsby Bend on May 13th.

A rather late HARRIS'S SPARROW (Zonotrichia querula) was near HWY 95
southwest of Granger Lake on May 12th.

--- Continuing birds from previous weeks ---

A LONG-BILLED CURLEW (Numenius americanus) near Utley on May 8th was
still in the area as of May 16th.

BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRDS (Amazilia yucatanensis) have been seen
recently at three different private residences in Bastrop County the
past few weeks (last reports from May 16th).

SCOTT'S ORIOLES (Icterus parisorum) are nesting at two locations on
and near the Balcones Canyonland NWR.

A WORM-EATING WARBLER (Helmitheros vermivorum) has been present at the
Rocky Hill Ranch near Smithville since April 16th (still present as of
April 30th).

A LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus) has been in one of the flooded
loam pits along Platt Lane (just north of Hornsby Bend) since April
23rd (last reported April 30th).

LONG-BILLED THRASHERS (Toxostoma longirostre) are being heard and seen
regularly on the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo.
COMMON PAURAQUES (Nyctidromus albicollis) were seen as recently as May
2nd. A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) has also been seen a few
times here, most recently on April 29th.

BALD EAGLES (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) remain in our area with recent
reports from northeast Austin on May 1st.

--- Rare sightings from previous weeks ---

A GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera) was on the Schaezler's
Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on May 9th.

Fort Hood (Bell County) held a BLUE-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora pinus)
on May 6th and a LAUGHING GULL (Larus atricilla) on May 5th.

A singing YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica) was a nice find
at Temple Lions Park on May 5th.

A thorough search of the area below the Granger Dam on May 5th yielded
3 LECONTE'S SPARROWS (Ammodramus leconteii) as well as a SORA (Porzana
carolina).

A NORTHERN HARRIER (Circus cyaneus) was over the Schaezler's Warbler
Woods property near Cibolo on May 5th and May 6th.

Three CASPIAN TERNS (Sterna caspia) put in an appearance at some
flooded fields on private property in Temple on May 4th.

A SCOTT'S ORIOLE (Icterus parisorum) was reported from Dripping
Springs on May 4th.

A BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Dendroica striata) was in Elgin on May 3rd.

A visit to Lake Buchanan on May 3rd yielded the following interesting
birds: 7 COMMON LOONS (Gavia immer), 5 WESTERN GREBES (Aechmophorus
occidentalis), 1 ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus), 1 PIPING PLOVER
(Charadrius melodus), and 7 RING-BILLED GULLS (Larus delawarensis).

A GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera) was on the San Gabriel
WMA at Granger Lake on May 3rd.

Temple Lions Park held a PALM WARBLER (Dendroica palmarum) on May 3rd,
while a LAZULI BUNTING (Passerina amoena) was there on May 4th.

CERULEAN WARBLERS (Dendroica cerulea) have put on a great showing this
spring in our area. Temple held one on May 1st, while two were in
Salado on April 29th. One was present each of April 28th and April
29th near Lake Austin, between Commons Ford Ranch and Emma Long Park.
The Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo held two Ceruleans
on April 27th and one on April 28th.

A LAZULI BUNTING (Passerina amoena) was at Temple Lions Park on May 2nd.

At the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on May 2nd, an
EASTERN TOWHEE (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) put in an appearance.

Big Webberville Park (off of FM 969 in far eastern Travis County)
hosted a GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera) and a
BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus erythropthalmus) on May 2nd.

Three LAZULI BUNTINGS (Passerina amoena) were in eastern Bastrop
County on May 2nd.

An incredible 19 WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus) were on Fort Hood (Bell
County) on April 30th.

Three BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS (Pluvialis squatarola) were at Hornsby
Bend on April 30th.

A LAZULI BUNTING (Passerina amoena) was at the Gravel Crossing WMA
(off the Lampasas River, Bell County) on April 29th.

A COMMON LOON (Gavia immer) was on Granger Lake on April 29th.

A WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) was in Salado on April 29th.
Another WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) was near Oak Hill
(southwest Austin) on April 28th.

A BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia yucatanensis) was at a private
residence near Rosanky (southern Bastrop County) on April 29th.

On April 29th, a ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was near Lake
Austin, between Commons Ford Ranch and Emma Long Park.

A WORM-EATING WARBLER (Helmitheros vermivorum) was at the Schaezler's
Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on April 28th, while a
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera) was there on April 27th.

Rather unusual for this late in the spring was a SAY'S PHOEBE
(Sayornis saya) at Balcones Canyonland NWR in Burnet County on April
27th.

A LAZULI BUNTING (Passerina amoena) was in northwest Austin in
Williamson County on April 27th.

--
Eric Carpenter
Rare Bird Alert Compiler, Travis Audubon Society

FAQ

May 10, 2007

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, May 10th, 2007:

--- Exceptional Sightings ---

A GREEN VIOLET-EAR (Colibri thalassinus) photographed at a private
residence between Bastrop and Paige on April 29th continues to be seen
as of May 8th.

--- Rarities found this past week ---

A GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera) was on the Schaezler's
Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on May 9th.

A LONG-BILLED CURLEW (Numenius americanus) was near Utley on May 8th.

Fort Hood (Bell County) held a BLUE-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora pinus)
on May 6th and a LAUGHING GULL (Larus atricilla) on May 5th.

A singing YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica) was a nice find
at Temple Lions Park on May 5th.

A thorough search of the area below the Granger Dam on May 5th yielded
3 LECONTE'S SPARROWS (Ammodramus leconteii) as well as a SORA (Porzana
carolina).

A NORTHERN HARRIER (Circus cyaneus) was over the Schaezler's Warbler
Woods property near Cibolo on May 5th and May 6th.

Three CASPIAN TERNS (Sterna caspia) put in an appearance at some
flooded fields on private property in Temple on May 4th.

A SCOTT'S ORIOLE (Icterus parisorum) was reported from Dripping
Springs on May 4th.

A BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Dendroica striata) was in Elgin on May 3rd.

A visit to Lake Buchanan on May 3rd yielded the following interesting
birds: 7 COMMON LOONS (Gavia immer), 5 WESTERN GREBES (Aechmophorus
occidentalis), 1 ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus), 1 PIPING PLOVER
(Charadrius melodus), and 7 RING-BILLED GULLS (Larus delawarensis).

A GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera) was on the San Gabriel
WMA at Granger Lake on May 3rd.

Temple Lions Park held a PALM WARBLER (Dendroica palmarum) on May 3rd,
while a LAZULI BUNTING (Passerina amoena) was there on May 4th.

--- Continuing birds from previous weeks ---

SCOTT'S ORIOLES (Icterus parisorum) are nesting at two locations on
and near the Balcones Canyonland NWR.

A WORM-EATING WARBLER (Helmitheros vermivorum) has been present at the
Rocky Hill Ranch near Smithville since April 16th (still present as of
April 30th).

A LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus) has been in one of the flooded
loam pits along Platt Lane (just north of Hornsby Bend) since April
23rd (last reported April 30th).

On the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo, a BLACK-HEADED
GROSBEAK (Pheucticus melanocephalus) has been present since January
6th (last reported April 21st).

At Hornsby Bend, the VIRGINIA RAIL (Rallus limicola) that has been
heard and seen on Pond 1 West since October is still present in the
southwest corner of that pond (last reported April 21st).

LONG-BILLED THRASHERS (Toxostoma longirostre) are being heard and seen
regularly on the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo.
COMMON PAURAQUES (Nyctidromus albicollis) were seen as recently as May
2nd. A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) has also been seen a few
times here, most recently on April 29th.

BALD EAGLES (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) remain in our area with recent
reports from northeast Austin on May 1st.

RINGED KINGFISHER (Ceryle torquatus) sightings in our area include one
at Hornsby Bend as recently as April 23rd.

--- Rare sightings from previous weeks ---

CERULEAN WARBLERS (Dendroica cerulea) have put on a great showing this
spring in our area. Temple held one on May 1st, while two were in
Salado on April 29th. One was present each of April 28th and April
29th near Lake Austin, between Commons Ford Ranch and Emma Long Park.
The Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo held two Ceruleans
on April 27th and one on April 28th.

A LAZULI BUNTING (Passerina amoena) was at Temple Lions Park on May 2nd.

At the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on May 2nd, an
EASTERN TOWHEE (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) put in an appearance.

Big Webberville Park (off of FM 969 in far eastern Travis County)
hosted a GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera) and a
BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus erythropthalmus) on May 2nd.

Three LAZULI BUNTINGS (Passerina amoena) were in eastern Bastrop
County on May 2nd.

An incredible 19 WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus) were on Fort Hood (Bell
County) on April 30th.

Three BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS (Pluvialis squatarola) were at Hornsby
Bend on April 30th.

A LAZULI BUNTING (Passerina amoena) was at the Gravel Crossing WMA
(off the Lampasas River, Bell County) on April 29th.

A COMMON LOON (Gavia immer) was on Granger Lake on April 29th.

A WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) was in Salado on April 29th.
Another WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) was near Oak Hill
(southwest Austin) on April 28th.

A BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia yucatanensis) was at a private
residence near Rosanky (southern Bastrop County) on April 29th.

On April 29th, a ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was near Lake
Austin, between Commons Ford Ranch and Emma Long Park.

A WORM-EATING WARBLER (Helmitheros vermivorum) was at the Schaezler's
Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on April 28th, while a
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera) was there on April 27th.

Rather unusual for this late in the spring was a SAY'S PHOEBE
(Sayornis saya) at Balcones Canyonland NWR in Burnet County on April
27th.

A LAZULI BUNTING (Passerina amoena) was in northwest Austin in
Williamson County on April 27th.

A SPRAGUE'S PIPIT (Anthus spragueii) was still in fields on private
property in Temple as of April 26th.

A probable, though nicely described, HUTTON'S VIREO (Vireo huttoni)
was along the Barton Springs Greenbelt in Austin on April 25th.

A GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus) was carefully studied on private
property in Temple on April 25th.

At the Pflugerville Reservoir (off of Weiss Road) on April 25th, there
was a SNOWY PLOVER (Charadrius alexandrinus) as well as a RING-BILLED
GULL (Larus delawarensis).

A BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia yucatanensis) has been present at
a private residence in the Onion Creek area of Austin since April 20th
(still present as of April 25th).

A CERULEAN WARBLER (Dendroica cerulea) was near Smithville (Bastrop
County) on April 25th.

A COUCH'S KINGBIRD (Tyrannus couchii) was at Hornsby Bend on April 25th.

A BLUE-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora pinus) was seen in Bastrop on April 25th.

A WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH (Sitta carolinensis) was present near
Smithville on April 24th.

A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus erythropthalmus) was heard near Utley
(Bastrop County) on April 23rd.

A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica) was on the Schaezler's
Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on April 23rd.

Another LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus) was reported on private
property in Round Rock on April 23rd.

As many as eight CASSIN'S SPARROWS (Aimophila cassinii) were present
on April 22nd along the entrance to Reimer's Ranch Park in far western
edge of Travis County.

A BLUE-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora pinus) was in far northwest Austin on
April 22nd.

On April 22nd, four RING-BILLED GULLS (Larus delawarensis) were at
Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir while one was at Belton Lake. Another
Ring-billed was at Hornsby Bend on April 21st.

A LAZULI BUNTING (Passerina amoena) was along Post Oak Road near Big
Webberville Park (far eastern Travis County) on April 21st.

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was over the Schaezler's
Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on April 21st while a BLUE-WINGED
WARBLER (Vermivora pinus) was there on April 20th.

Another BLUE-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora pinus) was along the Barton
Greenbelt (west of MoPac) in Austin on April 21st.

--
Eric Carpenter
Rare Bird Alert Compiler, Travis Audubon Society

FAQ

May 3, 2007

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, May 3rd, 2007:

--- Exceptional Sightings ---

A GREEN VIOLET-EAR (Colibri thalassinus) was photographed at a private
residence between Bastrop and Paige on April 29th.

--- Rarities found this past week ---

CERULEAN WARBLERS (Dendroica cerulea) have put on a great showing this
spring in our area. Temple held one on May 1st, while two were in
Salado on April 29th. One was present each of April 28th and April
29th near Lake Austin, between Commons Ford Ranch and Emma Long Park.
The Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo held two Ceruleans
on April 27th and one on April 28th.

A LAZULI BUNTING (Passerina amoena) was at Temple Lions Park on May 2nd.

At the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on May 2nd, an
EASTERN TOWHEE (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) put in an appearance.

Big Webberville Park (off of FM 969 in far eastern Travis County)
hosted a GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera) and a
BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus erythropthalmus) on May 2nd.

Three LAZULI BUNTINGS (Passerina amoena) were in eastern Bastrop
County on May 2nd.

Three BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola) were at Hornsby Bend
on April 30th.

A LAZULI BUNTING (Passerina amoena) was at the Gravel Crossing WMA
(off the Lampasas River, Bell County) on April 29th.

A COMMON LOON (Gavia immer) was on Granger Lake on April 29th.

A WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) was in Salado on April 29th.
Another WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) was near Oak Hill
(southwest Austin) on April 28th.

A BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia yucatanensis) was at a private
residence near Rosanky (southern Bastrop County) on April 29th.

On April 29th, a ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was near Lake
Austin, between Commons Ford Ranch and Emma Long Park.

A WORM-EATING WARBLER (Helmitheros vermivorum) was at the Schaezler's
Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on April 28th, while a
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera) was there on April 27th.

Rather unusual for this late in the spring was a SAY'S PHOEBE
(Sayornis saya) at Balcones Canyonland NWR in Burnet County on April
27th.

A LAZULI BUNTING (Passerina amoena) was in northwest Austin in
Williamson County on April 27th.

A SPRAGUE'S PIPIT (Anthus spragueii) was still in fields on private
property in Temple as of April 26th.

--- Continuing birds from previous weeks ---

A WORM-EATING WARBLER (Helmitheros vermivorum) has been present at the
Rocky Hill Ranch near Smithville since April 16th (still present as of
April 30th).

A LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus) has been in one of the flooded
loam pits along Platt Lane (just north of Hornsby Bend) since April
23rd (last reported April 30th).

On the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo, a BLACK-HEADED
GROSBEAK (Pheucticus melanocephalus) has been present since January
6th (last reported April 21st).

At Hornsby Bend, the VIRGINIA RAIL (Rallus limicola) that has been
heard and seen on Pond 1 West since October is still present in the
southwest corner of that pond (last reported April 21st).

Up to two HARRIS'S HAWKS (Parabuteo unicinctus) seem to be present
along IH-35 near Parmer Lane in north Austin. They've been seen
frequently near this location since late January, with the most recent
report as of April 16th.

LONG-BILLED THRASHERS (Toxostoma longirostre) are being heard and seen
regularly on the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo.
COMMON PAURAQUES (Nyctidromus albicollis) were seen as recently as May
2st. A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) has also been seen a few
times here, most recently on April 29th.

BALD EAGLES (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) remain in our area with recent
reports from northeast Austin on May 1st, and Stillhouse Hollow
Reservoir (as of April 14th).

RINGED KINGFISHER (Ceryle torquatus) sightings in our area include one
at Hornsby Bend as recently as April 23rd.

--- Rare sightings from previous weeks ---

A probable, though nicely described, HUTTON'S VIREO (Vireo huttoni)
was along the Barton Springs Greenbelt in Austin on April 25th.

A GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus) was carefully studied on private
property in Temple on April 25th.

At the Pflugerville Reservoir (off of Weiss Road) on April 25th, there
was a SNOWY PLOVER (Charadrius alexandrinus) as well as a RING-BILLED
GULL (Larus delawarensis).

A BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia yucatanensis) has been present at
a private residence in the Onion Creek area of Austin since April 20th
(still present as of April 25th).

A CERULEAN WARBLER (Dendroica cerulea) was near Smithville (Bastrop
County) on April 25th.

A COUCH'S KINGBIRD (Tyrannus couchii) was at Hornsby Bend on April 25th.

A BLUE-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora pinus) was seen in Bastrop on April 25th.

A WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH (Sitta carolinensis) was present near
Smithville on April 24th.

A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus erythropthalmus) was heard near Utley
(Bastrop County) on April 23rd.

A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica) was on the Schaezler's
Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on April 23rd.

Another LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus) was reported on private
property in Round Rock on April 23rd.

As many as eight CASSIN'S SPARROW (Aimophila cassinii) were present on
April 22nd along the entrance to Reimer's Ranch Park in far western
edge of Travis County.

A BLUE-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora pinus) was in far northwest Austin on
April 22nd.

On April 22nd, four RING-BILLED GULLS (Larus delawarensis) were at
Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir while one was at Belton Lake. Another
Ring-billed was at Hornsby Bend on April 21st.

A LAZULI BUNTING (Passerina amoena) was along Post Oak Road near Big
Webberville Park (far eastern Travis County) on April 21st.

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was over the Schaezler's
Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on April 21st while a BLUE-WINGED
WARBLER (Vermivora pinus) was there on April 20th.

Another BLUE-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora pinus) was along the Barton
Greenbelt (west of MoPac) in Austin on April 21st.

A SNOWY PLOVER (Charadrius alexandrinus) was on private property in
Temple on April 17th. A PIPING PLOVER (Charadrius melodus) was at this
same location on April 13th.

A BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus platycercus) was at the
Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on April 16th.

A thorough search of the marshy area below the Granger Dam on April
15th yielded at least 10 LECONTE'S SPARROWS (Ammodramus leconteii) and
another 20+ unidentified Ammodramus sparrows.

A COUCH'S KINGBIRD (Tyrannus couchii) was in San Marcos on April 15th.

--
Eric Carpenter
Rare Bird Alert Compiler, Travis Audubon Society

FAQ