The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, February 28, 2008:
--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---
A PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) was on the University of Texas tower on February 25th, and has been frequenting that area and other locations in downtown Austin since January.
A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica) was on private property at Sunrise Beach on Lake LBJ on February 24th.
Six ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga) were over Cherry Springs Ranch in southeast Burnet County on February 23rd.
--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---
A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE (Pipilo chlorurus) photographed at Southeast Metro Park on January 20th was still being seen as of February 24th. The park is off HWY 71 just east of FM 973 and HWY 45. The bird has been found off the northwest portion of the parking lot where the trailhead for the Primitive Trail is located, which is north of the ball fields.
A BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus platycercus) first seen at a private residence near Bee Caves and 360 in southwest Austin on August 27th was still being seen as of February 24th. It reappeared on November 21st after not having been seen since November 2nd.
A PRAIRIE FALCON (Falco mexicanus) discovered along Cow Creek Road in w. Travis County on February 2nd was still present as of February 12th. It has been seen near the south end of the road, between the first and second water crossings.
A GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens) was in far northwest Austin on February 3rd and was still present as of February 10th.
--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---
A GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus) in nw. Austin on February 20th was very unusual.
A SAY'S PHOEBE (Sayornis saya) was observed on the east side of the old Robert Mueller Airport in Austin on February 6th and was seen again as recently as February 19th.
--
Eric Carpenter
Rare Bird Alert Compiler, Travis Audubon Society