October 30, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, October 30th, 2008:

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was spotted west of 360 and Bee Caves Road on the west side of Austin on October 30th.

A BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was near Shipp Lake on October 27th.

The Granger Lake area was productive on October 25th and 26th with the following highlights: a COMMON LOON (Gavia immer), four MOTTLED DUCKS (Anas fulvigula), a BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), a heard-only VIRGINIA RAIL (Rallus limicola) below the spillway, two AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS (Pluvialis dominica), a BAIRD'S SANDPIPER (Calidris bairdii), and a single BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) along CR 352.

A ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja) was south of Niederwald in Caldwell County on October 25th.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD (Stellula calliope) that first visited a south Austin residence September 20th was still present as of October 20th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

Two BALD EAGLES (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were spotted migrating over Hornsby Bend on October 22nd.

A late PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Protonotaria citrea) has been present at Hornsby Bend, near the birding shelter on Pond 2, since October 18th (still present as of October 21st).

A yellow-lored YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica) put in an appearance at a Smithville residence on October 20th.

A CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Dendroica pensylvanica) was studied near the courthouse in Bastrop on October 20th.

The Granger Lake area was productive on October 19th with 5 ROSEATE SPOONBILLS (Platalea ajaja) at Willis Creek Park, 2 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS (Pluvialis dominica) at Friendship Park, and a distinctive heard-only GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) near the south end of the dam.

Two RINGED KINGFISHERS (Megaceryle torquatus) were along the Colorado River at McKinney Roughs on October 19th.

The seldom birded area of far eastern Travis County southeast of Manor was productive on October 18th with a late WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana), and 4 WILSON'S PHALAROPES (Phalaropus tricolor).

(Big) Webberville Park held an AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla) and a MOURNING WARBLER (Oporornis philadelphia) while (Little) Webberville Park had a BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), all on October 18th.

An AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica) was in eastern Bastrop County near Utley on October 18th.

A FERRUGINOUS HAWK (Buteo regalis) was a great find at the Hornsby Bend Hawkwatch on October 17th, which also had a BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) the same day.

The Granger Lake area was productive on October 12th with the following hightlights: a WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) at Willis Creek Park, an AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica) along the dam, and three DUNLIN (Calidris alpina) at the San Gabriel WMA.

Four DUNLIN (Calidris alpina) stopped in at Lake Fallen Star in Caldwell County on October 12th.

A CHUCK-WILL'S-WIDOW (Caprimulgus carolinensis) was reported from the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on October 12th.

An AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica) has been on the exposed shoreline of Lake Pflugerville since September 30th (still present as of October 11th).

A BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) put in an appearance at Hornsby Bend on October 11th. A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (Icteria virens) and a BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula) were also on the property along the river on the 11th.

--

Eric Carpenter

Rare Bird Alert Compiler, Travis Audubon Society

October 23, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, October 23rd, 2008:

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

Two BALD EAGLES (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were spotted migrating over Hornsby Bend on October 22nd.

A late PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Protonotaria citrea) has been present at Hornsby Bend, near the birding shelter on Pond 2, since October 18th (still present as of October 21st).

A yellow-lored YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica) put in an appearance at a Smithville residence on October 20th.

A CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Dendroica pensylvanica) was studied near the courthouse in Bastrop on October 20th.

The Granger Lake area was productive on October 19th with 5 ROSEATE SPOONBILLS (Platalea ajaja) at Willis Creek Park, 2 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS (Pluvialis dominica) at Friendship Park, and a distinctive heard-only GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) near the south end of the dam.

Two RINGED KINGFISHERS (Megaceryle torquatus) were along the Colorado River at McKinney Roughs on October 19th.

The seldom birded area of far eastern Travis County southeast of Manor was productive on October 18th with a late WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana), and 4 WILSON'S PHALAROPES (Phalaropus tricolor).

(Big) Webberville Park held an AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla) and a MOURNING WARBLER (Oporornis philadelphia) while (Little) Webberville Park had a BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), all on October 18th.

An AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica) was in eastern Bastrop County near Utley on October 18th.

A FERRUGINOUS HAWK (Buteo regalis) was a great find at the Hornsby Bend Hawkwatch on October 17th, which also had a BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) the same day.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

Two REDDISH EGRETS (Egretta rufescens) continue on Canyon Lake as of October 4th. First discovered on August 8th, the birds have been frequenting coves along the Canyon Park causeway.

An AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica) has been on the exposed shoreline of Lake Pflugerville since September 30th (still present as of October 11th).

A CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD (Stellula calliope) that first visited a south Austin residence September 20th was still present as of October 20th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

The Granger Lake area was productive on October 12th with the following hightlights: a WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) at Willis Creek Park, an AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica) along the dam, and three DUNLIN (Calidris alpina) at the San Gabriel WMA.

Four DUNLIN (Calidris alpina) stopped in at Lake Fallen Star in Caldwell County on October 12th.

A CHUCK-WILL'S-WIDOW (Caprimulgus carolinensis) was reported from the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on October 12th.

A BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) put in an appearance at Hornsby Bend on October 11th. A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (Icteria virens) and a BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula) were also on the property along the river on the 11th.

An EASTERN TOWHEE (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) near Smithville was a nice early find on October 9th.

A SANDERLING (Calidris alba) was persent at Lake Pflugerville October 5th thru October 7th.

Single BALD EAGLES (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were seen on October 4th at both Hornsby Bend and also along the Colorado River downstream of (Big) Webberville Park.

A BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus platycercus) was studied in Elgin on October 3rd.

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

October 16, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, October 16th, 2008:

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

The Granger Lake area was productive on October 12th with the following hightlights: a WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) at Willis Creek Park, an AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica) along the dam, and three DUNLIN (Calidris alpina) at the San Gabriel WMA.

Four DUNLIN (Calidris alpina) stopped in at Lake Fallen Star in Caldwell County on October 12th.

A CHUCK-WILL'S-WIDOW (Caprimulgus carolinensis) was reported from the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on October 12th.

A BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) put in an appearance at Hornsby Bend on October 11th. A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (Icteria virens) was also on the property along the river on the 11th.

An EASTERN TOWHEE (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) near Smithville was a nice early find on October 9th.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

Two REDDISH EGRETS (Egretta rufescens) continue on Canyon Lake as of October 4th. First discovered on August 8th, the birds have been frequenting coves along the Canyon Park causeway.

An AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica) has been on the exposed shoreline of Lake Pflugerville since September 30th (still present as of October 11th).

A CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD (Stellula calliope) that first visited a south Austin residence September 20th was still present as of September 28th.

The Schaezler's Warbler Woods property in Cibolo has been hosting up to two LONG-BILLED THRASHER (Toxostoma longirostre), reported as recently as September 30th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A SANDERLING (Calidris alba) was persent at Lake Pflugerville October 5th thru October 7th.

Single BALD EAGLES (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were seen on October 4th at both Hornsby Bend and also along the Colorado River downstream of (Big) Webberville Park.

A BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus platycercus) was studied in Elgin on October 3rd.

A BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus melanocephalus) was studied along the River Trail at Hornsby Bend on October 1st.

AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS (Pluvialis dominica) are much harder to find as fall migrants than they are in the spring. Noteworthy were 3 individuals at Lake Buchanan along CR 225 on September 27th, and another one at Union Grove at Stillhouse Hollow Lake on September 30th.

An ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cinerascens) was studied at Wild Basin Wilderness in west Austin on September 30th.
--
Eric Carpenter
Rare Bird Alert Compiler, Travis Audubon Society

October 9, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, October 9th, 2008:

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

A SANDERLING (Calidris alba) was persent at Lake Pflugerville October 5th thru October 7th.

Single BALD EAGLES (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were seen on October 4th at both Hornsby Bend and also along the Colorado River downstream of (Big) Webberville Park.

A BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus platycercus) was studied in Elgin on October 3rd.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

Two REDDISH EGRETS (Egretta rufescens) continue on Canyon Lake as of October 4th. First discovered on August 8th, the birds have been frequenting coves along the Canyon Park causeway.

An AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica) has been on the exposed shoreline of Lake Pflugerville since September 30th (still present as of October 5th).

A CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD (Stellula calliope) that first visited a south Austin residence September 20th was still present as of September 28th.

The Schaezler's Warbler Woods property in Cibolo has been hosting up to two LONG-BILLED THRASHER (Toxostoma longirostre), reported as recently as September 30th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus melanocephalus) was studied along the River Trail at Hornsby Bend on October 1st.

AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS (Pluvialis dominica) are much harder to find as fall migrants than they are in the spring. Noteworthy were 3 individuals at Lake Buchanan along CR 225 on September 27th, and another one at Union Grove at Stillhouse Hollow Lake on September 30th.

An ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cinerascens) was studied at Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve in west Austin on September 30th.

Two COUCH'S KINGBIRDS (Tyrannus couchii) were near the golf course at New Braunfels' Landa Park on September 24th.

Two BALD EAGLES (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were over Hornsby Bend on September 22nd.

An OVENBIRD (Seiurus aurocapilla) was spotted at St. Edwards Park in far northwest Austin on September 21st.

A VIRGINIA RAIL (Rallus limicola) was studied at Lake Pflugerville on September 19th. The bird was in the northwest, marshy corner of the lake.

A WORM-EATING WARBLER (Helmitheros vermivorum) was along the West Bouldin Creek Greenbelt in south Austin on September 19th.

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

October 2, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, October 2nd, 2008:


--- Exceptional Sightings---

A GREEN JAY (Cyanocorax yncas) was reported at a private residence in Dripping Springs on September 13th by an observer who is familiar with this species, but has not seen since. There are currently no well-documented records for the Austin area.

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS (Pluvialis dominica) are much harder to find as fall migrants than they are in the spring. Noteworthy were 3 individuals at Lake Buchanan along CR 225 on September 27th, one at Lake Pflugerville on September 30th, and another one at Union Grove at Stillhouse Hollow Lake on September 30th.

An ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cinerascens) was studied at Wild Basin Wilderness in west Austin on September 30th.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

Two REDDISH EGRETS (Egretta rufescens) continue on Canyon Lake as of September 20th. First discovered on August 8th, the birds have been frequenting coves along the Canyon Park causeway.

A CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD (Stellula calliope) that first visited a south Austin residence September 20th was still present as of September 28th.

The Schaezler's Warbler Woods property in Cibolo has been hosting up to two LONG-BILLED THRASHER (Toxostoma longirostre), reported as recently as September 30th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

Two COUCH'S KINGBIRDS (Tyrannus couchii) were near the golf course at New Braunfels' Landa Park on September 24th.

Two BALD EAGLES (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were over Hornsby Bend on September 22nd.

An OVENBIRD (Seiurus aurocapilla) was spotted at St. Edwards Park in far northwest Austin on September 21st.

A VIRGINIA RAIL (Rallus limicola) was studied at Lake Pflugerville on September 19th. The bird was in the northwest, marshy corner of the lake.

A WORM-EATING WARBLER (Helmitheros vermivorum) was along the West Bouldin Creek Greenbelt in south Austin on September 19th.

A BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) flew over Hornsby Bend on September 17th.

Perhaps pushed inland by Hurricane Ike, 13 CASPIAN TERNS (Hydroprogne caspia) were on Granger Lake on September 14th while 2 were at Temple's Slough Pond on September 15th.

The Schaezler's Warbler Woods property in Cibolo held a MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER (Oporornis tolmiei) on September 15th. A BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus platycercus) was reported there on September 16th.

A MOTTLED DUCK (Anas fulvigula) was at Willis Creek Park on Granger Lake on September 14th.

A WILLET (Tringa semipalmata) stopped at Hornsby Bend on September 14th.

A juvenile SORA (Porzana carolina) was at Hornsby Bend on September 13th while another was found dead at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property in Cibolo on September 15th.

A PIPING PLOVER (Charadrius melodus) was at Union Grove WMA along Stillhouse Hollow Lake on September 13th.

A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Seiurus noveboracensis) was along the Colorado River at Hornsby Bend on September 13th.


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