The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, May 8th, 2009:
--- Exceptional Sightings---
An amazing find was a RED-FACED WARBLER (Cardellina rubrifrons) in the Tarrytown neighborhood west of downtown Austin. The bird was studied for close to an hour late afternoon on April 23th and numerous photographs were taken. Unfortunately, it was not relocated the subsequent morning despite some searching. This sighting will be the first documented record for the Edward's Plateau, the first for Travis County and the second for the Austin area (the first being a bird in Bastrop County in May 1982).
--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---
A GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) was found along Smith School Road north of the TPWD Headquarters in far south Austin on May 6th.
Two MOTTLED DUCKS (Anas fulvigula) were photographed on the ponds at Hornsby Bend on April 30th and were still present there as of May 7th.
A SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) was seen soaring over the Oak Hill area (far southwest Austin) on May 5th.
Getting quite late, single SPRAGUE'S PIPITS (Anthus spragueii) were found in Temple on May 3rd and May 5th.
A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica) put in an another appearance in the wooded area just southwest of the Hwy. 360 bridge over Lake Austin on May 4th.
A BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Dendroica striata) was studied at Temple Lions Park on May 3rd.
A WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus) and a COUCH'S KINGBIRD (Tyrannus couchii) were at Aquarena Springs in San Marcos on May 3rd.
The Granger Lake area was productive on May 2nd with the following highlights: an immature BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis) on the lake, an immature WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus) at Willis Creek Park, a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus erythrophthalmus) at San Gabriel WMA, and a CASSIN'S SPARROW (Aimophila cassinii) along Harber Rd north of Bartlett.
Another CASSIN'S SPARROW (Aimophila cassinii) was in Round Rock on May 2nd.
Still more CASSIN'S SPARROWS (Aimophila cassinii) were found near Shipp Lake in eastern Bastrop County on May 2nd. Up to 4 territorial birds were heard singing along the Loop Rd just north of Shipp Lake and HWY 71.
A kayaking trip between (Big) Webberville Park and the FM 969 bridge near Utley yeilded one TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor) on May 2nd.
A BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Dendroica striata) was studied on April 30th along the Barton Creek Greenbelt (southwest Austin) one hundred to two hundred yards south of Sculpture Falls.
--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---
Quite surprising is a LEAST BITTERN (Ixobrychus exilis) that has been hiding out in the limited vegetation around the Turtle Pond on the University of Texas campus in Austin. The bird was first found/photographed on April 21st and was seen thru at least May 2nd though it can remain remarkably well hidden. The UT Turtle Pond/Tower Garden is immediately to the north of the UT Tower just to the southeast of the intersection of Guadalupe and 24th street. It has been mostly lurking deep in the clump of grass near the lower end of the pond.
A VERDIN (Auriparus flaviceps) was near the intersection of Old Ferry and River roads in far western Travis County (near Pace Bend park) on April 12th and was stil in the same location as of April 26th.
--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---
Two SWALLOW-TAILED KITES (Elanoides forficatus) were seen off Reed Park Road south of Jonestown (Travis County) on April 28th.
The water quality pond at St. Edward's University in south Austin held 2 VIRGINIA RAILS (Rallus limicola) on April 28th.
Getting late was a COMMON LOON (Gavia immer) seen from Iron Bridge Park on Lake Belton on April 28th.
An influx of GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLERS (Vermivora chrysoptera) were seen this week. As many as 7 different sightings (some of multiple birds) were reported at various locations, most were in & around Austin.
BLUE-WINGED WARBLERS (Vermivora pinus) are also making a strong showing this spring. An additional 7 sightings were tallied this week at various sites.
A bumper crop of LAZULI BUNTINGS (Passerina amoena) continue to pass thru central Texas. Observers sifting thru mixed bunting flocks have reported at least six sightings this week, with the most notable being up to 5 at one private residence in western Bastrop County.
WOOD THRUSHES (Hylocichla mustelina) made a good showing this week with one at Temple Lions Park on April 24th, one at the W. Bouldin Creek Greenbelt in south Austin on April 24th (still present as of April 27th), one at the State Capitol Grounds in Austin on April 25th, one in far nw. Austin (Williamson County) on April 26th, and one at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on April 27th and 28th.
A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica) put in an appearance in the wooded area just southwest of the Hwy. 360 bridge over Lake Austin
on April 27th.
The Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo received a lot of birder coverage this past week, including 2 field trips during the TOS meeting. Several interesting sightings were mentioned, included a report of a SWAINSON'S WARBLER (Limnothlypis swainsonii) on April 26th and April 27th.
Something was amiss with late migrating RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS (Mergus serrator) on April 26th, with 2 females studied in the morning at Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir and 3 females that stopped over at Hornsby Bend late that afternoon.
A trip to Granger Lake on April 26th was productive with 4 MOTTLED DUCKS (Anas fulvigula), a lingering NORTHERN HARRIER (Circus cyaneus), and a first-year HERRING GULL (Larus argentatus).
A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus erythrophthalmus) was photographed April 25th at Southeast Metro Park, which is east of the Austin Airport along HWY 71.
A GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus) was photographed on Pond 1West at Hornsby Bend on April 24th. An adult HERRING GULL (Larus argentatus) also put in an appearance over the ponds that day.
A WORM-EATING WARBLER (Helmitheros vermivorum) was photographed on April 24th in a backyard off of Duval Road between 183 and MoPac in northwest Austin.
A visit to (Big) Webberville Park on April 24th was productive with the following highlights: 2 WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus), a singing YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica), and 3 lingering BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS (Euphagus cyanocephalus).
LAZULI BUNTINGS (Passerina amoena) continue to be reported in numerous locations, usually accompanied by either Indigo and/or Painted Buntings.
A GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH (Catharus fuscescens) was studied near Utley on April 22nd.
A WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) was reported from the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on April 22nd.
A GREATER SCAUP (Aythya marila) was photographed at Hornsby Bend on April 21st.
--- Exceptional Sightings---
An amazing find was a RED-FACED WARBLER (Cardellina rubrifrons) in the Tarrytown neighborhood west of downtown Austin. The bird was studied for close to an hour late afternoon on April 23th and numerous photographs were taken. Unfortunately, it was not relocated the subsequent morning despite some searching. This sighting will be the first documented record for the Edward's Plateau, the first for Travis County and the second for the Austin area (the first being a bird in Bastrop County in May 1982).
--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---
A GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) was found along Smith School Road north of the TPWD Headquarters in far south Austin on May 6th.
Two MOTTLED DUCKS (Anas fulvigula) were photographed on the ponds at Hornsby Bend on April 30th and were still present there as of May 7th.
A SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) was seen soaring over the Oak Hill area (far southwest Austin) on May 5th.
Getting quite late, single SPRAGUE'S PIPITS (Anthus spragueii) were found in Temple on May 3rd and May 5th.
A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica) put in an another appearance in the wooded area just southwest of the Hwy. 360 bridge over Lake Austin on May 4th.
A BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Dendroica striata) was studied at Temple Lions Park on May 3rd.
A WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus) and a COUCH'S KINGBIRD (Tyrannus couchii) were at Aquarena Springs in San Marcos on May 3rd.
The Granger Lake area was productive on May 2nd with the following highlights: an immature BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis) on the lake, an immature WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus) at Willis Creek Park, a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus erythrophthalmus) at San Gabriel WMA, and a CASSIN'S SPARROW (Aimophila cassinii) along Harber Rd north of Bartlett.
Another CASSIN'S SPARROW (Aimophila cassinii) was in Round Rock on May 2nd.
Still more CASSIN'S SPARROWS (Aimophila cassinii) were found near Shipp Lake in eastern Bastrop County on May 2nd. Up to 4 territorial birds were heard singing along the Loop Rd just north of Shipp Lake and HWY 71.
A kayaking trip between (Big) Webberville Park and the FM 969 bridge near Utley yeilded one TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor) on May 2nd.
A BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Dendroica striata) was studied on April 30th along the Barton Creek Greenbelt (southwest Austin) one hundred to two hundred yards south of Sculpture Falls.
--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---
Quite surprising is a LEAST BITTERN (Ixobrychus exilis) that has been hiding out in the limited vegetation around the Turtle Pond on the University of Texas campus in Austin. The bird was first found/photographed on April 21st and was seen thru at least May 2nd though it can remain remarkably well hidden. The UT Turtle Pond/Tower Garden is immediately to the north of the UT Tower just to the southeast of the intersection of Guadalupe and 24th street. It has been mostly lurking deep in the clump of grass near the lower end of the pond.
A VERDIN (Auriparus flaviceps) was near the intersection of Old Ferry and River roads in far western Travis County (near Pace Bend park) on April 12th and was stil in the same location as of April 26th.
--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---
Two SWALLOW-TAILED KITES (Elanoides forficatus) were seen off Reed Park Road south of Jonestown (Travis County) on April 28th.
The water quality pond at St. Edward's University in south Austin held 2 VIRGINIA RAILS (Rallus limicola) on April 28th.
Getting late was a COMMON LOON (Gavia immer) seen from Iron Bridge Park on Lake Belton on April 28th.
An influx of GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLERS (Vermivora chrysoptera) were seen this week. As many as 7 different sightings (some of multiple birds) were reported at various locations, most were in & around Austin.
BLUE-WINGED WARBLERS (Vermivora pinus) are also making a strong showing this spring. An additional 7 sightings were tallied this week at various sites.
A bumper crop of LAZULI BUNTINGS (Passerina amoena) continue to pass thru central Texas. Observers sifting thru mixed bunting flocks have reported at least six sightings this week, with the most notable being up to 5 at one private residence in western Bastrop County.
WOOD THRUSHES (Hylocichla mustelina) made a good showing this week with one at Temple Lions Park on April 24th, one at the W. Bouldin Creek Greenbelt in south Austin on April 24th (still present as of April 27th), one at the State Capitol Grounds in Austin on April 25th, one in far nw. Austin (Williamson County) on April 26th, and one at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on April 27th and 28th.
A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica) put in an appearance in the wooded area just southwest of the Hwy. 360 bridge over Lake Austin
on April 27th.
The Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo received a lot of birder coverage this past week, including 2 field trips during the TOS meeting. Several interesting sightings were mentioned, included a report of a SWAINSON'S WARBLER (Limnothlypis swainsonii) on April 26th and April 27th.
Something was amiss with late migrating RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS (Mergus serrator) on April 26th, with 2 females studied in the morning at Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir and 3 females that stopped over at Hornsby Bend late that afternoon.
A trip to Granger Lake on April 26th was productive with 4 MOTTLED DUCKS (Anas fulvigula), a lingering NORTHERN HARRIER (Circus cyaneus), and a first-year HERRING GULL (Larus argentatus).
A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus erythrophthalmus) was photographed April 25th at Southeast Metro Park, which is east of the Austin Airport along HWY 71.
A GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus) was photographed on Pond 1West at Hornsby Bend on April 24th. An adult HERRING GULL (Larus argentatus) also put in an appearance over the ponds that day.
A WORM-EATING WARBLER (Helmitheros vermivorum) was photographed on April 24th in a backyard off of Duval Road between 183 and MoPac in northwest Austin.
A visit to (Big) Webberville Park on April 24th was productive with the following highlights: 2 WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus), a singing YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica), and 3 lingering BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS (Euphagus cyanocephalus).
LAZULI BUNTINGS (Passerina amoena) continue to be reported in numerous locations, usually accompanied by either Indigo and/or Painted Buntings.
A GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH (Catharus fuscescens) was studied near Utley on April 22nd.
A WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) was reported from the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on April 22nd.
A GREATER SCAUP (Aythya marila) was photographed at Hornsby Bend on April 21st.
A SNOWY PLOVER (Charadrius alexandrinus) was photographed near the dam at Granger Lake on April 19th.
A singing CASSIN'S SPARROW (Aimophila cassinii) was an unexpected find on the Loop Rd. near Ship Lake in eastern Bastrop County on April 19th.
Two MOTTLED DUCKS (Anas fulvigula) were at WIllis Creek Park on Granger Lake on April 19th.
A male BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus melanocephalus) was photographed at the bird blind at Pedernales State Park on April 19th.
A VIRGINIA RAIL (Rallus limicola) was seen along Lake Rogers in Bell County on April 19th.
Up to 10 lingering BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS (Euphagus cyanocephalus) were near Rogers in Bell County on April 19th.
Another VIRGINIA RAIL (Rallus limicola) was heard well along Pond 1W at Hornsby Bend on April 18th.
A first-year HERRING GULL (Larus argentatus) was at Temple Lake Park on April 18th.
Unusual for the spring was a TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor) at a neighborhood park off of Howard Lane in far northeast Austin on April 18th.
A BLUE-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora pinus) was studied in far northwest Austin on April 18th.
A great find for central Texas was a WORM-EATING WARBLER (Helmitheros vermivorum) that was studied by a few folks on April 18th at the State Capitol Grounds in Austin.
Rare Bird Alert Compiler, Travis Audubon Society
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