January 17, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, January 17th, 2008:

--- EXCEPTIONAL SIGHTINGS---

A GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) was photographed near the entrance to
Willis Creek Park on Granger Lake on January 3rd. The bird has been looked for since but not yet relocated.

An adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus) was present (and photographed) on Meadow Lake in Round Rock late the afternoon of January 2nd and has been seen there or on private property nearby as of January 6th. There are only a handful of Austin area records for this species, and none in the last couple of years. Meadow Lake is off of Settlement Drive, a quarter mile so north of its intersection with Old Settlers Drive. The small lake does not usually hold any gulls though there were hundreds there when the Lesser Black-backed was initially seen.

A female BLACK SCOTER (Melanitta nigra) has been present at Lake Pflugerville. First found (and photographed) on November 17th, it was still being seen as of December 30th. Lake Pflugerville is at the intersection of Jesse Bohls and Weiss Lanes on the east side of Pflugerville.

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

A PURPLE FINCH (Carpodacus purpureus) was observed near Old Manor Rd and Springdale Rd in northeast Austin on January 15th.

McKinney Roughs held a CASSIN'S VIREO (Vireo cassinii) as well as a BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia) on January 15th.

A WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) was along FM 969 in eastern Bastrop County on January 15th.

The Schaezler's Warbler Woods near Cibolo held a LONG-BILLED THRASHER (Toxostoma longirostre) and a GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis) on January 13th.

One ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga) and one GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis) were at Hornsby Bend on January 12th.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

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 January 17th. It reappeared on November 21st after not having been seen since November 2nd.

A CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Dendroica pensylvanica) reported from the New Braunfels CBC on December 30th was still present as of January 5th. This bird is being seen in Hinman Island Park in New Braunfels.

An ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD (Calypte anna) was photographed visiting a feeder on private property in Spring Branch (Blanco County) on December 19th, and was still present as of January 1st.

Six SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS (Tyrannus forficatus) were along Old Settler's Blvd. in Round Rock as recently as January 1st.

A few CAVE SWALLOWS (Petrochelidon fulva) are lingering in our area with several reports at different locations, with recent reports of a single bird on the Bell County CBC as well as multiple birds in multiple locations on the Austin CBC, both counts being held on December 15th. Fifteen or more were present near Peaceable Kingdom (Bell County) on December 23rd. At least 5 birds continue in northeast Austin.

Recent wintering WHITE-EYED VIREO (Vireo griseus) sightings include one at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on January 1st and a handful of other sightings around Austin during the month of January.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

Unusual for winter, a NASHVILLE WARBLER (Vermivora ruficapilla) was at a private residence near Smithville on January 7th.

Two ANHINGAS (Anhinga anhinga) were at Meadow Lake in Round Rock on January 6th.

An OVENBIRD (Seiurus aurocapilla) was reported along the Blanco River in se. Blanco County on January 5th.

A birding/kayaking survey of the Colorado River between the 183/Montopolis Bridge and Hornsby Bend on January 5th produced the following highlights: 2 ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga), a RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquatus), and a WHITE-EYED VIREO (Vireo griseus).

The Granger CBC was held on January 5th with birding highlights that included ANHINGA (Anhinga Anhinga), several VIRGINIA RAILS (Rallus limicola), a BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia), SAY'S PHOEBES (Sayornis saya), WHITE-EYED VIREO (Vireo griseus) and LARK BUNTINGS (Calamospiza melanocorys).

The Balcones Canyonland CBC on January 4th had exciting birds including ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cinerascens) and GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis).

A visit to the Gonzales area on January 4th was very productive with several great finds: an ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga) at Woods Lake, 4 HARRIS'S HAWKS (Parabuteo unicinctus), a SAY'S PHOEBE (Sayornis saya), a PLUMBEOUS VIREO (Vireo plumbeus), 3 WHITE-EYED VIREOS (Vireo griseus), 18 YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRDS (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus), and 14 PURPLE FINCHES (Carpodacus purpureus).

A RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus nuchalis) was near Bastrop & Buescher State Park on January 2nd.

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) first found near Spring Branch (Blanco County) on December 27th was still being seen as of January 1st.

A BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia) was near La Grange on December 30th.

Two ZONE-TAILED HAWKS (Buteo albonotatus) were over Lake Austin near City Park on December 29th.

A PALM WARBLER (Dendroica palmarum) was in Tahitian Village in Bastrop on December 29th.

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

January 10th, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, January 10th, 2008:

--- Exceptional Sightings---

A GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) was photographed near the entrance to Willis Creek Park on Granger Lake (map) on January 3rd. The bird has been looked for since but not yet relocated.

An adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus) was present (and photographed) on Meadow Lake in Round Rock late the afternoon of January 2nd and has been seen there or on private property nearby as of January 6th. There are only a handful of Austin area records for this species, and none in the last couple of years. Meadow Lake is off of Settlement Drive, a quarter mile so north of its intersection with Old Settlers Drive. The small lake does not usually hold any gulls though there were hundreds there when the Lesser Black-backed was initially seen.

A female BLACK SCOTER (Melanitta nigra) has been present at Lake Pflugerville. First found (and photographed) on November 17th, it was still being seen as of December 30th. Lake Pflugerville is at the intersection of Jesse Bohls and Weiss Lanes on the east side of Pflugerville.

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

Unusual for winter, a NASHVILLE WARBLER (Vermivora ruficapilla) was at a private residence near Smithville on January 7th.

Two ANHINGAS (Anhinga anhinga) were at Meadow Lake in Round Rock on January 6th.

An OVENBIRD (Seiurus aurocapilla) was reported along the Blanco River in se. Blanco County on January 5th.

A birding/kayaking survey of the Colorado River between the 183/Montopolis Bridge and Hornsby Bend on January 5th produced the following highlights: 2 ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga), a RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquatus), and a WHITE-EYED VIREO (Vireo griseus).

The Granger CBC was held on January 5th with birding highlights that included ANHINGA (Anhinga Anhinga), several VIRGINIA RAILS (Rallus limicola), a BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia), SAY'S PHOEBES (Sayornis saya), WHITE-EYED VIREO (Vireo griseus) and LARK BUNTINGS (Calamospiza melanocorys).

The Balcones Canyonland CBC on January 4th had exciting birds including ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cinerascens) and GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis).

A visit to the Gonzales area on January 4th was very productive with several great finds: an ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga) at Woods Lake, 4 HARRIS'S HAWKS (Parabuteo unicinctus), a SAY'S PHOEBE (Sayornis saya), a PLUMBEOUS VIREO (Vireo plumbeus), 3 WHITE-EYED VIREOS (Vireo griseus), 18 YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRDS (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus), and 14 PURPLE FINCHES (Carpodacus purpureus).


--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

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 January 8th. It reappeared on November 21st after not having been seen since November 2nd.

A CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Dendroica pensylvanica) reported from the New Braunfels CBC on December 30th was still present as of January 5th. This bird is being seen in Hinman Island Park in New Braunfels.

An ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD (Calypte anna) was photographed visiting a feeder on private property in Spring Branch (Blanco County) on December 19th, and was still present as of January 1st.

As many as three COMMON GOLDENEYES (Bucephala clangula) have been seen at Hornsby Bend recently. They were first noted on December 1st and were seen as recently as December 25th.

Six SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS (Tyrannus forficatus) were along Old Settler's Blvd. in Round Rock as recently as January 1st.

A few CAVE SWALLOWS (Petrochelidon fulva) are lingering in our area with several reports at different locations, with recent reports of a single bird on the Bell County CBC as well as multiple birds in multiple locations on the Austin CBC, both counts being held on December 15th. Fifteen or more were present near Peaceable Kingdom (Bell County) on December 23rd. At least 5 birds continue in northeast Austin.

Recent wintering WHITE-EYED VIREO (Vireo griseus) sightings include one at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on January 1st.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus nuchalis) was near Bastrop & Buescher State Park on January 2nd.

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) first found near Spring Branch (Blanco County) on December 27th was still being seen as of January 1st.

A BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia) was near La Grange on December 30th.

Two ZONE-TAILED HAWKS (Buteo albonotatus) were over Lake Austin near City Park on December 29th.
A PALM WARBLER (Dendroica palmarum) was in Tahitian Village in Bastrop on December 29th.

A GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis) was in far northwest Austin on December 27th.

Single BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRDS (Selasphorus platycercus) were noted at two private residences around Austin this past week: one near Shoal Creek on December 23rd, and the other on the west side of Austin between Commons Ford and Emma Long Parks on December 24th.

A NASHVILLE WARBLER (Vermivora ruficapilla) was studied at Hornsby Bend on December 23rd.

A visit to the Granger area was productive on December 23rd with the following highlights: a PRAIRIE FALCON (Falco mexicanus) over Sore Finger WMA, a BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) along CR 354, and a SAY'S PHOEBE (Sayornis saya) along CR 345.

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

FAQ

January 3, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, January 3rd, 2008:

--- EXCEPTIONAL SIGHTINGS---

An adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus) was present (and photographed) on Meadow Lake in Round Rock late the afternoon of January 2nd. There are only a handful of records in the Austin area for this species, and none in the last couple of years. Meadow Lake is off of Settlement Drive, a quarter mile so north of its intersection with Old Settlers Drive. The small lake does not usually hold any gulls though there were hundreds there when the Lesser Black-backed was seen.

During the Austin CBC on December 15th, a TROPICAL PARULA (Parula pitiayumi) was carefully studied near the Austin Rowing Club on the north side of Lake Lady Bird (map) [formerly called Town Lake] in Austin. It has been seen consistently thru December 30th again frequenting the live oaks at this spot. The Austin Rowing Club is along the hike-and-bike trail a few hundred feet east of the Congress Avenue Bridge.

A female BLACK SCOTER (Melanitta nigra) has been present at Lake Pflugerville (map). First found (and photographed) on November 17th, it was still being seen as of December 30th. Lake Pflugerville is at the intersection of Jesse Bohls and Weiss Lanes on the east side of Pflugerville.

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

A RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus nuchalis) was near Bastrop & Buescher State Park on January 2nd.

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) first found near Spring Branch (Blanco County) on December 27th was still being seen as of January 1st.

A BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia) was near La Grange on December 30th.

A CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Dendroica pensylvanica) was reported from the Comal County Christmas Bird Count on December 30th.

Two ZONE-TAILED HAWKS (Buteo albonotatus) were over Lake Austin near City Park on December 29th.
A PALM WARBLER (Dendroica palmarum) was in Tahitian Village in Bastrop on December 29th.

A GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis) was in far northwest Austin on December 27th.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

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 January 2nd. It reappeared on November 21st after not having been seen since November 2nd.

An ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD (Calypte anna) was photographed visiting a feeder on private property in Spring Branch (Blanco County) on December 19th, and was still present as of January 1st.

As many as three COMMON GOLDENEYES (Bucephala clangula) have been seen at Hornsby Bend recently. They were first noted on December 1st and were seen as recently as December 25th.

Six SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS (Tyrannus forficatus) were along Old Settler's Blvd. in Round Rock as recently as January 1st.

A few CAVE SWALLOWS (Petrochelidon fulva) are lingering in our area with several reports at different locations, with recent reports of a single bird on the Bell County CBC as well as multiple birds in multiple locations on the Austin CBC, both counts being held on December 15th. Fifteen or more were present near Peaceable Kingdom (Bell County) on December 23rd.

Recent RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquatus) reports include one bird along the Colorado River at Hornsby Bend during the Austin CBC on December 15th.

Recent wintering WHITE-EYED VIREO (Vireo griseus) sightings include one at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on January 1st.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

Single BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRDS (Selasphorus platycercus) were noted at two private residences around Austin this past week: one near Shoal Creek on December 23rd, and the other on the west side of Austin between Commons Ford and Emma Long Parks on December 24th.

A NASHVILLE WARBLER (Vermivora ruficapilla) was studied at Hornsby Bend on December 23rd.

A visit to the Granger area was productive on December 23rd with the following highlights: a PRAIRIE FALCON (Falco mexicanus) over Sore Finger WMA, a BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) along CR 354, and a SAY'S PHOEBE (Sayornis saya) along CR 345.

Two COMMON GOLDENEYES (Bucephala clangula) were discovered on Slough Pond in Temple on December 15th, with at least one bird still present as of December 19th.

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was reported from Palmetto State Park on December 18th.

A GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis) was at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on December 16th.

Two COUCH'S KINGBIRDS (Tyrannus couchii) are present at Roy Guerrero River Park just down river from Longhorn Dam on the east side of Austin. First located on December 4th, they have been seen again on December 13th and December 15th.

Highlights from the Bell County CBC held on December 15th include 14 BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis) and 16 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE (Anser albifrons).

A single BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia) and a few NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) were reported during the Austin CBC on December 15th east of the Austin airport.

Another COMMON GOLDENEYE (Bucephala clangula) was present on a golf course near McKinney Falls State Park on December 15th.

A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (Spizella pallida) was carefully studied on private property near Elroy on December 15th.

Six SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS (Tyrannus forficatus) were along McKinney Falls Parkway in southwest Austin on December 14th

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

FAQ

December 27, 2007

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, December 27th, 2007:

--- EXCEPTIONAL SIGHTINGS---

During the Austin CBC on December 15th, a TROPICAL PARULA (Parula pitiayumi) was carefully studied near the Austin Rowing Club on the north side of Lake Lady Bird [foremerly Town Lake] in Austin. It was seen again as recently as December 25th again frequenting the live oaks at this spot. The Austin Rowing Club is along the hike-and-bike trail a few hundred feet east of the Congress Avenue Bridge.

A female BLACK SCOTER (Melanitta nigra) has been present at Lake Pflugerville. First found (and photographed) on November 17th, it was still being seen as of December 18th. Lake Pflugerville is at the
intersection of Jesse Bohls and Weiss Lanes on the east side of Pflugerville.

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

Single BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRDS (Selasphorus platycercus) were noted at two private residences around Austin this past week: one near Shoal Creek on December 23rd, and the other on the west side of Austin between Commons Ford and Emma Long Parks on December 24th.

A NASHVILLE WARBLER (Vermivora ruficapilla) was studied at Hornsby Bend on December 23rd.

A visit to the Granger area was productive on December 23rd with the following highlights: a PRAIRIE FALCON (Falco mexicanus) over Sore Finger WMA, a BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) along CR 354, and a SAY'S PHOEBE (Sayornis saya) along CR 345.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

An ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD (Calypte anna) was photographed visiting a feeder on private property in Spring Branch (Blanco County) on December 19th, and was still present as of December 22nd.

As many as three COMMON GOLDENEYES (Bucephala clangula) have been seen at Hornsby Bend recently. They were first noted on December 1st and were seen as recently as December 25th.

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 December 26th. It reappeared on November 21st after not having been seen since November 2nd.

Six SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS (Tyrannus forficatus) were along Old Settler's Blvd. in Round Rock as recently as December 23rd.

A few CAVE SWALLOWS (Petrochelidon fulva) are lingering in our area with several reports at different locations, with recent reports of a single bird on the Bell County CBC as well as multiple birds in multiple locations on the Austin CBC, both counts being held on December 15th. Fifteen or more were present near Peaceable Kingdom (Bell County) on December 23rd.

Recent RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquatus) reports include one bird along the Colorado River at Hornsby Bend during the Austin CBC on December 15th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

Two COMMON GOLDENEYES (Bucephala clangula) were discovered on Slough Pond in Temple on December 15th, with at least one bird still present as of December 19th.

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was reported from Palmetto State Park on December 18th.

A GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis) was at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on December 16th.

Two COUCH'S KINGBIRDS (Tyrannus couchii) are present at Roy Guerrero River Park just down river from Longhorn Dam on the east side of Austin. First located on December 4th, they have been seen again on December 13th and December 15th.

Highlights from the Bell County CBC held on December 15th include 14 BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis) and 16 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE (Anser albifrons).

A single BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia) and a few NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) were reported during the Austin CBC on December 15th east of the Austin airport.

Another COMMON GOLDENEYE (Bucephala clangula) was present on a golf course near McKinney Falls State Park on December 15th.

A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (Spizella pallida) was carefully studied on private property near Elroy on December 15th.

Six SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS (Tyrannus forficatus) were along McKinney Falls Parkway in southwest Austin on December 14th.

On December 9th, Lake Buchanan held 11 WESTERN/CLARK'S GREBES as well as 15+ HORNED GREBES (Podiceps auritus).

Six HORNED GREBES (Podiceps auritus) were on Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir (Bell County) on December 8th.

A SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) was found along the river at Hornsby Bend on December 8th.

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

FAQ

December 20, 2007

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, December 20th, 2007:

--- Exceptional Sightings---

A female BLACK SCOTER (Melanitta nigra) has been present at Lake Pflugerville. First found (and photographed) on November 17th, it was still being seen as of December 18th. Lake Pflugerville is at the
intersection of Jesse Bohls and Weiss Lanes on the east side of Pflugerville.

During the Austin CBC on December 15th, a TROPICAL PARULA (Parula pitiayumi) was carefully studied near the Austin Rowing Club on the north side of Lake Lady Bird in Austin. It was seen again on December 16th again frequenting the live oaks at this spot. The Austin Rowing Club is along the hike-and-bike trail a few hundred feet east of the Congress Avenue Bridge.

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

An ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD (Calypte anna) was photographed visiting a feeder on private property in Spring Branch (Blanco County) on December 19th.

Two COMMON GOLDENEYES (Bucephala clangula) were discovered on Slough Pond in Temple on December 15th, with at least one bird still present as of December 19th.

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was reported from Palmetto State Park on December 18th.

Three SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS (Tyrannus forficatus) were along Old Settler's Blvd. in Round Rock as of December 17th.

A GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis) was at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on December 16th.

Two COUCH'S KINGBIRDS (Tyrannus couchii) are present at Roy Guerrero River Park just down river from Longhorn Dam on the east side of Austin. First located on December 4th, they have been seen again on
December 13th and December 15th.

Highlights from the Bell County CBC held on December 15th include 14 BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis) and 16 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE (Anser albifrons).

A single BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia) and a few NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) were reported during the Austin CBC on December 15th east of the Austin airport.

Another COMMON GOLDENEYE (Bucephala clangula) was present on a golf course near McKinney Falls State Park on December 15th.

A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (Spizella pallida) was carefully studied on private property near Elroy on December 15th.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

As many as three COMMON GOLDENEYES (Bucephala clangula) have been seen at Hornsby Bend recently. They were first noted on December 1st and were seen as recently as December 16th.

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 December 19th. It reappeared on November 21st after not having been seen since November 2nd.

A few CAVE SWALLOWS (Petrochelidon fulva) are lingering in our area with several reports at different locations, with recent reports of a single bird on the Bell County CBC as well as multiple birds in multiple locations on the Austin CBC, both counts being held on December 15th.

Recent RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquatus) reports include one bird along the Colorado River at Hornsby Bend during the Austin CBC on December 15th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

On December 9th, Lake Buchanan held 11 WESTERN/CLARK'S GREBES as well as 15+ HORNED GREBES (Podiceps auritus).

Six HORNED GREBES (Podiceps auritus) were on Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir (Bell County) on December 8th.

A SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) was found along the river at Hornsby Bend on December 8th.

A CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Dendroica pensylvanica) and a PURPLE FINCH (Carpodacus purpureus) were both in the Fairview Cemetery on the east side of Bastrop on December 3rd.

Quite rare for our area, a first-year female TOWNSEND'S WARBLER (Dendroica townsendi) was photographed December 2nd at the Pedernales Falls State Park bird blind.

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was over Commons Ford Park on the west side of Austin on December 1st. The park is located on Commons Ford Road, off of Cuernavaca Rd near Bee Caves Road.

Fifteen or more SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS (Tyrannus forficatus) were roosting off of Mays Street in Round Rock as of November 30th.

--

Eric Carpenter
Rare Bird Alert Compiler, Travis Audubon Society

FAQ

December 13, 2007

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, December 13th, 2007:

--- Exceptional Sightings---

A female BLACK SCOTER (Melanitta nigra) has been present at Lake Pflugerville. First found (and photographed) on November 17th, it was still being seen as of December 9th. Lake Pflugerville is at the
intersection of Jesse Bohls and Weiss Lanes on the east side of Pflugerville.

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

A few CAVE SWALLOWS (Petrochelidon fulva) are lingering in our area with recent reports of up to 15 just northeast of HWY 183/Cameron Road as of December 12th, one or more at Lake Pflugerville as of December
8th, and at least 45 over Hornsby Bend on December 8th.

On December 9th, Lake Buchanan held 11 WESTERN/CLARK'S GREBES as well as 15+ HORNED GREBES (Podiceps auritus).

Six HORNED GREBES (Podiceps auritus) were on Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir (Bell County) on December 8th.

A SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) was found along the river at Hornsby Bend on December 8th.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

As many as three COMMON GOLDENEYES (Bucephala clangula) have been seen at Hornsby Bend recently. They were first noted on December 1st and were seen as recently as December 8th.

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 December 13th. It reappeared on
November 21st after not having been seen since November 2nd.

Recent sightings of BURROWING OWLS (Athene cunicularia) in the Granger area include one bird along CR 354 on November 17th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Dendroica pensylvanica) and a PURPLE FINCH (Carpodacus purpureus) webe both in the Fairview Cemetery on the east side of Bastrop on December 3rd.

Quite rare for our area, a first-year female TOWNSEND'S WARBLER (Dendroica townsendi) was photographed December 2nd at the Pedernales Falls State Park bird blind.

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was over Commons Ford Park on the west side of Austin on December 1st. The park is located on Commons Ford Road, off of Cuernavaca Rd near Bee Caves Road.

Fifteen or more SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS (Tyrannus forficatus) were roosting off of Mays Street in Round Rock as of November 30th.

A CASSIN'S VIREO (Vireo cassinii) was carefully observed at McKinney Roughs Natural Area on November 29th. Also at this location was a GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis).

A lingering OVENBIRD (Seiurus aurocapilla) visited a private residence near Utley on November 29th.

A "WESTERN"-TYPE FLYCATCHER was studied at McKinney Roughs Natural Area, along the Coyote Trail, on November 28th.

A lingering SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus forficatus) was in Belton on November 27th.

A YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) was along Lund Road in eastern Travis County on November 26th.

Birding on Lake Buchanan on November 24th was excellent with the following outstanding finds: 2 PACIFIC LOONS (Gavia pacifica) were in the cove along HWY 261; 6 HORNED GREBES (Podiceps auritus) were off CR 225; a lingering SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) on a stock pond at the intersection of FM 2900/FM 2233; and the area around the Llano County Boat Ramp off HWY 261 held 3 AMERICAN AVOCETS (Recurvirostra americana), an adult CALIFORNIA GULL (Larus californicus), and three HERRING GULLS (Larus argentatus). All of these birds were photographed.

A MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD (Sialia currucoides) was photographed near LBJ State Park on November 24th. The bird was seen along HWY 290 about .5 miles west of the Park Road 1 intersection, still in Blanco County.

A BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Dendroica virens) was lingering near Utley (Bastrop County) on November 23rd.

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

FAQ

December 6, 2007

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, December 6th, 2007:

--- EXCEPTIONAL SIGHTINGS---

A female BLACK SCOTER (Melanitta nigra) has been present at Lake Pflugerville. First found (and photographed) on November 17th, it was still being seen as of December 5th. Lake Pflugerville is at the intersection of Jesse Bohls and Weiss Lanes on the east side of Pflugerville.

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

A CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Dendroica pensylvanica) and a PURPLE FINCH (Carpodacus purpureus) were both in the Fairview Cemetery on the east side of Bastrop on December 3rd.

Quite rare for our area, a first-year female TOWNSEND'S WARBLER (Dendroica townsendi) was photographed December 2nd at the Pedernales Falls State Park bird blind.

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was over Commons Ford Park on the west side of Austin on December 1st. The park is located on Commons Ford Road, off of Cuernavaca Rd near Bee Caves Road.

Fifteen or more SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS (Tyrannus forficatus) were roosting off of Mays Street in Round Rock as of November 30th.

A CASSIN'S VIREO (Vireo cassinii) was carefully observed at McKinney Roughs Natural Area on November 29th. Also at this location was a GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis).

A lingering OVENBIRD (Seiurus aurocapilla) visited a private residence near Utley on November 29th.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

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 December 2nd. It reappeared on November 21st after not having been seen since November 2nd.

Recent sightings of BURROWING OWLS (Athene cunicularia) in the Granger area include one bird along CR 354 on November 17th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A "WESTERN"-TYPE FLYCATCHER was studied at McKinney Roughs Natural Area, along the Coyote Trail, on November 28th.

A lingering SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus forficatus) was in Belton on November 27th.

A YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) was along Lund Road in eastern Travis County on November 26th.

Birding on Lake Buchanan on November 24th was excellent with the following outstanding finds: 2 PACIFIC LOONS (Gavia pacifica) were in the cove along HWY 261; 6 HORNED GREBES (Podiceps auritus) were off CR 225; a lingering SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) on a stock pond at the intersection of FM 2900/FM 2233; and the area around the Llano County Boat Ramp off HWY 261 held 3 AMERICAN AVOCETS (Recurvirostra americana), an adult CALIFORNIA GULL (Larus californicus), and three HERRING GULLS (Larus argentatus). All of these birds were photographed.

A MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD (Sialia currucoides) was photographed near LBJ State Park on November 24th. The bird was seen along HWY 290 about .5 miles west of the Park Road 1 intersection, still in Blanco County.

A BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Dendroica virens) was lingering near Utley (Bastrop County) on November 23rd.

An immature SURF SCOTER (Melanitta perspicillata) was seen on Lake Pflugerville on November 18th.

A SHORT-EARED OWL (Asio flammeus) was cruising over the fields just north of Shipp Lake (eastern Bastrop County) on November 18th.

A visit to the Granger Lake area on November 17th was productive, with some of the highlights being: 3 ANHINGAS (Anhinga Anhinga) circling over the lake, 1 PRAIRIE FALCON (Falco mexicanus) over Willis Creek Park, and a lone LARK BUNTING (Calamospiza melanocorys) along CR 354 just east of CR 350.

A VIRGINIA RAIL (Rallus limicola) was spotted at the Union Grove Wildlife area on Stillhouse Hollow Lake (Bell County) on November 16th.

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

FAQ

November 29, 2007

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, November 29th, 2007:

--- Exceptional Sightings---

A female BLACK SCOTER (Melanitta nigra) has been present at Lake Pflugerville. First found (and photographed) on November 17th, it was still being seen as of November 25th. Lake Pflugerville is at the
intersection of Jesse Bohls and Weiss Lanes on the east side of Pflugerville.

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

A "WESTERN"-type FLYCATCHER was studied at McKinney Roughs Natural Area, along the Coyote Trail, on November 28th.

A lingering SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus forficatus) was in Belton on November 27th.

A YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) was along Lund Road in eastern Travis County on November 26th.

Birding on Lake Buchanan on November 24th was excellent with the following outstanding finds: 2 PACIFIC LOONS (Gavia pacifica) were in the cove along HWY 261; 6 HORNED GREBES (Podiceps auritus) were off CR 225; a lingering SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) on a stock pond at the intersection of FM 2900/FM 2233; and the area around the Llano County Boat Ramp off HWY 261 held 3 AMERICAN AVOCETS (Recurvirostra americana), an adult CALIFORNIA GULL (Larus californicus), and three
HERRING GULLS (Larus argentatus). All of these birds were photographed.

A MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD (Sialia currucoides) was photographed near LBJ State Park on November 24th. The bird was seen along HWY 290 about .5 miles west of the Park Road 1 intersection, still in Blanco County.

A BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Dendroica virens) was lingering near Utley (Bastrop County) on November 23rd.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

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 November 28th. It reappeared on November 21st after not having been seen since November 2nd.

Recent sightings of BURROWING OWLS (Athene cunicularia) in the Granger area include one bird along CR 354 on November 17th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

An immature SURF SCOTER (Melanitta perspicillata) was seen on Lake Pflugerville on November 18th.

A SHORT-EARED OWL (Asio flammeus) was cruising over the fields just north of Shipp Lake (eastern Bastrop County) on November 18th.

A visit to the Granger Lake area on November 17th was productive, with some of the highlights being: 3 ANHINGAS (Anhinga Anhinga) circling over the lake, 1 PRAIRIE FALCON (Falco mexicanus) over Willis Creek Park, and a lone LARK BUNTING (Calamospiza melanocorys) along CR 354 just east of CR 350.

A VIRGINIA RAIL (Rallus limicola) was spotted at the Union Grove Wildlife area on Stillhouse Hollow Lake (Bell County) on November 16th.

A SAY'S PHOEBE (Sayornis saya) was near the main parking lot at Lake Pflugerville on November 12th.

On November 11th, the area around Granger held a few interesting birds including a SAY'S PHOEBE (Sayornis saya) along the Granger Lake Dam, and the following birds all along CR 438 southeast of Thrall: an
ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cinerascens), a GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE (Pipilo chlorurus), a LARK BUNTING (Calamospiza melanocorys) and a rather late DICKCISSEL (Spiza Americana).

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

FAQ