April 23, 2009

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, April 23rd, 2009:

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

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 the end of the day on April 22nd, 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.

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.

Rarely documented in the Austin area was a GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) that was photographed along Barton Creek where it intersects with Lost Creek Blvd in west Austin. The bird was found on the morning of April 16th but has not been seen since.

Another BLUE-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora pinus) was reported from the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property in Cibolo on April 16th.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

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 18th.

LONG-BILLED THRASHERS (Toxostoma longirostre) are frequently seen at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo. Up to 2 birds have been present as of late, with the most recent report from April 20th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

LAZULI BUNTINGS (Passerina amoena) have made a strong showing this spring. There were at least 7 separate sightings of individual birds April 11th thru April 15th scattered thru the western half of the checklist area. Nearly all these sightings involved birds coming into bird feeders or water features and in some cases the bird lingered for
a few days.

A BLUE-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora pinus) was present at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on April 13th and another one was prothographed there on April 15th.

A male BULLOCK'S ORIOLE (Icterus bullockii) frequented (and was photographed) a private residence in Liberty Hill on April 13th and 14th.

A BLUE-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora pinus) was studied on The Nature Conservancy's Barton Creek Habitat Preserve in southwest Austin on April 14th.

Union Grove WMA along Stillhouse Hollow Lake was productive on April 12th with 2 COMMON LOONS (Gavia immer) lingering, a SNOWY PLOVER (Charadrius alexandrinus), and the first HUDSONIAN GODWIT (Limosa aemastica) report for our area this spring.

A SNOWY PLOVER (Charadrius alexandrinus) was at the San Gabiel WMA where the river mouth meets Granger Lake on April 11th.

Two lingering HARRIS'S SPARROWS (Zonotrichia querula) were in western Milam county north of Thorndale on April 12th.

WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus) are not expected during the spring. Two adults were at Hornsby Bend on April 2nd, while an adult and an immature bird were present there on April 5th.

The first area reports of PAINTED BUNTING (Passerina ciris) and DICKCISSEL (Spiza americana) come from the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on April 4th.

A late EASTERN TOWHEE (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) was northwest of Harwood in southern Caldwell County on April 4th.

A WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) was photographed near the demonstration gardens at the Mueller Development (the old airport site) on the east side of Austin on April 2nd.

A male BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus melanocephalus) was photographed at a private residence two miles east of Elgin on April 2nd.

A late HOODED MERGANSER (Lophodytes cucullatus) was at Hornsby BendBend on April 2nd.

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

February 26, 2009

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, February 26th, 2009:

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

A female PURPLE FINCH (Carpodacus purpureus) was photogaphed at a backyard feeder at a private residence on Lake Travis this week.

A HUTTON'S VIREO (Vireo huttoni) was heard and seen well at private property a bit east of Natural Bridge Caverns in Comal County on February 24th.

A lone ROSS'S GOOSE (Chen rossii) visited the ponds at Hornsby Bend on February 23rd.

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was studied at Honey Creek SNA on Feburary 21st.

The first SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus forficatus) for our area this spring was a bird photographed at Hornsby Bend on February 21st.

Early NORTHERN BOBWHITES (Colinus virginianus) were reported in the canyons around Barton Creek southwest of Austin this week.

Two FERRUGINOUS HAWKS (Buteo regalis) were reported along HWY 130 (toll road) one-third and then two-thirds of the way between Hornsby Bend and the Manor area.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A female LONG-TAILED DUCK (Clangula hyemalis) was discovered on Lake Lady Bird (Town Lake) in Austin on February 15th. It has been photographed and seen by several folks thru at least February 22nd. The bird is most readily seen on the water from either a kayak or canoe about halfway betwen Red Bud Island and the pedestrian bridge under MoPac. The bird has been seen from land a few times, either from the trails at Red Bud Island or the various access points near to where MoPac crosses the lake.

A female BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus melanocephalus) has been present (and photographed) at a private residence in nw. Austin near the Arboretum from January 18th thru February 8th.

An amazing 12 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS (Sialia mexicana) were photographed on Canyon Lake on January 24th, and were still present at least thru February 2nd. These birds are located at Cranes Mill Park on the southside of the lake, about two-thirds of the way from the entrance to the end of the peninsula there.

Up to 3 FERRUGINOUS HAWKS (Buteo regalis) continue in the fields between FM 1625 and HWY 183 south of McKenzie Road as of Feburary 4th. These birds were first seen on the Austin Christmas Bird Count on December 20th.

A LONG-BILLED THRASHER (Toxostoma longirostre) continues at McKinney Falls State Park as of February 15th. This bird was also first located during the Austin CBC on December 20th.

At least one COMMON GOLDENEYE (Bucephala clangula) and at least one VIRGINIA RAIL (Rallus limicola) continue on and around the ponds at Hornsby Bend as of February 14th (as many as four of each have been present his winter).

A RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquatus) was at Aquarena Springs in San Marcos on January 30th and was noted there again on February 14th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

An early NORTHERN PARULA (Parula americana) was heard in western Bastrop County on February 18th.

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was studied in se. Williamson County along CR 438 on February 15th.

A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE (Pipilo chlorurus) was discovered on February 13th on the north side of Canyon Lake, along a short trail where Hancock Road deadends into the lake. It was seen again (and photographed) on February 15th.

A PALM WARBLER (Dendroica palmarum) was seen again on February 15th at Commons Ford Park west of Austin. This bird has been observed on-and-off at this location for the past three winters.

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was spotted over Seguin on February 11th.

A WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) was present near Utley in western Bastrop County February 5th thru February 8th. This bird was seen in the same area in early December.

A LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) was on the ponds at Hornsby Bend on February 8th.

A kayaking trip down the Colorado River between the 183/Montopolis Bridge and Hornsby Bend on February 7th was productive with 2 ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga), 1 GREATER SCAUP (Aythya marila), 1 ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cinerascens), 2 NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) and 1 RUSTY BLACKBIRD (Euphagus carolinus).

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

February 19, 2009

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, February 19th, 2009:

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

A female LONG-TAILED DUCK (Clangula hyemalis) was discovered on Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake) in Austin on February 15th. It has been photographed and seen by several folks thru at least February 18th. The bird is most readily seen on the water from either a kayak or canoe about halfway betwen Red Bud Island and the pedestrian bridge under MoPac. The bird has been seen from land a few times, either from the trails at Red Bud Island or the various access points near to where MoPac crosses the lake.

An early NORTHERN PARULA (Parula americana) was heard in western Bastrop County on February 18th.

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was studied in se. Williamson County along CR 438 on February 15th.

A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE (Pipilo chlorurus) was discovered on February 13th on the north side of Canyon Lake, along a short trail where Hancock Road deadends into the lake. It was seen again (and photographed) on February 15th.

A PALM WARBLER (Dendroica palmarum) was seen again on February 15th at Commons Ford Park west of Austin. This bird has been observed on-and-off at this location for the past three winters.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A female BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus melanocephalus) has been present (and photographed) at a private residence in nw. Austin near the Arboretum from January 18th thru February 8th.

An amazing 12 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS (Sialia mexicana) were photographed on Canyon Lake on January 24th, and were still present at least thru February 2nd. These birds are located at Cranes Mill Park on the southside of the lake, about two-thirds of the way from the entrance to the end of the peninsula there.

Up to 3 FERRUGINOUS HAWKS (Buteo regalis) continue in the fields between FM 1625 and HWY 183 south of McKenzie Road as of Feburary 4th. These birds were first seen on the Austin Christmas Bird Count on December 20th.

A LONG-BILLED THRASHER (Toxostoma longirostre) continues at McKinney Falls State Park as of February 1st. This bird was also first located during the Austin CBC on December 20th.

At least one COMMON GOLDENEYE (Bucephala clangula) and at least one VIRGINIA RAIL (Rallus limicola) continue on and around the ponds at Hornsby Bend as of February 14th (as many as four of each have been present his winter).

A RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquatus) was at Aquarena Springs in San Marcos on January 30th and was noted there again on February 14th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was spotted over Seguin on February 11th.

A WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) was present near Utley in western Bastrop County February 5th thru February 8th. This bird was seen in the same area in early December.

A LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) was on the ponds at Hornsby Bend on February 8th.

A kayaking trip down the Colorado River between the 183/Montopolis Bridge and Hornsby Bend on February 7th was productive with 2 ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga), 1 GREATER SCAUP (Aythya marila), 1 ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cinerascens), 2 NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) and 1 RUSTY BLACKBIRD (Euphagus carolinus).

A COUCH'S KINGBIRD (Tyrannus couchii) was photographed at Bastrop State Park on February 4th.

Eleven HORNED GREBES (Podiceps auritus) were tallied on Stillhouse Hollow Lake at Union Grove WMA on January 31st.
--
Eric Carpenter
Rare Bird Alert Compiler, Travis Audubon Society

February 11, 2009

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, February 11th, 2009:

--- Exceptional Sightings---

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was spotted over Seguin on February 11th.

A WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) was present near Utley in western Bastrop County February 5th thru February 8th. This bird was seen in the same area in early December.

A LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) was on the ponds at Hornsby Bend on February 8th.

A kayaking trip down the Colorado River between the 183/Montopolis Bridge and Hornsby Bend on February 7th was productive with 2 ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga), 1 GREATER SCAUP (Aythya marila), 1 ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cinerascens), 2 NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) and 1 RUSTY BLACKBIRD (Euphagus carolinus).

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A female BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus melanocephalus) has been present (and photographed) at a private residence in nw. Austin near the Arboretum from January 18th thru February 8th.

An amazing 12 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS (Sialia mexicana) were photographed on Canyon Lake on January 24th, and were still present at least thru February 2nd. These birds are located at Cranes Mill Park on the southside of the lake, about two-thirds of the way from the entrance to the end of the peninsula there.

Up to 3 FERRUGINOUS HAWKS (Buteo regalis) continue in the fields between FM 1625 and HWY 183 south of McKenzie Road as of Feburary 4th. These birds were first seen on the Austin Christmas Bird Count on December 20th.

A LONG-BILLED THRASHER (Toxostoma longirostre) continues at McKinney Falls State Park as of February 1st. This bird was also first located during the Austin CBC on December 20th.

At least one COMMON GOLDENEYE (Bucephala clangula) and at least one VIRGINIA RAIL (Rallus limicola) continue on and around the ponds at Hornsby Bend as of February 8th (as many as four of each have been present his winter).

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A COUCH'S KINGBIRD (Tyrannus couchii) was photographed at Bastrop State Park on February 4th.

Eleven HORNED GREBES (Podiceps auritus) were tallied on Stillhouse Hollow Lake at Union Grove WMA on January 31st.

A RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquatus) was at Aquarena Springs in San Marcos on January 30th.

A GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens) was along Shoal Creek near where it runs into Lake Lady Bird in Austin on January 23rd.

Single ZONE-TAILED HAWKS (Buteo albonotatus) were noted on January 22nd in two locations. One was near the intersection of FM 969 and FM 1209 in western Bastrop County and the other was studied in Hays County near the intersection of FM 2327 and Red Hawk Road near Wimberley.

A WILSON'S WARBLER (Wilsonia pusilla) was studied at Palmetto State Park on January 18th and again on January 23rd.

--

Eric Carpenter

Rare Bird Alert Compiler, Travis Audubon Society

December 18, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, December 18th, 2008:

--- Exceptional Sightings---

A COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD (Calypte costae) was present (and photographed) at a private residence in Dripping Springs on November 17th, and is still being seen as of December 15th. The Austin-area checklist shows only one prior record for this species from 1974.

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

Thirteen MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS (Sialia currucoides) were seen on the Balcones Canyonland CBC on December 15th. The birds were seen near Hopewell Cemetery on HWY 285 in Williamson County and were still present in the area on December 16th.

A PALM WARBLER (Dendroica palmarum) was photographed at Hornsby Bend (along Pond 1W) on December 13th.

A lone SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus forficatus) was still lingering at Hornsby Bend as of December 13th.

A RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquatus) was seen along the Colorado River near the FM 973 bridge at Hornsby Bend on December 13th.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

An ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD (Calypte anna) has been present at a private residence in the Spring Branch area (Blanco Co.) since November 22nd, last reported on December 6th.

A HORNED GREBE (Podiceps auritus) first found on Lake Pflugerville on November 22nd was still present as of December 5th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

An adult male BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus platycercus) was photographed at a private residence in the Great Hills area of northwest Austin on December 7th.

A PALM WARBLER (Dendroica palmarum) was photographed at Commons Ford Park on the west side of Austin on December 7th. This is likely a returning bird that has been present in the park two of the last three winters.

Seven HORNED GREBES (Podiceps auritus) were on Stillhouse Hollow Lake at Union Grove WMA on December 7th.

A RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus nuchalis) was photographed in a northwest Austin neighborhood near 183/620 on December 6th.

A WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) was photographed at a private residence in Utley (western Bastrop County) on December 4th.

A GREATER SCAUP (Aythya marila) was studied at Hornsby Bend on November 30th.

A lingering BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola) was along the Granger Lake Dam on November 29th.

A WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH (Sitta carolinensis) was seen along FM 486 in the pecan bottom along Little River in Milam County on November 29th.

Two SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS (Tyrannus forficatus) were still present in Round Rock at the Toyota Dealership along I-35 (Exit 254) on November 29th.

Four HORNED GREBES (Podiceps auritus) were on Stillhouse Hollow Lake at Union Grove WMA on November 28th.

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

December 11, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, December 11th, 2008:

--- Exceptional Sightings---

A COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD (Calypte costae) was present (and photographed) at a private residence in Dripping Springs on November 17th, and is still being seen as of December 1st. The Austin-area checklist shows only one prior record for this species from 1974.

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

An adult male BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus platycercus) was photographed at a private residence in the Great Hills area of northwest Austin on December 7th.

A PALM WARBLER (Dendroica palmarum) was photographed at Commons Ford Park on the west side of Austin on December 7th. This is likely a returning bird that has been present in the park two of the last three winters.

Seven HORNED GREBES (Podiceps auritus) were on Stillhouse Hollow Lake at Union Grove WMA on December 7th.

A RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus nuchalis) was photographed in a northwest Austin neighborhood near 183/620 on December 6th.

A WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) was photographed at a private residence in Utley (western Bastrop County) on December 4th.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

An ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD (Calypte anna) has been present at a private residence in the Spring Branch area (Blanco Co.) since November 22nd, last reported on December 6th.

A HORNED GREBE (Podiceps auritus) first found on Lake Pflugerville on November 22nd was still present as of December 5th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A GREATER SCAUP (Aythya marila) was studied at Hornsby Bend on November 30th.

A lingering BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola) was along the Granger Lake Dam on November 29th.

A WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH (Sitta carolinensis) was seen along FM 486 in the pecan bottom along Little River in Milam County on November 29th.

Two SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS (Tyrannus forficatus) were still present in Round Rock at the Toyota Dealership along I-35 (Exit 254) on November 29th.

Four HORNED GREBES (Podiceps auritus) were on Stillhouse Hollow Lake at Union Grove WMA on November 28th.

A SAY'S PHOEBE (Sayornis saya) was reported from Lake Travis off of Hurst Creek Road on November 26th.

A BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola) was seen on a private ranch between Belton and Temple on November 25th.

A RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquatus) has been along the river at Hornsby Bend as recently as November 23rd.

A rather late BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula) was at private residence near Utley (w. Bastrop County) on November 22nd.

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was studied in the Spring Branch area (Blanco Co.) on November 22nd.

Union Grove WMA at Stillhouse Hollow Lake held 4 HORNED GREBES (Podiceps auritus) and a late BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola) on November 22nd.

Eight SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS (Tyrannus forficatus) were still lingering in Round Rock along Old Settler's Blvd. as of November 21st.

--

Eric Carpenter

Rare Bird Alert Compiler,

Travis Audubon Society

December 4, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, December 4th, 2008:

--- Exceptional Sightings---

A COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD (Calypte costae) was present (and photographed) at a private residence in Dripping Springs on November 17th, and is still being seen as of December 1st. The Austin-area checklist shows only one prior record for this species from 1974.

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

A GREATER SCAUP (Aythya marila) was studied at Hornsby Bend on November 30th.

A lingering BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola) was along the Granger Lake Dam on November 29th.

A WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH (Sitta carolinensis) was seen along FM 486 in the pecan bottom along Little River in Milam County on November 29th.

Two SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS (Tyrannus forficatus) were still present in Round Rock at the Toyota Dealership along I-35 (Exit 254) on November 29th.

Four HORNED GREBES (Podiceps auritus) were on Stillhouse Hollow Lake at Union Grove WMA on November 28th.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

An ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD (Calypte anna) has been present at a private residence in the Spring Branch area (Blanco Co.) since November 22nd, last reported on November 29th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A SAY'S PHOEBE (Sayornis saya) was reported from Lake Travis off of Hurst Creek Road on November 26th.

A BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola) was seen on a private ranch between Belton and Temple on November 25th.

A RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquatus) has been along the river at Hornsby Bend as recently as November 23rd.

A rather late BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula) was at private residence near Utley (w. Bastrop County) on November 22nd.

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was studied in the Spring Branch area (Blanco Co.) on November 22nd.

Union Grove WMA at Stillhouse Hollow Lake held 4 HORNED GREBES (Podiceps auritus) and a late BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola) on November 22nd.

A HORNED GREBE (Podiceps auritus) was at Lake Pflugerville on November 22nd.

Eight SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS (Tyrannus forficatus) were still lingering in Round Rock along Old Settler's Blvd. as of November 21st.

--

Eric Carpenter

Rare Bird Alert Compiler, Travis Audubon Society

March 27, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, March 27th, 2008:

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

A LAZULI BUNTING (Passerina amoena) was studied near Wimberly on March 23rd.

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was near Hamilton Pool on March 23rd.

Another ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) flew over the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on March 22nd.

An early KENTUCKY WARBLER (Oporornis formosus) was near Utley on March 22nd.

A GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens) was along Town Lake near Barton Springs on March 21st.

--- 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 March 17th. 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 PALM WARBLER (Dendroica palmarum) was photographed at Commons Ford on the west side of Austin on March 9th and was still present as of March 22nd.

A GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis) has been present much of the winter at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo. It was last reported there on March 24th. In addition, both COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) and LONG-BILLED THRASHER (Toxostoma longirostre) have been seen as recently as March 20th.

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 March 15th.

LEAST GREBES (Tachybaptus dominicus) continue at Hornsby Bend where at least a pair of birds has been present for several months. The latest sighting of these birds was on March 25th.

A pair of RINGED KINGFISHERS (Megaceryle torquatus) has been present along the river at Pedernales Falls State Park, with the last report as of March 9th. Another pair is present around Hornsby Bend, with the last report of those birds on March 9th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A pair of COMMON GOLDENEYES (Bucephala clangula) were at Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant on the east side of Austin on March 18th.

An early PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Protonotaria citrea) and a couple of YELLOW-THROATED WARBLERS (Dendroica dominica) were noted near Utley in eastern Bastrop County on March 16th.

A GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens) was in northwest Austin on March 9th and again on March 16th.

The first report of WHIP-POOR-WILL (Caprimulgus vociferus) this spring was a rather early one near Utley on March 15th.

Four GREATER SCAUP (Aythya marila) were on Meadow Lake in Round Rock on March 10th.

Early FRANKLIN'S GULLS (Larus pipixcan) include 3 on Lake Walter E. Long on March 9th and 3 at Granger Lake on March 10th.

A LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus) was at Mills Pond near Wells Branch on March 8th and March 9th.

A SAY'S PHOEBE (Sayornis saya) was seen at Tejas Camp on Lake Georgetown on March 8th.

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

March 20, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, March 20, 2008:


--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

A pair of COMMON GOLDENEYES (Bucephala clangula) were at Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant on the east side of Austin on March 18th.

An early PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Protonotaria citrea) and a couple of YELLOW-THROATED WARBLERS (Dendroica dominica) were noted near Utley in eastern Bastrop County on March 16th.

A GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens) was in northwest Austin on March 9th and again on March 16th.

The first report of WHIP-POOR-WILL (Caprimulgus vociferus) this spring was a rather early one near Utley on March 15th.

--- 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 March 17th. 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 PALM WARBLER (Dendroica palmarum) was photographed at Commons Ford Park on the west side of Austin on March 9th and was still present as of March 16th.

A GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis) has been present much of the winter at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo. It was last reported there on March 13th. In addition, both COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) and LONG-BILLED THRASHER (Toxostoma longirostre) have been seen as recently as March 13th.

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 March 15th.

LEAST GREBES (Tachybaptus dominicus) continue at Hornsby Bend where at least a pair of birds has been present for several months. The latest sighting of these birds was on March 18th.

A pair of RINGED KINGFISHERS (Megaceryle torquatus) has been present along the river at Pedernales State Park, with the last report as of March 9th. Another pair is present around Hornsby Bend, with the last report of those birds on March 9th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

Four GREATER SCAUP (Aythya marila) were on Meadow Lake in Round Rock on March 10th.

Early FRANKLIN'S GULLS (Larus pipixcan) include 3 on Lake Walter E. Long on March 9th and 3 at Granger Lake on March 10th.

A LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus) was at Mills Pond near Wells Branch on March 8th and March 9th.

A SAY'S PHOEBE (Sayornis saya) was seen at Tejas Camp on Lake Georgetown on March 8th.

An ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga) was over Commerce Park in Round Rock on March 2nd.

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

March 13, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, March 13, 2008:

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

Four GREATER SCAUP (Aythya marila) were on Meadow Lake in Round Rock on March 10th.

A PALM WARBLER (Dendroica palmarum) was photographed at Commons Ford Park on the west side of Austin on March 9th.

A GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens) was in northwest Austin on March 9th.

Early FRANKLIN'S GULLS (Larus pipixcan) include 3 on Lake Walter E. Long on March 9th and 3 at Granger Lake on March 10th.

A LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus) was at Mills Pond near Wells Branch on March 8th and March 9th.

A SAY'S PHOEBE (Sayornis saya) was seen at Tejas Camp on Georgetown Lake on March 8th.

--- 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 March 2nd. 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 GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis) has been present much of the winter at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo. It was last reported there on March 5th.

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.

LEAST GREBES (Tachybaptus dominicus) continue at Hornsby Bend where at least a pair of birds has been present for several months. The latest sighting of these birds was on March 8th.

A pair of RINGED KINGFISHERS (Megaceryle torquatus) has been present along the river at Pedernales Falls State Park, with the last report as of March 9th. Another pair is present around Hornsby Bend, with the last report of those birds on March 9th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

An ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga) was over Commerce Park in Round Rock on March 2nd.

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.

An early SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus forficatus) was at Hornsby Bend on February 23rd.

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

January 25th

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, January 25th, 2007:

-- Rarities found this past week ---

Two CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS (Spizella pallida) visited private property
near Utley in western Bastrop County on January 24th.

Over 100 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS (Euphagus carolinus) are present along FM 1209 west of Bastrop, with sightings from January 22nd and January 24th.

Also on FM 1209 was a LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) on January 22nd.

On January 21st, a PACIFIC LOON (Gavia pacifica) was seen on Canyon Lake, in the bay on the east side of the Canyon Park road. Also in the area were at least a dozen GREATER SCAUP (Aythya marila).

Six BURROWING OWLS (Athene cunicularia) were seen at various spots in the Granger area during a Travis Audubon field trip on January 21st.

A GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens) was in far northwest Austin on January 21st.

Along County Road 280 (Williamson County) northwest of Leander, a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (Spizella pallida) was carefully studied amongst a large group of other sparrows on January 18th.

Two WHITE-EYED VIREOS (Vireo griseus) were at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on January 18th.

A CAVE SWALLOW (Petrochelidon fulva) was over Meadow Lake in Round Rock on January 18th.

--- Continuing birds from previous weeks ---

On the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo, a BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus melanocephalus) has been present since January 6th (last reported January 23rd).

Fifteen MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS (Sialia currucoides) along State Highway 201 between the Killeen/Fort Hood Regional Airport and Highway 195 first seen on January 15th were still in the area as of January 21st.

A SAY'S PHOEBE (Sayornis saya) first noted on County Road 491 on the southeastern edge of Williamson County on January 3rd was still present January 10th.

On January 3rd, RUSTY BLACKBIRDS (Euphagus carolinus) were found at separate locations northeast and also east of Elgin in Bastop County, as well as in southern Lee County. Two were present northeast of Elgin on January 10th.

A large concentration of several thousand geese are apparently wintering a couple miles east of the community of Oenaville (Bell County, east of Temple). Mostly SNOW GEESE (Chen caerulescens), there are also smaller numbers of other geese mixed in, with counts of 500+ GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE (Anser albifrons), 9 CACKLING GEESE (Branta hutchinsii) and a up to 300 ROSS'S GEESE (Chen rossii) noted
as recently as January 9th.

An immature REDDISH EGRET (Egretta rufescens) has been at Stillhouse Hollow Lake since October 28th (last reported January 7th).

A PRAIRIE FALCON (Falco mexicanus) has been present in the Granger area since early in the fall. The latest sighting of this bird was on January 6th on the south side of Country Road 354, a couple miles west of its intersection with County Road 352.

A VIRGINIA RAIL (Rallus limicola) first detected along the southern edge of Pond 1 West at Hornsby Bend on October 28th was still present as of January 6th. Up to two individuals have been seen or heard at this location.

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) first seen at Palmetto State Park on December 27th was last reported on January 5th.

LONG-BILLED THRASHERS (Toxostoma longirostre) are being heard and seen regularly on the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo. COMMON PAURAQUES (Nyctidromus albicollis) can be seen at this
location, too, with the most recent sighting on January 6th.

Lingering and perhaps wintering LITTLE BLUE HERONS (Egretta caerulea) and SNOWY EGRETS (Egretta thula) remain in our area with the following recent reports: 25 Snowies and 15 Little Blues on Town Lake as
recently as January 8th; 1 Snowy at Meadow Lake, Round Rock on January 18th; and 1 Snowy and 1 Little Blue at Hornsby Bend as late as December 20th.

Wintering BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Anas discors) include up to 2 at Hornsby Bend (last report January 20th).

--- Rare sightings from previous weeks ---

An ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cinerascens) was in Mountain City (Hays County) on January 14th. Another Ash-throated was in southwest Copperas Cove on January 12th.

A ROSS'S GOOSE (Chen rossii) dropped in on the big pond (Pond 2) at Hornsby Bend on January 10th.

A SAY'S PHOEBE (Sayornis saya) was along County Road 103 (Brown Road) near McDade on January 10th.

A GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis) was near Tahitian Village in Bastrop on January 8th.

A LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) was in west Bastrop County along FM 969 on January 8th.

On January 7th, a SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) was seen in a neighborhood in far northwest Austin.

A PRAIRIE FALCON (Falco mexicanus) was northeast of Bertram on FM 234 on January 7th.

A GREATER SCAUP (Aythya marila) was noted on Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir (Bell County) on January 7th.
At Commons Ford Park on the west side of Austin, a RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus nuchalis) was carefully studied on January 6th.

A NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) and 2 CAVE SWALLOWS (Petrochelidon fulva) were present at Meadow Lake in Round Rock on January 6th.

A HARRIS'S HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus) and a SAY'S PHOEBE (Sayornis saya) were along County Road 284 west of FM 304 in Gonzales County on January 6th.

A VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) was east of Wrightsboro (Gonzales County) on January 6th.

At Richard Moya Park in southeast Austin, a PALM WARBLER (Dendroica palmarum) was detected in the Pecan grove there on January 5th.

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

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