March 26, 2009

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

--- Exceptional Sightings---

A breeding plumaged RED-NECKED GREBE (Podiceps grisegena) was discovered on Lake Buchanan on March 15th and has been seen (and photographed) by several folks thru March 17th, and then again on March 24th. It has been most readily seen in loose association with a group of Western Grebes from Black Rock Park ($4/person) on the southwest portion of the lake. Black Rock Park is off of RR 261 just a couple miles north of HWY 29. The lake is rather big and other areas should be explored if the bird is not found here. There is only 1 prior documented record for the Austin area.

A male BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Cynanthus latirostris) was present (and photographed) at a private residence just east of Kendalia (Kendall County) from March 10th thru March 17th. Unfortunately, the residence is not able to host visiting birders.

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

A WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH (Sitta carolinensis) was seen from the Sunshine Road bridge over Little River northeast of Holland on March 21st.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

Up to 2 BLACK PHOEBES (Sayornis nigricans) are present at Guadalupe River State Park, last reported on March 15th. The birds can be seen along the river from the hiking trail that runs adjacent to the river near the picnic areas and just below the main parking area there.

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 March 14th.

Up to 34 WESTERN GREBES (Aechmophorus occidentalis) are present on Lake Buchanan. They are mostly being seen from Black Rock Park - first noted on March 15th, still being seen as of March 24th.
--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

Two SNOWY PLOVERS (Charadrius alexandrinus) were reported at Bob Wendt Park on Lake Travis on March 13th.

Also of note on Lake Buchanan are a PACIFIC LOON (Gavia pacifica) seen on March 15th and 16th either from just west of the dam or from Black Rock Park CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS (Spizella pallida) continue to show up early with 1 at Hornsby Bend on March 14th, and 2 in w. Bastrop County on March 17th.

Two LARK BUNTINGS (Calamospiza melanocorys) were seen on March 11th along CR 349 on the north'ish side of Granger Lake, near the Willis Creek Park.

Several migrants and returning breeding species have been reported in our area already. A couple of the more noteworthy early arrivals include: a WILSON'S PHALAROPE (Phalaropus tricolor) at Hornsby Bend on March 11th; 2 YELLOW-THROATED WARBLERS (Dendroica dominica) on March 7th, 1 NASHVILLE WARBLER (Vermivora ruficapilla) on March 10th, and a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (Spizella pallida) on March 8th, all in the same subdivision in far northwest Austin (north of Anderson Mill & east of HWY 183).

A RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus nuchalis) was studied near a neighborhood park in the Travis Country subdivision in southwest Austin on March 7th.

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

March 19, 2009

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

--- EXCEPTIONAL SIGHTINGS ---

A breeding plumaged RED-NECKED GREBE (Podiceps grisegena) was discovered on Lake Buchanan on March 15th and has been seen (and photographed) by several folks thru at least March 17th. It has been most readily seen in loose association with a group of Western Grebes from Black Rock Park ($4/person) on the southwest portion of the lake. Black Rock Park is off of RR 261 just a couple miles north of HWY 29. The lake is rather big and other areas should be explored if the bird is not found here. There is only 1 prior documented record for the Austin area.

A male BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Cynanthus latirostris) was present (and photographed) at a private residence just east of Kendalia (Kendall County) from March 10th thru March 17th. Unfortunately, the residence is not able to host visiting birders.

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

Also of note on Lake Buchanan are a PACIFIC LOON (Gavia pacifica) seen on March 15th and 16th either from just west of the dam or from Black Rock Park, and up to 34 WESTERN GREBES (Aechmophorus occidentalis) that are mostly being seen from Black Rock Park - first noted on March 15th, still being seen as of March 18th.

CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS (Spizella pallida) continue to show up early with 1 at Hornsby Bend on March 14th, and 2 in w. Bastrop County on March 17th.

Two SNOWY PLOVERS (Charadrius alexandrinus) were reported at Bob Wendt Park on Lake Travis on March 13th.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

Up to 2 BLACK PHOEBES (Sayornis nigricans) are present at Guadalupe River State Park, last reported on March 15th. The birds can be seen along the river from the hiking trail that runs adjacent to the river near the picnic areas and just below the main parking area there.

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 March 1st. 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 March 14th .

An amazing 12 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS (Sialia mexicana) were photographed on Canyon Lake on January 24th, and were still present at least thru March 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.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

Two LARK BUNTINGS (Calamospiza melanocorys) were seen on March 11th along CR 349 on the north'ish side of Granger Lake, near the Willis Creek Park.

Several migrants and returning breeding species have been reported in our area already. A couple of the more noteworthy early arrivals include: a WILSON'S PHALAROPE (Phalaropus tricolor) at Hornsby Bend on March 11th; 2 YELLOW-THROATED WARBLERS (Dendroica dominica) on March 7th, 1 NASHVILLE WARBLER (Vermivora ruficapilla) on March 10th, and a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (Spizella pallida) on March 8th, all in the same subdivision in far northwest Austin (north of Anderson Mill & east of HWY 183).

A RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus nuchalis) was studied near a neighborhood park in the Travis Country subdivision in southwest Austin on March 7th.

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was seen near Wimberley on February 27th.

--

Eric Carpenter
Rare Bird Alert Compiler,

Travis Audubon Society

September 25, 2008

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

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

A CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD (Stellula calliope) visited a south Austin residence September 20th thru 22nd.

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.

--- 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.

The Schaezler's Warbler Woods property in Cibolo has been hosting a LONG-BILLED THRASHER (Toxostoma longirostre), reported as recently as September 6th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

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.

The Schaezler's Warbler Woods property in Cibolo held a MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER (Oporornis tolmiei) on September 11th.

A surprisingly early and out-of-place LARK BUNTING (Calamospiza melanocorys) was photographed coming to a feeder in Leander September 5th thru September 7th.

Two BALD EAGLES (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were along the Colorado River between the town of Webberville and (Big) Webberville Park on September 6th.

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

September 18, 2008

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

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 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.

The Schaezler's Warbler Woods property in Cibolo held a MacGillivray's Warbler (Oporornis tolmiei) on September 11th.

--- Continuing birds from previous weeks ---

Two Reddish Egrets (Egretta rufescens) continue on Canyon Lake as of September 7th. First discovered on August 8th, the birds have been frequenting coves along the Canyon Park causeway.

The Schaezler's Warbler Woods property in Cibolo has been hosting a Long-billed Thrasher (Toxostoma longirostre), reported as recently as September 6th.

--- Rare sightings from previous weeks ---

A surprisingly early and out-of-place Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys) was photographed coming to a feeder in Leander September 5th thru September 7th.

Two Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were along the Colorado River between the town of Webberville and (Big) Webberville Park on September 6th.

The Schaezler's Warbler Woods property in Cibolo was productive on September 4th, with an early Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) as well as a MacGillivray's Warbler (Oporornis tolmiei).

A Northern Waterthrush (Seiurus noveboracensis) was along the Colorado River at Hornsby Bend on September 1st.

A Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa) was a nice find on the San Gabriel WMA along Granger Lake on August 31st.

Another Northern Waterthrush (Seiurus noveboracensis) was at the West Bouldin Creek in south Austin on August 31st.

A Zone-tailed Hawk (Buteo albonotatus) was over Commons Ford Park on August 30th. The park is in west Austin off of Commons Ford Road.

An early female Cinnamon Teal (Anas cyanoptera) was detected at Lake Fallen Star on August 30th. This spot is near McMahon in Caldwell County.

--
Eric Carpenter

Rare Bird Alert Compiler, Travis Audubon Society

September 11, 2008

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

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

A surprisingly early and out-of-place LARK BUNTING (Calamospiza melanocorys) was photographed coming to a feeder in Leander September 5th thru September 7th.

Two BALD EAGLES (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were along the Colorado River between the town of Webberville and (Big) Webberville Park on September 6th.

The Schaezler's Warbler Woods property in Cibolo was productive on September 4th, with an early NORTHERN FLICKER (Colaptes auratus) as well as a MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER (Oporornis tolmiei).

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

Two REDDISH EGRETs (Egretta rufescens) continue on Canyon Lake as of September 7th. First discovered on August 8th, the birds have been frequenting coves along the Canyon Park causeway.

The Schaezler's Warbler Woods property in Cibolo has been hosting a LONG-BILLED THRASHER (Toxostoma longirostre), reported as recently as September 6th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Seiurus noveboracensis) was along the Colorado River at Hornsby Bend on September 1st.

A MARBLED GODWIT (Limosa fedoa) was a nice find on the San Gabriel WMA along Granger Lake on August 31st.

Another NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Seiurus noveboracensis) was at the West Bouldin Greenbelt in south Austin on August 31st.

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was over Commons Ford Park on August 30th. The park is in west Austin off of Commons Ford Road.

An early female CINNAMON TEAL (Anas cyanoptera) was detected at Lake Fallen Star on August 30th. This spot is near McMahon in Caldwell County.

A lone SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) was over Seguin on August 27th.

Not expected in the fall, a female BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Dendroica fusca) was studied in a south Austin backyard on August 25th. A SPOTTED TOWHEE (Pipilo maculatus) was an exceptionally early find at Commons Ford Park on August 24th. The park is in west Austin off of Commons Ford Road.

Granger Lake held a REDDISH EGRET (Egretta rufescens) and a LAUGHING GULL (Larus atricilla) on August 22nd.

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

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

November 15, 2007

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, November 15th, 2007:

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

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).

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A female BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER (Dendroica caerulescens) discovered at the West Bouldin Greenbelt in Austin on October 30th was still present on November 4th. It was near the entrance at 1200 S. 6th
Street, at the intersection of the entrance trail and the trail that parallels the railroad tracks.

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 2nd.

The first sightings of BURROWING OWLS (Athene cunicularia) in the Granger area this fall came on October 14th with 2 birds at locations where birds spent the winter last year. One bird was along CR 124 on October 21st. More recent sightings include 2 birds along CR 354 on November 11th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

Visits to Hornsby Bend have been productive as of late. A female HOODED MERGANSER (Lophodytes cucullatus) was on the ponds on November 7th, a SAY'S PHOEBE (Sayornis saya) was just north of the entrance to the pond on November 6th, and a SHORT-EARED OWL (Asio flammeus) was over the fields on November 4th.

An immature ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD (Calypte anna) was photographed at a private residence near Dripping Springs on November 5th, and was still present as of November 6th.

An immature BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was just north of Shipp Lake (Bastrop County) on November 4th.

The Granger area was productive on November 4th with a HOODED MERGANSER (Lophodytes cucullatus) on the lake, a VIRGINIA RAIL (Rallus limicola) in the marsh below the spillway, and one LARK BUNTING
(Calamospiza melanocorys) in Bell County near the intersection of Holt and Round Hall Roads (between Holland and Bartlett).

A LARK BUNTING (Calamospiza melanocorys) was in a mixed sparrow flock along Dawnview Road northwest of Dripping Springs on November 3rd.

Two female PURPLE FINCHES (Carpodacus purpureus) were reported from the Pedernales State Park birding blind on November 3rd. At least one bird stayed (and was photographed) at this location last winter.

An AMERICAN WOODCOCK (Scolopax minor) was at the Rocky Hill Ranch near Bastrop State Park on October 30th. Another was seen off of HWY 71 just southeast of Austin on October 31st.

At Union Grove WMA on Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir on October 27th, a heard-only KING RAIL (Rallus elegans) was in marshy area around the lake and there was an AMERICAN WOODCOCK (Scolopax minor) flushed near a group of willow trees.

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was in far eastern Travis County near Webberville Park on October 27th.

Another AMERICAN WOODCOCK (Scolopax minor) was northwest of the Arboretum in northwest Austin on October 26th.

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

FAQ

November 8, 2007

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, November 8th, 2007:

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

Visits to Hornsby Bend have been productive this week. A female HOODED MERGANSER (Lophodytes cucullatus) was on the ponds on November 7th, a SAY'S PHOEBE (Sayornis saya) was just north of the entrance to the pond on November 6th, and a SHORT-EARED OWL (Asio flammeus) was over the fields on November 4th.

An immature ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD (Calypte anna) was photographed at a private residence near Dripping Springs on November 5th, and was still present as of November 6th.

An immature BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was just north of Shipp Lake (Bastrop County) on November 4th.

The Granger area was productive on November 4th with a HOODED MERGANSER (Lophodytes cucullatus) on the lake, a VIRGINIA RAIL (Rallus limicola) in the marsh below the spillway, and one LARK BUNTING
(Calamospiza melanocorys) in Bell County near the intersection of Holt and Round Hall Roads (between Holland and Bartlett).

A LARK BUNTING (Calamospiza melanocorys) was in a mixed sparrow flock along Dawnview Road northwest of Dripping Springs on November 3rd.

Two female PURPLE FINCHES (Carpodacus purpureus) were reported from the Pedernales State Park birding blind on November 3rd. At least one bird stayed (and was photographed) at this location last winter.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A female BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER (Dendroica caerulescens) discovered at the West Bouldin Greenbelt in Austin on October 30th was still present on November 4th. It was near the entrance at 1200 S. 6th
Street, at the intersection of the entrance trail and the trail that parallels the railroad tracks.

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 2nd.

BALD EAGLES (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) have been seen on-and-off at Lake Belton (Bell County) with the latest report of one bird seen on October 22nd.

The first sightings of BURROWING OWLS (Athene cunicularia) in the Granger area this fall came on October 14th with 2 birds at locations where birds spent the winter last year. One bird was along CR 124 on October 21st. More recent sightings include 3 birds at 2 locations along CR 354 on November 4th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

An AMERICAN WOODCOCK (Scolopax minor) was at the Rocky Hill Ranch near Bastrop State Park on October 30th. Another was seen off of HWY 71 just southeast of Austin on October 31st.

At Union Grove WMA on Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir on October 27th, a heard-only KING RAIL (Rallus elegans) was in marshy area around the lake and there was an AMERICAN WOODCOCK (Scolopax minor) flushed near a group of willow trees.

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was in far eastern Travis County near Webberville Park on October 27th.

Another AMERICAN WOODCOCK (Scolopax minor) was northwest of the Arboretum in northwest Austin on October 26th.

A late WILSON'S WARBLER (Wilsonia pusilla) was at a private residence near Utley on October 25th.

An AMERICAN WOODCOCK (Scolopax minor) was flushed at a private residence near Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir on October 23rd.

A BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), a BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus), and a MARBLED GODWIT (Limosa fedoa) were near Utley (w. Bastrop County) on October 22nd.

A RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus nuchalis) was photographed on private property near Utley (w. Bastrop County) on October 21st.

A partial specimen of an AMERICAN WOODCOCK (Scolopax minor) was picked up near Utley on October 20th.

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

FAQ