September 4, 2008

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

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

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 Falling Star on August 30th. This spot is near McMahon in Caldwell County.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A REDDISH EGRET (Egretta rufescens) continues on Canyon Lake as of August 19th. First discovered on Augus 8th, the bird has been frequenting coves along the Canyon Park causeway.

A single LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus) has been present on the ponds at Hornsby Bend for several weeks, last reported on August 19th.

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

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

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.

Two BLUE-WINGED WARBLERS (Vermivora pinus) were along the West Bouldin Creek in Austin on August 19th.

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

August 28, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, August 28th, 2008:

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

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.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A REDDISH EGRET (Egretta rufescens) continues on Canyon Lake as of August 19th. First discovered on Augus 8th, the bird has been frequenting coves along the Canyon Park causeway.

A single LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus) has been present on the ponds at Hornsby Bend for several weeks, last reported on August 19th.

The Schaezler's Warbler Woods property in Cibolo has been hosting up to 2 LESSER NIGHTHAWKS (Chordeiles acutipennis) and a LONG-BILLED THRASHER (Toxostoma longirostre), both reported as recently as August 12th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

Two BLUE-WINGED WARBLERS (Vermivora pinus) were along the West Bouldin Creek in Austin on August 19th.

A lingering GOLDEN-CHEEKED WARBLER (Dendroica chrysoparia) was along Stillhouse Hollow Lake as late as August 14th.

A late NORTHERN PARULA (Parula americana) was singing at Commons Ford Park on the west side of Austin on August 10th.

A REDDISH EGRET (Egretta rufescens) was studied along the Guadalupe River, just upstream from Gruene, on August 9th.

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

August 21, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, August 21st, 2008:

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

Two BLUE-WINGED WARBLERS (Vermivora pinus) were along the West Bouldin Creek in Austin on August 19th.

A lingering GOLDEN-CHEEKED WARBLER (Dendroica chrysoparia) was along Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir as late as August 14th.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A REDDISH EGRET (Egretta rufescens) continues on Canyon Lake as of August 19th. First discovered on Augus 8th, the bird has been frequenting coves along the Canyon Park causeway.

A single LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus) has been present on the ponds at Hornsby Bend for several weeks, last reported on August 19th.

The Schaezler's Warbler Woods property in Cibolo has been hosting up to 2 LESSER NIGHTHAWKS (Chordeiles acutipennis) and a LONG-BILLED THRASHER (Toxostoma longirostre), both reported as recently as August
12th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A late NORTHERN PARULA (Parula americana) was singing at Commons Ford Park on the west side of Austin on August 10th.

A REDDISH EGRET (Egretta rufescens) was studied along the Guadalupe River, just upstream from Gruene, on August 9th.

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

April 10, 2008

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

--- Exceptional Sightings ---

A COMMON BLACK-HAWK (Buteogallus anthracinus) was studied just north of RM 1431 at Vista Rock on April 2nd. There are very few documented records of this species in the Austin area.

Two HOODED ORIOLES (Icterus cucullatus) were photographed at a private residence southeast of the intersection of HWY 183 and RM 620 on March 28th, providing one of only a handful of solid records for this species in the last several years.

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

A LAZULI BUNTING (Passerina amoena) was near Spring Branch in Blanco County on April 6th.

A MAGNOLIA WARBLER (Dendroica magnolia) was in south Austin on April 5th.

A SCOTT'S ORIOLE (Icterus parisorum) was found in West Lake Hills on April 3rd.

A ROSS'S GOOSE (Chen rossii) was studied near loop 360 and Bee Caves in west Austin on April 3rd.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A pair of SCOTT'S ORIOLES (Icterus parisorum) are present northwest of Dripping Springs, last reported on April 6th.

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 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.

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 ---

Two YELLOW-THROATED WARBLERS (Dendroica dominica) were near Utley on March 31st and April 1st.

Two SCOTT'S ORIOLES (Icterus parisorum) were seen in Lago Vista on April 1st.

A SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) was near Utley on March 30th and it, or another, was seen again on April 3rd.

A BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus melanocephalus) was present (and photographed) near Spring Branch in Blanco County on March 29th and 30th.

Unusual for the spring, a TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor) was along the shore of Granger Lake on March 29th.

Interesting birds seen on Lake Buchanan on March 29th include 5 COMMON LOON (Gavia immer), 7 WESTERN GREBES (Aechmophorus occidentalis), and at least 30 BONAPARTE'S GULLS (Larus philadelphia).

In Williamson County, a SPRAGUE'S PIPIT (Anthus spragueii) along CR 192 and a CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR (Calcarius ornatus) along CR 360 on March 29th were nice finds.

A BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola) was near Utley on March 29th.

Three WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES (Sitta carolinensis) were along Sunshine Road near the Little River crossing between Holland and Rogers on March 29th.

An early WILSON'S WARBLER (Wilsonia pusilla) was at the Capitol Grounds in Austin on March 29th.

Two WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina) was at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on March 27th.

A LAZULI BUNTING (Passerina amoena) was studied near Wimberley 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.

--
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