October 9, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, October 9th, 2008:

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

A SANDERLING (Calidris alba) was persent at Lake Pflugerville October 5th thru October 7th.

Single BALD EAGLES (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were seen on October 4th at both Hornsby Bend and also along the Colorado River downstream of (Big) Webberville Park.

A BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus platycercus) was studied in Elgin on October 3rd.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

Two REDDISH EGRETS (Egretta rufescens) continue on Canyon Lake as of October 4th. First discovered on August 8th, the birds have been frequenting coves along the Canyon Park causeway.

An AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica) has been on the exposed shoreline of Lake Pflugerville since September 30th (still present as of October 5th).

A CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD (Stellula calliope) that first visited a south Austin residence September 20th was still present as of September 28th.

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

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus melanocephalus) was studied along the River Trail at Hornsby Bend on October 1st.

AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS (Pluvialis dominica) are much harder to find as fall migrants than they are in the spring. Noteworthy were 3 individuals at Lake Buchanan along CR 225 on September 27th, and another one at Union Grove at Stillhouse Hollow Lake on September 30th.

An ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cinerascens) was studied at Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve in west Austin on September 30th.

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

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.

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

October 2, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, October 2nd, 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---

AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS (Pluvialis dominica) are much harder to find as fall migrants than they are in the spring. Noteworthy were 3 individuals at Lake Buchanan along CR 225 on September 27th, one at Lake Pflugerville on September 30th, and another one at Union Grove at Stillhouse Hollow Lake on September 30th.

An ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cinerascens) was studied at Wild Basin Wilderness in west Austin on September 30th.

--- 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.

A CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD (Stellula calliope) that first visited a south Austin residence September 20th was still present as of September 28th.

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

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

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

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.

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.


--
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

January 24, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, January 24th, 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 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.

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE (Pipilo chlorurus) photographed at Southeast Metro Park on January 20th was still being seen as of January 23rd. The park is off of 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 BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Dendroica virens) was studied along Austin's Lady Bird Lake near Shoal Creek on January 21st.

A SAY'S PHOEBE (Sayornis saya) was in northeast Travis County on January 19th. The bird was present off Skog Ln., 0.5 miles north of Lund Carlson Rd.

A NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) was on Shipp Lake near Smithville on January 20th.

--- 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 23rd. It reappeared on November 21st after not having been seen since November 2nd.

A RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Archilochus colubris) has been present (still being seen as of January 22nd) at a residence in West Lake Hills.

A GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis) first noted at the Shaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on January 13th was still being seen as of January 18th.

A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica) that wintered at a residence on Lake LBJ last year has returned again this winter and was still present as of January 17th.

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.

A few CAVE SWALLOWS (Petrochelidon fulva) are lingering in our area with several reports at different locations, with recent reports of a five birds in northeast Austin, and several birds seen at Shipp Lake near
Smithville on January 20th.

Recent wintering WHITE-EYED VIREO (Vireo griseus) sightings include a handful of other sightings around Austin during the month of January.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

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) on January 13th.

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

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).

--
Eric Carpenter

Rare Bird Alert Compiler, Travis Audubon Society

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

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