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

March 12, 2009

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, March 12th, 2009:

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

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.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A pair of BLACK PHOEBES (Sayornis nigricans) are apparently nesting at Guadalupe River State Park. The birds can be seen along the river from the hiking trail that runs adjacent to the river from the picnic areas.

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 between 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 2nd.

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 ---

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

A female PURPLE FINCH (Carpodacus purpureus) was photogaphed at a backyard feeder at a private residence on Lake Travis the week of February 22nd.

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.

Two ROSS'S GEESE (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 NORHTERN BOBWHITES (Colinus virginianus) were reported in the canyons around Barton Creek southwest of Austin the week of February 22nd.

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

December 25, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, December 25th, 2008:

--- Exceptional Sightings---

A COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD (Calypte costae) was present (and photographed) at a private residence in Dripping Springs on November 17th, and was 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---

Twenty two Aechmorphorus (Western/Clarke's) grebes were noted on Lake Buchanan on December 23rd.A GOLDEN EAGLE (Aquila chrysaetos) was studied as it flew thru northwest Austin (near Cameron Rd & HWY 183).

A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica) was seen on December 22nd at a private residence on Lake LBJ. This marks the third year that this individual has wintered at this location.

The Austin Christmas Bird Count was held on December 20th with an unofficial total of 140 species tallied. The best birds of the day were 3 FERRUGINOUS HAWKS (Buteo regalis) videotaped over the fields between FM 1625 and HWY 183 south of McKenzie Road, and a LONG-BILLED THRASHER (Toxostoma longirostre) studied at McKinney Falls State Park. Both of these great finds were seen again the following day, when the thrahser was photographed. Please contact me for more specific directions to the Long-billed Thrasher.

Other good finds from the Austin CBC on December 20th include 4 COMMON GOLDENEYES (Bucephala clangula) , 4 heard-only VIRGINIA RAILS (Rallus limicola), a RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquatus), a late SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus forficatus) - all at Hornsby Bend - and a BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Dendroica virens) in south Austin as well as YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) photographed near Elroy.

--- 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 ---

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.

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.

--
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

January 3, 2008

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

--- EXCEPTIONAL SIGHTINGS---

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

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

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

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

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

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

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

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

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

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

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus platycercus) first seen at a private residence near Bee Caves and 360 in southwest Austin on August 27th was still being seen as of January 2nd. It reappeared on November 21st after not having been seen since November 2nd.

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

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

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

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

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

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

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FAQ

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

November 1, 2007

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, November 1st, 2007:

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

A female BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER (Dendroica caerulescens) discovered at the West Bouldin Greenbelt in Austin on October 30th was still present on October 31st. 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.

An AMERICAN WOODCOCK (Scolopax minor) was at the Rocky Hill Ranch near Bastrop State Park on October 30th.

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.

--- 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 October 31st.

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.

LESSER NIGHTHAWKS (Chordeiles acutipennis) have been reported at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo, with the most recent sightings as of October 15th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

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.

An AMERICAN WOODCOCK (Scolopax minor) was flushed near the Balcones Canyonland NWR Headquarters near Lago Vista on October 16th.

The first GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET (Regulus satrapa) of the fall was seen at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on October 15th.

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

FAQ