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

March 5, 2009

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, March 5th, 2009:

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

A BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans) was photographed along the river at Guadalupe River State Park on March 3rd.

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

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A female LONG-TAILED DUCK (Clangula hyemalis) was discovered on Lake Lady Bird (Town Lake) in Austin on February 15th. It has been photographed and seen by several folks thru at least 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.

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

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

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

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

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.

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

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

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

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

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


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

February 26, 2009

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

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 7, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, February 7, 2008:

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

A SAY'S PHOEBE (Sayornis saya) was observed on the east side of the old Robert Mueller Airport in Austin on February 6th.

A PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) is being seen in downtown Austin at the southeast corner of Congress and 6th street as of February 4th.

In the northeast corner of Travis County on Febuary 4th, there was both a BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) along Werchan Lane and a SHORT-EARED OWL (Asio flammeus) along Melber Lane.

A PRAIRIE FALCON (Falco mexicanus) discovered along Cow Creek Road in w. Travis County on February 2nd was still present as of February 3rd. It has been seen near the south end of the road, between the first and second water crossings.

A GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens) was in far northwest Austin on February 3rd.

Two CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS (Spizella pallida) were present (and photographed) in eastern Burnet County at Peaceful Springs Nature Preserve on February 2nd & 3rd.

--- 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 January 28th. 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 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 6th. It reappeared on November 21st after not having been seen since November 2nd.

LONG-BILLED THRASHERS (Toxostoma longirostre) continue at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo with two birds present as of January 27th.

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 Febuary 3rd.

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, several birds seen at Shipp Lake near Smithville on January 20th, and 50+ birds over Lake Bastrop on January 24th.

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 ---

An adult CALIFORNIA GULL (Larus californicus) was studied at the BFI Landfill (viewed from Blue Goose Road) in northeast Austin on January 30th.

A VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) was photographed at Austin's The Colony on January 27th.

A BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia) was in Pflugerville at Gilleland Creek Park on January 27th, and is a bird that has likely been present all winter.

The Granger area was productive on January 27th with the following highlights: two BURROWING OWLS (Athene cunicularia) with one along CR 124 & another on CR 354, and a SAY'S PHOEBE (Sayornis saya) along CR 438.

A good number of geese were near Rogers on January 26th, including 63 CACKLING GEESE (Branta hutchinsii) and a lone ROSS'S GOOSE (Chen rossii).

On January 26th, 3 COMMON GOLDENEYES (Bucephala clangula) were at the sewage lagoons south of Rogers on FM 437, while another one was at the Holland sewage ponds.

A MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD (Sialia currucoides) was photographed at Comal Park on the south side of Canyon Lake on January 26th. The park is officially closed for the winter.

A GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens) was along Lake Lady Bird near Shoal Creek on January 26th.

A PALM WARBLER (Dendroica palmarum) was studied at Commons Ford Park on January 26th.

A PURPLE FINCH (Carpodacus purpureus) was along Powell Road near Bastrop & Buescher State Park on January 24th. A BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Dendroica virens) was studied along Austin's Lake Lady Bird 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.

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

January 31, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, January 31st, 2008:

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

A VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) was photographed at Austin's The Colony on January 27th.

A BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia) was in Pflugerville at Gilleland Creek Park on January 27th, and is a bird that has likely
been present all winter.

The Granger area was productive on January 27th with the following highlights: two BURROWING OWLS (Athene cunicularia) with one along CR 124 & another on CR 354, and a SAY'S PHOEBE (Sayornis saya) along CR 438.

A good number of geese were near Rogers on January 26th, including 63 CACKLING GEESE (Branta hutchinsii) and a lone ROSS'S GOOSE (Chen rossii).

On January 26th, 3 COMMON GOLDENEYES (Bucephala clangula) were at the sewage lagoons south of Rogers on FM 437, while another one was at the Holland sewage ponds.

A MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD (Sialia currucoides) was photographed at Comal Park on the south side of Canyon Lake on January 26th. The park is officially closed for the winter.

A GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens) was along Lady Bird Lake near Shoal Creek on January 26th.

A PALM WARBLER (Dendroica palmarum) was studied at Commons Ford Park on January 26th.

A PURPLE FINCH (Carpodacus purpureus) was along Powell Road near Bastrop & Beuscher State Parks on January 24th.

--- 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 January 28th. 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 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 30th. It reappeared on November 21st after not having been seen since November 2nd.

LONG-BILLED THRASHERS (Toxostoma longirostre) continue at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo with two birds present as of January 27th.

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 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, several birds seen at Shipp Lake near Smithville on January 20th, and 50+ birds over Lake Bastrop on January 24th.

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 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.

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.

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

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