April 16, 2009

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, April 16th, 2009:

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

LAZULI BUNTINGS (Passerina amoena) made a strong showing this past week. There were at least 7 separate sightings of individual birds April 11th thru April 15th scattered thru the western half of the checklist area. Nearly all these sightings involved birds coming into bird feeders or water features and in some cases the bird lingered for a few days.

A BLUE-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora pinus) was present at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on April 13th and another one was photographed there on April 15th.

A male BULLOCK'S ORIOLE (Icterus bullockii) frequented (and was photographed) a private residence in Liberty Hill on April 13th and 14th.

A BLUE-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora pinus) was studied on The Nature Conservancy's Barton Creek Habitat Preserve in southwest Austin on April 14th.

Union Grove WMA along Stillhouse Hollow Lake was productive on April 12th with 2 COMMON LOONS (Gavia immer) lingering, a SNOWY PLOVER (Charadrius alexandrinus), and the first HUDSONIAN GODWIT (Limosa haemastica) report for our area this spring.

A SNOWY PLOVER (Charadrius alexandrinus) was at the San Gabriel WMA where the river mouth meets Granger Lake on April 11th.

Two lingering HARRIS'S SPARROWS (Zonotrichia querula) were in western Milam county north of Thorndale on April 12th.

A VERDIN (Auriparus flaviceps) was near the intersection of Old Ferry and River roads in far western Travis County (near Pace Bend park) on April 12th.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

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 29th.
LONG-BILLED THRASHERS (Toxostoma longirostre) are frequently seen at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo. Up to 2 birds have been present as of late, with the most recent report from April 15th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus) are not expected during the spring. Two adults were at Hornsby Bend on April 2nd, while an adult and an immature bird were present there on April 5th.

The first area reports of PAINTED BUNTING (Passerina ciris) and DICKCISSEL (Spiza americana) come from the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on April 4th.

A late EASTERN TOWHEE (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) was northwest of Harwood in southern Caldwell County on April 4th.

A WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) was photographed near the demonstration gardens at the
Mueller Development (the old airport site) on the east side of Austin on April 2nd.

A male BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus melanocephalus) was photographed at a private residence two miles east of Elgin on April 2nd.

A late HOODED MERGANSER (Lophodytes cucullatus) was at Hornsby Bend on April 2nd.

A male BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus platycercus) visited a south Austin residence on March 29th.
--
Eric Carpenter
Rare Bird Alert Compiler,
Travis Audubon Society

April 9, 2009

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

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus) are not expected during the spring. Two adults were at Hornsby Bend on April 2nd, while an adult and an immature bird were present there on April 5th.

The first area reports of PAINTED BUNTING (Passerina ciris) and DICKCISSEL (Spiza americana) come from the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on April 4th.

A late EASTERN TOWHEE (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) was northwest of Harwood in southern Caldwell County on April 4th.

A WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) was photographed near the demonstration gardens at the Mueller Development (the old airport site) on the east side of Austin on April 2nd.

A male BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus melanocephalus) was photographed at a private residence two miles east of Elgin on April 2nd.

A late HOODED MERGANSER (Lophodytes cucullatus) was at Hornsby Bend on April 2nd.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

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 29th.
LONG-BILLED THRASHERS (Toxostoma longirostre) are frequently seen at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo. Up to 2 birds have been present as of late, with the most recent report from April 8th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A male BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus platycercus) visited a south Austin residence on March 29th.

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

--

Eric Carpenter

Rare Bird Alert Compiler,

Travis Audubon Society

April 2, 2009

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, April 2nd, 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 male BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus platycercus) visited a south Austin residence on March 29th.

--- 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 29th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

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

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.

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

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

January 1, 2009

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, January 1st, 2009:

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

Four WESTERN GREBES (Aechmophorus occidentalis) were seen on Lake Buchanan (from Black Rock park) on December 28th.

--- 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 28th.

A few finds from the Austin CBC (held Dec 20th) are still being seen. The LONG-BILLED THRASHER (Toxostoma longirostre) was still being seen at McKinney Falls State Park as of December 27th - please e-mail me for specific directions. Up to 3 FERRUGINOUS HAWKS (Buteo regalis) continue in the fields between FM 1625 and HWY 183 south of McKenzie Road, also as of December 27th. At Hornsby Bend, up to 4 VIRGINIA RAILS (Rallus limicola) continue vocalizing (very difficult to actually see) along the edges of Pond 1W as of December 27th. Also at Hornsby Bend, up to 4 female COMMON GOLDENEYE (Bucephala clangula) continue on Pond 1W as of December 29th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

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 thrasher 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.

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.

--
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

December 20, 2007

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, December 20th, 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 18th. Lake Pflugerville is at the
intersection of Jesse Bohls and Weiss Lanes on the east side of Pflugerville.

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 in Austin. It was seen again on December 16th 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.

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

An ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD (Calypte anna) was photographed visiting a feeder on private property in Spring Branch (Blanco County) on December 19th.

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.

Three SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS (Tyrannus forficatus) were along Old Settler's Blvd. in Round Rock as of December 17th.

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.

--- 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 16th.

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 19th. It reappeared on November 21st after not having been seen since November 2nd.

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.

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

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

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.

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.

--

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