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

November 13, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, November 13th, 2008:

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

A SAGE THRASHER (Oreoscoptes montanus) was along FM 1123 between Holland and Belton on November 9th.

A trip to the Granger Lake area on November 9th yielded an adult WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albicaudatus) over the CR 352 megafield and a SHORT-EARED OWL (Asio flammeus) at Sore Finger WMA.

An AMERICAN BITTERN (Botaurus lentiginosus) was on a small pond on Ft. Hood near its boundary with Killeen on November 8th.

Two migrating WHOOPING CRANES (Grus americana) were spotted passing over Temple on November 8th.

On November 8th, a late YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus americanus) was at (Big) Webberville Park, while a WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) was in fields just north of there.

Another SAGE THRASHER (Oreoscoptes montanus) was studied at Honey Creek SNA on November 7th.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD (Stellula calliope) that first visited a south Austin residence September 20th was still present as of November 11th.

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

A SAY'S PHOEBE (Sayornis saya) was on private property near Utley on November 4th.

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was spotted west of 360 and Bee Caves Road on the west side of Austin on October 30th.

A BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was near Shipp Lake on October 27th.

The Granger Lake area was productive on October 25th and 26th with the following highlights: a COMMON LOON (Gavia immer), four MOTTLED DUCKS (Anas fulvigula), a BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), a heard-only VIRGINIA RAIL (Rallus limicola) below the spillway, two AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS (Pluvialis dominica), a BAIRD'S SANDPIPER (Calidris bairdii), and a single BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) along CR 352.

A ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja) was south of Niederwald in Caldwell County on October 25th.

Two BALD EAGLES (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were spotted migrating over Hornsby Bend on October 22nd.

--

Eric Carpenter

Rare Bird Alert Compiler, Travis Audubon Society

October 30, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, October 30th, 2008:

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

A ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) was spotted west of 360 and Bee Caves Road on the west side of Austin on October 30th.

A BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was near Shipp Lake on October 27th.

The Granger Lake area was productive on October 25th and 26th with the following highlights: a COMMON LOON (Gavia immer), four MOTTLED DUCKS (Anas fulvigula), a BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), a heard-only VIRGINIA RAIL (Rallus limicola) below the spillway, two AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS (Pluvialis dominica), a BAIRD'S SANDPIPER (Calidris bairdii), and a single BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) along CR 352.

A ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja) was south of Niederwald in Caldwell County on October 25th.

--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

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

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

Two BALD EAGLES (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were spotted migrating over Hornsby Bend on October 22nd.

A late PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Protonotaria citrea) has been present at Hornsby Bend, near the birding shelter on Pond 2, since October 18th (still present as of October 21st).

A yellow-lored YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica) put in an appearance at a Smithville residence on October 20th.

A CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Dendroica pensylvanica) was studied near the courthouse in Bastrop on October 20th.

The Granger Lake area was productive on October 19th with 5 ROSEATE SPOONBILLS (Platalea ajaja) at Willis Creek Park, 2 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS (Pluvialis dominica) at Friendship Park, and a distinctive heard-only GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) near the south end of the dam.

Two RINGED KINGFISHERS (Megaceryle torquatus) were along the Colorado River at McKinney Roughs on October 19th.

The seldom birded area of far eastern Travis County southeast of Manor was productive on October 18th with a late WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana), and 4 WILSON'S PHALAROPES (Phalaropus tricolor).

(Big) Webberville Park held an AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla) and a MOURNING WARBLER (Oporornis philadelphia) while (Little) Webberville Park had a BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), all on October 18th.

An AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica) was in eastern Bastrop County near Utley on October 18th.

A FERRUGINOUS HAWK (Buteo regalis) was a great find at the Hornsby Bend Hawkwatch on October 17th, which also had a BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) the same day.

The Granger Lake area was productive on October 12th with the following hightlights: a WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) at Willis Creek Park, an AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica) along the dam, and three DUNLIN (Calidris alpina) at the San Gabriel WMA.

Four DUNLIN (Calidris alpina) stopped in at Lake Fallen Star in Caldwell County on October 12th.

A CHUCK-WILL'S-WIDOW (Caprimulgus carolinensis) was reported from the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on October 12th.

An AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica) has been on the exposed shoreline of Lake Pflugerville since September 30th (still present as of October 11th).

A BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) put in an appearance at Hornsby Bend on October 11th. A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (Icteria virens) and a BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula) were also on the property along the river on the 11th.

--

Eric Carpenter

Rare Bird Alert Compiler, Travis Audubon Society

October 23, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, October 23rd, 2008:

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

Two BALD EAGLES (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were spotted migrating over Hornsby Bend on October 22nd.

A late PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Protonotaria citrea) has been present at Hornsby Bend, near the birding shelter on Pond 2, since October 18th (still present as of October 21st).

A yellow-lored YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica) put in an appearance at a Smithville residence on October 20th.

A CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Dendroica pensylvanica) was studied near the courthouse in Bastrop on October 20th.

The Granger Lake area was productive on October 19th with 5 ROSEATE SPOONBILLS (Platalea ajaja) at Willis Creek Park, 2 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS (Pluvialis dominica) at Friendship Park, and a distinctive heard-only GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) near the south end of the dam.

Two RINGED KINGFISHERS (Megaceryle torquatus) were along the Colorado River at McKinney Roughs on October 19th.

The seldom birded area of far eastern Travis County southeast of Manor was productive on October 18th with a late WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana), and 4 WILSON'S PHALAROPES (Phalaropus tricolor).

(Big) Webberville Park held an AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla) and a MOURNING WARBLER (Oporornis philadelphia) while (Little) Webberville Park had a BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), all on October 18th.

An AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica) was in eastern Bastrop County near Utley on October 18th.

A FERRUGINOUS HAWK (Buteo regalis) was a great find at the Hornsby Bend Hawkwatch on October 17th, which also had a BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) the same day.

--- 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 11th).

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

--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---

The Granger Lake area was productive on October 12th with the following hightlights: a WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) at Willis Creek Park, an AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica) along the dam, and three DUNLIN (Calidris alpina) at the San Gabriel WMA.

Four DUNLIN (Calidris alpina) stopped in at Lake Fallen Star in Caldwell County on October 12th.

A CHUCK-WILL'S-WIDOW (Caprimulgus carolinensis) was reported from the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on October 12th.

A BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) put in an appearance at Hornsby Bend on October 11th. A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (Icteria virens) and a BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula) were also on the property along the river on the 11th.

An EASTERN TOWHEE (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) near Smithville was a nice early find on October 9th.

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.

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

October 16, 2008

The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, October 16th, 2008:

--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---

The Granger Lake area was productive on October 12th with the following hightlights: a WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) at Willis Creek Park, an AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica) along the dam, and three DUNLIN (Calidris alpina) at the San Gabriel WMA.

Four DUNLIN (Calidris alpina) stopped in at Lake Fallen Star in Caldwell County on October 12th.

A CHUCK-WILL'S-WIDOW (Caprimulgus carolinensis) was reported from the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on October 12th.

A BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) put in an appearance at Hornsby Bend on October 11th. A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (Icteria virens) was also on the property along the river on the 11th.

An EASTERN TOWHEE (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) near Smithville was a nice early find on October 9th.

--- 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 11th).

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 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.

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 in west Austin on September 30th.
--
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.

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Eric Carpenter
Rare Bird Alert Compiler, Travis Audubon Society