The Austin-Area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 9.00am, May 15th, 2009:
--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---
A male WESTERN TANAGER (Piranga ludoviciana) was a great find on May 14th along Lazy River Road off of FM 969 near the Travis/Bastrop County line.
(Big) Webberville Park may again be hosting breeding COUCH'S KINGBIRDS (Tyrannus couchii). This species has nested at this location in the past and as many as 4 birds were seen there as recently as May 14th.
WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus) continue to be a story this spring with regular reports of 1 adult and 1 immature at Hornsby Bend. Of special interest is 2 adults seen coming into a large Cattle Egret colony just to the left of the entrance to (Big) Webberville Park. Folks should keep an eye out for possible nesting at this location as White Ibis are not known to breed in the checklist area.
Three reports of MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER (Oporornis tolmiei) this week with one along Lost Creek near Barton Creek Blvd in west Austin on May 9th and 2 reports at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on May 8th and May 12th.
CASSIN'S SPARROWS (Aimophila cassinii) continue to make news this week with several sightings. On May 9th, one was just east of the town of Webberville and 3 others were in fields in the northeast corner of Travis County. On May 10th, another was found at Pace Bend Park (w. side of Travis County) and one was nearby at the corner or Old Ferry and River Roads. Yet another individual was seen on May 11th between Niederwald and Lockhart.
A fantastic find was a male BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER (Dendroica caerulescens) photographed at a private residence near Utley(western Bastrop County) on May 12th.
A male TROPICAL PARULA (Parula pitiayumi) was well-studied on May 10th at the Bamberger Ranch in Blanco County.
A SCOTT'S ORIOLE (Icterus parisorum) was seen near the intersection of Old Ferry and River roads near Pace Bend Park in far western Travis County on May 10th.
A TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor) was in Landa Park in New Braunfels on May 9th.
A visit to the Granger Lake area on May 8th yielded a late HOODED MERGANSER (Lophodytes cucullatus) and an immature BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis) that was first found there on May 2nd.
--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---
A GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) was found along Smith School Road north of the TPWD Headquarters in far south Austin on May 6th. It was seen again at nearby McKinney Falls State Park on May 11th, just a bit northeast of the lower falls.
A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica) put in an another appearance in the wooded area just southwest of the Hwy. 360 bridge over Lake Austin on May 4th, and was heard and seen on May 13th and 14th along the river just over a 100 yards west of the bridge.
Two MOTTLED DUCKS (Anas fulvigula) were photographed on the ponds at Hornsby Bend on April 30th and were still present there as of May 9th.
Quite surprising is a LEAST BITTERN (Ixobrychus exilis) that has been hiding out in the limited vegetation around the Turtle Pond on the University of Texas campus in Austin. The bird was first found/photographed on April 21st and was seen thru at least May 2nd though it can remain remarkably well hidden. The UT Turtle Pond/Tower Garden is immediately to the north of the UT Tower just to the southeast of the intersection of Guadalupe and 24th street. It has been mostly lurking deep in the clump of grass near the lower end of the pond.
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 and was stil in the same location as of May 10th.
--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---
A SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) was seen soaring over the Oak Hill area (far southwest Austin) on May 5th.
Getting quite late, single SPRAGUE'S PIPITS (Anthus spragueii) were found in Temple on May 3rd and May 5th.
A BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Dendroica striata) was studied at Temple Lions Park on May 3rd.
A WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus) and a COUCH'S KINGBIRD (Tyrannus couchii) were at Aquarena Springs in San Marcos on May 3rd.
The Granger Lake area was productive on May 2nd with the following highlights: an immature BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis) on the lake, an immature WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus) at Willis Creek Park, a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus erythrophthalmus) at San Gabriel WMA, and a CASSIN'S SPARROW (Aimophila cassinii) along Harber Rd north of Bartlett.
Still more WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus) reports, with 8 adults seen at McKinney Falls State Park on May 2nd.
Another CASSIN'S SPARROW (Aimophila cassinii) was in Round Rock on May 2nd.
Still more CASSIN'S SPARROWS (Aimophila cassinii) were found near Shipp Lakein eastern Bastrop County on May 2nd. Up to 4 territorial birds were heard singing along the Loop Rd just north of Shipp Lake and HWY 71.
A kayaking trip between (Big) Webberville Park and the FM 969 bridge near Utley yielded one TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor) on May 2nd.
A BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Dendroica striata) was studied on April 30th along the Barton Creek Greenbelt (southwest Austin) one hundred to two hundred yards south of Sculpture Falls.
Two SWALLOW-TAILED KITES (Elanoides forficatus) were seen off Reed Park Road south of Jonestown (Travis County) on April 28th.
The water quality pond at St. Edward's University in south Austin held 2 VIRGINIA RAILS (Rallus limicola) on April 28th.
Getting late was a COMMON LOON (Gavia immer) seen from Iron Bridge Park on Lake Belton on April 28th.
An influx of GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLERS (Vermivora chrysoptera) were seen this week. As many as 7 different sightings (some of multiple birds) were reported at various locations, most were in & around Austin.
BLUE-WINGED WARBLERS (Vermivora pinus) are also making a strong showing this spring. An additional 7 sightings were tallied this week at various sites.
A bumper crop of LAZULI BUNTINGS (Passerina amoena) continue to pass thru central Texas. Observers sifting thru mixed bunting flocks have reported at least six sightings this week, with the most notable being up to 5 at one private residence in western Bastrop County.
WOOD THRUSHES (Hylocichla mustelina) made a good showing this week with one at Temple Lions Park on April 24th, one at the W. Bouldin Creek Greenbelt in south Austin on April 24th (still present as of April 27th), one at the State Capitol Grounds in Austin on April 25th, one in far nw. Austin (Williamson County) on April 26th, and one at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on April 27th and 28th.
A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica) put in an appearance in the wooded area just southwest of the Hwy. 360 bridge over Lake Austin on April 27th.
The Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo received a lot of birder coverage this past week, including 2 field trips during the TOS meeting. Several interesting sightings were mentioned, included a report of a SWAINSON'S WARBLER (Limnothlypis swainsonii) on April 26th and April 27th.
Something was amiss with late migrating RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS (Mergus serrator) on April 26th, with 2 females studied in the morning at Stillhouse Hollow Lake and 3 females that stopped over at Hornsby Bend late that afternoon.
A trip to Granger Lake on April 26th was productive with 4 MOTTLED DUCKS (Anas fulvigula), a lingering NORTHERN HARRIER (Circus cyaneus), and a first-year HERRING GULL (Larus argentatus).
A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus erythrophthalmus) was photographed April 25th at Southeast Metro Park, which is east of the Austin airport along HWY 71.
A GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus) was photographed on Pond 1West at Hornsby Bend on April 24th. An adult HERRING GULL (Larus argentatus) also put in an appearance over the ponds that day.
A WORM-EATING WARBLER (Helmitheros vermivorum) was photographed on April 24th in a backyard off of Duval Road between 183 and MoPac in northwest Austin.
A visit to (Big) Webberville Park on April 24th was productive with the following highlights: 2 WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus), a singing YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica), and 3 lingering BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS (Euphagus cyanocephalus).
--- RARITIES FOUND THIS PAST WEEK---
A male WESTERN TANAGER (Piranga ludoviciana) was a great find on May 14th along Lazy River Road off of FM 969 near the Travis/Bastrop County line.
(Big) Webberville Park may again be hosting breeding COUCH'S KINGBIRDS (Tyrannus couchii). This species has nested at this location in the past and as many as 4 birds were seen there as recently as May 14th.
WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus) continue to be a story this spring with regular reports of 1 adult and 1 immature at Hornsby Bend. Of special interest is 2 adults seen coming into a large Cattle Egret colony just to the left of the entrance to (Big) Webberville Park. Folks should keep an eye out for possible nesting at this location as White Ibis are not known to breed in the checklist area.
Three reports of MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER (Oporornis tolmiei) this week with one along Lost Creek near Barton Creek Blvd in west Austin on May 9th and 2 reports at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on May 8th and May 12th.
CASSIN'S SPARROWS (Aimophila cassinii) continue to make news this week with several sightings. On May 9th, one was just east of the town of Webberville and 3 others were in fields in the northeast corner of Travis County. On May 10th, another was found at Pace Bend Park (w. side of Travis County) and one was nearby at the corner or Old Ferry and River Roads. Yet another individual was seen on May 11th between Niederwald and Lockhart.
A fantastic find was a male BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER (Dendroica caerulescens) photographed at a private residence near Utley(western Bastrop County) on May 12th.
A male TROPICAL PARULA (Parula pitiayumi) was well-studied on May 10th at the Bamberger Ranch in Blanco County.
A SCOTT'S ORIOLE (Icterus parisorum) was seen near the intersection of Old Ferry and River roads near Pace Bend Park in far western Travis County on May 10th.
A TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor) was in Landa Park in New Braunfels on May 9th.
A visit to the Granger Lake area on May 8th yielded a late HOODED MERGANSER (Lophodytes cucullatus) and an immature BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis) that was first found there on May 2nd.
--- CONTINUING BIRDS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---
A GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) was found along Smith School Road north of the TPWD Headquarters in far south Austin on May 6th. It was seen again at nearby McKinney Falls State Park on May 11th, just a bit northeast of the lower falls.
A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica) put in an another appearance in the wooded area just southwest of the Hwy. 360 bridge over Lake Austin on May 4th, and was heard and seen on May 13th and 14th along the river just over a 100 yards west of the bridge.
Two MOTTLED DUCKS (Anas fulvigula) were photographed on the ponds at Hornsby Bend on April 30th and were still present there as of May 9th.
Quite surprising is a LEAST BITTERN (Ixobrychus exilis) that has been hiding out in the limited vegetation around the Turtle Pond on the University of Texas campus in Austin. The bird was first found/photographed on April 21st and was seen thru at least May 2nd though it can remain remarkably well hidden. The UT Turtle Pond/Tower Garden is immediately to the north of the UT Tower just to the southeast of the intersection of Guadalupe and 24th street. It has been mostly lurking deep in the clump of grass near the lower end of the pond.
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 and was stil in the same location as of May 10th.
--- RARE SIGHTINGS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS ---
A SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) was seen soaring over the Oak Hill area (far southwest Austin) on May 5th.
Getting quite late, single SPRAGUE'S PIPITS (Anthus spragueii) were found in Temple on May 3rd and May 5th.
A BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Dendroica striata) was studied at Temple Lions Park on May 3rd.
A WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus) and a COUCH'S KINGBIRD (Tyrannus couchii) were at Aquarena Springs in San Marcos on May 3rd.
The Granger Lake area was productive on May 2nd with the following highlights: an immature BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis) on the lake, an immature WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus) at Willis Creek Park, a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus erythrophthalmus) at San Gabriel WMA, and a CASSIN'S SPARROW (Aimophila cassinii) along Harber Rd north of Bartlett.
Still more WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus) reports, with 8 adults seen at McKinney Falls State Park on May 2nd.
Another CASSIN'S SPARROW (Aimophila cassinii) was in Round Rock on May 2nd.
Still more CASSIN'S SPARROWS (Aimophila cassinii) were found near Shipp Lakein eastern Bastrop County on May 2nd. Up to 4 territorial birds were heard singing along the Loop Rd just north of Shipp Lake and HWY 71.
A kayaking trip between (Big) Webberville Park and the FM 969 bridge near Utley yielded one TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor) on May 2nd.
A BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Dendroica striata) was studied on April 30th along the Barton Creek Greenbelt (southwest Austin) one hundred to two hundred yards south of Sculpture Falls.
Two SWALLOW-TAILED KITES (Elanoides forficatus) were seen off Reed Park Road south of Jonestown (Travis County) on April 28th.
The water quality pond at St. Edward's University in south Austin held 2 VIRGINIA RAILS (Rallus limicola) on April 28th.
Getting late was a COMMON LOON (Gavia immer) seen from Iron Bridge Park on Lake Belton on April 28th.
An influx of GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLERS (Vermivora chrysoptera) were seen this week. As many as 7 different sightings (some of multiple birds) were reported at various locations, most were in & around Austin.
BLUE-WINGED WARBLERS (Vermivora pinus) are also making a strong showing this spring. An additional 7 sightings were tallied this week at various sites.
A bumper crop of LAZULI BUNTINGS (Passerina amoena) continue to pass thru central Texas. Observers sifting thru mixed bunting flocks have reported at least six sightings this week, with the most notable being up to 5 at one private residence in western Bastrop County.
WOOD THRUSHES (Hylocichla mustelina) made a good showing this week with one at Temple Lions Park on April 24th, one at the W. Bouldin Creek Greenbelt in south Austin on April 24th (still present as of April 27th), one at the State Capitol Grounds in Austin on April 25th, one in far nw. Austin (Williamson County) on April 26th, and one at the Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo on April 27th and 28th.
A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica) put in an appearance in the wooded area just southwest of the Hwy. 360 bridge over Lake Austin on April 27th.
The Schaezler's Warbler Woods property near Cibolo received a lot of birder coverage this past week, including 2 field trips during the TOS meeting. Several interesting sightings were mentioned, included a report of a SWAINSON'S WARBLER (Limnothlypis swainsonii) on April 26th and April 27th.
Something was amiss with late migrating RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS (Mergus serrator) on April 26th, with 2 females studied in the morning at Stillhouse Hollow Lake and 3 females that stopped over at Hornsby Bend late that afternoon.
A trip to Granger Lake on April 26th was productive with 4 MOTTLED DUCKS (Anas fulvigula), a lingering NORTHERN HARRIER (Circus cyaneus), and a first-year HERRING GULL (Larus argentatus).
A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus erythrophthalmus) was photographed April 25th at Southeast Metro Park, which is east of the Austin airport along HWY 71.
A GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus) was photographed on Pond 1West at Hornsby Bend on April 24th. An adult HERRING GULL (Larus argentatus) also put in an appearance over the ponds that day.
A WORM-EATING WARBLER (Helmitheros vermivorum) was photographed on April 24th in a backyard off of Duval Road between 183 and MoPac in northwest Austin.
A visit to (Big) Webberville Park on April 24th was productive with the following highlights: 2 WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus), a singing YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica), and 3 lingering BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS (Euphagus cyanocephalus).
Rare Bird Alert Compiler, Travis Audubon Society
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