This is the Austin Area Rare Bird Alert. This update is as of 2/26/2015. Send interesting sightings, complete with species name, location, and contact information to Nate McGowan at natemcgowanbirds@xxxxxxxxx. -Exceptional birds in the circle- A STRIPED SPARROW was photographed and audio recorded at CR 428 east of CR 361, *Williamson*, 1/11. The most recent positive report is from 2/22. This is a potential first ABA record, although provenance has been questioned. A WHOOPING CRANE continues to be seen at the Sore Finger Unit of Granger Lake, *Williamson,* 2/25. -Rarities found this week- Two WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were photographed at the Outdoor Recreation Area of Belton Lake, *Bell*, 2/21 and continue as recently as 2/24. An early BROAD-WINGED HAWK was photographed at Barkley Meadows, *Travis*, most recently 2/24. TREE SWALLOWS were early at Barkley Meadows, *Travis, *2/24 and and Webberville Park, *Travis 2/26.* A FRANKLIN'S GULL was early at Belton Lake, *Bell*, 2/24. -Continuing birds from previous weeks- A BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER continued at John Stokes San Marcos River Park, *Hays*, most recently 2/25. An EASTERN TOWHEE continued at a private office complex in west *Travis*, 2/24. A well photographed ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD continues at a private residence in west Austin, *Travis*, 2/25. The bird has been present since at least December. Individual CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRDS continued on private property in New Braunfels*, Comal*, 2/24 and a private residence in central Austin, *Travis*, 2/18. Both birds have been well photographed. A PYRRHULOXIA continued at McNeil and Merrytown Rds., *Travis*, 2/22. The bird has been photographed. A GREAT KISKADEE continued at Berry Springs Park in Georgetown, *Williamson*, 2/20. RUSTY BLACKBIRDS continued at Hornsby Bend, *Travis*, most recently 2/25. Reports for the Austin area RBA cover a 60 mile radius, centered on the Capitol in downtown Austin. Bird sightings mentioned here have been filtered and scrutinized by the compiler and are believed to be genuine. When documentation or photographs were provided, that is mentioned along with the other information about the bird(s) being seen. For questions or updates about birds mentioned here, or to report rare or unusual bird sightings in the Austin area, please send an email to natemcgowanbirds@xxxxxxxxx. Nate McGowan Rare Bird Alert Compiler Austin, TX Edit your Freelists account settings for TEXBIRDS at //www.freelists.org/list/texbirds Reposting of traffic from TEXBIRDS is prohibited without seeking permission from the List Owner