This is the Austin Area Rare Bird Alert and has been updated through
3/10/2016. To report rare or unusual bird sightings in the Austin area, provide
recent sighting updates, or inquire about location details on birds listed
below, please send an email to armanmorenobirds@xxxxxxxxx. If submitting a
bird sighting, please include species name, location details, and contact
information.
-Rarities found this week-
A *CLARK'S GREBE* was photographed at Granger Lake, *Williamson*, on 3/5.
The bird was spotted from the south overlook near the dam at the SE end of
the lake. This appears to be a first Williamson County record and a
potential first for the Austin Area. No reports since the initial
observation date.
A male *BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD* was photographed at a private residence
in Cedar Park, *Williamson,* on 3/8 and continues through 3/9.
*HUTTON'S VIREOs* were photographed at Barton Creek Wilderness Park (2),
*Travis* on 3/6 and at a private residence (2) Just south of Luling,
*Gonzales*, on 3/3. Additionally, another pair were observed on the morning
of 3/11 on private property near FM 2222 and City Park Road and a single
bird at Reimer's Ranch, also on 3/11. Whether this recent wave of sightings
represent birds moving into our area for the breeding season remains to be
seen, however it's a good idea to double-check Ruby-crowned Kinglets. Birds
have been reported as being vocal, which is fairly distinctive.
A *CURVE-BILLED THRASHER* was found and photographed at Pace bend Park on
Lake Travis, *Travis* on 3/10. The bird was observed along the main trail
system in the NE corner of the park. A previous bird was found at Reimer's
Ranch in late 2014 and stuck around for a couple of months into 2015.
-Continuing birds from previous weeks-
A *CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD* continues at a private residence in New Braunfels,
*Comal*, most recently photographed on 3/5.
A female *RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER* was found at McKinney Falls State Park in
Austin, *Travis*, on 2/28 and continues through 3/7. The bird has been
frequenting the only Cottonwood Tree along the short utility trail that
leads from the Smith's Visitor Center to the old horse barn ruins that are
visible from the main park road.
A *BLACK PHOEBE* continues at Barkley Meadows, *Travis*, 2/28. The bird has
been present over 6 months now and is most often observed along Onion Creek
near the Highway 71 overpass but has been seen along the creek all the way
to the playground area.
The long-staying *GREAT KISKADEE* continued at Berry Springs Park in
Georgetown,* Williamson*, 3/6.
After an invasion year in our area, *PYRRHULOXIA* numbers seem to be
dropping off. Birds are still continuing at Reimer's Ranch, *Travis*, 3/5,
most recently a male, which was photographed on the Turkey Loop Trail.
Another male was photographed at Commons Ford Park, *Travis*, 3/5, along
the western boundary of the park, near the larger trees before heading down
the the river.
At least one *RUSTY BLACKBIRD* continues at Hornsby Bend, *Travis*, most
recently photographed on 3/6. There have been a small number present all
winter and seem to favor the swampy southern area of Pond 3, usually
observed foraging low to the ground.
-Notable-
There's been an increase of CINNAMON TEAL reports in our area. 4 birds were
spotted along Witter Lane in Temple, *Bell*, on 3/3 and another 4 (two
males and two females) were photographed in the swampy area of Pond 3 at
Hornsby Bend, *Travis*, on 3/6. Another male/female pair were photographed
at Soil Conservation Site 1 Reservoir east of Dripping Springs, *Hays*, on
3/8. According to the observer, the coordinates for the Hays birds are
30.019512, -97.880635.
RINGED KINGFISHERs are established in low numbers within the circle but
reports of birds pushing northward are increasing. The latest is of a bird
observed at Stillhouse Hollow Lake - Chalk Ridge Falls Park SW of Belton,
*Bell*, on 3/6. The park is located below the dam and the observer noted
that the bird was present in the backwater slough and last seen headed
downriver along the Lampasas River.
Arman Moreno
Austin, TX
_________________________________________________________________
*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.
Photo or audio documentation for species with challenging IDs will be
mentioned if they are known to exist. *
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