This is the Austin Area Rare Bird Alert and has been updated through
3/17/2016. 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-
Two *GREAT KISKADEEs* were well described on private property off of
Dickerson Rd (CO 107) south of Maxwell, *Caldwell*, on 3/12. A single bird
was observed the next day, 3/13.
-Continuing birds from previous weeks-
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. It was spotted again a week later on 3/12, with no reports in
between and continues through 3/16. This appears to be a first Williamson
County record and a potential first for the Austin Area.
A male *BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD* was photographed at a private residence
in Cedar Park, *Williamson,* on 3/8 and continues through 3/16.
*HUTTON'S VIREOs* (2) were observed on private property near FM 2222 and
City Park Road, Austin, *Travis*, on 3/11 and a single bird was found at
Reimer's Ranch, *Travis*, also on 3/11. At least another individual was
observed again near Barton Creek Wilderness Preserve, *Travis*, on 3/13,
while another continues at Warbler Woods, *Guadalupe*, on 3/14.
A female *RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER* was found at McKinney Falls State Park in
Austin, *Travis*, on 2/28 and continues through 3/15. 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.
After an absence of several weeks, a *HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER* was re-spotted
on 3/15 at the San Gabriel Wildlife Management Area, *Williamson. *This is
located along County Road 347 east of Hwy 95 north of Taylor. Parking is
along the road and you take a series of steps down to the river, a popular
fishing area. The bird has been observed among the brush bordering the
river.
The long-staying *GREAT KISKADEE* continued at Berry Springs Park in
Georgetown,* Williamson*, 3/15.
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. There is a recently burned area which
the bird seems to favor. Positive reports continue through 3/12.
After an invasion year in our area, *PYRRHULOXIA* numbers seem to be
dropping off. Birds are still continuing at Reimer's Ranch, *Travis*, 3/12,
near the main pavilion area and at Hornsby Bend (3), Austin, *Travis*, on
3/12. Two females and a male were observed along the River Trail between
the main ponds and Platt Lane.
At least one *RUSTY BLACKBIRD* continues at Hornsby Bend, *Travis*, most
recently photographed on 3/11. 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.
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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