Rio Grande Valley RBA
January 28, 2010
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:49:03 -0500
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From: Mary Gustafson <live4birds@AOL.COM>
Subject: RBA: Texas Lower Rio Grande Valley Hotline, January 28, 2010
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RBA
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* Texas
* Lower Rio Grande Valley
* January 28, 2010
.
+ (Details requested by TBRC - Mark.Lockwood AT tpwd.state.tx.us)
http://www.texasbirds.org/tbrc/reviewsp.htm lists Texas review species
http://www.texasbirds.org/tbrc/TBRCform.rtf suggests what to include in
details
.
Our rare bird alert this week includes...
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+Bare-throated Tiger-Heron NO RECENT SIGHTINGS
Hook-billed Kite
+Roadside Hawk
+Great Black-backed Gull
Allen’s Hummingbird NO RECENT SIGHTINGS
+Rose-throated Becard
+Brown Jay
Rock Wren
Tropical Parula
Mangrove [Yellow] Warbler
.
North out of our area-
+Northern Jacana
+Amazon Kingfisher
+Northern Wheatear
.
Hotline Number: Texas Parks and Wildlife - Lower Rio Grande Valley
Birding Hotline number: (956) 584-2731
.
To report: rgvbirds AT hotmail.com (preferred) or (956) 584-2731 option 3. The
phone service is provided by TPWD. When you leave a message, it generates an
alert to TPWD staff. It may be faster for you to report rarities to the site
– and the email address.
.
This is a general reminder that tapes are not allowed in Texas State Parks and
TXRG
for not disturbing the wildlife or damaging the vegetation.
.
TBRC Review Species are indicated with CAPITAL LETTERS and + below, please
document these sightings to the TBRC!
.
Many birds seem to be moving after the freeze, with Brown-crested Flycatchers
popping up in several locations. Black-throated Gray Warbler are widely
distributed. Purple Martins have returned, and an early Chimney Swift was
reported last week.
.
The Valley from East to West
.
Three Lesser Black-backed Gulls were seen at the Brownsville Dump on January 2.
A first-winter GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL+ continued on Boca Chica at the beach
through January 23. Likely the same GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL+ was at the dump on
January 2. The TOS trips reported BROWN BOOBY+ (January 15 (many), January 16
(two) and up to five Masked Boobies (January 17) off Boca Chica along with
dozens of Northern Gannet.
.
At South Padre Island, Least Bittern was found on the TOS trip off the boardwalk
January 15. A Ross’s Goose reappeared at the South Padre Island World Birding
Center January 27.
.
Mangrove Warbler, a well-marked subspecies of Yellow Warbler that may be
distinct enough to warrant full species status, can be seen by contacting the
Sealife Center at (956) 299-1957.
.
An immature male ROSE-THROATED BECARD+ at Estero Llano Grande State Park is
TXRG
for directions. Visitors are requested to enter the Tropical Zone from the west
side of Ibis Pond (south of the park headquarters) and *not* via the old RV Park
entrance road. Be sure to check in at the park before accessing the Tropical
zone – your cooperation will ensure continued easy access to this area. The
Becard has been seen near the peanut butter feeder and restrooms in the Tropical
Zone. It is being reported less frequently now but was seen Monday January 25.
.
Also at Estero Llano Grande State Park, many Grasshopper Sparrows continue at
the park. LeConte’s Sparrows were found on the CBC January 3 and may still be
present. **Please stay on the trails!** Park staff and volunteers can direct
you to day-roosting Common Pauraque. Northern Parula is in the tropical zone.
A Purple Gallinule was found on Saturday January 16 at Ibis Pond. An adult male
Orchard Oriole was photographed January 21 but has not been seen since. Fulvous
Whistling-Ducks are returning. A Summer Tanager was seen January 25.
.
At Frontera Audubon Center, an adult ROADSIDE HAWK+ was photographed on January
24. The bird was perched in the thicket. It was looked for and not seen on
Monday and Tuesday. There are no additional reports. This distinctive Buteo
has a solid unmarked gray head and back, vertical broad gray stripes on the
upper breast, and barred lower breast and belly. There have already been
several cases of mistaken identity in the thicket with a Cooper’s Hawk and a
Red-shouldered Hawk. If in doubt, please take photographs and share them with
the center or the hotline email address.
.
Also present at Frontera, a Tropical Parula has been seen at the feeding station
feeding on fruit. Ovenbird and Black-throated Green Warbler are also present.
.
At Santa Ana NWR, a Hook-billed Kite was reported January 24. There is an
Unconfirmed report of a ROSE-THROATED BECARD+ here as well; documentation or
photos from an observer would be welcomed.
.
At Allen Williams residence in Pharr a Summer Tanager continues through January
16.
.
Quinta Mazatlan has Clay-colored Thrush and hummingbirds. A Tropical Parula was
seen near the amphitheater and fountain at an orange feeder log last week, and a
Summer Tanager was photographed.
.
At Anzalduas County Park, a Palm Warbler was found on January 15 and a Hooded
Merganser continues below the dam. A Zone-tailed Hawk was seen in the area as
well. Sprague’s Pipits continue in the large fields before the gatehouse.
Rock Wren continues near the gatehouse but is not always present, last seen
January 19. Two Hook-billed Kite and a Ferruginous Hawk are in the area.
.
The TOS Pontoon Boat birding trip on the Riverside Dreamer saw a perched
Zone-tailed Hawk at close range on January 16.
.
Nearby at the North American Butterfly Association Park, Clay-colored Thrush
come to the water features and feeders. Burrowing Owl are occasionally
reported. White-crowned Sparrows come to the feeder.
.
A BARE-THROATED TIGER-HERON+ molting from juvenile to adult plumage has not been
seen recently at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park south of Mission with
reports through January 20. There have been no recent reports.
.
The male ROSE-THROATED BECARD+ at Bentsen RGV State Park continues at the
northeast end of the Acacia Loop or nearby at the “Y” intersection. The
Becard is often seen near the feeders at the “Y” intersection.
.
Also at Bentsen-RGV State Park an adult male Allen’s Hummingbird was last
reported Jan. 16. Both Black-chinned and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are
present. Three Hook-billed Kites have appeared in various combinations through
the weekend but not since. A Northern Parula is seen infrequently near the boat
ramp or Kiskadee Overlook tram stop. A Rose-breasted Grosbeak is in the area of
the “Y” feeders. An Eared Grebe continues at the resaca. The Ferruginous
Pygmy-Owl delighted visitors on the TOS weekend. Two Sage Thrashers were
photographed in the resaca area on January 18. A Lazuli Bunting is at the
Kiskadee Trail feeder. A Lesser Nighthawk was seen at dusk flying over the
resaca at the Hawk Tower on January 19.
.
Red-crowned Parrots are most often seen in flight. Red-crowned Parrots are
sometimes seen in the areas of Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen, and Valley Nature
Center in Weslaco.
.
Green Parakeets are readily seen the large roost in McAllen on North 10th Street
between Violet and Dove in the evening. A single Aztec Parakeet (escaped exotic)
continues from last winter at this site. Green Parakeets are also found in
Mission on Bentsen Palm Drive in the morning.
.
Both Green Parakeets and Red-crowned Parrots have been seen recently in
Harlingen (near Pendleton Park or 7th and Rio Hondo at dusk), Pharr (sometimes
at Allen Williams residence on Sam Houston), and Brownsville near Fort Brown.
.
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls are also heard (and rarely seen) at Bentsen-Rio Grande
Valley State Park in the pre-dawn hours. Remember, the use of tapes is not
allowed at Bentsen or many LRGV sites. Always ask before using tapes.
.
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls are at San Miguelito Ranch about 10 miles north of
Raymondville, easiest seen February through May. There is a fee to access this
site, and prior arrangements are required (Leticia Tijerina, 956-369-3118 or
buny55ATaol.com). The TOS trip was treated to breakfast with the Ferruginous
Pygmy-Owls and was delighted to find one at “home”. Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls
are found on the King Ranch and often at El Canelo as well.
.
In the Falcon State Park area, reports include Green-tailed Towhee at the park
host feeders and Groove-billed Ani. At nearby Falcon County Park, Green-tailed
Towhee and Sage Thrasher were found.
.
Salineno is the traditional site for seeing Red-billed Pigeons and Muscovy
Ducks, however we have no recent reports; this winter seems poor for them. Gray
Hawks are often seen here. The feeding station is in full swing. A leucistic
Great Kiskadee is present with reduced or absent melanin but bright yellow and
orange plumage. A Common Black-Hawk was photographed at the boat ramp last week.
.
Access at Chapeño is through the old El Rio RV Park. It is still possible to
access the river or watch birds from the bluff. There is a fee to bird this
site. Brown .Jays have been absent for two years but it is possible to see
Muscovy and Red-billed Pigeons here, although we have no recent reports.
.
Upriver and outside our area, a single BROWN JAY+ and a male White-collared
Seedeater can be found the San Ygnacio County Park/Seedeater Sanctuary at the
foot of Washington Street in San Ygnacio. Park at the top of the hill and walk
down. The Brown Jay was reported on Thursday evening, Friday, and Saturday.
Another good site for White-collared Seedeater is next to the library at the
county park pond in Zapata at the south end of 9th Street and Laredo. The birds
come in to drink at the pond.
.
Well outside our area are three fantastic birds, all TBRC review species.
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An AMAZON KINGFISHER+, a potential US first, was found in Laredo at the mouth of
Zapote Creek on January 24 and continues to be seen daily through January 27.
It is perhaps easiest to see and certainly the best light in the afternoon,
though there are morning sightings as well they can be few and far between.
From the direcions in the original report - From US 83 west/northbound you will
cross Zacate Creek within downtown Laredo. After crossing the creek turn
immediately left onto San Leonardo **NOTE - visibility is terrible to cross the
eastbound portion of US 83 - suggest you go to another oneway south and then
come back to San Leonardo to avoid this dangerous intersection - and send better
directions to the RBA please**. Then turn left onto either Ventura or Water
Street. Go to the end and park along Zacate Creek. From Interstate 35, go right
through Laredo and take the last exit before the bridge to Mexico. Make your way
left of the bridge through the residential area until you hit either Ventura or
Water Street. Take either of these streets as far south (downstream) as
possible, where they both deadend at Zacate Creek where there is plenty of
public parking.
.
A NORTHERN WHEATEAR+ is near Beeville, TX, well outside our area. The site is
**CLOSED ON SUNDAYS** with no exceptions. The homeowner, John Bontrager,
TXRG
796. Go south on 796 for 6 miles to a vegetable stand on the right. Turn right
into the driveway next to the veggie stand and drive back towards the brown
building. Please park on the right out of the way before the brown building.
TXRG
horse pasture and on the stacks of blocks. Please be sure to sign the sightings
book. The most recent report is January 27.
.
A NORTHERN JACANA+ at Choke Canyon State Park, in the Calliham Unit 75 Acre
Pond. Take US 281 to George West and follows the signs to the westernmost
Calliham Unit. A scope is necessary most days. Look to the far back right of
the pond to start. The Northern Jacana was seen through at least January 23.
.
Directions are provided only for sites not included in the ABA Birder’s Guide
to the Rio Grande Valley or the Birder’s Guide to the Texas Coast. These
guides are indispensable for visiting birders.
Mary Gustafson
Mission, Texas