The Texas Birding List

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Recent Postings from
The Texas Birding List

Updated on Friday, May 9 at 11:46 AM ET
The most recently received Mail is at the top.

9 May Re: Pine Warblers & Nighthawks [Rusty Alderson ]
9 May Pine Warblers [KEITH ARNOLD ]
9 May Russ Pitman Park birds [Nature Discovery Center ]
9 May Broad-tailed Hummingbird in Lubbock [Anthony Flyd ]
9 May spring migrants and others - right outside the back door! [TB ]
9 May Hornsby Bend Bird Observatory Monthly Bird Survey - Saturday, May 10th [Eric Carpenter ]
9 May May 8th - Sabine Woods [Erik Breden ]
8 May West Texas: Flammuated Owl seen on trail [Clint Heard ]
8 May Navarro County - Painting & Indigo Buntings plus others ["Lacey L. Ogburn" ]
9 May Swifts Over Houston [Pam Smolen ]
8 May 5-8-08 Golden-winged, Black-headed, MacGill @ Warbler Woods [Susan Schaezler ]
8 May Sabine, Bolivar and Texas City Today [Joseph Kennedy ]
8 May Re: Houston Black-throated Blue Warbler (5/7) [Carl and Sherry Wilkerson ]
8 May Bird Banding Intern needed in central TX [Amy Finfera ]
8 May American Goldfinches, Siskins and Buntings, including 2 Lazulis continue [POP Jennifer ]
8 May Heard Museum McKinney, Collin Co. 5/08/08 MacGillivray's Warbler, et al [craig miller ]
8 May South Padre Today [Richard Messenger ]
8 May Estero Llano Grande [Mary Beth Stowe ]
8 May May 8 lake tawakoni [richard kinney ]
8 May Estero Llano Grande State Park and Progreso sod fields (05/07/08) [Rex Stanford ]
8 May Corpus/Port Aransas Area 5/8 [Jon McIntyre ]
8 May Singing Painted Buntings [Joe Kestner ]
8 May Re: Need song ID - Ray Roberts Lake, Isle De Bois, Denton County [Wayne Nicholas ]
8 May Swainson's hawks [Debbie Moore ]
8 May RBA: Texas Lower Rio Grande Valley Hotline, May 8 2008 [Mary Gustafson ]
8 May Re: Need song ID - Ray Roberts Lake, Isle De Bois, Denton County [Charles & Angela ]
8 May NW Austin birds -- MacGillivray's Warbler [Mikael Behrens ]
8 May Come out and celebrate International Migratory Bird Day with the Katy Prairie Conservancy this Saturday - Waller County, Texas [Jaime Gonzalez ]
8 May Shorebirds: Black-necked Stilts [Tim Jones ]
8 May Warblers at Cy-Fair ["Mohamed, Jeffrey D" ]
8 May RFI Birds in Travis County [Laurie Foss ]
8 May pictures May 3 White-tailed Hawk at Mitchell Lake, San Antonio [Malcolm Mark Swan ]
8 May Re: Need song ID - Ray Roberts Lake, Isle De Bois, Denton County [John Arvin ]
8 May Need song ID - Ray Roberts Lake, Isle De Bois, Denton County [Charles & Angela ]
7 May May 7th - Bolivar Peninsula Birds [Erik Breden ]
8 May Am. Goldfinch, Pine Siskin & pair of Scott's Orioles ["]
7 May 5-7-08 (100 species)(16 Warblers @ Warbler Woods [Susan Schaezler ]
7 May Uvalde County, Scott's Oriole ["[Bob Rasa]" ]
7 May Piratic Flycatcher NO [Richard Messenger ]
7 May Capitol @ 4 pm Wednesday [charles alberty ]
7 May Capitol @ 4 pm Wednesday [charles alberty ]
7 May Interesting birds [Lytle Blankenship ]
7 May dark morph Short-tailed Hawk at Lost Maples [Mitch ]
7 May Prairie Creek - Chuck-will's Widow ["PING, Perry L. - ACCOR-NA" ]
7 May west Austin migrants [Jennifer Reidy ]
7 May Houston Black-throated Blue Warbler (5/7) [James Hinson ]
7 May NEXRAD observed bird migration, 5-7-08 [John Arvin ]
7 May Austin Capital grounds lunch-time birding today [Laurie Foss ]
7 May Blackpoll, Lazuli Bunting and others at L. Tawakoni State Park [richard kinney ]
7 May Re: TOS...wow [Lamont Brown ]
7 May 15 warbler sp [Susan Schaezler ]
7 May West Texas Trip 5/1-5/6 [Jon McIntyre ]

Subject: Re: Pine Warblers & Nighthawks
From: Rusty Alderson <ralderson AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 09:42:24 -0700

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Keith and TEXBIRDS, I noticed my FOS common nighthawk here in Leander about 2 weeks ago, but, as you observe, their numbers seem sparse so far. No cuckoos yet, but, from my recollection (admittedly fallible) I typically do not notice them until late May/early June. Rusty Alderson Leander, Texas http://thehillcountryview.blogspot.com/ Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself -- Chief Seattle, 1854 ________________________________ From: KEITH ARNOLD To: TEXBIRDS AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU Sent: Friday, May 9, 2008 11:15:52 AM Subject: [TEXBIRDS] Pine Warblers ---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- This morning I heard an unfamilar, yet familar 'tik' in the front yard pine trees; two birds flitted about, searching the needle clusters and pine cones. After retrieving my bins from the Vue, I discovered a male and female Pine Warbler. Seems a bit late for them not to have returned to the Piney Woods for breeding. Also, yesterday, I had one person inquire about the absence of Common Nighthawks and another about the paucity of Yellow-billed Cuckoos and the lack of the nighthawks. I normally hear or see both species in our neighborhood by this time, but have not tallied either thus far. Has anyone else experienced an absence or reduced numbers of these two species? Keith Arnold Bryan [Brazos county] For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Pine Warblers
From: KEITH ARNOLD <kbarnold2 AT VERIZON.NET>
Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 11:15:52 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- This morning I heard an unfamilar, yet familar 'tik' in the front yard pine trees; two birds flitted about, searching the needle clusters and pine cones. After retrieving my bins from the Vue, I discovered a male and female Pine Warbler. Seems a bit late for them not to have returned to the Piney Woods for breeding. Also, yesterday, I had one person inquire about the absence of Common Nighthawks and another about the paucity of Yellow-billed Cuckoos and the lack of the nighthawks. I normally hear or see both species in our neighborhood by this time, but have not tallied either thus far. Has anyone else experienced an absence or reduced numbers of these two species? Keith Arnold Bryan [Brazos county] For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Russ Pitman Park birds
From: Nature Discovery Center <birds AT NATUREDISCOVERYCENTER.ORG>
Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 11:09:28 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- The Nature Discovery Center and Russ Pitman Park are located at 7112 Newcastle, Bellaire, Texas, just inside the West 610 Loop, between Bellaire Blvd. and Evergreen St. Please do not leave valuables in your car in the parking lot! The following migrants & other birds of interest seen in Russ Pitman Park yesterday, Thursday, 5/08/08. Chimney Swifts - overhead E. Wood Pewee Purple Martins (overhead) Veery Swainson's Thrush Gray-cheeked Thrush Golden-winged W. - 1m Tennessee W. N Parula Magnolia W Bay-breasted W - f Cananda W. m & f American Redstart - 2m On Wed. 5/7/08 some folks found: Chimney Swifts - overhead E. Wood Pewee Purple Martins (overhead) Chestnut-sided W. Magnolia W Black-throatd Green W. Ovenbird Northern Waterthrush - 2 American Redstart - 1m Earlier in the week and on the weekend we actually had a pretty good variety of migrants. I haven't had time to bird yet today but did see a Magnolia W about 10:30 this morning. Happy Birding, Mary Ann Beauchemin Senior Naturalist Nature Discovery Center mbeauch AT naturediscoverycenter.org 713-667-6550 (phone) 713-667-7654 (fax) For more information about the Nature Discovery Center, our programs, and how to support our work visit our website at www.naturediscoverycenter.org For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Broad-tailed Hummingbird in Lubbock
From: Anthony Flyd <terrverts AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 06:04:04 -0700

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Greetings All: Yesterday I had a Broad-tailed Hummingbird briefly visit the newly-planted honeysuckle in my Lubbock backyard. This is a first of the season for me ... and the species is only rarely seen in our region during spring migration. Anthony Hewetson; Lubbock ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: spring migrants and others - right outside the back door!
From: TB <blubayou2001 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 05:44:33 -0700

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- These were taken through the back door which has a film on. I'm guessing the first photo is of a Yellow Warbler. When they get that close, the field marks disappear. I also had a Kentucky Warbler, but it got away before I could take a photo. http://picasaweb.google.com/panamabirder/42608?authkey=8HhaF_kyxrg Theresa Bayoud Austin, Texas For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Hornsby Bend Bird Observatory Monthly Bird Survey - Saturday, May 10th
From: Eric Carpenter <ecarpe AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 05:42:05 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Come help with bird monitoring in Austin - join us for the Hornsby Bend Bird Observatory Monthly Bird Survey this Saturday, May 10th at Hornsby Bend. Morning survey 7am-11am Afternoon survey 4pm-Dark We meet at Hornsby Bend in the Center for Environmental Research at 7am for the morning survey [breakfast snacks at 630am] and 4pm for the afternoon survey. All levels of birders are welcome, although this is not a field trip - the survey is a great way to improve your skills since we form teams matching experienced and novice birders. In the morning, we have teams covering different areas of the Hornsby Bend facility and count numbers of all birds seen. It is 4 hours of hiking and counting, but lots of fun along the way. We meet again around 11am to tally up the species. The afternoon involves looking around for species missed that morning, and we go until sundown. If you'd like to join us for the morning or the afternoon or both - just show up by 7am or 4pm. We meet at the CER building which is the first building at the entrance to Hornsby Bend. We'd love your help! Location and Site map is at www.hornsbybend.org. -- Eric Carpenter Austin For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: May 8th - Sabine Woods
From: Erik Breden <ebreden AT WINDSTREAM.NET>
Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 00:48:10 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- TexBirders, Today (Thursday 5/8) I spent the afternoon at the "drip" at Sabine Woods. The southerly wind of the last 4 days has reduced the numbers of birds, but the variety was quite nice, 42 species including 16 species of warblers. Details follow...photos are at: www.otterside.com/spring2008 Erik Breden Andrews, TX (currently in Winnie for 1 more day 8^( ) All these birds were seen or heard while sitting on the bench at the "drip": - Green Heron - 1 - White Ibis - 1 - Yellow-billed Cuckoo - 1 - Common Nighthawk - 1 - Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 1 male - Downy Woodpecker - 1 - Eastern Wood-Pewee - 2 birds flycatching and whistling - Eastern Kingbird - 2 - Red-eyed Vireo - 2 - Blue Jay - 1 - Purple Martin - several "gurgling" overhead - Carolina Chickadee - 2 - Veery - 1 - Swainson's Thrush - 2 - Wood Thrush - 1 - Gray Catbird - 6+ - Northern Mockingbird - 1 - Tennessee Warbler - 3 - Northern Parula - 1 - Yellow Warbler - 3 - Chestnut-sided Warbler - 1 - Magnolia Warbler - 2 - Black-throated Green Warbler - 1 - Bay-breasted Warbler - 1 - Black-and-white Warbler - 2 - American Redstart - 4 - Prothonotary Warbler - 1 - Ovenbird - 1 - Northern Waterthrush - 3 - Kentucky Warbler - 1 - Common Yellowthroat - 3 - Hooded Warbler - 1 - Canada Warbler - 1 - Summer Tanager - 4 - Scarlet Tanager - 5 - Northern Cardinal - 2 - Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 2 - Indigo Bunting - 6 - Painted Bunting - 2 - Boat-tailed Grackle - 1 - Orchard Oriole - 6+ - Baltimore Oriole - 3 For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: West Texas: Flammuated Owl seen on trail
From: Clint Heard <clintheard AT AOL.COM>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 22:56:00 -0400

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Texas Birders, Rose and I birded the Guadalupe Mountains, Davis Mountains (including?Balmorhea?Lake)?and Big Bend from April 25 to May 4. Total Species 173.?The Flammulated Owl was seen perched 5 feet off the ground in an oak tree on the Boot Springs trail. Other birds of interest: Gray Hawk? (all 3 locations) Common Black Hawk? (Davis & Big Bend) Harris Hawk ?(Presidio) Zone Tailed ?(all 3 locations) Praire Falcon?? (Van Horn) Least Bittern? (Big Bend at RGV) Wilsons Phalarope? (80+ at Balmorhea) Band Tailed Piegon (Big Bend) Flammulated Owl ?(Big Bend) Burrowing Owl? (dessert highway on post south of Van Horn) Lucifer Hummingbird? (Big Bend) Hutton's Vireo? (Big Bend) Mexican Jay? (Big Bend) Violet Green Swallow? (Davis & Big Bend) Mountain Chickadee? (Guadalupe) White Breasted Nuthatch? (Guadalupe Mountains) Brown Creeper? (Big Bend) Western Bluebird ?(Davis) Crissal Thrasher (3 in Big Bend) Phainopepla? (Davis & Big Bend) Virginia's Warbler? (Guadalupe & Big Bend) Colima Warbler? (Big Bend) Northern Parula? (Big Bend) Audobon's Warbler? (40+ in feeding flock Guadalupe) Townsends Warbler? (all 3 locations) Hermit Warbler? (3 in Big Bend) Graces Warbler? (Guadalupe) Painted Redstart? (Big Bend) Worm Eating Warbler? (Guadalupe) MacGillvray's Warbler? (all 3 locations) Hepatic Tanager? (Big Bend) Western Tanager? (all 3 locations) Summer Tanager? (all 3 locations) Green Tailed Towhee? (all 3 locations) Black Chinned Sparrow? (all 3 locations) Lark Bunting? (Big Bend) Scotts Oriole? (Guadalupe & Big Bend) Pyrrhuloxia? (Guadalupe & Big Bend) Black Headed Grosbeak? (all 3 locations) Blue Grosbeak? (all 3 locations - 12 in one group Davis) Lazuli Bunting? (Guadalupe) Varied Bunting? (Big Bend) Painted Bunting? (Big Bend) Cassins Finch? (Guadalupe) Red Crossbill? (Davis) Clint Robert Heard San Antonio, Texas For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Navarro County - Painting & Indigo Buntings plus others
From: "Lacey L. Ogburn" <llt01 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 19:30:20 -0700

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Location: Roane, east Navarro County (south of Dallas) Observation date: Sunday, 5/4/08 Number of species: 38 Great Blue Heron 2 Cattle Egret X Black Vulture X Turkey Vulture X Mourning Dove 6 Yellow-billed Cuckoo 1 Barred Owl 2 Added these even though I heard them calling back & forth earlier in the week. Chimney Swift X Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Downy Woodpecker 3 Eastern Phoebe 3 Pair is nesting under carport, added onto nest from last year. Eastern Kingbird 1 Scissor-tailed Flycatcher 2 Loggerhead Shrike 1 White-eyed Vireo 1 Blue-headed Vireo 1 Blue Jay X American Crow X Barn Swallow 2 Carolina Chickadee 5 Carolina Wren 1 House Wren 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3 Eastern Bluebird 4 Northern Mockingbird 1 Cedar Waxwing X Tennessee Warbler 1 Nashville Warbler 1 Yellow Warbler 1 Chipping Sparrow 7 White-crowned Sparrow 5 Northern Cardinal 6 Indigo Bunting 1 Painted Bunting 5 Pair was at the same place as last year. Dickcissel 15 They were everywhere calling! Common Grackle X American Goldfinch 2 I added these b/c they were seen earlier in the week at feeder. This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Lacey Ogburn Kerens, Texas Navarro County --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Swifts Over Houston
From: Pam Smolen <pjsmolen AT ATT.NET>
Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 02:25:52 +0000

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- On 4/29 we counted 220 swifts at Whole Foods. On 5/6 there were 375 swifts at Whole Foods! Many swifts have been flying around the waste treatment plant at Beechnut and Newcastle - it is an awesone site at 7:45 - 8:00 pm! At the end of April we noticed the swifts started a nest in the tower at Russ Pitman Park. We also started hearing and seeing common nighthawks at the end of April. The swifts have been entering the chimney about 8 pm. Next Tuesday, 5/13/08, we will meet at Whole Foods at about 7:50 - 8:00 pm to count swifts. Better yet, check out the skies in your neighborhood! In addition, check out Swifts Over Houston on the Houston Audubon website. See www.houstonaudubon.org. Pam Smolen Houston For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: 5-8-08 Golden-winged, Black-headed, MacGill @ Warbler Woods
From: Susan Schaezler <susan AT SCHAEZLER.NET>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 20:53:46 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- 5-8-08 Golden-winged, Black-headed, MacGill AT Warbler Woods Thanks to all our visitors today--not many ventured out on the property, so the list shows that, although we still had 72 species. Thanks especially to Austin for providing volunteers this week--they have really helped! Today, there were some fantastic birds, but you had to endure long quiet times and be lucky with where you were. Thanks also to Caleb Dye, who has taken on entering Warbler Woods birds on the Hand-held Palm, which goes to EBird. Highlights: Golden-winged Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Black-headed Grosbeak, 8 species of flycatchers, 12 species of Warblers Winds will turn SE tonight, which should bring us some new birds and more visitors to help. Gate will be open & use exit # 178 to approach and ignore "Road Closed" sign--that is the way to get to us right now. Susan Schaezler Warbler Woods Bird Sanctuary San Antonio/New Braunfels GCBO Site Partner Location: Warbler Woods Observation date: 5/8/08 Number of species: 72 Northern Bobwhite 6 Great Blue Heron 1 Green Heron 1 Black Vulture 36 Turkey Vulture 5 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Broad-winged Hawk 1 Swainson's Hawk 2 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Killdeer 1 White-winged Dove 30 Mourning Dove 10 Inca Dove 1 Common Ground-Dove 3 Yellow-billed Cuckoo 1 Greater Roadrunner 1 Common Nighthawk 4 Chuck-will's-widow 3 Chimney Swift 2 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 Black-chinned Hummingbird 5 Ladder-backed Woodpecker 5 Eastern Wood-Pewee 1 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 1 Willow Flycatcher 1 Least Flycatcher 5 Eastern Phoebe 1 Great Crested Flycatcher 1 Brown-crested Flycatcher 1 Western Kingbird 2 Scissor-tailed Flycatcher 3 Loggerhead Shrike 1 White-eyed Vireo 20 Cassin's Vireo 1 Blue-headed Vireo 1 Blue Jay 1 Purple Martin 3 Northern Rough-winged Swallow 5 Cliff Swallow 3 Barn Swallow 20 Carolina Chickadee 1 Black-crested Titmouse 7 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2 Swainson's Thrush 1 Gray Catbird 4 Northern Mockingbird 3 Brown Thrasher 1 Long-billed Thrasher 1 European Starling 1 Cedar Waxwing 1 Golden-winged Warbler 1 Tennessee Warbler 1 Orange-crowned Warbler 1 Nashville Warbler 5 Yellow Warbler 2 Chestnut-sided Warbler 1 Magnolia Warbler 1 American Redstart 1 MacGillivray's Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 1 Wilson's Warbler 3 Yellow-breasted Chat 1 Lark Sparrow 5 Northern Cardinal 50 Black-headed Grosbeak 1 Painted Bunting 10 Great-tailed Grackle 5 Brown-headed Cowbird 20 House Finch 10 Lesser Goldfinch 9 House Sparrow 15 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Sabine, Bolivar and Texas City Today
From: Joseph Kennedy <josephkennedy36 AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 20:39:58 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- A made my annual trip to Sabine Woods to catch the peak of the connecticut warbler migration but the results were the same as that of previous years in that I apparently missed the peaks as well as the valleys in the migration stream of that bird. But that was not the only absent warbler as I had no other migrant warblers and only heard yellowthroats plus one tsip. A couple of pewees in the mulberries, several catbirds in the large mulberry tree in Sabine and several singing swainson's thrushes were about all the passage land birds. No other birders were in the area while I was there. When driving down, I stopped in the Texas Point parking lot which featured a very noisy kiskadee. On the way back a kiskadee was on the wires about 1/2 miles further west and could well be the bird that has wandered the area for a couple of years. 2 ospreys feeding on phone poles on either side of Sabine woods were passage birds. The single fish crow was still around the Texas Point parking lot and as I approached the town of Sabine Pass from the west, a pair was munching on ground up road kill on the edge of town. 3 others were at the highway 73 split. A silent crow was about 5 miles further west on 73. Driving down toward Bolivar Flats, a single western kingbird was just at the east edge of Gilchrist. The clapper rail family on yacht basin road had a new baby fuzzball which could swim well in the high water. Lots of shorebirds still at Bolivar Flats. The main numbers of birds have not changed in the last week or so; i.e lots of dunlin, sanderling, short-billed dowitcher, black-bellied plover and some knots etc. The group of 150 avocets was back in their resting spot in the far corner where the reeds start as were several white pelicans. The small plovers were absent on the flats except 2 piping plovers east near Magnolia and a couple of scolding Wilson's plovers. One golden plover was different from the bird I found Saturday. I spent a couple of hours standing out in the water watching the birds roosting in the far corner of the flats and had numbers of migrants arrive from out over the gulf including several flocks of hudsonian godwits, stilt sandpipers, Wilson's phalaropes, lesser yellowlegs, and white-rumped sandpipers. These would normally be fresh water birds and none of them stayed for long. While I was there several sharp-tailed sparrows sang from the reed beds which is becoming a little latish for them. Did not have any seaside sparrows there. The avocets did a lot of calling and bowing but did not do any dancing. Frenchtown Road had a good mix of birds including a sora, whimbrel and oystercatchers. The small plover that had been on the Texas City Dike were also gone but there was a good number of white-rumped sandpipers which were apparently coming in to roost as the little flock kept growing each time I looked. Still one pair of oystercatchers braving all the work but not many terns. The courting calls of the male least turn could become rather annoying as they go on interminably as he waves his fish in front of the females beak. I sounds like one of those toys that you spin on a stick and which goes on and on. -- Joseph C. Kennedy on Buffalo Bayou in West Houston Josephkennedy36 AT gmail.com For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Re: Houston Black-throated Blue Warbler (5/7)
From: Carl and Sherry Wilkerson <cnswilk AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 16:18:41 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- We found the Black-Throated Blue Warbler today about 10:30 on the McCarver Trail just past the northern intersection of Creekside Trail. We were able to follow it for about 20 minutes down McCarver and Titmouse Crossing getting some very clear and close views. The warbler was working the vegetation from about 4 to 8 feet with a group of Magnolia Warblers. Thanks to Jim Hinson for sounding the alert. Carl and Sherry Wilkerson Baytown On Wed, May 7, 2008 at 2:42 PM, James Hinson wrote: > ---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- > > Was extremely fortunate this morning to find an adult male BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER during the Wednesday birdwalk at Houston Audubon's Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary. The bird was found a little before 10:00 AM along McCarver Trail. I was able to relocate the bird again at 12:30 PM at the intersection of Creekside Trail and McCarver Trail. Had excellent looks at it at this location, it was even singing. I quick post to Texbirds may be in order if anyone finds it. I'm sure everyone would appreciate it. Second BT Blue I've ever seen in Texas. > > Jim Hinsonb > Houston, Tx. > jmhinson AT att.net > > For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas > Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org > -- Carl and Sherry Wilkerson Baytown For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Bird Banding Intern needed in central TX
From: Amy Finfera <afinfera AT BIRDPOP.ORG>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 15:57:07 -0700

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Please pass this along to any interested individuals you may know. Thanks! MONITORING AVIAN PRODUCTIVITY AND SURVIVORSHIP (MAPS) PROGRAM. One Field Biologist Intern is needed to operate constant effort mistnetting and banding (MAPS) stations in central TX, near Brownwood. Join this continent-wide, cutting edge effort to determine the vital rates that cause changes in North American landbird populations. Internship is from ASAP through 8 August, 2008. Enthusiastic individuals with previous birding and/or field research experience are preferred. Prior banding experience is not necessary as there is intensive, on-the-job training in mist-netting, banding, and aging and sexing small landbirds. Flexibility, good physical condition, a tolerance of long days that begin before dawn and the ability to endure sometimes difficult field conditions are required. Although a personal vehicle is not required for this position, mileage will be reimbursed at the rate of $0.35/mile for job-related use. Free shared housing and a per diem of $30 for food and other out-of-pocket expenses, amounting to $2,220 for the season, are provided. Per diem is not subject to taxes- you keep the full amount. Interns are expected to work a minimum of 6 of every 10 days, sometimes more depending on weather. Interested applicants should send via email (preferred) or U.S. mail a resume, cover letter, contact information for at least 2 references including email addresses, and a completed MAPS Internship Application form. Application forms as well as further information can be found on our website, www.birdpop.org, or contact AMY FINFERA, The Institute for Bird Populations, P.O. Box 1346, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956. FAX 415-663-9482, PH 415-663-1436, EMAIL: afinfera AT birdpop.org. This position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found. **************************************************** Amy Finfera Staff Biologist The Institute for Bird Populations P.O. Box 1346 Point Reyes Station, CA 94956-1346 Phone: 415-663-1436 Fax: 415-663-9482 afinfera AT birdpop.org For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: American Goldfinches, Siskins and Buntings, including 2 Lazulis continue
From: POP Jennifer <jennifermaxwell AT ARGONTECH.NET>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 16:44:34 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- My feeders still have Goldfinches and Siskins. I saw 2 Lazuli Buntings around 4:00 p.m. There were 3 on Monday evening. Jennifer Maxwell Greenville, TX For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Heard Museum McKinney, Collin Co. 5/08/08 MacGillivray's Warbler, et al
From: craig miller <wagtail042000 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 14:45:22 -0700

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Texbirders, Visited Heard Museum in McKinney, Collin Co. this am & got an opportunity to observe the bird banding. Just as I walked up to the banding station a MacGillivray's Warbler was being banded and photographed. Saw one was seen in Austin today also. Other interesting birds being banded were Bell's , Warbling & White-eyed Vireo. Other warblers banded today were Magnolia,Wilson's, Mourning,Yellow & Prothonotary. American Redstart and Nashville were also observed.A Blue Grosbeak flew through the banding stattion, and seconds later was caught in a mist net, banded & photographed.Dickcissel, Orchard & Baltimore Oriole were observed. In the morning a small kettlle of Mississippi Kites flew over.Empidonax flycatchers were prominent today as well. We also got frame filling photos of a Barred Owl perched on a tree next to the boardwalk through the swamp. I guess the migration is at its peak! Craig Miller, McKinney, Collin Co. --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: South Padre Today
From: Richard Messenger <vagabondbirder AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 13:55:10 -0700

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Today I birded SPI with Fr. Tom and Jane K. Although there were not a lot of birds there were some good ones. Most important to me were 1 female MacGillivrays and 1 male Mourning Warbler. Both were new year and Texas Life birds. Also had great close looks at Clapper Rail on the first boardwalk. Good Birding Richard Messenger The Vagabond Birder Wherever the RV is Parked Currently: Harlingen, Tx For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Estero Llano Grande
From: Mary Beth Stowe <miriameagl AT AOL.COM>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 16:30:07 -0400

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Hi, all! Had a terrific morning at Estero Llano, beginning as always along the dirt road south of the river, where a young Roseate Spoonbill was the first highlight of the day!? Other regulars included Blue-winged Teal, Avocets, BN Stilts, both whistling ducks, and Great Egrets.? Up on the levee had several singing Dickcissels down near the eastern gate along with some Western Kingbirds, but there were plenty of wetlands up there with plenty of waders: one spot was stuffed with Snowy Egrets and a handful of Little Blues and a token Tricolored.? Green Herons occupied some of the other areas, and a couple of Horned Larks tuned up along here as well.? There were several Common Nighthawks calling, and one came by close at eye level!? Swallows were well represented all morning, and an ani flew across the levee at one point. At the park birded the Green Jay Trail first, where a Wilson's Warbler was still hanging around.? Also had a mystery geometer moth; those of you who like a challenge can take a look at this little guy here: http://www.miriameaglemon.com/photogallery/TX%20Butterflies%20Estero%20Llano.htm Ran into Jim Booker and another ranger at the observation deck, and unfortunately the Hudsonian Godwit had left, but there was still a mob of Stilt Sandpipers with about a dozen dowitchers!? While Jim was gone I heard what I assumed was a Beardless Tyrannulet (several times), but later when I mentioned it to Huck, he said they had heard the bird as well but weren't convinced it wasn't the local very talented Mockingbird, so I let that one slide.? A Least Bittern called, and Huck told me later that two had been visible.? Viewing the pond from the boardwalk I was able to add a Semipalmated Sandpiper along with several Leasts.? Near the gazebo a Cassin's Sparrow popped up, giving great looks at its scaly back, and up on the Levee Trail I had another ani, plus a young Swainson's Hawk that appeared to come straight at me before pulling up! Enjoyed the crowd of whistling ducks, Least Grebes, and Neotropic Cormorants at Dowitcher Pond for awhile (missed the Least Terns that Huck said hung out there), then headed for Alligator Lake, where there appeared to be a colony of both Neotropic Cormorants and Snowy Egrets (and the former were making rude noises as well)!? Dipped on the kingfishers, but on the way out I flushed a fat brown body that, after noticing the screech owl box over my shoulder, was probably said screech owl, and after talking to Huck about it, I feel comfortable calling it that (they had been hanging out in that area, but he hadn't seen them for several weeks). Hiked the Camino de las Aves after that, picking up Bewick's Wren and tons of Common Ground Doves.? The connector trail had both an Eastern Wood Pewee and a Great Crested Flycatcher; lots of Brown-cresteds were around as well, along with Couch's Kingbirds.? I decided to try that new trail to Kiskadee Pond, which was quite lovely, but didn't pick up anything new (great look at a pair of Long-billed Thrashers, tho...) I was pretty shot after that, so headed back to the building, where I ran into Huck.? On the way out I heard a Mourning Warbler sing and call from the bushes near the hummingbird feeders, but unfortunately he only sang once; I was initially going to let that one go, but the more I thought about it, I couldn't think of anything else it could have possibly been with that burry song (unless it was a Mac ;-)). Bird list: Location: ? ? Estero Llano Grande SP WBC (Weslaco)(LTC 054) Observation date: ? ? 5/8/08 Notes: ? ? Also had 3 Archilochus sp. and a possible Northern Beardless Tyrannulet--some thought it could have been a Mockingbird. Number of species: ? ? 84 Black-bellied Whistling-Duck ? ? 67 Fulvous Whistling-Duck ? ? 12 Mottled Duck ? ? 6 Blue-winged Teal ? ? 14 Plain Chachalaca ? ? 21 Northern Bobwhite ? ? 5 Least Grebe ? ? 9 Pied-billed Grebe ? ? 1 Neotropic Cormorant ? ? 45 Least Bittern ? ? 1 Great Egret ? ? 6 Snowy Egret ? ? 59 Little Blue Heron ? ? 8 Tricolored Heron ? ? 1 Cattle Egret ? ? 3 Green Heron ? ? 4 White Ibis ? ? 1 Roseate Spoonbill ? ? 1 Turkey Vulture ? ? 2 Swainson's Hawk ? ? 2 Common Moorhen ? ? 10 American Coot ? ? 26 Killdeer ? ? 5 Black-necked Stilt ? ? 13 American Avocet ? ? 2 Spotted Sandpiper ? ? 3 Lesser Yellowlegs ? ? 2 Semipalmated Sandpiper ? ? 1 Least Sandpiper ? ? 7 Pectoral Sandpiper ? ? 1 Stilt Sandpiper ? ? 73 Long-billed Dowitcher ? ? 16 Laughing Gull ? ? 1 Gull-billed Tern ? ? 6 Rock Pigeon ? ? 3 White-winged Dove ? ? 28 Mourning Dove ? ? 44 Inca Dove ? ? 4 Common Ground-Dove ? ? 20 White-tipped Dove ? ? 9 Yellow-billed Cuckoo ? ? 2 Groove-billed Ani ? ? 3 Eastern Screech-Owl ? ? 1 Common Nighthawk ? ? 7 Buff-bellied Hummingbird ? ? 1 Golden-fronted Woodpecker ? ? 18 Ladder-backed Woodpecker ? ? 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee ? ? 1 Great Crested Flycatcher ? ? 1 Brown-crested Flycatcher ? ? 7 Great Kiskadee ? ? 11 Couch's Kingbird ? ? 6 Western Kingbird ? ? 3 Scissor-tailed Flycatcher ? ? 1 White-eyed Vireo ? ? 7 Horned Lark ? ? 2 Purple Martin ? ? 3 Bank Swallow ? ? 9 Cliff Swallow ? ? 5 Cave Swallow ? ? 7 Barn Swallow ? ? 25 Black-crested Titmouse ? ? 2 Bewick's Wren ? ? 3 Northern Mockingbird ? ? 10 Long-billed Thrasher ? ? 8 Curve-billed Thrasher ? ? 1 Yellow Warbler ? ? 1 Mourning Warbler ? ? 1 Common Yellowthroat ? ? 4 Wilson's Warbler ? ? 1 Olive Sparrow ? ? 7 Cassin's Sparrow ? ? 1 Lark Sparrow ? ? 1 Northern Cardinal ? ? 3 Rose-breasted Grosbeak ? ? 1 Dickcissel ? ? 6 Red-winged Blackbird ? ? 118 Eastern Meadowlark ? ? 5 Great-tailed Grackle ? ? 76 Bronzed Cowbird ? ? 2 Brown-headed Cowbird ? ? 4 Hooded Oriole ? ? 1 Lesser Goldfinch ? ? 4 House Sparrow ? ? 12 Mary Beth Stowe McAllen, TX www.miriameaglemon.com For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: May 8 lake tawakoni
From: richard kinney <rdkrsk3 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 13:28:55 -0700

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Well the area missed the storms overnight and it was once again breezy around Lake Tawakoni today. So once again it was a struggle to find migrants., Between Ron Baltzegar and I we did manage locate all of the expected Empids. Added the FOS Mississippi Kites, Philadelphia Vireo and Mourning Warbler (heard only). Most common migrant warblers were: Yellow, Wilson's and Common Yellowthroat. We found a few migrant warblers but not a lot. Tallying just 15 species for the day. Location: Lake Tawakoni Observation date: 5/8/08 Notes: yes 5 Blue-headed Viroes maybe the highest total i have see in one day around Tawakoni Number of species: 102 Wood Duck X Mallard X Blue-winged Teal X American White Pelican X Neotropic Cormorant X Double-crested Cormorant X Great Blue Heron X Great Egret X Snowy Egret X Cattle Egret X Black Vulture X Turkey Vulture X Osprey X Mississippi Kite X Red-shouldered Hawk X Crested Caracara X American Coot X Killdeer X Spotted Sandpiper X Greater Yellowlegs X Lesser Yellowlegs X Western Sandpiper X White-rumped Sandpiper X Pectoral Sandpiper X Ring-billed Gull X Forster's Tern X Mourning Dove X Yellow-billed Cuckoo X Barred Owl X Chimney Swift X Ruby-throated Hummingbird X Red-bellied Woodpecker X Downy Woodpecker X Pileated Woodpecker X Eastern Wood-Pewee X Yellow-bellied Flycatcher X Acadian Flycatcher X Alder Flycatcher X Willow Flycatcher X Least Flycatcher X Eastern Phoebe X Great Crested Flycatcher X Western Kingbird X Eastern Kingbird X White-eyed Vireo X Blue-headed Vireo 5 Warbling Vireo 4 Philadelphia Vireo 2 Blue Jay X American Crow X Purple Martin X Tree Swallow X Northern Rough-winged Swallow X Cliff Swallow X Cave Swallow X Barn Swallow X Carolina Chickadee X Tufted Titmouse X White-breasted Nuthatch X Carolina Wren X Ruby-crowned Kinglet X Blue-gray Gnatcatcher X Eastern Bluebird X Gray Catbird X Northern Mockingbird X Brown Thrasher X European Starling X Tennessee Warbler X Nashville Warbler X Northern Parula X Yellow Warbler X Yellow-rumped Warbler X Yellow-throated Warbler X Black-and-white Warbler X American Redstart 4 Prothonotary Warbler X Northern Waterthrush 1 Louisiana Waterthrush 1 Kentucky Warbler 1 Mourning Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat X Wilson's Warbler X Summer Tanager X Chipping Sparrow X Field Sparrow X Lark Sparrow X Savannah Sparrow X Grasshopper Sparrow X White-crowned Sparrow X Blue Grosbeak X Indigo Bunting X Painted Bunting X Red-winged Blackbird X Eastern Meadowlark X Common Grackle X Brown-headed Cowbird X Orchard Oriole X Baltimore Oriole X House Finch X Pine Siskin X American Goldfinch X House Sparrow X Richard Kinney Edgewood, Tx --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Estero Llano Grande State Park and Progreso sod fields (05/07/08)
From: Rex Stanford <calidris AT MINDSPRING.COM>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 14:56:20 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Yesterday (05/07/08) afternoon (after 3:00 PM) at Estero Llano Grande State Park we did not find the Hudsonian Godwit that had been seen on Ibis Pond that morning, but, otherwise, the shorebirds species in the afternoon were as indicated in James Booker's post of yesterday morning. Two WHITE IBIS, both immature, also graced Ibis Pond. Dowitcher Pond yesterday afternoon hosted, by our count, FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK (22), in addition to the usual numerous BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKS (not counted). Late in the afternoon we returned to the Progreso sod fields that were discussed (and directions given) in our posting of yesterday morning to TEXBIRDS for the previous day (05/06/08). Please remember to drive on the unpaved dirt road that runs north/south along the east side of the irrigation canal, not on the sod-field road to the west of that canal. The shorebirding at this location yesterday was less successful than it had been on Tuesday, with fewer individuals and the proportions of the species present were different. Yesterday, PECTORAL SANDPIPER had increased in numbers, but that species still was outnumbered by BLACK-NECKED STILT. It was birds other than shorebirds that most strongly garnered our attention in the sod field area yesterday: WHITE-TAILED KITE (1), LESSER NIGHTHAWK (possibly as many as 3 or as few as 1, see below), and GROOVE-BILLED ANI (1). The kite flew over the woods and fields on the east side of the unpaved road. Single lesser nighthawks appeared at three different times, in two different locations, in late afternoon, so the actual number of individuals is unclear. The Grove-billed Ani was seen immediately east of the dirt road, in a well-wooded, low-lying area with many Retama trees. This is a short distance south of the north end of the sod fields. This Ani appeared to be a juvenile, based on the lesser depth of the bill as contrasted with typical adults and on there being a noticeable brownish cast to the tail. (We base this judgment on specifications for juveniles of this species in "The Sibley Guide to Birds," 2000, Alfred A. Knopf, p. 269.) Good birding, Rex & Birgit Stanford McAllen, TX For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Corpus/Port Aransas Area 5/8
From: Jon McIntyre <offshorebirding AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 14:37:46 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- My parents and I birded Port Aransas Birding Center, Paradise Pond, Packery Channel, and Blucher Park today for a few hours getting about 95 species. Here are the migrants- Black-Billed Cuckoo (Blucher) Mourning Warbler (Blucher) Canada Warbler (Everywhere) Olive-Sided Flycatcher (P. Pond) Clay-Colored Robin (Blucher) Bank Swallow (Packery) Wilson's Warbler (P. Pond) Black-Throated Green Warbler (PA Birding Center) Yellow Warbler (PABC/Blucher) Chestnut-Sided Warbler (Blucher) Magnolia Warbler (P.Pond) Eastern Wood-Pewee (Everywhere) Acadian Flycatcher (Blucher) Orchard Oriole (Packery) Baltimore Oriole (Everywhere) Indigo Bunting (Packery) Wilson's Phalarope (PABC) Gray Catbird (Blucher) House Wren (Blucher) Nashville Warbler (P.Pond) Jon McIntyre Corpus Christi, TX _________________________________________________________________ With Windows Live for mobile, your contacts travel with you. http://www.windowslive.com/mobile/overview.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refresh_mobile_052008 For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Singing Painted Buntings
From: Joe Kestner <jkestner AT STX.RR.COM>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 12:06:53 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Today at my patch in northern Nueces County I heard what sounded like a male Painted Bunting singing his heart out. The song was the same, but different, somehow. When I finally found the bird (and I observed two different birds singing the same way) it appeared to be a very green female! Sibley says that 1st year males are very green sometimes -- could it have been 1st year males? If so, when will they acquire the paint? Judy Kestner Calallen (N.W. Corpus Christi) For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Re: Need song ID - Ray Roberts Lake, Isle De Bois, Denton County
From: Wayne Nicholas <wayne_nicholas AT MAC.COM>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 11:55:07 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Chuck, You have a Screech Owl in the background. Great recording. Wayne Nicholas NANPA Member www.NicholasNaturePhoto.com waynenicholas.naturescapes.net On May 8, 2008, at 2:13 AM, Charles & Angela wrote: > ---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- > > We also went camping this past weekend at Isle De Bois at Ray > Roberts Lake in Denton County. While there we were treated each > evening to beautiful Chuck-will's-widow songs. One night however we > heard something else calling at the same time as the Chuck and I'm > needing help to identify it. I don't know of any other way to share > audio files, so I created a video and put it on there (along with > some other bird songs which I believe there's some sort of Warbler > song in there that I don't know...there's also pics from our trip, > lots of Mississippi Kite pics, it's about 2 min's long). > > Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9K37E85otE > > Some highlights that we saw were: > > Swainson's Thrush > White-crowned Sparrow > Mississippi Kites (saw at least 7 and got to watch a pair in > courtship across from our campsite each day) > Spotted Sandpiper > Rose-breasted Grosbeak (female, didn't see a male, doggonit!) > Nashville Warbler > Wilson's Warbler > Yellow-rumped Warbler > Winter Wren > Great-created Flycatcher > Ruby-crowned Flycatcher > > Those Mississippi Kites are so quiet & graceful. They were a treat > to get to watch...a first for us! We also LOVED the song of the > Swainson's Thrush. We could listen to that all day long! :-) > > Thanks in advance for the song ID help. > > Angela McKey > Lake Dallas, Tx > > For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas > Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Swainson's hawks
From: Debbie Moore <debbie AT KMC.NET>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 10:30:25 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- We had about a hundred or so Swainson's that landed to hunt in one of our freshly mowed fields yesterday afternoon. Also our giant baby Bald Eagle still is sitting in his nest. Mom and Dad are never sitting up near him now; I'm sure they are busy trying to find things to keep him fed. Debbie Moore Sawdust Ranch Iola (Grimes Cty) TX For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: RBA: Texas Lower Rio Grande Valley Hotline, May 8 2008
From: Mary Gustafson <live4birds AT AOL.COM>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 11:54:04 -0400

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- RBA Â * Texas * Lower Rio Grande Valley * May 8, 2008 - Birds Mentioned + (Details requested by TBRC - Mark.Lockwood AT tpwd.state.tx.us) . Our rare bird alert includes recent reports ofâ€¦ . +Masked Duck Muscovy Duck Hook-billed Kite Mangrove Warbler White-collared Seedeater . hotline: Texas Parks and Wildlife - Lower Rio Grande Valley Birding HotlineÂ number: (956) 584-2731 to report: rgvbirds AT hotmail.com (preferred) or (956) 584-2731 option 3 compilers: Mary Gustafson (Rio Grande Joint Venture) and Jennifer Owen (Estero Llano Grande State Park). . - Transcript . Thank you for calling the Lower Rio Grande Valley Birding Hotline sponsored by Estero Llano Grande State Park, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and the World Birding Center. This hotline is normally updated Thursdays by 5 PM.Â Please send observations to Texbirds or to the hotline email address.Â Thank you to those who sent reports! . Lincolnâ€™s Sparrows and House Wrens are nearly gone from the RGV, a few lingerers were present over the weekend.Â Orioles have been passing through in large numbers, with lots of Baltimore and Orchard Orioles as well as nesting Hooded, Altamira, and Bullockâ€™s Orioles. . Four Masked Ducks continue on the King Ranch as of May 3.Â Access to the ranch is by prior arrangement, call 361-592-8055 for information. There is a fee to access this site.Â This is a TBRC Review Species. . Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls are nesting at the San Miguelito Ranch about 10 miles north of Raymondville.Â These birds are reportedly very visible near their nest site at the ranch.Â There is a fee to access this site.Â Prior arrangements are required, contact Leticia Tijerina, at 956-369-3118 or buny55ATaol.com.Â Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls are also present on the King Ranch and El Canelo (both fee sites).Â . Aplomado Falcons are often found on Old Port Isabel Road, Route 100 near Laguna Vista and on the road to Boca Chica, and also near Buena Vista Road and FM 106.Â Botteriâ€™s Sparrow use similar coastal habitats with bunch grasses.Â . Mangrove Warblers are a well-marked subspecies or unrecognized species.Â For more information on seeing the Mangrove (Yellow) Warblers contact the South Padre Island Nature Center at (956) 299-0629.Â . South Padre Island had a good warbler fall out on May 3 with MacGillivrayâ€™s, Blackburnian, Bay-breasted, and Cape May Warblers. Â The Surf Scoter continues as well. Â The Convention Center Boardwalk had a variety of rails and Least Bitterns over the weekend. . At Estero Llano Grande State Park, a good variety of shorebirds including a Hudsonian Godwit are present, and Fulvous Whistling-Duck and Roseate Spoonbill can often be seen from the deck over Ibis Pond. Red-crowned Parrots are seen occasionally early and late in the day over all Weslaco sites.Â Valley Nature Center and Frontera Audubon Sanctuary are always good for migrants. Â Groove-billed Ani were seen at Frontera over the weekend and a variety of warblers including Blue and Golden-winged Warbler, and Cerulean Warbler. . At Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, the best bird of late is an immature male Lucifer Hummingbird well photographed on April 27 and not seen subsequently.Â Pauraque are common in the park and five species of owls can be heard.Â Please remember, the use of tapes is not allowed in most RGV birding sites including Bentsen.Â . Red-crowned Parrots and Green Parakeets can be seen or heard in many valley cities, especially early and late in the day.Â In McAllen, Green Parakeets stage on 10th Street between Violet and Dove.Â Red-crowned Parrots have been in Weslaco near Valley Nature Center, at Texas and 5th, and 11th and Indiana as well as Estero Llano Grande State Park and Frontera Audubon Sanctuary.Â In Harlingen, try Pendleton Park at the intersection of Grimes and Morgan. . At Salineno watch for Red-billed Pigeons and Muscovy Duck early or late in the day. Your odds can be improved by walking downstream to look for them near the river island. Â A pair of Hook-billed Kites have been reported crossing the river between 9 and 11 AM on several days, recently a single on April 25.Â This is a good place for Audubonâ€™s Oriole as well.Â . Upriver and out of our area, White-collared Seedeaters can be found at the San Ygnacio Seedeater Park at the foot of Washington Street and at the Zapata County Park in Zapata off 9th Street.Â . The Wikibird guide is back up, check out http://wikibird.org/wiki/Rio_Grande_Valley_birding_guide .Â Thanks to Tim Whitehouse for this great service!Â . Please report sightings to rgvbirds AT hotmail.com (Replace AT with AT ) or (956) 584-2731 option 3. Thanks to everyone who reported their sightings to Texbirds or the compilers. . Mary Gustafson Mission, Texas For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Re: Need song ID - Ray Roberts Lake, Isle De Bois, Denton County
From: Charles & Angela <bitsy AT TICNET.COM>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 10:30:17 -0600

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Thanks to all for the ID help! Wow...an eastern screech owl?! So cool. We've not seen one in person before (just on bird cams), so hearing one is pretty neat. At the time of it happening, the sound of the eastern screech owl was getting closer & closer to our tent. It was kinda spooky sounding at the time since we were trying to go to sleep, lol. And yes, it was late when I posted this. I meant to have typed Great-Crested Flycatcher & Ruby-crowned Kinglet. ;-) Thanks again to all who replied. Did anyone recognize the warblerish (at least to me) song at around 1:24-1:36? We never could find the bird. Angela ----- Original Message ----- From: Charles & Angela To: TEXBIRDS AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 1:13 AM Subject: [TEXBIRDS] Need song ID - Ray Roberts Lake, Isle De Bois, Denton County ---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- We also went camping this past weekend at Isle De Bois at Ray Roberts Lake in Denton County. While there we were treated each evening to beautiful Chuck-will's-widow songs. One night however we heard something else calling at the same time as the Chuck and I'm needing help to identify it. I don't know of any other way to share audio files, so I created a video and put it on there (along with some other bird songs which I believe there's some sort of Warbler song in there that I don't know...there's also pics from our trip, lots of Mississippi Kite pics, it's about 2 min's long). Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9K37E85otE Some highlights that we saw were: Swainson's Thrush White-crowned Sparrow Mississippi Kites (saw at least 7 and got to watch a pair in courtship across from our campsite each day) Spotted Sandpiper Rose-breasted Grosbeak (female, didn't see a male, doggonit!) Nashville Warbler Wilson's Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Winter Wren Great-created Flycatcher Ruby-crowned Flycatcher Those Mississippi Kites are so quiet & graceful. They were a treat to get to watch...a first for us! We also LOVED the song of the Swainson's Thrush. We could listen to that all day long! :-) Thanks in advance for the song ID help. Angela McKey Lake Dallas, Tx For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: NW Austin birds -- MacGillivray's Warbler
From: Mikael Behrens <mikaelb+texbirds AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 10:05:23 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Howdy, I spent an hour and a half birding my far northwest Austin neighborhood's new hike-and-bike trail this morning before work. By the end my eyes were so loaded with pollen from new grass the county planted that I literally could not bird anymore. But the birding was good while it lasted! I added 2 new birds to my neighborhood list: MacGillivray's Warbler and Wood Duck. Here's a partial list: Empidonax sp. 2 Scissor-tailed Flycatcher 1 Warbling Vireo 2 House Wren 2 Gray Catbird 2 Tennessee Warbler 1 Nashville Warbler 1 Yellow Warbler 4 Chestnut-sided Warbler 1 Magnolia Warbler 1 American Redstart 1 MacGillivray's Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 7 Wilson's Warbler 1 Chipping Sparrow 20 Lincoln's Sparrow 1 Indigo Bunting 1 Painted Bunting 1 Orchard Oriole 1 Lesser Goldfinch 1 Mikael Behrens Austin Williamson County http://birdingonbroadmeade.blogspot.com/ For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Come out and celebrate International Migratory Bird Day with the Katy Prairie Conservancy this Saturday - Waller County, Texas
From: Jaime Gonzalez <jgonzalez AT KATYPRAIRIE.ORG>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 10:03:30 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- What: Prairie Discovery Tour on the Katy Prairie just west of Houston Where: Warren Ranch - Rock Hollow Creek Entrance When: Saturday, May 10, 2008 | 9 AM - 12 PM Cost: Free! The Katy Prairie is pulsing with a symphony of bird songs. Our spring migrants continue to arrive and many are already raising young. We'd love to see you on the prairie this weekend to experience this wonder of nature for yourself! On Saturday, KPC will host a Prairie Discovery Tour on the Warren Ranch. In celebration of International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) we'll be leading tours that highlight migratory birds that live and raise their families on the Katy Prairie. We'll also have bird tattoos for children of all ages and will play an exciting and challenging migratory bird game. If you've never seen the spectacular bird life of the prairie this is an opportunity that you won't want to pass up. Registration is required for this event. Contact Julie Gomez at info AT katyprairie.org by Friday, May 9th at 3 PM to register for this event. We'll be looking for you out on the prairie, Jaime González Community Education Manager Katy Prairie Conservancy 713.523.6135 "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness" - variation on a Chinese proverb For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Shorebirds: Black-necked Stilts
From: Tim Jones <deforest AT AUSTIN.RR.COM>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 08:52:03 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Black-necked Stilts (Himantopus mexicanus) in copula http://groundtruthinvestigations.com/datalinks/_TEX2901_IC2nn2sm.jpg Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, Port Aransas, Mustang Island, Texas 05-04-08 Tim Jones Austin,Texas -- For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Warblers at Cy-Fair
From: "Mohamed, Jeffrey D" <Jeffrey.D.Mohamed AT LONESTAR.EDU>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 08:40:29 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Clay White spotted a Chestnut-sided Warbler and a Black-throated Green Warbler at the start of the Cy-Fair College nature trail this morning. This takes our campus bird list to 144 species. Jeff Mohamed Cypress For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: RFI Birds in Travis County
From: Laurie Foss <lauriefoss AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 07:04:27 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Hey there Texbirders, I am participating in Travis Audubon's annual Birdathon this Saturday. My team will be doing a Travis County Big Day and I could sure use your eyes and sightings! We'll be mainly in the southern end of Travis County, including Commons Ford Ranch Park, Reimer's Ranch, Little Webberville Park, Hornsby Bend, downtown Austin (including the capital grounds and Lady Bird Lake). If any of you have seen birds in these areas that you think I need to know about, please let me know by direct email. Also, if you would be willing to scout any of these areas for our team and call me with a quick report that would be awesome! I am especially interested in a report from the capital grounds Saturday morning since we would plan to swing by there around lunch time. If the birds have gone on we would rather not stop there and use the time elsewhere. Thanks for all of your help in advance. Wish us luck on breaking last year's count of 107 species! -- Laurie Foss Austin For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: pictures May 3 White-tailed Hawk at Mitchell Lake, San Antonio
From: Malcolm Mark Swan <owl AT MANYBIRDS.COM>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 07:01:03 -0400

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Now online are JPEG video stills of the White-tailed Hawk immature that flew over the Mitchell Lake Audubon Sanctuary in southern San Antonio on 3 May 2008. I added 2 levels of brightening to enhance the bird's markings. Each JPEG is the same mosaic of 4 pictures with details scattered about. Malcolm http://www.manybirds.com Malcolm Mark Swan San Antonio, TX For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Re: Need song ID - Ray Roberts Lake, Isle De Bois, Denton County
From: John Arvin <jarvin1 AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 10:55:53 +0000

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Charles, The sound in the background is the Type A song (whinny) of the Eastern Screech-Owl. John Gulf Coast Bird Observatory Lake Jackson, Texas -------------- Original message ---------------------- From: Charles & Angela > ---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- > > We also went camping this past weekend at Isle De Bois at Ray Roberts Lake in > Denton County. While there we were treated each evening to beautiful > Chuck-will's-widow songs. One night however we heard something else calling at > the same time as the Chuck and I'm needing help to identify it. I don't know of > any other way to share audio files, so I created a video and put it on there > (along with some other bird songs which I believe there's some sort of Warbler > song in there that I don't know...there's also pics from our trip, lots of > Mississippi Kite pics, it's about 2 min's long). > > Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9K37E85otE > > Some highlights that we saw were: > > Swainson's Thrush > White-crowned Sparrow > Mississippi Kites (saw at least 7 and got to watch a pair in courtship across > from our campsite each day) > Spotted Sandpiper > Rose-breasted Grosbeak (female, didn't see a male, doggonit!) > Nashville Warbler > Wilson's Warbler > Yellow-rumped Warbler > Winter Wren > Great-created Flycatcher > Ruby-crowned Flycatcher > > Those Mississippi Kites are so quiet & graceful. They were a treat to get to > watch...a first for us! We also LOVED the song of the Swainson's Thrush. We > could listen to that all day long! :-) > > Thanks in advance for the song ID help. > > Angela McKey > Lake Dallas, Tx > > For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas > Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Need song ID - Ray Roberts Lake, Isle De Bois, Denton County
From: Charles & Angela <bitsy AT TICNET.COM>
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 01:13:21 -0600

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- We also went camping this past weekend at Isle De Bois at Ray Roberts Lake in Denton County. While there we were treated each evening to beautiful Chuck-will's-widow songs. One night however we heard something else calling at the same time as the Chuck and I'm needing help to identify it. I don't know of any other way to share audio files, so I created a video and put it on there (along with some other bird songs which I believe there's some sort of Warbler song in there that I don't know...there's also pics from our trip, lots of Mississippi Kite pics, it's about 2 min's long). Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9K37E85otE Some highlights that we saw were: Swainson's Thrush White-crowned Sparrow Mississippi Kites (saw at least 7 and got to watch a pair in courtship across from our campsite each day) Spotted Sandpiper Rose-breasted Grosbeak (female, didn't see a male, doggonit!) Nashville Warbler Wilson's Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Winter Wren Great-created Flycatcher Ruby-crowned Flycatcher Those Mississippi Kites are so quiet & graceful. They were a treat to get to watch...a first for us! We also LOVED the song of the Swainson's Thrush. We could listen to that all day long! :-) Thanks in advance for the song ID help. Angela McKey Lake Dallas, Tx For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: May 7th - Bolivar Peninsula Birds
From: Erik Breden <ebreden AT WINDSTREAM.NET>
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 23:34:48 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- TexBirders, I birded Bolivar Flats and French Town Road in Port Bolivar again this afternoon. Just can't get enough of those shorebirds, I guess. Nothing of interest on the beach at Bolivar Flats except for a lone Semipalmated Sandpiper dodging in and out of the numerous Sanderlings. Scanned the beach and ocean briefly, and did not see the Pomarine Jaeger, but did see 5 Surf Scoters swimming and diving in the wind-driven surf between Rettilon Road and the pilings at the refuge entrance. I did not go beyond the pilings. Had a Magnificent Frigatebird soaring over the French Town Road marsh and pools. More photos at: www.otterside.com/spring2008 Erik Breden Andrews, TX (currently in Winnie for 2 more days) For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Am. Goldfinch, Pine Siskin & pair of Scott's Orioles
From: "<Marjorie Dearmont>"
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 00:43:23 EDT

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- On Monday I had a Pine Siskin then a brillantly colored Am. Goldfinch at the feeder. Shouldn't they be gone by now? And the pair of Scott's Orioles have been at the hummingbird feeder for more than a week. Maybe the same pair who were here all last summer. Marjorie S. E. Burnet County **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: 5-7-08 (100 species)(16 Warblers @ Warbler Woods
From: Susan Schaezler <susan AT SCHAEZLER.NET>
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 21:46:02 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- 5-7-08 (100 species)(16 Warblers AT Warbler Woods It is 935 p.m. and we are just finishing up birds for the day. We had 32 visitors from Arizona & Maine, plus Dan Calloway's group from Austin and Jean Martin's group from Austin, plus other favorite birders. We had 16 species of Warblers with Bay-breasted, Canada, Mourning & Ovenbird among them. We had 7 Vireo species; 11 Flycatcher species. It was slower than yesterday, but still worthwhile and exciting and everyone had great close-up views of the Warblers w/o obstructions. Check out our 6' long snake that came into the Warbler Pond http://www.warblerwoods.com/wp-gallery2.php?g2_itemId=5393 Road situation will be the same for another 10 days--enter from exit # 178 and continue past the barricade for local traffic only, to us. We are past the school under construction. Email for permission to visit-- warblerwoods AT gmail.com Susan Schaezler Warbler Woods Bird Sanctuary San Antonio/New Braunfels GCBO Site Partner Location: Warbler Woods Observation date: 5/7/08 Number of species: 100 Black-bellied Whistling-Duck 4 Great Blue Heron 2 Great Egret 2 Cattle Egret 5 Black Vulture 40 Turkey Vulture 10 Mississippi Kite 1 Cooper's Hawk 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Broad-winged Hawk 1 Swainson's Hawk 2 Red-tailed Hawk 3 Crested Caracara 2 Killdeer 1 Rock Pigeon 15 White-winged Dove 100 Mourning Dove 30 Inca Dove 5 Common Ground-Dove 5 Yellow-billed Cuckoo 2 Greater Roadrunner 3 Common Nighthawk 5 Chuck-will's-widow 3 Chimney Swift 15 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2 Black-chinned Hummingbird 10 Ladder-backed Woodpecker 5 Eastern Wood-Pewee 2 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 1 Acadian Flycatcher 5 Willow Flycatcher 1 Least Flycatcher 10 Eastern Phoebe 1 Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 Great Crested Flycatcher 5 Brown-crested Flycatcher 3 Western Kingbird 6 Scissor-tailed Flycatcher 3 Loggerhead Shrike 1 White-eyed Vireo 30 Bell's Vireo 1 Cassin's Vireo 1 Blue-headed Vireo 5 Warbling Vireo 2 Philadelphia Vireo 3 Red-eyed Vireo 2 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 1 Purple Martin 10 Northern Rough-winged Swallow 3 Cliff Swallow 2 Barn Swallow 30 Carolina Chickadee 15 Black-crested Titmouse 20 Carolina Wren 10 Bewick's Wren 1 House Wren 5 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3 Swainson's Thrush 5 Hermit Thrush 2 Gray Catbird 8 Northern Mockingbird 7 Brown Thrasher 1 Long-billed Thrasher 2 European Starling 2 Cedar Waxwing 2 Tennessee Warbler 5 Orange-crowned Warbler 1 Nashville Warbler 10 Yellow Warbler 7 Chestnut-sided Warbler 5 Magnolia Warbler 5 Black-throated Green Warbler 7 Bay-breasted Warbler 1 Black-and-white Warbler 7 American Redstart 7 Ovenbird 2 Mourning Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 7 Wilson's Warbler 15 Canada Warbler 3 Yellow-breasted Chat 3 Summer Tanager 2 Clay-colored Sparrow 3 Lark Sparrow 2 Lincoln's Sparrow 1 White-crowned Sparrow 2 Northern Cardinal 50 Indigo Bunting 5 Painted Bunting 13 Red-winged Blackbird 5 Common Grackle 3 Great-tailed Grackle 15 Brown-headed Cowbird 30 Baltimore Oriole 3 House Finch 30 Lesser Goldfinch 30 American Goldfinch 2 House Sparrow 30 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Uvalde County, Scott's Oriole
From: "[Bob Rasa]" <bobolink AT STX.RR.COM>
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 20:23:50 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- All Spring long there has been reports of the Scott's Oriole around Neal's Lodges. This evening a lady five miles east of Neal's on 127 reported a pair coming to her grape jelly at Elstarvo Ranch. I'll try to get over there tomorrow afternoon. Have a great day! Bob Rasa, Uvalde County Reporting For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Piratic Flycatcher NO
From: Richard Messenger <vagabondbirder AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 16:34:49 -0700

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Today I traveled from Harlingen to Pollywog Pond in search of the Piratic Flycatcher. I arrived at AT 8:00am and left AT 1:30pm. Unfortunately the Flycatcher did not show up. It seems the Birding Gods have ecided that i am not to see Piratic Flycatchers or White crested Elanias this year. Another year and other birds. Good Birding Richard Messenger The Vagabond Birder Wherever the RV is Parked Currently: Harlingen, Tx For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Capitol @ 4 pm Wednesday
From: charles alberty <charlesalberty AT SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 14:53:30 -0700

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Also, forgot the Magnolia Warbler at the Capitol today. 4pm Charles Alberty Austin For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Capitol @ 4 pm Wednesday
From: charles alberty <charlesalberty AT SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 14:49:40 -0700

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- After reading Laurie's post, I decided to visit our Capitol Grounds... ...sure enough, warblers galore!!! 4! Oven birds 1 Chat 1 Prothonatary 1 Yellow 2 Nashville 1 Tenessee 6! Redstarts 1 Common Yellow-throat 1 Black and White and 1 Wilsons All of these were found in the SE corner. The Ovenbirds and Chat were in the Oak tree branch that touches the ground. I spent 45 minutes there and it was quite productive. Charles Alberty Austin For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Interesting birds
From: Lytle Blankenship <lblanken AT AG.TAMU.EDU>
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 16:14:24 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- I have been seeing birds, some of which I usually don't see on our property which is 12 miles south of Kerrville off Hwy 16; Kerr County. 2 May - Painted Bunting (1 M, 2 F), Lazuli Bunting (2 M), Varied Bunting (1 F), Indigo Bunting ( 1 M). All four the same day with Varied and Lazuli being seen for the first time here).; at least 1 Pine Siskin still present. 3 May - Blue Grosbeak (M & F); Lark Sparrow (7) - usually do not see very many sparrows on this place except Chipping Sparrows. 6 May - Rose-breasted Grosbeak (M & F); Black-headed Grosbeak (M); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (FOS). Usually do not see Red-winged Blackbirds here but in May have seen at least two males and three females. Ruby-throated Hummingbird (at least 1 M; not sure about F) still here on 7 May. Minimum of thirty Archilochus spp. seen at any one time. Lytle H. Blankenship 4410 Medina Hwy Kerrville, TX 78028 lblanken AT ag.tamu.edu For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: dark morph Short-tailed Hawk at Lost Maples
From: Mitch <mitch AT UTOPIANATURE.COM>
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 15:45:02 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Hi all, While guiding some folks today I found a dark morph Short-tailed Hawk at Lost Maples SNA. We did not see the light morph previously reported, but got good looks at this bird on the way down the Can Creek trail from the ponds. All the previous reports from Lost Maples I am aware of are of a single adult light morph bird. Are there prior records of a dark morph there, and have two been known present before? Some Golden-cheeked Warblers are feeding fledged young now, as are Black-and-white Warblers and Louisiana Waterthrush. Mitch Heindel Utopia www.utopianature.com For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Prairie Creek - Chuck-will's Widow
From: "PING, Perry L. - ACCOR-NA" <Ping_Perry AT ACCOR-NA.COM>
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 15:31:11 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- I visited Prairie Creek over lunch. While walking the trails, I ran into Bill a new birder from San Diego. We scored three lifer's for him. A fourth & fifth got away for him. The shocking find was a day-time Chuck-Will's Widow. I never ever find that bird let alone in the city during the day. Both Bill and I got great looks at the chocolate bird with no wing-bars on top or down below. Great bird!!! Here are the highlights: Cooper's Hawk - 1 Chuch-will's Widow - 1 (lifer for Bill) Great Crested Flycatcher - 2 (heard in canopy, no lifer for Bill) Purple Martin - 2 Chimney Swift - 3 Blue Jay - 3 American Crow - 2 Northern Cardinal - 6 Tufted Titmouse - 4 Carolina Chickadee - 5 Carolina Wren - 7 Swainson's Thrush - 5 (lifer for Bill) American Robin - 1 Mourning Dove - 4 Empid - 2 Gray Catbird - 5 Magnolia Warbler - 3 (lifer for Bill) Mourning Warbler - 1 (Bill didn't see, would have been lifer) Perry Ping Plano For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: west Austin migrants
From: Jennifer Reidy <grizzlyskye AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 14:45:51 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- I had a FOS Bay-breasted Warbler foraging in oak-juniper woods at Emma Long city park yesterday, 5/6. I also saw my FOS Ovenbird 2 days ago and FOS hooded warbler last week. Other warblers in these woods (besides golden-cheekeds and black-and-whites) recently are black-throated greens (a new wave of them recently arrived) and still many nashvilles. I also got my FOS baltimore oriole pair(finally) a few days ago, but strangely I still have no y-b cuckoos! I have also seen several swainson's thrushes moving through the area this past week. (Sorry if this is old news to most of you - I never get to bird outside of golden-cheeked warbler habitat!) Jennifer Reidy Austin _________________________________________________________________ Make Windows Vista more reliable and secure with Windows Vista Service Pack 1. http://www.windowsvista.com/SP1?WT.mc_id=hotmailvistasp1banner For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Houston Black-throated Blue Warbler (5/7)
From: James Hinson <jmhinson AT ATT.NET>
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 12:42:25 -0700

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Was extremely fortunate this morning to find an adult male BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER during the Wednesday birdwalk at Houston Audubon's Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary. The bird was found a little before 10:00 AM along McCarver Trail. I was able to relocate the bird again at 12:30 PM at the intersection of Creekside Trail and McCarver Trail. Had excellent looks at it at this location, it was even singing. I quick post to Texbirds may be in order if anyone finds it. I'm sure everyone would appreciate it. Second BT Blue I've ever seen in Texas. Jim Hinson Houston, Tx. jmhinson AT att.net For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: NEXRAD observed bird migration, 5-7-08
From: John Arvin <jarvin AT GCBO.ORG>
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 14:04:51 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Upper level winds were really ripping in the western Gulf (52 and 57 kts. at Brownsville and Corpus respectively) moderating to half that at Lake Charles and even less eastward. Bird Targets were moving in the 65 kit. range in the west and slightly less than that at Houston where upper level winds are not reported by the NWS, but must be estimated based on readings at Corpus and Lake Charles. Reports from the field indicate that migrants that were put down last Saturday by the weak front have all but completely departed coastal woodlots while inland sites are reporting excellent numbers. This is no surprise under the circumstances and will probably remain the case through the weekend (bummer, but we've been remarkably lucky for weekend fronts this spring) when the next front is forecast to move offshore about Monday. This far out forecasting a front at this late date is probably tentative at best. Whether there will be another event that could be termed a fallout this season seems unlikely, but migrants will be moving through in lesser numbers. Flycatchers, especially Empidonax and Contopus, will be dominant elements so it will give us opportunities to hone our skills on the these difficult groups. John C. Arvin Research Coordinator Gulf Coast Bird Observatory 103 W. Hwy 332 Lake Jackson, TX 77566 (979) 480-0999 Fax: (979) 480-0777 jarvin AT gcbo.org www.gcbo.org eBird.org/gcbo For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Austin Capital grounds lunch-time birding today
From: Laurie Foss <lauriefoss AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 12:48:30 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Texbirders, I had 30 minutes to check out the capital grounds today at lunch time and found the following birds all in the same tree (SE corner of the grounds, beside the big tree with the limb touching the ground). American Redstart Ovenbird Prothonotary Warbler Magnolia Warbler Common Yellowthroat Nashville Warbler Black-and-white Warbler Wilson's Warbler Eastern Wood-Pewee Least Flycatcher Fun! Laurie Foss Austin For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Blackpoll, Lazuli Bunting and others at L. Tawakoni State Park
From: richard kinney <rdkrsk3 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 10:47:26 -0700

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- Lake Tawakoni State Park was swarmed with several migrants. Although very active many birds are still missing. Clearly the highlights were a singing male Lazuli Bunting from a dead tree near the headquarters. This is 3rd sighting of this bird in the area this year. There have only been about half a dozen prior to this year. A male Blackpoll was found a large oak tree near one of the points on the lake. Yellow Warblers were busy chasing each other around in the willows near the small pond at the nature trail. Also in the same area were the Empid flycatchers and a Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. Many migrants Orchard Orioles were the dominant migrant of the day with 30 in one large oak tree mixed in with several Baltimores . Indigo Buntings were scattered on the grass at the edge of lake. I made feeble guess at the number but it could have twice that. The number of hawks trying to soar over the park was a shock. Tomorrow could be outstanding day. The variety of warblers is still low as are overall numbers. Each year one warbler seems to stand out as being in higher than normal numbers. I have been disappointed in variety so far with 24 species tallied. No Chestnut-sideds yet!!!! This year it is Ovenbirds. The wind was terrible today wow!!! Location: Lake Tawakoni State Park. Observation date: 5/7/08 Number of species: 78 Mallard 5 Double-crested Cormorant 12 Great Blue Heron 10 Great Egret 12 Snowy Egret 2 Cattle Egret 3 Green Heron 1 Black Vulture 12 Turkey Vulture 30 Red-shouldered Hawk 2 Broad-winged Hawk 3 Swainson's Hawk 1 Red-tailed Hawk 3 Crested Caracara 1 flew over the last point American Coot 1 Killdeer 12 Lesser Yellowlegs 1 Forster's Tern 30 Mourning Dove 15 Barred Owl 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 3 Red-bellied Woodpecker 4 Downy Woodpecker 4 Hairy Woodpecker 2 Eastern Wood-Pewee 2 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 1 Alder Flycatcher 12 Willow Flycatcher 6 Least Flycatcher 36 Eastern Phoebe 1 Great Crested Flycatcher 8 Eastern Kingbird 45 Scissor-tailed Flycatcher 22 White-eyed Vireo 10 Bell's Vireo 1 Warbling Vireo 1 Red-eyed Vireo 18 Blue Jay 15 American Crow 10 Purple Martin 12 Cliff Swallow 75 Barn Swallow 24 Carolina Chickadee 8 Tufted Titmouse 6 Carolina Wren 12 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 12 Eastern Bluebird 15 Swainson's Thrush 4 Gray Catbird 6 Northern Mockingbird 4 Brown Thrasher 4 Tennessee Warbler 6 Nashville Warbler 1 Yellow Warbler 75 Black-throated Green Warbler 3 Blackburnian Warbler 1 Blackpoll Warbler 1 got a stunning view Black-and-white Warbler 1 American Redstart 1 Ovenbird 1 Common Yellowthroat 6 Wilson's Warbler 4 Yellow-breasted Chat 1 Summer Tanager 6 Lark Sparrow 8 Northern Cardinal 15 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2 Blue Grosbeak 4 Lazuli Bunting 1 Indigo Bunting 65 who knows Painted Bunting 10 Dickcissel 36 Red-winged Blackbird 45 Common Grackle 12 Brown-headed Cowbird 65 Orchard Oriole 136 Baltimore Oriole 85 American Goldfinch 24 Richard Kinney Edgewood, Tx --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: Re: TOS...wow
From: Lamont Brown <lamont AT WHN.ORG>
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 12:08:42 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- I would echo my sentiments to those of both Sharon and Laurie. Ron Weeks and the TOS Board/Staff did a stupendous job, particularly with no local Audubon or birding club as an anchor. Additionally two things were obvious. Those who opened their ranches and local properties had made real good preparation. Additionally, we were afforded the opportunity because of the TOS meeting to bird some places that are not routinely available to us. Ron, thank you and express our thanks to all those who supported you as staff as well as land owners/managers. Lamont Brown Denton ----- Original Message ----- From: "Laurie Foss" To: Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2008 10:10 AM Subject: Re: [TEXBIRDS] TOS...wow For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: 15 warbler sp
From: Susan Schaezler <warblerwoods AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 10:47:18 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- 15 warbler species so far Including mourning and prothonatory warbler Gate open Approach via exit 178 Pass through baricade which is open to us Susan Schaezler Warbler Woods Bird Sanctuary, 501 © (3) San Antonio/New Braunfels Warblerwoods .com GCBO Site Partner sent by TREO For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org
Subject: West Texas Trip 5/1-5/6
From: Jon McIntyre <offshorebirding AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 10:51:59 -0500

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <--- John Baker and I birded Big Bend Nat. Park and the Davis Mountains last week getting about 125 species. We birded the Window trail, Pinnacles Trail, Blue Creek Trail, and Cottonwood Campground in Big Bend NP and the LE Wood Picnic Area and Davis Mountains State Park. Some of the non-bird highlights was a dead mountain lion about 15 miles east of Marathon on Hwy. 90 and a live ringtail on 118 near the McDonald Observatory. Here is a complete list of all the birds we saw- Wild Turkey (Post in Marathon) Scaled Quail (Blue Creek Trail) MONTEZUMA QUAIL (Davis Mtns. St. Park) Cattle Egret (Hwy. 90) Black Vulture (Langtry) Turkey Vulture (Everywhere) Cooper's Hawk (LE Wood Picnic Area) Harris's Hawk (Near Del Rio) Swainson's Hawk (Marathon) Red-Tailed Hawk (Everywhere) Crested Caracara (Del Rio) Least Tern (Del Rio) Rock Dove (Del Rio) BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Windows Trail) Eurasian Collared-Dove (Everywhere) White-Winged Dove (Everywhere) Mourning Dove (Everywhere) Inca Dove (Cottonwood CG) Common Ground-Dove (Cottonwood CG) Greater Roadrunner (Windows Trail) Great Horned Owl (Basin) Lesser Nighthawk (Blue Creek Tr) Common Nighthawk (Basin) Common Poorwill (LE Wood PA) White-Throated Swift (Pinnacles Tr) BLUE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Basin Campground) MAGNIFICENT HUMMINGBIRD (LE Wood PA) LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (3 on Blue Creek Tr) Black-Chinned Hummingbird (Everywhere) Broad-Tailed Hummingbird (LE Wood/Pinnacles Tr) Acorn Woodpecker (Basin/Davis Mtns) Golden-Fronted Woodpecker (Cottonwood CG) Ladder-Backed Woodpecker (Everywhere) Northern Flicker (LE Wood PA) Olive-Sided Flycatcher (Basin) Western Wood-Pewee (Everywhere) Willow Flycatcher (Windows Tr) Gray Flycatcher (LE Wood PA) Dusky Flycatcher (Windows Tr/Blue Creek Tr) Cordilleran Flycatcher (Pinnacles Tr) Black Phoebe (Post-Marathon) Say's Phoebe (Everywhere) Vermilion Flycatcher (Everywhere) Ash-Throated Flycatcher (Everywhere) GREAT KISKADEE (Cottonwood CG) COUCH'S KINGBIRD (Cottonwood CG) Cassin's Kingbird (Davis Mtns) Western Kingbird (Everywhere) Eastern Kingbird (Cottonwood CG) Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher (Everywhere) Loggerhead Shrike (Marathon) Bell's Vireo (Everywhere) GRAY VIREO (Blue Creek Tr) Plumbeous Vireo (Pinnacles Tr/LE Wood PA) Hutton's Vireo (Pinnacles Tr) Western Scrub-Jay (Davis Mtns) Mexican Jay (Chisos Mtns) Chihuahuan Raven (Del Rio) Common Raven (Everywhere) Violet-Green Swallow (Everywhere) N. Rough-Winged Swallow (Blue Creek Tr) Cliff Swallow (Everywhere) Cave Swallow (Everywhere) Barn Swallow (Everywhere) Black-Crested titmouse (Davis Mtns) Verdin (Blue Creek Tr) Bushtit (Windows Tr) White-Breasted Nuthatch (Davis Mtns) Cactus Wren (Everywhere) Rock Wren (Blue Creek Tr) Canyon Wren (Everywhere) Bewick's Wren (Davis Mtns) Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher (Pinnacles Tr) Black-Tailed Gnatcatcher (Cottonwood CG/Windows Tr) Western Bluebird (LE Wood PA) Hermit Thrush (Everywhere) Northern Mockingbird (Everywhere) Curve-Billed Thrasher (Windows Tr) European Starling (Alpine) American Pipit (Davis Mtns) Cedar Waxwing (Windows Tr) COLIMA WARBLER (Pinnacles Tr) Yellow Warbler (Windows Tr) Yellow-Rumped Warbler (Everywhere) TOWNSEND'S WARBLER (Pinnacles Tr) MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER (Windows Tr) HEPATIC TANAGER (LE Wood PA) Summer Tanager (Everywhere) SCARLET TANAGER (Blue Creek Tr) Western Tanager (Everywhere) GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE (Post-Marathon) Spotted Towhee (Basin) Canyon Towhee (Everywhere) Cassin's Sparrow (Langtry) Rufous-Crowned Sparrow (Everywhere) Chipping Sparrow (Everywhere) Clay-Colored Sparrow (Blue Creek Tr) Vesper Sparrow (Post) Lark Sparrow (Everywhere) Black-Throated Sparrow (Everywhere) Savannah Sparrow (Post) Lincoln's Sparrow (Davis Mtns ST Park) White-Crowned Sparrow (Davis Mtns) Dark-eyed Junco (Windows Tr) Northern Cardinal (Everywhere) Pyrrhuloxia (Everywhere) Black-headed Grosbeak (Everywhere) Blue Grosbeak (Everywhere) LAZULI BUNTING (Blue Creek Tr) VARIED BUNTING (Blue Creek Tr) Painted Bunting (Everywhere) Red-Winged Blackbird (Alpine) Western Meadowlark (Marathon) Brewer's Blackbird (Davis Mtns) Great-Tailed Grackle (Everywhere) Bronzed Cowbird (Davis Mtns) Brown-Headed Cowbird (Everywhere) Orchard Oriole (Cottonwood CG) HOODED ORIOLE (Cottonwood CG) BULLOCK'S ORIOLE (Cottonwood CG) AUDUBON'S ORIOLE (Near Freer on Hwy. 44) Scott's Oriole (Everywhere) House Finch (Everywhere) Pine Siskin (Davis Mtns) Lesser Goldfinch (Davis Mtns) House Sparrow (Everywhere) Jon McIntyre Corpus Christi, TX _________________________________________________________________ Get Free (PRODUCT) RED™ Emoticons, Winks and Display Pics. http://joinred.spaces.live.com?ocid=TXT_HMTG_prodredemoticons_052008 For answers to questions about this list, as well as current Texas Birding Links, visit the Texbirds Reference Page at http://www.texbirds.org

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