Bird of the Week: Least Bittern

Least Bittern Botaurus exilis Content and photos by James Giroux   Although fairly common, the Least Bittern is not always easy to find. Like its cousin, the American Bittern,…

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Bird of the Week: Yellow-headed Blackbird

Yellow-headed Blackbird Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus Compiled by Yvonne Karnath   Anyone who has spent time scanning a winter blackbird flock in Central Texas knows the small disappointment of…

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Bird of the Week: Lark Sparrow

Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus Compiled by Yvonne Karnath There is a moment most springs out at a Hill Country pasture — fence post, mesquite, a thin…

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Bird of the Week: American White Pelican

American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Compiled by Niyati Acharya The American White Pelican is a white bird with a yellow-orange bill, pouch, and legs. During the breeding season,…

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Bird of the Week: American Bittern

American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus Content and photos by James Giroux   The American Bittern is one of those birds that usually does not show up early on a birder’s…

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Bird of the Week: Baltimore Oriole

Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) Compiled by Lisa S. Graham.    In Central Texas, the return of the Baltimore Oriole is one of the surest signs that spring…

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Bird of the Week: Blackburnian Warbler

Blackburnian Warbler Setophaga fusca Compiled by Yvonne Karnath Some birds you have to work for in Central Texas. The Blackburnian Warbler is one of them. It…

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Bird of the Week: Painted Bunting

Painted Bunting Passerina ciris Compiled by Niyati Acharya Female Painted Buntings have a distinctive bright green with a pale eyering. They are songbirds and…

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Bird of the Week: American Oystercatcher

American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus Content and photos by James Giroux Most shorebirds are not known for their vibrant colors or contrasting plumage. But the American Oystercatcher is an…

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Bird of the Week: Nashville Warbler

Nashville Warbler (Leiothlypis ruficapilla) Compiled by Lisa Graham Small but full of personality, the Nashville Warbler brings a burst of color and energy to forests, thickets, and shrubby woodlands across…

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Bird of the Week: Forster’s Tern

Forster’s Tern Sterna forsteri Compiled by Liam Molina Supplemental Information by Jane Tillman, Travis Audubon Volunteer   Recently featured in our August Bird Forecast, the Forster’s Tern is…

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Bird of the Week: Snowy Egret

Photo by Yvonne Karnath Snowy Egret Egretta thula Compiled by Yvonne Karnath If the Tricolored Heron is the dancer of our shorelines, the Snowy Egret…

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Bird of the Week: House Finch

House Finch Haemorhous mexicanus Compiled by Niyati Acharya House Finches are small-bodied finches with fairly large beaks and somewhat long, flat heads. The wings are short,…

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Bird of the Week: Purple Martin

Purple Martin Progne subis Compiled by Liam Molina   Purple Martins are familiar birds for longtime followers of Travis Audubon due to our yearly Purple Martin Parties….

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Bird of the Week: Barn Swallow

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Compiled by Lisa S. Graham   Graceful, agile, and endlessly energetic, the Barn Swallow is one of the most familiar birds of open country and rural…

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