This is the Austin Area Rare Bird Alert and has been updated through 10/19/2017. To report rare or unusual bird sightings in the Austin area, provide recent sighting updates, or inquire about location details on birds listed below, please send an email to armanmorenobirds@gmail.com. If submitting a bird sighting, please include species name, location details, and contact information.

Rarities Found This Week

• A female-type HEPATIC TANAGER was an excellent find at Commons Ford Park in West Austin, Travis County, on 10/17. The bird continues through the evening of 10/19 and has most reliably been seen around the old barn and fence line by the covered picnic table.
• A BROWN BOOBY was found at Lake Buchanan in Llano County on 10/13. This could represent a first county record. No additional information regarding the specific location on the lake the bird was observed.
• WHITE-TAILED KITEs were observed in farmland in both South Williamson and Northeast Travis Counties, both on 10/14.
• A WHITE-TAILED HAWK was found in northeast Travis County off of Sandeen Rd near the intersection of Brita Olson on 10/14. The bird was perched on a fence post and remained stationary for over an hour before lifting off. It has not been relocated but could easily still be in the area.
• A SAY’S PHOEBE was photographed on Sayersville Rd in Bastrop County on 10/14.
• A GREAT KISKADEE was found on Lake Creek Trail in Williamson County on 10/14 and continued through at least 10/17.

• At least four LEAST GREBEs continue in Williamson County through 10/16 off Parksville Way and Fairweather Way.
• A male CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD continues at a private residence in New Braunfels, Comal County, most recently observed on 10/14.

Reports for the Austin area RBA cover a 60-mile radius, centered on the Capitol in downtown Austin. Bird sightings mentioned here have been filtered and scrutinized by the compiler and are believed to be genuine. Photo or audio documentation for species with challenging IDs will be mentioned if they are known to exist.