This is the Austin Area Rare Bird Alert and has been updated through 5/5/2017. 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. Photo of a Golden-winged Warbler by Tobias Yoder.

Rarities Found This Week

• Six WHIMBRELS were photographed at Stillhouse Park on Stillhouse Hollow Lake in Bell County on 4/30.
• A BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER was photographed on Lake Travis in Lago Vista, Travis County, on 5/4.
• A RUDDY TURNSTONE was found at Hornsby Bend, Travis County on 4/29. The bird was observed in the far back corner of Pond 1 West, foraging along the grassy areas. It continued through at least 4/30.
• A SANDERLING was also found at Hornsby Bend, Travis, on 4/29 and was seen along the western edge of Pond 1 West, very close to the road at times. The bird continued through the morning of 4/30.
• A ZONE-TAILED HAWK was described flying over Lady Bird Lake in Central Austin, Travis County, on 4/28.
• A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was photographed at St. Edward’s Park in NW Austin, Travis County, on 5/1. The bird was reported from the dam area, which is the eastern portion of the park. From the main parking area, you would head to the left.
• A BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER was found at Richard Moya Park just South of the airport in Austin, Travis County, on 5/4. The bird was reported between the restrooms and playground area in the eastern portion of the park.
• A GREAT KISKADEE was observed in a neighborhood around the Arboretum in NW Austin, Travis County, on 5/5. The observer heard the bird initially around the intersection of Mesa Dr and Jollyville Rd and was later able to get visual confirmation. The bird was last seen flying into a nearby backyard.
• A HUTTON’S VIREO was reported from the headquarters of the Balcones Canyonlands NWR northwest of Austin, Travis County, on 4/23.
• A GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH was found at St. Edward’s Park in NW Austin on 4/28 and continues through at least 5/2. From the parking lot area, head to the right and continue towards the main trail (Blue Trail) that runs along Bull Creek. Then head west along the main trail until you reach the intersection of the Red and Blue Trails. continue a little further and you’ll come to a couple of large mulberry trees. The bird has been frequenting the trees.
• A WOOD THRUSH was well described from Mills Pond in North Austin, Travis County, on 4/28. The bird was in the understory to the right of the water feature at the bird blind. Another thrush was described from a private residence in Georgetown, Williamson County, on 5/1.
• A VEERY was also reported from Mills Pond on 5/3. The bird was reported around the cobblestone creek that runs behind the restrooms.
• Two GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLERs (male and female) were photographed at Mills Pond in North Austin, Travis County on 4/29. The birds were observed near the restroom and the bird blind area. Another bird was found at Dottie Jordan Park  in North Central Austin, Travis County on 4/28. On 5/4, another male was found at Great Hills Park in NW Austin, Travis County.
• A female BLACKPOLL WARBLER was photographed at Commons Ford Park in West Austin on 5/5. The bird was reported along the River Trail in the big Pecan Trees at the west end of the park.
• A MACGILLIVRAY’S WARBLER was photoed at Warbler Woods on 4/29 at the water feature. Another bird was reported from St. Edward’s Park on 5/4, in the weedy area just NE of the dam. This area is in the eastern portion of the park.
• A WESTERN TANAGER was photographed at Warbler Woods, Guadalupe County, on 5/3.

• At least one LEAST GREBE continues in Williamson County through 5/4 off Parksville Way and Fairweather Way.
• Up to three LESSER NIGHTHAWKs continue around the intersection of Anderson Lane & Northcross Dr in Austin, Travis County, on 5/1. This is the same location where bird were observed for much of last summer.
• A HUTTON’S VIREO continues at Warbler Woods, Guadalupe County, on 5/3.
• The long-staying WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH continues at Riverview Park in Seguin, Guadalupe County, on 4/26. The bird was last reported near the main pavilion.

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.