This is the Austin Area Rare Bird Alert and has been updated through 8/25/2016. 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 male LESSER NIGHTHAWK was photographed flying over Hornsby Bend, Travis, on the evening of 8/25. The bird was observed flying towards the Colorado over the River Trail, about 50 yards downstream of the large greenhouse. A little while later, the bird flew back over the trail toward the ponds and was pursued by several Common Nighthawks. The bird was then observed flying low over the water on Pond 2 among many Black Terns.
• A female-type MACGILLIVRAY’S WARBLER was photographed along the fence line near the main entrance of Hornsby Bend, Travis, on 8/23. The bird was not refound.

Continuing birds from the previous week(s)

• A GLOSSY IBIS continues on Witter Lane SE of Belton, Bell, as recently as 8/20. The bird was in with both White and White-faced Ibis for good comparison.
• At least two LESSER NIGHTHAWKS continue at the Village Shopping Center in North Central Austin, Travis, last reported on 8/20. The best vantage point is to seek out the middle of the parking lot, which will afford 360 degree views. The birds have been spotted around the entire shopping center, including over Office Depot, Epoch Coffee and Alamo Drafthouse.
• Additionally, a LESSER NIGHTHAWK was observed on 8/18 flying around the parking lot of H-E-B in Cedar Park, Williamson County. This location is at the corner of Bell & Whitestone. No recent reports but the bird could still be in the area.
• At least one GREAT KISKADEE continues in Caldwell County off Black Watch Ln & Purvis Farm in Lockhart on 8/19. The long-staying Kiskadee at Berry Springs Park in Georgetown, Williamson, continues through 8/17.
• A HUTTON’S VIREO continues at Warbler Woods, Guadalupe, on 8/24.

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.