This is the Austin Area Rare Bird Alert and has been updated through 12/22/2016. 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
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A LONG-TAILED DUCK was observed from the south dam overlook at Granger Lake, Williamson, on 12/20. The bird was far out on the lake and observed flying even further away from the dam, towards the San Gabriel River.
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A COMMON MERGANSER was found on 12/20 at Canyon Lake Park off Canyon Park Rd, northwest of New Braunfels, Comal County. Up to two birds were reported on 12/21 and at least one continues through 12/22.
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A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was observed flying into Big Webberville Park from Post Oak Rd, Travis County, on 12/6. It was heading for the trees near the building by the soccer fields near the entrance. The bird has not been relocated.
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A SAGE THRASHER was photographed during the Balcones Canyonlands CBC on 12/19. The bird was found in what appears to be private property in Burnet County.
Continuing Bird(s) From Previous Week
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After a brief absence, a COMMON MERGANSER was refound at Tejas Camp along the north fork of the San Gabriel River in Williamson County on 12/10 and continues through 12/21. The bird was most recently viewed from the trail about a 1/2 mile from the parking lot. It has been hanging around a domestic white duck so locating that bird first may help you spy the merganser.
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A WHITE-TAILED HAWK was photographed along Old Bastrop Rd in Hays County on 12/1 and was relocated hunting in the same area on 12/19.
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A ZONE-TAILED HAWK continues at Booty’s Rd Park off Bootys Crossing Rd near Lake Georgetown Dam in Williamson County through 12/19.
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A male BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD continues at a private residence in SW Austin, Travis, on 12/18. An immature bird continues at a western Travis County residence on 12/20.
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A male CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD continues at a private residence in New Braunfels, Comal, on 12/16.
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Two GREAT KISKADEEs continue at Berry Springs Park in Georgetown, Williamson, most recently observed on 12/16. Another pair of kiskadees continue off Hunter Rd in San Marcos, Hays, on 12/17, near the intersection of Suttles Ave.
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A female PYRRHULOXIA continues at Reimer’s Ranch in southwest Travis County off Hamilton Pool Rd on 12/21. The bird was near the Climber’s Canyon.