At Travis Audubon, we love staying updated on unusual bird sightings in central Texas. Here is a list of recent rare birds, courtesy of Arman Moreno:
Continuing birds from previous weeks:
A GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW, originally found on December 12, 2017, continues its long stay at Warbler Woods, Guadalupe County, through February 7. This is private property and requires an access code. Visit the website (warblerwoods.org) for more info regarding latest sightings and to request access. This is a Texas Review Species.
Three SURF SCOTERs and a WHITE-WINGED SCOTER were found at Belton Lake in Bell County on January 24, and continue through February 4. The birds have been observed from several different viewing areas around the lake, including Temple Lake Park.
Seven COMMON MERGANSERs continue from late December at Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area in extreme western Travis County, most recently on February 4.
At least one HARRIS’S HAWK continues at Barkley Meadows Park in Southeast Austin, Travis County, on February 3. Up to two were found during the Austin CBC on December 16, 2017. The birds have moved around a bit but were most frequently observed off of Blocker Rd, just east of the SH 130 tollway.
A male ALLEN’S HUMMINGBIRD continues at a private residence in west Austin, Travis County, most recently on February 2. The bird is in the process of molting into adult plumage, but photographs of the spread tail confirm the ID.
A female CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD continues at a private residence in southwest Austin, Travis County, most recently on February 4. The bird was initially found on January 2, 2018.
A male BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER was found at Mayfield Park in West Austin, Travis County, on January 14, and continues through February 4. The bird is most frequently observed where the peacocks are within the walled garden.
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.