This is the Austin Area Rare Bird Alert and has been updated through 2/23/2017. 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
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A PRAIRIE FALCON was well described just east of Smithville, Bastrop County, on 2/19. The bird was observed off Loop Rd, between the Colorado River and Shipp Lake.
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Two TUFTED TITMICE were photographed off N Joseph Rd east of Temple, Bell County, on 2/19. The vocalizations were also observed and were reported as consistent with the species. The Central Texas area represents a hybridization zone for both Tufted and Black-crested Titmice so ideally, any bird encountered should be analyzed to rule out a hybrid.
Continuing Bird(s) From Previous Week
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A COMMON MERGANSER continues through 2/18 in the NE portion of Pace Bend Park. Look for the signs indicating Mudd Cove/Mesquite Point. The bird has been hanging around Hagwood Cove all the way into Mudd Cove near the campground areas and all the way down to Tournament Point. After a brief absence, the Williamson County bird at Tejas Camp Park was refound on 2/18 in the same location as previously reported (about .5 miles downriver from the parking area).
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A LEAST GREBE continues at Park View Park in Marble Falls, Burnet County, through 2/17. The park is located NE of town near the intersection of Mormon Mill Rd & Park Ridge Dr and was last spotted at the south end of the pond. Two more birds continue in Williamson County through 2/23 off Parksville Way and Fairweather Way.
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Three WHITE-FACED IBIS continue at Lake Buchanan, Llano County, on 2/20. The birds were located near the inlet on FM 261.
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A ZONE-TAILED HAWK continues around Commons Ford Park in West Austin, Travis County, on 2/18. I observed what was likely the same bird flying over a nearby private residence, heading towards the direction of the park on the same day.
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A male BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD continues at a private residence in SW Austin, Travis, on 2/22. Another bird continues at a private residence in Williamson County, most recently reported on 2/21.
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A male CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD continues at a private residence in New Braunfels, Comal County, through 2/21.
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Three GREAT KISKADEEs continue at a private residence off Dickerson Rd in Caldwell County on 2/20.