This is the Austin Area Rare Bird Alert for the week of 11/23/2019 through 11/30/2019. 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 justin.bosler@gmail.com. If submitting a bird sighting, please include species name, location details, and contact information. County names below appear in italics. Abbreviations are as follows: SP = State Park; NWR = National Wildlife Refuge; NHP = National Historic Park; WMA = Wildlife Management Area; SH = State Highway; CR = County Road; WTP = Wastewater Treatment Plant.

A very late COMMON NIGHTHAWK continues to be reported in Austin, Travis, with the latest report from H.E.B Far West on 11/26.

A late AMERICAN AVOCET was reported swimming with waterfowl in Pond 2 at Hornsby Bend WTP, Travis, on 11/30.

A first basic AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER was joined by a second at Hornsby Bend WTP, Travis, on 11/26 and both continued through 11/30. They are frequenting the levee road between Ponds 1E and 1W.

As many as TWO first basic WESTERN SANDPIPERS are attempting to overwinter with the hundreds of Least Sandpipers at Hornsby Bend WTP in Travis through 11/29.

A rare AMERICAN BITTERN was reported from Laguna Gloria on Lake Austin, Travis, on 11/24.

A rare late fall ZONE-TAILED HAWK was described flying low over CR 280 north of Devine Lake near Leander, Williamson, on 11/26.

An adult WHITE-TAILED HAWK has settled in around the intersection of Lund-Carlson and Wells Roads near Manor, Travis, with the most recent report on 11/26.

At least two RINGED KINGFISHERS have been reported between Veteran’s Park in Round Rock to Mankin’s Crossing in Williamson as recently as 11/28.

A very rare RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, an apparent adult female, was discovered on private property in far northern Travis on 10/19 and continued through at least 11/29. Please reply to this email for information regarding access.

A rare vagrant HAMMOND’S FLYCATCHER was photographed and audio recorded on the Nature Trail at Canyon Lake, Comal, on 11/10 and continued through 11/26. It was discovered near Marker #15 initially but reported from Markers #3-6 of late.

Two immature male VERMILION FLYCATCHERS have been present at the north end of Pond 3 at Hornsby Bend WTP, Travis, since 11/22 and continued through 11/29.

A COUCH’S KINGBIRD was photographed at Fairview Cemetery in Bastrop, Bastrop, on 11/24.

A HUTTON’S VIREO was reported from a private residence in Northwest Austin, Travis, on 11/29.

A very rare WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH was described from private property near Round Mountain in northeastern Blanco on 11/30. Hereford Road is gated with no public access.

A MARSH WREN was reported from Lyndon B. Johnson NHP in Johnson City, Blanco, on 11/29.

Two RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were well-documented at Hornsby Bend WTP, Travis, on 11/22 and were still present through 11/25. Only one was reported on 11/26.

A rare in fall TENNESSEE WARBLER appeared on a bird feeder at a private residence in Dripping Springs, Hays, on 11/26 and continued through 11/28.

A very rare BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER was first described on 11/26 and reportedly continued at a private residence outside of Gruene in Comal through 11/29. Photo-documentation of this bird is encouraged.

A wandering male PYRRHULOXIA was discovered at Hornsby Bend WTP, Travis, on 11/21 and continued through 11/26. Another PYRRHULOXIA was discovered at the pavilion area at Reimers Ranch Park on 11/23.

A wintering female-type PAINTED BUNTING continued at the bird blind at Guadalupe River SP in Comal through 11/30.