Roseate Spoonbill by Nathan McGowan
The Austin area Rare Bird Alert is a service of the Travis Audubon Society. This update is as of 07/31/2014. Send interesting sightings – complete with species name, LOCATION, and contact information – to Nathan McGowan at natemcgowanbirds@gmail.com.
To begin with, a special note: the PURPLE MARTIN roost at Highland Mall in Austin, Travis is still providing a breathtaking show, which will be winding down over the next few weeks. It is truly a remarkable experience.
Rarities Found This Week
- A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was photographed on Lake Belton, Bell 7/28.
- A WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH was described at a private residence in Austin, Travis on 7/27.
- A young ROSEATE SPOONBILL was photographed at McKinney Falls State Park, Travis. The last report was 7/28.
- TRICOLORED HERONS have invaded the circle this week, with multiple birds being reported from Travis, Williamson, Guadalupe, and Hays.
- A HARRIS’S HAWK was a good find in Caldwell County, on 7/28.
- A BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER reported in Bastrop County on 7/30 is early.
- A YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was seen in Caldwell County, 7/28.
Continuing birds from previous weeks
- One YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was still present at Hornsby Bend, Travis on 7/27.
Reports for the Austin area RBA cover a 60 mile radius, centered from the Capitol in downtown Austin. Bird sightings mentioned here have been filtered and scrutinized by the compiler and are believed to be genuine. When documentation or photographs were provided that is mentioned, along with the other information about the bird(s) being seen. For questions or updates about birds mentioned here or to report rare or unusual bird sightings in the Austin area, please send an e-mail to natemcgowanbirds@gmail.com
Nate McGowan
Rare Bird Alert Compiler
Travis Audubon Society
To view our archive of previous RBA reports, click here.
