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Birding along the Gulf Coast and Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas,
27th December 2001 to 6th January 2002
Introduction
The participants on this short trip to a very big State were Stephen Mawby (stephenrmawby@aol.com) and John Price-Stephens (pricestephens@hotmail.com). The time constraints placed on this trip were due to Christmas and the need to return for school term-time. That said, we estimated that the eight full days available to us would give us time to seek out all of the South Texas resident and winter specialities and as it turned out we possibly had time to spare (which was usefully employed seeing other, not necessarily Texas, species that were new to us both).
In the wake of 11th September 2001,flights to the US seem to have become heavily dis-counted and our flights with British Airways and arranged through Wildwings (wildinfo@wildwings.co.uk) were £270 return inc. taxes which we considered very reasonable.The flights were direct from London (Gatwick) to Houston and we were fortunate enough be have an up-grade to business class on the outward leg.
Transport
Car hire in the US was again arranged by Wildwings and a four door compact (Dodge Stratos) for nine days with Dollar Car Hire cost just under £300.A casual conversation with an American businessman on the courtesy bus to the airport revealed that he considered we got a very good deal and felt that Dollar offered very good rates anyway in comparison to competitors.The car was almost new (>4000 miles) and was very comfortable.
Be warned however, and we did not notice this until well away from Houston, but a small sticker on the driver's side window by the lock-button stated that "due to the theft of vehicles from areas close to the Mexican border, the theft insurance is invalid if the car is stolen within 50 miles of the US/Mexico border area".This caused us some anxiety initially as we would be spending most of the time well within that 50 mile zone, so each time the vehicle was left un-attended (at reserves and overnight hotels), we removed an easily removable piece of the ignition circuitry (an electronic chip) that rendered the vehicle un-startable.We felt that this would deter any casual theft.We were careful never to leave anything on display inside the vehicle.
Accomodation
The first night at Fulton Beach (Sandollar Motel and Resort) had been pre-booked from the UK and had been recommended.It was clean and adequate and was immediately opposite the quay from where we took the boat trip along the Intracoastal Waterway to view Aransas NWR and the Whooping Cranes (see Species Seen list).The boat, "Mustang" and its crew of 2, appear to have taken over from Captain Ted who has now retired.
Subsequent nights were spent at the Days Inn chain of motels which we found good value for money.Reception area staff were able to book ahead for us for our convenience.Harlingen was a good base for the Brownsville area whilst McAllen (San Juan) was suitable for the Lower Rio Grande as far as San Ygnacio although it was a 90 minute or so drive to this location.Bay City (south of Houston) and close to the coast was chosen for it's proximity to the NWR's we intended visiting and it's short driving distance into Houston on our day of departure.The Econolodge was not much cheaper than the Days Inns we had used but felt a good deal further "down-market". It was, however, the best affordable option.
Field Guides
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The Sibley Guide to Birds (Audubon Society Nature
Guides Ser.)
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Field Guide to the Birds of North America
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Trip Reports
Texas Itinerary
27/12/01
28/12/01
29/12/01
30/12/01
31/12/01
1/1/02
2/1/02
3/1/02
4/1/02
5/1/02
6/1/02
Systematic List of Species Seen
Taxonomy, sequence and nomenclature follow Birds of the World - A Checklist: James F Clements 2000
New species are indicated by *
Common Loon Dec 28, 2001
Gavia immer
Aransas Bay
At least 3 noted on the boat trip out of Fulton.
Least Grebe* Dec 30, 2001
Tachybaptus dominicus
Sabal Palm Grove Sanctuary
A total of seven noted on the lake at this reserve.The only ones seen.
Pied-billed Grebe Dec 27, 2001
Podilymbus podiceps
Hermann Park, Houston
Two on this date with further sightings throughout on suitable lakes and ponds.A
minimum of 20 on the 4th at the San Bernard NWR.
American White Pelican Dec 28, 2001
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
Aransas NWR
A minimum of 100 noted around the reserve with further sightings at different
locations on four other dates.
Brown Pelican Dec 28, 2001
Pelecanus occidentalis
Aransas NWR
Only noted coastally with approx. 20 on this date with smaller numbers on two
further dates.
Double-crested Cormorant Dec 27, 2001
Phalacrocorax auritus
Hermann Park, Houston
Approx. 10 around this city park lake and thereafter noted throughout in suitable
watery habitat.
Neotropic Cormorant Dec 28, 2001
Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Aransas Bay
At least 4 noted along the Intracoastal Waterway at Aransas, with 2 noted on
the 1st on the Rio Grande at Salineno and one on the 3rd on a pond at the El
Canelo Ranch, Raymondville.
Great Blue Heron Dec 27, 2001
Ardea herodias
Hermann Park, Houston
A single on this date with further sightings throughout in suitable habitat
with the largest count being noted around Aransas NWR on the 28th.
Great Egret Dec 27, 2001
Ardea alba
Hermann Park, Houston
A single on this date but thereafter noted daily with at least 100 noted at
a roost in the reeds at San Bernard NWR on the 4th.
Reddish Egret Dec 28, 2001
Egretta rufescens
Aransas NWR
Two in flight alongside the Intracoastal Waterway at Aransas with the only other
sighting being of a white-phase bird at the boardwalk marsh, South Padre Island
on the 30th.
Tricolored Heron Dec 28, 2001
Egretta tricolor
Aransas NWR
Two noted this date with 3 noted on the 30th at the boardwalk marsh, South Padre
Island.
Little Blue Heron Dec 30, 2001
Egretta caerulea
South Padre Island
Three (including one white-phase bird) at this location with one noted on the
31st at the Santa Ana reserve, 2 on the 3rd at Rockport/Fulton and 2 on the
4th at the San Bernard NWR.
Snowy Egret Dec 27, 2001
Egretta thula
Hermann Park, Houston
Four noted on this date with further sightings most days in suitable habitat.
Cattle Egret Dec 27, 2001
Bubulcus ibis
Houston
Six noted along the drainage channel of the dual carriageway leading from the
George Bush Airport at Houston with further sightings of small numbers on the
1st and 2nd.
Black-crowned Night-Heron Dec 30, 2001
Nycticorax nycticorax
South Padre Island
A single at this boardwalk marsh with at least 40 noted in the reedbed roost
at the San Bernard NWR on the 4th.
American Bittern Jan4, 2002
Botaurus lentiginosus
San Bernard NWR
Two noted in flight over the reeds (cat-tails) at this site.
White Ibis Jan3, 2002
Eudocimus albus
Aransas NWR
At least 70 noted in flight towards evening with up to 50 noted the following
day at San Bernard NWR both in flight and on the ground feeding.Many were noted
as juveniles.
White-faced Ibis Jan4, 2002
Plegadis chihi
San Bernard NWR
At least 80 noted around the reserve, albeit, some sightings were of birds in
flight.Initially identified as Glossy Ibis, this species is more likely in these
sorts of numbers.
Roseate Spoonbill Dec 30, 2001
Ajaia ajaja
South Padre Island
A single on the beach close to the boardwalk with up to 10 noted at the Brazoria
NWR on the 4th and 2 on the lake, in front of the San Jacinto Monument on the
5th.
Fulvous Whistling-Duck* Jan5, 2002
Dendrocygna bicolor
Hermann Park, Houston
A single (ringed with metal ring)on the lake in company with at least 30 Black-bellied
Whistling-Ducks.
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Dec 27, 2001
Dendrocygna autumnalis
Hermann Park, Houston
At least 30 noted both this date and on the 5th January with an estimated 300
birds noted coming to roost on cables strung across the Rio Grande close to
the border crossing at Rio Grande City on the 1st January.
Trumpeter Swan* Jan4, 2002
Cygnus buccinator
Brazoria NWR
A lone juvenile bird on a pond within this reserve.
Greater White-fronted Goose Dec 30, 2001
Anser albifrons
Sabal Palm Grove Sanctuary
Up to 20 birds noted in flight over this reserve with a single noted at Santa
Ana NWR on the 31st and up to 20 in flight over San Bernard NWR on the 4th.
Snow Goose* Dec 28, 2001
Chen caerulescens
Aransas NWR
Good numbers noted around Aransas on this date and the 3rd January with 1000's
noted around San Bernard NWR on the 4th.
Ross's Goose* Jan4, 2002
Chen rossii
Lake Jackson
At least 2 birds noted in a split-flock of some 150 Snow Geese in roadside fields
near to the city of Lake Jackson.
Canada Goose Jan3, 2002
Branta canadensis
Aransas NWR
Small number noted in flight on this date with 10 noted the following day at
San Bernard NWR.
American Wigeon Dec 28, 2001
Anas americana
Aransas NWR
Noted in small numbers (>50) on six dates.A widespread species.
Gadwall Texas Dec 28, 2001
Anas strepera
Aransas NWR
Noted in small numbers on five dates.
Green-winged Teal Dec 28, 2001
Anas carolinensis
Aransas NWR
Small numbers only noted on four dates.
Mallard Dec 27, 2001
Anas platyrhynchos
Hermann Park, Houston
Noted on both this date and the 5th January with the only others recorded being
at Aransas NWR on the 28th.
Mottled Duck Dec 31, 2001
Anas fulvigula
Santa Ana NWR
At least 6 noted on this reserve with other sightings of 6 on the Rio Grande
at San Ygnacio on the 2nd and 4 on the El Canelo Ranch, Raymondsville on the
3rd.A bird at Hazel Bazemore CP, Corpus Christi on the 29th was also
probably this species.
Northern Pintail Dec 27, 2001
Anas acuta
Hermann Park, Houston
A single noted with further sightings of small numbers on six further dates.
Blue-winged Teal Dec 29, 2001
Anas discors
Hazel Bazemore SP, Corpus Christi
At least 10 noted on a pond at this park with birds noted on two further dates.
Northern Shoveler Dec 29, 2001
Anas clypeata
Hazel Bazemore SP, Corpus Christi
At least 10 noted at this site with further sightingsthroughout in small numbers.
Canvasback Texas Jan1, 2002
Aythya valisineria
Rio Grande, Salineno
Six noted on the river below Falcon Dam were the only sighting.
Redhead Dec 27, 2001
Aythya americana
Hermann Park, Houston
A single on this park lake, with further sightings on four other dates.
Ring-necked Duck Dec 27, 2001
Aythya collaris
Hermann Park, Houston
At least 15 noted on the park lake with sightings on four other dates of no
more than 6 individuals on each occasion.
Lesser Scaup Dec 27, 2001
Aythya affinis
Hermann Park, Houston
Two noted on the park lake with sightings of this widespread species on six
other dates.
Bufflehead Dec 28, 2001
Bucephala albeola
Aransas NWR
A minimum of 40 noted during the day with no more than 10 noted on both the
1st and 2nd on the Rio Grande.
Hooded Merganser* Jan5, 2002
Lophodytes cucullatus
San Jacinto SHP, Pasadena, Houston.
Two males and six females noted on the ornamental lake below the monument in
the park.Both males were noted to be displaying to the females.
Red-breasted Merganser Dec 28, 2001
Mergus serrator
Aransas NWR
At least 20 noted on the sea around the refuge, mainly from the lookout tower.
Ruddy Duck Dec 29, 2001
Oxyura jamaicensis
Between Corpus Christi and Kingsville
Six noted on roadside ponds with further sightings of small numbers on five
other dates.
Black Vulture Dec 28, 2001
Coragyps atratus
Aransas NWR
Widespread and noted on all dates in far smaller numbers than Turkey Vulture.
Turkey Vulture Dec 28, 2001
Cathartes aura
Aransas NWR
More common than Black Vulture and noted in large numbers throughout.
Osprey Texas Dec 29, 2001
Pandion haliaetus
Laguna Atascosa NWR
A single noted on this date, with singles on two further dates, up to 10 on
the 1st and 2nd around Falcon Dam and up to 4 around the San Bernard NWR on
the 4th.
Hook-billed Kite*Dec 31, 2001
Chondrohierax uncinatus
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley SP
Three noted in flight fairly close together, mid-morning, over the resaca near
the picnic/camping area in the park.A highlight of the trip as although only
seen in flight, the bill size/shape was obvious and the plumage was seen well.A
fourth raptor (a Grey Hawk) accompanied the group.
White-tailed Kite Dec 29, 2001
Elanus leucurus
Laguna Atascosa NWR
A single noted along the approach to this reserve with further singles noted
on the 30th and 31st.
Bald Eagle Jan2, 2002
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Rio Grande, San Ygnacio
A single juvenile/immature bird flying up-river past the San Ygnacio bird-feeding
station threw me for a while until by a process of elimination, this species
was arrived at.Seen only briefly, it was a brown plumaged individual with an
obvious white patch on the back but the size of the bill and heavy flight assisted
with the identification as we trawled through all possibilities
.
Northern Harrier Dec 28, 2001
Circus cyaneus
Aransas NWR
Two noted on this date with further sightings on five other dates with at least
10 noted around the San Bernard NWR on the 4th.
Sharp-shinned Hawk Dec 29, 2001
Accipiter striatus
Hazel Bazemore SP, Corpus Christi
A single on this date was the only sighting of the species.
Cooper's Hawk Jan2, 2002
Accipiter cooperii
Rio Grande, Falcon Dam
Two on this date with a single noted the following day.
Harris's Hawk Dec 29, 2001
Parabuteo unicinctus
US77 Kingsville-Raymondville
Up to 8 noted as roadside birds as we drove south with further birds noted on
four other dates around south Texas.
Gray Hawk Dec 31, 2001
Asturina nitida
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley SP
One (but possibly two) adults noted at this park.The first was noted sitting
in a tree along the Rio Grande hiking trail with it (or another) in flight together
with the three Hook-billed Kites following the resaca near the picnic/camping
area.
Red-shouldered Hawk Dec 29, 2001
Buteo lineatus
US77 Corpus Christi-Harlingen
Four noted as roadside birds with sightings on three further dates.Many hawk
species, particularly immature birds, were left un-identified.
White-tailed Hawk* Dec 28, 2001
Buteo albicaudatus
Aransas NWR
Up to 8 birds noted this date, the first being a roadside bird along SR35 near
to Aransas NWR.Further singles were noted on the 29th and 3rd.A very smart species
and one we were pleased to see.
Red-tailed Hawk Dec 28, 2001
Buteo jamaicensis
Aransas NWR
The most widespread of the "hawks" with many immature birds left un-identified.Noted
on most dates.
Crested Caracara Jan2, 2002
Caracara cheriway
Rio Grande, Falcon Dam
Up to eight birds noted this date with 4 noted the following day in a similar
area, up to 15 on the 3rd around the El Canelo Ranch and roadside US77 and at
least 4 around San Bernard NWR on the 4th.Flight views were particularly pleasing
to be had having only previously seen a single in Florida.
American Kestrel Dec 28, 2001
Falco sparverius
Aransas NWR
Noted on six further dates. A widespread, often roadside, species.
Prairie Falcon* Texas Dec 30, 2001
Falco mexicanus
Sabal Palm Grove Sanctuary, Brownsville
A single was seen well in flight, over the reserve.Several US birders were present
with us at the time and it was they who confirmed the identification.
Peregrine Falcon Dec 28, 2001
Falco peregrinus
Aransas Bay
A single, sitting on a shipping channel marker, off-shore from Fulton.
Plain Chachalaca Dec 29, 2001
Ortalis vetula
Laguna Atascosa NWR
At least 8 noted, mainly around the centers feeding stations with a further
3 noted on the 31st at Santa Ana NWR.
Sandhill Crane Dec 28, 2001
Grus canadensis
Aransas NWR
Noted on four dates in total with no more than about 20 on each of the dates
around Aransas.
Whooping Crane Dec 28, 2001
Grus americana
Aransas NWR
At least 30 noted on the boat trip out of Fulton along the Intracoastal Waterway
with 2 noted early morning at distance and two noted at Heron Flats overlook,
Aransas on the 3rd.However, only 2 or 3adult pairs had young birds with them.
Clapper Rail* Dec 30, 2001
Rallus longirostris
South Padre Island
Two birds noted from the boardwalk by the Convention Centre on South Padre Island.
Sora Dec 30, 2001
Porzana carolina
South Padre Island
A single seen from the boardwalk by the Convention Centre.
Common Moorhen Dec 30, 2001
Gallinula chloropus
South Padre Island
Up to 6 noted from the boardwalk with birds also noted at San Bernard NWR on
the 4th
American Coot Dec 27, 2001
Fulica americana
Hermann Park, Houston
Up to 10 noted this date and noted thereafter on every date, often in large
numbers.The most widespread and commonest of the "wildfowl".
American Oystercatcher* Dec 28, 2001
Haematopus palliatus
Aransas Bay
At least 12 seen on the boat trip out of Fulton to Aransas NWR.Most were on
very low-lying shingle islands a short distance out off the beach at Fulton.We
were able to pass quite close to them and with the engines on the boat cut,
I was able to get good scope views.Also seen in flight.
Black-necked Stilt Dec 31, 2001
Himantopus mexicanus
Santa Ana NWR, McAllen
At least 30 noted late afternoon on a pond within the reserve with 2 noted on
the El Canelo Ranch pond on the 3rd and 2 at Brazoria NWR on the 4th.
American Avocet Dec 28, 2001
Recurvirostra americana
Aransas NWR
A flock of at least 80 feeding in the shallows and viewed fairly distantly from
the tower overlook at the shore.All were in winter plumage showing none of the
rusty-orange of spring.
Black-bellied Plover Dec 28, 2001
Pluvialis squatarola
Aransas NWR
Noted on three dates in small numbers.
Semipalmated Plover Dec 28, 2001
Charadrius semipalmatus
Aransas NWR
Two noted on the beach below the tower overlook at the reserve.
Killdeer Dec 28, 2001
Charadrius vociferus
Aransas NWR
Three noted this date, with subsequent sightings on at least five further days.
Up to 20 noted on the 4th around San Bernard and Brazoria NWR's.
Snowy Plover Dec 30, 2001
Charadrius alexandrinus
South Padre Island
A minimum of 30 noted on the beach by the Convention Centre with probably other
species of plover which were too distant to identify safely.
Common Snipe Dec 31, 2001
Gallinago gallinago
Anzalduas SP, McAllen
The only sighting was flushed from a marshy area alongside the Rio Grande.
Short-billed Dowitcher Dec 28, 2001
Limnodromus griseus
Aransas NWR
Noted on three dates and always coastal.
Long-billed Dowitcher Dec 31, 2001
Limnodromus scolopaceus
Santa Ana NWR, McAllen
Approx.10 noted on a pond at this reserve.
Marbled Godwit* Dec 28, 2001
Limosa fedoa
Aransas NWR
Up to 6 noted along the beach below the tower overlook.
Long-billed Curlew Dec 28, 2001
Numenius americanus
Aransas NWR
Three noted on this date with a single on the 31st and at least 4 on the 4th.
Greater Yellowlegs Dec 28, 2001
Tringa melanoleuca
Aransas NWR
Noted on four dates in total.
Lesser Yellowlegs Dec 29, 2001
Tringa flavipes
Hazel Bazemore SP, Corpus Christi
Two noted on the pond before disturbance with a single noted on the 4th being
the only sightings.
Solitary Sandpiper Dec 30, 2001
Tringa solitaria
Sabal Palm Grove Sanctuary
A single on the almost dry resaca.
Spotted Sandpiper Dec 29, 2001
Actitis macularia
US-77 Corpus Christi-Kingsville
A single noted on roadside "treatment" ponds with odd birds noted
on four other dates.
Willet Dec 28, 2001
Catoptrophorus semipalmatus
Aransas NWR
Three noted this date with further sightings on suitable beaches on three subsequent
dates.
Ruddy Turnstone Dec 30, 2001
Arenaria interpres
South Padre Island
Noted on the beach by the Convention Centre with further sightings on two other
dates.
Semipalmated Sandpiper Dec 28, 2001
Calidris pusilla
Aransas NWR
Noted around the reserve.
Least Sandpiper Dec 28, 2001
Calidris minutilla
Aransas NWR
Noted in small numbers around the Intracoastal Waterway.
Dunlin Dec 30, 2001
Calidris alpina
South Padre Island
At least 30 noted on the beach.
Ring-billed Gull Dec 28, 2001
Larus delawarensis
Aransas NWR
Noted on five dates but many probably overlooked.
Herring Gull Dec 28, 2001
Larus argentatus
Aransas NWR
Noted on three dates at coastal locations.Probably overlooked.
Laughing Gull Dec 28, 2001
Larus atricilla
Aransas NWR
The commonest of the gulls and noted on this and four other dates.Probably overlooked.
Caspian Tern Dec 28, 2001
Sterna caspia
Aransas NWR
Two noted on this date around Aransas Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway, with
10 noted in flight along the Rio Grande at the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley SP
on the 31st and a single at San Bernard NWR on the 4th.
Sandwich Tern Dec 30, 2001
Sterna sandvicensis
South Padre Island
At least 3 on the beach by the Convention Centre together with Forster's and
Royal Terns.
Royal Tern Dec 28, 2001
Sterna maxima
Fulton
Up to 30 noted around Fulton and Aransas Bay with 4 on South Padre Island on
the 30th and 1 at Brazoria NWR on the 4th.
Forster's Tern Dec 28, 2001
Sterna forsteri
Aransas NWR
Noted in good numbers around Fulton and Aransas Bay and around South Padre Island
on the 30th.
Black Skimmer Dec 30, 2001
Rynchops niger
South Padre Island
At least 30 noted roosting on the shore line by the Convention Centre on South
Padre Island,with at least 30 noted on the piers off Rockport/Fulton on the
3rd.
Mourning Dove Dec 29, 2001
Zenaida macroura
Hazel Bazemore SP
Noted on most dates and probably overlooked.
White-winged Dove Jan1, 2002
Zenaida asiatica
Salineno
At least 20 around the feeders at the de Wind's for a brief time.
Common Ground-Dove Dec 31, 2001
Columbina passerina
McAllen WTF
Four birds noted in flight with further birds noted on the 3rd at the El Canelo
Ranch.
Inca Dove Jan1, 2002
Columbina inca
Salineno
Seven noted around the de Wind's feeders with up to 10 noted at the San Ygnacio
feeding station on the 2nd.
White-tipped Dove* Dec 29, 2001
Leptotila verreauxi
Laguna Atascosa NWR
Four noted at the centres feeders with 12 noted around Sabal Palm Grove Sanctuary
on the 30th and 8 at the de Wind's feeders at Salineno on the 1st.
Eastern Screech-Owl* Dec 29, 2001
Otus asio
Laguna Atascosa NWR
A single at a day-time roost low down in a tree close to a pathway.Extremely
good views.
Great Horned Owl Jan3, 2002
Bubo virginianus
Route 35 Green Lake-Port Lavaca
A single sat on the top of a utility pole alongside the road at dusk.
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl* Jan3, 2002
Glaucidium brasilianum
El Canelo Ranch, Raymondville
A single in the garden of this property.The bird was awake and was seen briefly
in flight from a roost in the sun to a larder? in a nearby palm tree where it
appeared to be eating a dead House Sparrow.
Common Nighthawk Dec 31, 2001
Chordeiles minor
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley SP
A single in flight over our location mid-morning was considered to be this species
by JP-S. Although I saw it only briefly, I didn't, at the time, consider and
therefore eliminate the possibility of it being a Lesser Nighthawk.
Pauraque* Dec 29, 2001
Nyctidromus albicollis
Laguna Atascosa NWR
Two seen in almost-darkness with 2 or 3 seen on the roadway at dawn around the
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley SP on the 31st.
Buff-bellied Hummingbird* Dec 31, 2001
Amazilia yucatanensis
Santa Ana NWR, McAllen
A single visiting a sugar-water feeder and a flowering bush at the center's
headquarters.It was heard calling loudly which assisted in locating it when
it disappeared.A further calling bird was in the garden of the El Canelo Ranch
on the 3rd and was also seen very well.
Belted Kingfisher Dec 28, 2001
Ceryle alcyon
Aransas NWR
Two noted on this date with a single on the 29th at the Hazel Bazemore SP, Corpus
Christie and 2 further birds on the 4th at San Bernard NWR.
Ringed Kingfisher* Dec 30, 2001
Ceryle torquata
Sabal Palm Grove Sanctuary, Brownsville
Unexpected at this location but welcome nevertheless.Good views of a single
calling and flying around the lake at this reserve.Further singles seen along
the Rio Grande, on the 31st at the Anzalduas SP, McAllen and on the 1st at Salineno.
Green Kingfisher* Jan1, 2002
Chloroceryle americana
Rio Grande, Salineno
The first was seen well but distantly with a second bird flying in and perching
close to our position where it sat for at least 10 minutes.
Golden-fronted Woodpecker* Dec 29, 2001
Melanerpes aurifrons
Laguna Atascosa NWR
At least 10 noted this date around this reserve with good numbers on subsequent
dates in southern Texas.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Jan4, 2002
Sphyrapicus varius
San Bernard NWR
One seen very briefly in a tree on the woodland walk within this NWR with either
it or another sitting in the open allowing good views even if a little distant.Probably
a female, it showed a faint yellow wash to the breast.
Ladder-backed Woodpecker Dec 28, 2001
Picoides scalaris
Aransas NWR
A single on this date with others noted on five subsequent dates.The largest
day count was of a minimum of 8 on the 30th around the Sabal Palm Grove Sanctuary,
Brownsville.
Downy Woodpecker Dec 27, 2001
Picoides pubescens
Hermann Park, Houston
One seen in the trees close to the lake, was the only sighting.
Eastern Phoebe Dec 28, 2001
Sayornis phoebe
Aransas NWR
Widespread and noted most dates in varying numbers from 1 to 10.
Say's Phoebe Jan1, 2002
Sayornis saya
Zapata
A single on the fence around the library (the White-collared Seedeater site).
Vermilion Flycatcher Jan2, 2002
Pyrocephalus rubinus
Salineno
A single fly-catching from a fence inside the play-ground area in the township.
Great Kiskadee* Dec 29, 2001
Pitangus sulphuratus
Hazel Bazemore SP, Corpus Christi
At least 4 noted this date with other birds noted on five subsequent dates in
southern Texas.
Couch's Kingbird* Dec 29, 2001
Tyrannus couchii
Hazel Bazemore SP, Corpus Christie
A single calling bird in tree-tops of the adjoining golf course.Seen well, the
call was un-mistakable and ruled out the possibility of it being a Tropical
Kingbird.
American Pipit Dec 29, 2001
Anthus rubescens
Hazel Bazemore SP, Corpus Christie
A single on mud at the edge of the pond.
Sprague's Pipit* Jan3, 2002
Anthus spragueii
El Canelo Ranch, Raymondville
A single "flushed and stalked" and then seen very well as it walked
around the scrubby grass feeding with at least two others flushed into flight.All
were heard to call.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet Dec 28, 2001
Regulus calendula
Aransas NWR
Small numbers seen on nearly every date.
Rock Wren Jan2, 2002
Salpinctes obsoletus
Falcon Dam
Two birds seen well on the boulders on the south-side of the causeway leading
to the dam.
Carolina Wren Dec 28, 2001
Thryothorus ludovicianus
Aransas NWR
A single on this date with a further single on the 4th at San Bernard NWR.
Bewick's Wren Jan 1, 2002
Thryomanes bewickii
Salineno
One on the ground around the de Wind's trailer park feeders.
House Wren Jan1, 2002
Troglodytes aedon
Salineno
A single at the de Wind's with a further single on the 4th at San Bernard NWR.
Sedge Wren Jan5, 2002
Cistothorus platensis
Brazos Bend NWR
A singe seen briefly by the entrance to this refuge whilst looking for Le Conte's
Sparrow.Unfortunately, it began raining heavily which put paid to our mornings
plans.
Marsh Wren Jan3, 2002
Cistothorus palustris
Aransas NWR
At least four heard calling and seen briefly in the marsh below the observation
tower with at least 3 heard at San Bernard NWR the following day.
Gray Catbird Dec 29, 2001
Dumetella carolinensis
Laguna Atscosa NWR
A single seen near the feeders at the visitor centre was the only one seen throughout.
Northern Mockingbird Dec 28, 2001
Mimus polyglottos
Aransas NWR
Widespread and common in small numbers.Seen on most dates.
Brown Thrasher Dec 29, 2001
Toxostoma rufum
Laguna Atascosa NWR
Two seen at this reserve whilst looking for Long-billed Thrasher with another
seen on the 31st at the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley SP.
Long-billed Thrasher* Dec 29, 2001
Toxostoma longirostre
Laguna Atascosa NWR
At least one but probably two seen, the one seen well was at the reserve center's
feeding station intermittently.Singles also seen on the 29th at Sabal Palm Grove
Sanctuary, on the 1st at the de Wind's feeders at Salineno and 2 were seen well
on the 2nd at the San Ygnacio feeding station.
Curve-billed Thrasher Jan3, 2002
Toxostoma curvirostre
El Canelo Ranch, Raymondville
Four noted alongside the approach road, the only ones seen throughout.
Clay-colored Robin* Dec 31, 2001
Turdus grayi
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley SP
Three or four birds in trees around the picnic area with individuals showing
themselves well occasionally.The trees were evergreen type with yellow berries
on which the birds were apparently feeding.
American Robin Dec 31, 2001
Turdus migratorius
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley SP
Singles noted this date and on the 1st and 4th.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Dec 29, 2001
Polioptila caerulea
Laguna Atascosa NWR
Noted on five dates with 5 on the 31st at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley SP being
the largest day count.
Carolina Chickadee Jan4, 2002
Poecile carolinensis
San Bernard NWR
Four noted around the woodland early morning and were the only ones seen throughout.
Tufted Titmouse Dec 30, 2001
Baeolophus bicolor
Sabal Palm Grove Sanctuary, Brownsville
Noted on four dates, all birds being of the form "Black-crested Titmouse".The
largest day count was of 6 on the 3rd around the Sarita Rest Area on US-77.This
form has been re-split by the AOU and will be officially reported during 2002.
Loggerhead Shrike Dec 28, 2001
Lanius ludovicianus
Aransas NWR
Widespread and seen most dates in numbers not exceeding 4 in any one day.
Blue Jay Jan5, 2002
Cyanocitta cristata
Houston
A single close to Hermann Park was the only sighting and was the last new trip
tick.
Green Jay* Dec 29, 2001
Cyanocorax yncas
Laguna Atascosa NWR
Noted all along the Rio Grande valley with the largest day count being of at
least 20 birds on the 1st around Salineno.
Brown Jay* Jan1, 2002
Cyanocorax morio
Salineno
Four birds (2 adults and two juveniles - one showing more yellow on the bill
than the other), visited the de Wind's trailer-park feeders, mid-morning after
the other early morning observers had given up and left.Patience paid out handsomely.
American Crow Jan4, 2002
Corvus brachyrhynchos
San Bernard NWR
Only noted on this and the following day and then only in small numbers.
Chihuahuan Raven Dec 30, 2001
Corvus cryptoleucus
Sabal Palm Grove Sanctuary, Brownsville
Two noted on this occasion with a further 2 noted on the 2nd near Falcon Dam.
European Starling Dec 27, 2001
Sturnus vulgaris
Hermann Park, Houston
Noted on four dates.
White-eyed Vireo Dec 30, 2001
Vireo griseus
Sabal Palm Grove Sanctuary, Brownsville
A single at this reserve was the only sighting.
Blue-headed Vireo Dec 28, 2001
Vireo solitarius
Aransas NWR
A single around the car park by the observation tower early morning.
Orange-crowned Warbler* Texas Dec 28, 2001
Vermivora celata
Aransas NWR
Noted on all but the first and last date, with upwards of 10 birds being the
largest day count.A very dull and dis-appointing wood warbler that seemed close
to Chiffchaff plumage-wise.
Nashville Warbler* Jan4, 2002
Vermivora ruficapilla
San Bernard NWR
Two or three (one a particularly well marked male) the others being female/immatures
seen feeding around the woods early morning.
Yellow-rumped Warbler Dec 28, 2001
Dendroica coronata
Aransas NWR
Noted on five dates with a minimum of six birds being noted on the 1st at the
Salineno feeders and on the 4th at San Bernard NWR.Several birds, including
one bright male, were of the western form - Audubon's Warbler having the yellow,
as opposed to white, throat patch.
Black-throated Green Warbler Dec 30, 2001
Dendroica virens
Sabal Palm Grove Sanctuary, Brownsville
Two birds, moving in a mixed feeding flock "threw" us temporarily
due to their very yellow head but with the other features such as dark wings
with white wing-bars and greenish mantle, they couldn't have been any other
species.
Black-and-white Warbler Dec 29, 2001
Mniotilta varia
Laguna Atascosa NWR
A single feeding in trees behind the visitor centre was the only one encountered.
Common Yellowthroat Dec 28, 2001
Geothlypis trichas
Aransas NWR
Fairly frequently encountered and noted on six dates overall, with up to 6 noted
on the 4th around San Bernard.Always seeming to favour wetland habitat.
Wilson's Warbler* Dec 30, 2001
Wilsonia pusilla
Sabal Palm Grove Sanctuary, Brownsville
A single male seen fairly briefly but sufficiently well enough to identify with
3 or 4 further birds including at least 2 males seen very well on the 4th at
the San Bernard NWR.
White-collared Seedeater* Jan2, 2002
Sporophila torqueola
San Ygnacio
Three (a male and two female/immature types) visited the ground level water
tap and bathing area at the site specifically set up to attract this species
by a local teacher/birdwatcher.Having departed the area around the tap, the
male was seen sitting for a few moments in the nearby canes.
Olive Sparrow* Dec 31, 2001
Arremonops rufivirgatus
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley SP
One (or possibly two) seen and heard calling all too briefly, close to the river
along the Rio Grande hiking trail.The following day (1st), up to 3 were seen
at the de Wynt's feeders at Salineno with another seen on the 2nd at the San
Ygnacio feeding station.
Chipping Sparrow Jan1, 2002
Spizella passerina
Salineno
Two visiting the de Wind's feeder area this date, with 6 seen on the 2nd, 4
on the 3rd and 6 again on the 4th, always in woodland areas.
Brewer's Sparrow* Jan2, 2002
Spizella breweri
La Joya ("Sparrow Road")
A single sitting on a roadside fence allowed good un-interrupted views which
allowed us to arrive at this identification.
Vesper Sparrow Jan2, 2002
Pooecetes gramineus
Salineno
At least one but probably several more moving around the children's activity
area in the township.This individual stayed in a bush for some time allowing
close scrutiny from several angles.
Lark Sparrow Jan1, 2002
Chondestes grammacus
Falcon Dam
A single noted on a roadside fence with at least 20 but probably many more noted
the following day along "Sparrow Road" near La Joya.
Lark BuntingJan1, 2002
Calamospiza melanocorys
Falcon Dam
A flock of at least 40 in the field alongside the approach road to the dam.Very
flighty they would sometimes all fly into a bush momentarily before dropping
into the grassland to feed.At least 10 were noted close by the following day.
Savannah Sparrow Dec 28, 2001
Passerculus sandwichensis
Aransas NWR
Three on this date, with sightings on four further dates.Probably the most widespread
of the sparrows and birds didn't always fit the text-book picture.
Seaside Sparrow * Jan4, 2002
Ammodramus maritimus
Brazoria NWR
A single feeding around an area of mud in amongst the reeds and grasses close
to the car park at the road end.It was apparent that this individual didn't
like to be out in the open as it fed close to the reed/grass margins and ran
across open areas whenever it needed to move.A strange species, totally un-sparrow-like
in appearance but one I was pleased to see.
Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow* Texas Jan4, 2002
Ammodramus nelsoni
Brazoria NWR
At least 3 of this species seen around the coastal fringe of vegetation at this
reserve with the first feeding on an area of exposed mud and giving good views
with the subsequent two in a bush showing only intermittently.Possibly - for
me anyway, the "bird of the trip" due to the markings and colouration
of the plumage.A really smart little bird.
Song Sparrow Dec 29, 2001
Melospiza melodia
Hazel Bazemore SP, Corpus Christie
At least 10 noted at this site with smaller numbers seen on two further dates,
but a bird that was possibly overlooked.
Lincoln's Sparrow Jan1, 2002
Melospiza lincolnii
Salineno
A single keeping in partial cover at the de Wind's trailer park feeding area,
with 2 seen the following day and a single on the 3rd.
Swamp Sparrow Dec 29, 2001
Melospiza georgiana
Hazel Bazemore SP, Corpus Christie
Two in sedge/grass vegetation close to the river with further sightings of one
or two birds on three other dates.As the name implies, a bird of wet areas.
Northern Cardinal Dec 28, 2001
Cardinalis cardinalis
Aransas NWR
Noted on six dates with at least 10 together at San Bernard NWR on the 4th.
Red-winged Blackbird Dec 29, 2001
Agelaius phoeniceus
US-77 Corpus Christi-Raymondville
Noted on at least six dates often in huge flocks consisting mainly of what appeared
to be immature birds.
Eastern Meadowlark Dec 28, 2001
Sturnella magna
Aransas NWR
Noted on five dates sometimes in reasonable sized groups.Possibly some were
Western Meadowlark - particularly those around Falcon Dam but without hearing
song or call, they are impossible to separate.
Brewer's Blackbird Dec 31, 2001
Euphagus cyanocephalus
McAllen WTF
At least one noted at this site i/c with Brown-headed Cowbirds and Red-winged
Blackbirds with others noted on the 3rd at the El Canelo Ranch, Raymondville.
Boat-tailed Grackle Jan4, 2002
Quiscalus major
San Bernard NWR
At least 10 noted particularly around the reed-beds.
Common Grackle Dec 27, 2001
Quiscalus quiscula
Hermann Park, Houston
Widespread and common and largely ignored.
Great-tailed Grackle Dec 27, 2001
Quiscalus mexicanus
Hermann Park, Houston
Widespread and common and largely ignored.
Bronzed Cowbird Dec 31, 2001
Molothrus aeneus
McAllen WTF
At least one noted at the water treatment facility in a huge flock of blackbirds
and cowbirds.
Brown-headed Cowbird Dec 31, 2001
Molothrus ater
McAllen WTF
Probably overlooked but only noted on this date in a large mixed flock of blackbirds
and cowbirds.
Altamira Oriole* Jan 1, 2002
Icterus gularis
Salineno
One flew across the Rio Grande from Mexico and sat in a tree on the US side
early morning with it or another between us and the de Wind's trailer park a
short while later.At the de Wind's feeders, up to 5 birds appeared and showed
well at close range. A single was seen relatively briefly the following day
at the San Ygnacio feeding station.
Audubon's Oriole* Jan 1, 2002
Icterus graduacauda
Salineno
Two visited the de Wind's trailer park feeders during the mornings watch.
Purple Finch Dec 29, 2001
Carpodacus purpureus
Hazel Bazemore SP, Corpus Christi
Two sat in the top of a tree in the valley at this park caused some debate until
we both realised what we were looking at.
American Goldfinch Dec 29, 2001
Carduelis tristis
Hazel Bazemore SP, Corpus Christie
Up to 15 noted around the seed-bearing scrub in the valley at this park.Flying
occasionally onto nearby trees or utility lines, none showed any full adult
plumage.
House Sparrow Dec 29, 2001
Passer domesticus
Hazel Bazemore SP, Corpus Christie
Widespread and relatively common, mainly around feeders and human habitation.
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