more Aztec Thrush pics from the finders...

Here's the Aztec Thrush as initially seen by the finders, all photos (c) Dawn and Bob Scranton. This is on Hackberry Road near Kiskadee Trail.

Here's better views they got on Acacia Loop.

All photos (c) Dawn and Bob Scranton

Aztec Thrush at Bentsen State Park Feb 16, 2010

Found by Dawn and Bob Scranton and Madeline and Hans Van der Zweep at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park on February 16, 2010. This would be the sixth record for Texas if accepted. These photos are (c) Rick Nirschl and are posted with his permission.

Bare-throated Tiger-Heron in flight at dusk

So what exactly does a post-sunset Tiger-Heron look like? Well, it looks like a thick American Bittern with very broad Black Vulture-like primarys with lots of fingering. Not sure these pics help, but here they are. Two nights running it's been seen flying into roost after dark. For the GOOD pics, check the next blog post.

Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, Hidalgo County Texas! All Photos (c) Rick Snider and Rick Nirschl

Potential First US Record! The standing bird is (c) Rick Snider; the flying bird (c) Rick Nirschl. Note 5 new primaries!

Found December 21, 2009 by Rick Nirschl and Rick Snider near Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park.

December 12, 2009 Bentsen Crimson-collared Grosbeak photos - (c) Rick Snider

Wordless Wednesday - Bentsen Rose-throated Becard November 18, 2009

Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival - November 12, 2009

Well, it seems a lot of trips have come and gone and it's only day 1 of the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival! The King Ranch group saw Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl but they had to work for them. They are nearly silent this time of year. There were Clay-colored Thrush, Audubon's Orioles and other valley specialties. The White-collared Seedeaters were difficult, but showed themselves at the last minute. Everyone on the San Ygnacio trip got to see the White-collared Seedeater at Zapata.

A Black-throated Gray Warbler female was glimpsed at the parking lot at Santa Ana NWR.