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The group overlooking the Rio Grande north of San Ygnacio, Texas. All photos by guide Chris Benesh.

South Texas was hosting a cold front during much of our time in the Rio Grande Valley, but despite that, we managed to see a great assortment of birds and even came away with some real treats. Because of the forecast, we mixed things up a bit and headed out to the area framed by the North American Butterfly Center and Bentsen Rio Grande State Park, a threatened area that was hosting recent Hook-billed Kite activity. We were not disappointed either, with great sightings of two birds shortly after arriving on site. At one point, we watched as a Cooper’s Hawk swooped after one of the kites. We spent the rest of the day birding at the Frontera Audubon thicket where we saw a handful of interesting birds, including the long-staying Golden-crowned Warbler that put in a brief appearance.

Having the kites and warbler out of the way, we spent some time the following day visiting Estero Llano Grande, always a wonderful spot with a great variety of species. Most memorable among these was no doubt the point blank views of roosting Pauraques, which never cease to amaze. After time looking for blackbirds and whistling-ducks, we headed over to the coast to see a variety of waterbirds, and diversity of shorebirds. A cooperative pair of Aplomado Falcons was a highlight.

Our third morning was spent birding the Edinburg Wetlands where local guide Becky helped us track down some great views of Ringed and Green kingfishers. I was intrigued by the Summer Tanager that had parked itself in the cold weather next to a paper wasp nest and was leisurely picking it apart to dine on the wasps inside. That afternoon it was back to Estero to see Laura’s Eastern Screech-Owl that had been awol the day before and to enjoy a few more specialties there. We finished up the day with some Green Parakeets doing their best to dodge raindrops.

We decided to head back to the kite area the following day in hopes of spotting some Groove-billed Anis reported there recently. The kites themselves stayed unseen, perhaps because of a couple of noisy Red-shouldered Hawks hanging out in their favorite tree. But Muriel spotted the anis moving silently in the brush near a small bridge, and they eventually approached us to within a few feet. Quite a remarkable experience! From here, we started heading upriver to lunch in Rio Grande City and then on to our first visit to Salineno and later, the Zapata city park.

Our principle target here was Morelet’s Seedeater, formerly part of a larger species White-collared Seedeater. In fact, the birds in south Texas belong to the subspecies Sharpei, so could also be referred to as Sharpe’s Seedeater. At any rate, we didn’t see any!

We spent the last full day with another visit to Salineno where we failed to see the seedeaters again, but had a great time visiting the feeding station where Michael and Merle were hosting. We headed back to Zapata for lunch and another shot at the seedeater. This time Chip spotted a male for us! Later in the afternoon we visited the roadside rest north of San Ygnacio where we had another male seedeater as well as a pair of Audubon’s Orioles, and a great view of a stretch of the Rio Grande.

Our final morning was spent at Falcon State Park, where we enjoyed a nice variety of species including more Orange-crowned Warblers than anyone imagined existed. We also had our first Greater Roadrunner and Northern Bobwhite. Then it was on to Harlingen to say our goodbyes until the next adventure.

Thanks to all of you for coming along and making the tour a great success! It was nice to see familiar faces and make a couple of new friends. -- Chris

KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant

A male Hook-billed Kite circling above the forest near the NABA Butterfly Center.

Now known as Morelet's Seedeater, we connected with this male in Zapata.

We were charmed by this female Green Kingfisher at the Edinburg Wetlands.

One of the Groove-billed Anis that came in so close to us while we quietly watched them.

Can you say "top notch camo?" This Pauraque easily avoids detection.

The Green Jay is one splendid valley specialty.

One of the Clay-colored Thrushes seen at Estero Llano Grande. This species has become increasingly common in the Rio Grande Valley.

This was the closest of the Audubon's Orioles seen on the trip.

Rainy day Chachalacas huddle at Estero.

A confiding Olive Sparrow.

Long-billed Thrashers can be a bit elusive, though the ones in Salineno put on a great show.

We also had nice looks at this eastern Curve-billed Thrasher.

And a bonus surprise was this showy Sage Thrasher seen near Zapata.

A Buff-bellied Hummingibird taking advantage of a feeder on a cold day.

We spent a bit of time watching this striking Krider's Red-tailed Hawk near Anzalduas.

A white morph Reddish Egret seen on South Padre Island.

These Snowy Egrets huddled close together while foraging at Estero Llano Grande.

This is the Roseate Spoonbill that gave us the close flyby at Estero.

One of the many Piping Plovers hanging out on South Padre Island during our visit there.

This is the female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker seen in Zapata.

A hungry Yellow-throated Warbler gobbles an insect before moving on.

One of the Northern Bobwhite that was visiting feeders at Falcon State Park.

This Summer Tanager had parked itself next to this wasp nest and was dining on wasps too sluggish to fly in the cold weather.

One of the Collared Peccaries seen at Falcon State Park.

The short ears indicate an Eastern Cottontail seen at Falcon State Park.

And finally, a cute Hispid Cotton Rat chowing on seed put out for the birds at Falcon State Park.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Totals for the tour: 174 bird taxa and 5 mammal taxa