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A Social Flycatcher returning for a “2nd serving to” of Texas hospitality, a Pacific Wren (UR) new to Texas, a Rose-throated Becard that has not been on a Texas CBC in a decade, a montane invasion of Pinyon Jays, Juniper Titmice, Crimson Crossbills and Night Grosbeaks, a uncommon Crimson-necked Grebe (UR) close to the Coast and a spectacular Crimson-eyed Vireo so as to add to our assortment of lingering passerines had been the Headliners of 380 species, one CW chook, 12 varieties and 11 exotics reported in the course of the season. Unusual to uncommon species (see Rarities) had been discovered all through the State which produced the anticipated pleasure at space Christmas Hen Counts (CBCs).
Species Tallies
Matagorda County led the State and Nation with 218 species and Guadalupe River Delta was 2nd in Texas with 202. Jackson-Calhoun moved up within the ranks to threerd with 194 species. Corpus Christi positioned 4th with 190, Freeport had 185, San Bernard N.W.R. 180, Galveston 170, Laguna Atascosa N.W.R. 161, Bolivar Peninsula and Brazoria 157, Corpus Christi-Flour Bluff 155, Harlingen and Powderhorn 154, Choke Canyon 153, Attwater Prairie Rooster N.W.R. and Anzalduas-Bentsen 152, Weslaco 151 and Port Aransas 150.
Rarities
Texas reported 40 species which had been solely present in one of many 116 CBCs. The 4 (exclusives) discovered on the El Paso CBC had been essentially the most for the State: Lewis’s Woodpecker (7; # years reported in previous decade), Cassin’s Vireo (1), Steller ’s Jay (6) and Pacific Wren (0). The Pacific Wren was comparatively just lately break up from the Winter Wren and can be a brand new Texas CBC file if accepted by the Texas Hen Information Committee.
Davis Mountains CBC had the one Montezuma Quail (10), Pinyon Jay (0) and Cassin’s Finch (4).
San Bernard N.W.R. CBC had the one Black rail (10), Ovenbird (10) and Prairie Warbler (7).
Anzalduas-Bentsen CBC had three Hook-billed Kites (2) and one Rose-throated Becard (0).
Balmorhea CBC added Crimson-throated Loon (7) and Glaucous Gull (2).
Parrots weren’t roosting in regular areas this winter. Brownsville CBC discovered the one considered one of Crimson-crowned Parrots (10). In addition they situated the Social Flycatcher (1) current for its 2nd winter. Guadalupe River Delta CBC discovered a Lesser Nighthawk (6) earlier than daylight and a Crimson-eyed Vireo (0) alongside the San Antonio River. That is the primary CBC report of this species for the last decade, however they had been reported 5 completely different seasons in the course of the earlier decade.
Attwater Prairie Rooster N.W.R. CBC discovered the anticipated Higher (Attwater’s) Prairie-Rooster (9) and Brazoria CBC added a tough to find wintering Magnolia Warbler (4). Boerne CBC reported a returning Scott’s Oriole from earlier years (7). Chisos Mountains CBC had 55 Mexican Jays (10), and Corpus Christi CBC reported a lingering Hooded Warbler (2). Cypress Creek CBC tied 13 different CBCs in the US by having one Dickcissel (9).
Dallas County CBC reported a Little Gull (6) and the brand new Fort Bend CBC photographed a Western sort Flycatcher (1). The chook didn’t name which was wanted to differentiate between the Cordilleran and Pacific-slope.
Granger CBC reported three Mountain Plovers (9) and Hagerman N.W.R. CBC a Lengthy-tailed Duck (10). Houston (Central) CBC reported 11 Crimson-vented Bulbuls (7) which might now be positioned on a Texas CBC record as a result of their inhabitants has been re-classified to established.
Jackson-Calhoun Counties CBC photographed a Black-headed Grosbeak (6) and Laredo CBC reported a lingering Prothonotary Warbler (3). Kenedy County CBC was lucky to have a Least Tern (4) flying subsequent to considered one of their boats whereas they surveyed the Laguna Madre.
Matagorda County CBC photographed one Rose-breasted Grosbeak (6), and Orange County CBC a Crimson-necked Grebe (2; UR) which was a serious shock. Spring Creek CBC discovered its resident household of Crimson-cockaded Woodpeckers (10). San Antonio CBC contributed to the Texas tally by photographing the one White-winged Scoter. The White-winged has develop into comparatively unusual over the past 18 years with 50 reported on Texas CBCs as in comparison with 129 Surf and 498 Black.
Tascosa-Seyffert CBC had six Night Grosbeaks (1) and West Finish Galveston Island CBC reported the one Japanese Kingbird (4).
Westcave Protect CBC photographed an Allen’s Hummingbird (7). Immatures of this species seem similar to Rufous Hummingbirds and supply birders a problem to accurately determine the Selasphorus sort hummingbirds.
Rarities Slideshow
Rely Week
Nationwide Audubon Society Compiler Sources mentions “Rely week (cw) birds function a spot holder for that species in your guidelines in a given season. They aren’t in any respect part of your official census information for that season’s day.” With this being stated, it’s nonetheless good to know what you missed throughout depend day.
I encourage scouting. It does assist find species for the CBC and handle your time and birder assets. It’s a sick feeling whenever you miss a species you understand was there. Nonetheless, it’s a worst feeling when an actual uncommon species is discovered the day after your depend that you just didn’t have a clue was current. (Noticed Rail can be an instance.)
This season an Orchard Oriole was reported throughout Rely Week at Freeport CBC.
Missed
I at all times do a self-evaluation on the finish of a CBC. Did I miss species or had been they only not there? what number of species on the depend which had been represented by one particular person may present an index to the probability you Missed species with the upper % indicating species extra seemingly have been missed. As instance, at Port Aransas CBC 14% of the 151 species had been represented by one particular person on 19 December with 29 birders, and Matagorda County CBC 5% of the 218 species had been represented by one particular person throughout the identical day and related climate with 101 birders. This index is clearly not excellent😊 however might need some relevance to particular person CBCs on whether or not it’s warranted so as to add further birders.
Texas CBCs this season individually averaged 13.4% of their species tally being represented by one chook and 5% (19) state-wide.
Eleven species which had been reported in Texas in a minimum of six of the final 10 CBC seasons however weren’t discovered in the course of the 123rd had been Shiny Ibis and Yellow-breasted Chat which had been current for 10 of the 11 seasons; Pacific Loon and Mountain Chickadee who had been current in 9 of the 11 seasons; Purple Gallinule, Wilson’s Phalarope, and Smith’s Longspur who had been current eight of the 11 seasons; Calliope Hummingbird, Higher Pewee, and Brown-crested Flycatcher who had been current in seven of the 11 seasons, and Tennessee Warbler who was current in six of the 11 seasons.
The Rely Season
The 123rd Season began on Wednesday 14 December with 4 CBCs being performed and 112 for 22 extra days by means of Thursday 5 January for a complete of 116 CBCs (most for Texas). Saturdays the 17th and the 31st had been the busiest days with 23 and 11 CBCs, respectively. The 24th– 25th had been the one days not used to conduct CBCs.
Climate
Texas rain dancers, holders of climate charms and targeted needs to the Climate Makers had been higher than final yr. Climate in the course of the counts hampered 51% of the CBCs (fog, rain, <32 – >80oF, wind 21+mph). Freezing temps occurred on 20% with the 11 levels at Buffalo Lake N.W.R. CBC being the coldest. Temps >80 occurred on 2% with 86 being highest at Harlingen CBC. Fog occurred on 14% of the counts and rain on 16% of the CBCs. The moisture was typically welcome besides when it occurred in your CBC. Winds 20+ mph occurred on 13% of the counts with the strongest at 30 mph at Del Rio CBC and Houston (Central) CBC. The worst climate was seemingly skilled on the primary Monday of the season with 5 CBCs catching robust winds, rain and a few lightning throughout passage of a serious chilly entrance.
Effort
Complete CBCs – 116 (most Texas CBCs), Birder-Days – 3321 (third highest), Celebration-Hours – 8043 (2nd highest for Texas and a couple of.8% above 10-yr avg.), and Celebration-Miles – 26,578 (15th highest).
My spouse, Dora Ann, and I managed to take part in eight counts in the course of the first 9 days. It was a Nice Expertise on the Coast having the ability to take part in most of the CBCs with the very best species numbers. We advocate you attempt it.
New Counts
Texas retains including and dropping CBCs as birder curiosity shifts within the State. Texas added Fort Bend, San Antonio East, Tascosa–Seyffert, and Whitney Lake, however didn’t run Chaparral W.M.A., Guadalupe Mountains, Kerrville, Lake Tawakoni, Proctor Lake, Richland Creek W.M.A., and Sea Rim S.P.
Particular Facets
On the finish of every CBC report, there’s a part labeled “SPECIAL ASPECTS”. The compiler is offered this area to debate points associated to their CBC. I learn each one a minimum of as soon as.
Compilers from 27 of the 116 CBCs offered some significant feedback/data within the Particular Facets Part. The principle subject was how climate (wind/rain/fog/URI) negatively or positively affected the outcomes with drought and morning rains being the most important points. The Victoria CBC was the one depend that talked about it was a pleasant day.
Extraordinarily dry circumstances moderated slightly as fall and winter progressed with a much less intense drought by means of most of Texas.
Inhabitants Tendencies (The place Have All The Birds Gone?)
[Population trend section will compare number of individuals of a species tallied this season to the tallies adjusted for effort from the last 10 years in Texas. Population changes indicated will be for those reports which deviated by more than one standard deviation from that species 10-year average unless otherwise indicated. Percent decreasing is underrepresented because missed birds are not part of the % decreased. National avian trend data for > 50 years can be found at https://www.audubon.org/conservation/where-have-all-birds-gone].
Desk 1. Share of species growing or lowering by CBC season in Texas.
SEASON INCREASING DECREASING NO CHANGE
109th 19% 16% 65% Hurricane Ike
110th 24% 14% 60% drought
111th 30% 4% 66%
112th 26% 22% 52% drought
113th 19% 24% 57% drought
114th 13% 21% 66% drought
115th 25% 15% 60%
116th 21% 16% 63%
117th 20% 15% 65% heat
118th 17% 20% 63% Hurricane Harvey
119th 15% 27% 58% moist fall
120th 17% 24% 59% dry fall
121st 20% 24% 55% drought
122nd 13% 34% 53% moist summer season
123rd 18% 22% 60% drought
Species with lowering populations occurred at >% than these growing on Texas CBCs over the last six years. Eighty-two species (22%) had been beneath common this season.
Nonetheless, keep in mind that regardless of 22% of species declining, 78% of the species had been at regular or greater inhabitants ranges.
Species tallies can be proven in (parenthesis) when a species is mentioned beneath on this part.
Waterfowl: 8 species growing, 3 lowering and 23 steady. Goose numbers had been decrease than regular and 5 of the 8 growing species had been diving geese.
Upland Recreation Birds: Gambel’s Quail (356) was above common and the opposite 7 species had been steady.
Loons through Spoonbill: 2 species growing, 14 species lowering and 15 steady. Widespread Loon (321), Pied-billed (3800) and Eared Grebes (273), Double-crested Cormorant (43,807), Cattle Egret (746) and Inexperienced Heron (49) had been at their lowest ranges for the last decade. Heavy rains in Could appeared to stimulate growth of latest wading chook inland colonies. Nonetheless, as quickly as nesting completed birds left the realm.
Diurnal Raptors: 3 species growing, 2 lowering and 12 steady. Osprey (1150) and White-tailed Hawk (243) had been beneath common for the last decade. In distinction, Bald Eagles (377), and Crimson-shouldered Hawk (1425) had been close to their highest degree for the last decade. The three Hooked-billed Kites reported had been essentially the most in 19 years.
Rails – Cranes: 1 species growing, 4 lowering and 6 steady. Limpkin tallies elevated from 2 final season to 13 at 4 websites. What is going to subsequent season convey?
Yellow Rail (3), Virginia Rail (88) and American Coot (65,602) had been effectively beneath common, and Whooping Cranes (125) had been reported at 5 CBCs.
Shorebirds: Over 207,000 shorebirds had been reported this season. Three species had been growing, 7 lowering and 18 steady. This was slightly higher than final yr when half of the species had been declining. Coastal Tip CBC (132,884), Kenedy County CBC (27,490) and Corpus Christi CBC; (12,393) supported essentially the most shorebirds. American Avocet (8420), Black-bellied Plover (1548), Snowy Plover (270), Killdeer (7675), Noticed Sandpiper (515) and Sanderling (2281) had been at their lowest degree for the last decade. Western Sandpiper (103,421) and Dunlin (36,239) are 2 of essentially the most ample shorebirds on the Texas Coast.
Jaegers – Skimmer: This group of species had the very best share (40%) of species growing. Seven elevated, 2 decreased and 11 had been steady. Lesser Black-backed Gull (474) was at a file excessive. Black Skimmer (2789) was reported at its highest degree in 6 seasons, and Iceland/Thayer’s Gulls are being reported yearly. They had been discovered at TXBZ and TXDA this season.
Pigeons – Ani: One species growing, 4 lowering and 4 steady. White-tipped Dove (242) was reported at its highest degree within the decade. Eurasian Collared-Dove (5056), Inca Dove (709), White-winged Dove (19,403), and Groove-billed Ani (2) populations declined. These low numbers aren’t a one-time dip due to circumstances this yr. It’s a continuation of a number of years of low numbers.
Owls – Nighthars: 3 species growing, 2 lowering and 5 steady. It is a difficult group of species to observe as a result of most survey exercise must be at evening.
Swifts – Hummingbirds: 1 species elevated (RTHU) and 6 had been steady. 158 people had been reported with solely half having minimal types of documentation (intercourse id).
Kingfishers – Woodpeckers: 2 species growing, 4 lowering and 11 steady. Ringed (38), Belted (1035), and Inexperienced kingfishers (72), and Golden-fronted Woodpecker (1555), declined. Kingfishers as a bunch have been doing effectively previous to this season.
Falcons: Populations of all species of Falcons have been comparatively steady with solely the Peregrine (72) occurring decrease than regular the final 3 years.
Parakeet – Flycatchers: 4 species growing, 8 lowering and 6 steady. The Least Flycatcher (27) was the one recurrently occurring species to extend. Monk (573) and Inexperienced (365) parakeets, Crimson-crowned Parrot (122), Japanese Phoebe (5676), and Vermilion (290), Ash-throated (8), and Scissor-tailed (27) flycatcher populations had been beneath common. The declining flycatcher populations may nonetheless be coping with points recovering from Winter Storm Uri. Japanese Phoebe had dropped from a median of 7253 within the decade previous to Uri to 3520 the yr following. The Guadalupe River Delta tried to offer the species a rebound this season by reporting 918, however the remainder of Texas may solely provide you with 4758 leaving the species 1577 beneath common.
Shrikes – Vireos: 2 species growing, and 4 steady. The three Plumbeous Vireos at 2 CBCs had been a nice shock.
Corvids: 2 growing and eight steady. The Headliner for corvids is the primary invasion of Pinon Jays (106) for the reason that 103rd CBC season. All different species had been at regular ranges.
Horned Lark – Swallows: 1 lowering and 4 steady. Tree Swallow (1232) was the one species beneath common. I used to be afraid that Winter Storm Uri killed many of the wintering Cave Swallows which are likely to roost in outdated swallow nests throughout winter and have been identified to die throughout weeklong freeze occasions. CBCs reported 502 final season and 794 this season assuaging fears.
Chickadees – Kinglets: 7 species growing, 3 lowering and 14 steady. Small irruption of Juniper Titmouse (14) made it to the CBCs for the 1st time in 4 years regardless of Guadalupe Mountains CBC being absent. Rock (144), Canyon (150), Pacific (1), Winter (210), and Carolina (5806) wrens, and Golden-crowned Kinglet (1939) had been all above common. Verdin (184), Cactus Wren (80), and Black-tailed Gnatcatcher (11) declined.
Bluebirds – Mockingbird: 3 species growing, 3 declining and eight steady. Townsend’s Solitaire and Clay-colored Thrush numbers elevated, and sure nonetheless feeling the results of Winter Storm Uri, Japanese Bluebird (4712), Brown Thrashers (227), and Northern Mockingbird (8007) populations had been beneath the 10-year common.
Starling – Longspurs: 3 species lowering and 5 steady. European Starling (36,555) and Sprague’s Pipit (59) had been at half of their common whereas Thick-billed Longspur (26) was at 6%. The remaining species had common numbers.
Sprague’s Pipit CBC tallies have declined from the 1960’s till mid 1990’s the place they appeared to have leveled off. We posted a file excessive tally for the last decade in the course of the 121st season (168). A low tally of 38 within the 122nd season following Winter Storm Uri and Extreme-Excessive Drought on the breeding grounds. The 59 this season was higher than final.
Warblers: Texas reported 21 species of warblers. Guadalupe River Delta CBC and San Bernard N.W.R. CBC had been the highest counts for warblers with 11 species every. Brazoria, Corpus Christi, Freeport, and Matagorda County CBCs had 10 every. 5 species had been reported growing, 4 lowering and 12 steady. Prothonotary (1) and Hooded (1) warblers, Tropical Parula (4), and Yellow (24) and Wilson’s (134) warblers had been above common.
Ovenbird (1), Orange-crowned (2441), Yellow-throated (21) and Black-throated Inexperienced (8) warblers had been beneath common.
Seedeater – Towhee: The highest CBCs for this grouping of species had been the Davis Mountains (21) adopted by Balcones Canyonlands (19), and Balmorhea and Fort Hood (18). 4 species elevated, 11 decreased and 17 had been steady this season. Sparrow populations have been trending downward for five years. American Tree (52), Black-chinned (27), and Swamp (2799) sparrows, and Noticed Towhee (1144) bucked this development, however they had been within the minority. Grasshopper (123), Nelson’s (48), Chipping (8285), Black-throated (327), and Lark (472) sparrows, Darkish-eyed Junco (4133), Vesper (1829) and Lincoln’s (2024) sparrows, Canyon Towhee (120), and Rufous-crowned Sparrow (134) populations decreased. The populations of the remaining 17 species had been steady.
Tanagers – Dickcissel: 1 species growing, 1 lowering and seven steady. Painted Bunting (5) numbers elevated, and Pyrrhuloxia (222) decreased.
Meadowlarks – Orioles: 3 species growing, 3 lowering and 11 steady. Crimson-winged (2,363,275) and Yellow-headed (17,023) blackbirds, and Altamira Orioles (110) elevated. Widespread (16,251), Boat-tailed (2991), and Nice-tailed (71,485) grackles decreased.
Home Finch – Home Sparrow: 4 species elevated, 1 decreased and 5 species remained steady. Cassin’s Finch (33), Crimson Crossbill (80), Night Grosbeak (6), and Scaly-breasted Munia (139) populations elevated. American Goldfinch (8088) declined. Crimson Crossbills had been a part of the montane invasion they usually had been reported at 4 CBCs. The 56 at El Paso, 22 at McNary, and the 1 at Balmorhea had been anticipated websites, however the 1 at San Marcos was a shock. Scaly-breasted Munia have been labeled as established and now will be added to species tallies in Texas.
Inhabitants Tendencies Slideshow
Most Widespread Birds
Twenty-one species occurred on a minimum of 100 of the 116 CBCs. The Mourning Dove occurred on all 116, Northern Mockingbird and Northern Cardinal occurred on 114, American Kestrel in 113, Crimson-tailed Hawk in 112, Ruby-crowned Kinglet in 110, Nice Blue Heron occurred on 107, White-winged Dove and American Robin in 106, Killdeer and Crimson-winged Blackbird 105, American Goldfinch and Home Sparrow 104, American Coot, Savannah and Lincoln’s sparrows 102, Pied-billed Grebe, Eurasian Collared Dove, and Track Sparrow 101, and Japanese Phoebe and Loggerhead Shrike 100.
Pictures
There was a 28% improve of pictures (454) acquired to doc 224 species. I used 42 of those pictures from 26 CBCs on this report. I encourage compilers to submit pictures of birds reported on their CBC. I would like extra pictures for documenting uncommon species. I additionally use pictures of frequent species like Loggerhead Shrike, Japanese Bluebird, and Sprague’s Pipit to assist inform the story of inhabitants tendencies of many species that aren’t uncommon.
. . . . .
We reported this season on 82 species whose populations had been declining and 69 growing on this decade. What is going to occur subsequent yr? Be part of us in the course of the subsequent CBC Season to seek out out.
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