1992 Annual Report
Texas Bird Records Committee Report for 1992
Carl B. Haynie
908 Cottonwood Trail, Benbrook, Texas 76126
This report contains the decisions of the Texas Bird Records Committee (hereafter "TBRC" or "committee") of the Texas Ornithological Society reached during 1992. For information on previous actions of the TBRC, see Arnold (1984, and 1985), Lasley (1988, 1989, 1990, 1991), and Haynie (1992). The TBRC requests and reviews documentation on any record of a Texas Review Species (see end of report) as well as any record of any species if requested to do so by a member of the TBRC. Some of the records submitted to the TBRC during 1992 were gleaned from old American Birds or Christmas Bird Count files; thus some portion of the work of the committee during 1992 was to catch up on older records. The TBRC reached a final decision on 166 records during 1992: 126 records of 51 species were accepted and 40 records of 36 species were not accepted, an acceptance rate of 76% for this report. There were 187 observers who submitted documentation (to the TBRC or to other entities) that was reviewed by the committee during 1992.
This report officially adds 3 species to the Texas state list: Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Tufted Flycatcher, and Bohemian Waxwing. The latter species was elevated from the Presumptive Species List (see end of report) when photographs were recently uncovered and the submitted record was accepted. During 1992, the committee also accepted a sight record of Berylline Hummingbird. As a result, this previously unrecorded species constituted a new addition to the Presumptive Species List. The above actions brought the official Texas state list at the end of 1992 to 585 species in good standing. And with the removal of Bohemian Waxwing and the addition of Berylline Hummingbird, the official Presumptive Species List remained at 4 species. There were several records that will complete circulation through the TBRC in 1993 that will represent new Texas species.
The TBRC solicits reports of any species on the Review List as well as any species not previously accepted for Texas. We desire written descriptions as well as photographs and tape recordings if available. If anyone has information concerning a Review Species but is unsure how to submit that information please contact any member of the TBRC or contact the committee secretary, Greg Lasley, 305 Loganberry Court, Austin, Texas 78745-6527. For guidelines on preparing rare bird documentation, readers are encouraged to review "How to Document Rare Birds" (Dittmann and Lasley 1992).
The records in this report are arranged taxonomically following The AOU Checklist of North American Birds (AOU 1983) as currently supplemented. A number in parentheses after the species name represents the total number of accepted records in Texas for that species at the end of 1992. In instances where birds were known to return from previous years, this number will be followed by a slash and a second number. The second number denotes the total number of accepted records if returnees are excluded. The number(s) will be listed for all Review Species, but not for certain other species (see end of report). Within each species the records are listed chronologically. All observers who submitted written documentation or photos of accepted records are listed by initials. There has been no attempt to list all observers who saw a particular bird. The TBRC file number of each accepted record will follow the observers' initials. This number consists of the year the record was originally submitted to the committee followed by a dash then a number. If photos are on file with the TBRC, the Texas Photo Record File (TPRF) (Texas A&M University) number is also given. If a tape recording of the bird is on file with the TBRC, the Texas Bird Sounds Library (TBSL) (Sam Houston State University) number is also given. Specimen records are denoted with an asterisk (*) followed by the institution where the specimen is housed and the catalog number if available. The information in each account is usually based on the information provided in the original submitted documentation; however, in some cases we have supplemented this with a full range of dates the bird(s) was present if that information was made available to us later. All locations in italics are counties.
TBRC Membership. -- Members of the TBRC during 1992 who participated in decisions listed in this report are: Ted Eubanks, Chairman, Keith Arnold, Academician, Greg Lasley, Secretary, John Arvin, Carl Haynie, Jim Morgan, Chuck Sexton, Bret Whitney, David Wolf, and Barry Zimmer. During 1992, Jim Morgan and Ted Eubanks retired from the committee, Barry Zimmer was elected to a second term, and David Wolf was elected as a new member.
Contributors. -- Lynne Aldrich, Tony Amos, Ben Archer, Nanette Armstrong, Rich Armstrong, John Arvin, Ann Atkins, Mike Austin, Alma Barrera, Lorraine Bartlett, Bob Behrstock (BBe), Anne Bellamy (ABe), Charles Bender, Steve Bentsen, Peter Billingham, Nancy Bird, Gene Blacklock, Dave Blankenship (DBl), Beth Blount, Doug Booher (DBo), David Bradford, Charles Brown (CBr), Kelly Bryan, John Buckman, Frank Bumgardner, Harold Burgess, Beth Caldwell, Dawn Carrie, Mike Champagne (MCh), Allan Chaney (ACh), Mary Ann Chapman, R. D. Coggeshall (RDC), Sherry Collins, Arlie Cooksey, Mel Cooksey (MeC), Marion Corder (MCo), Jim Culbertson, Pat Culbertson, David Dauphin, Paul DeBenedictis, Jack Dennett (JDe), Sandy Dillard, Larry Ditto, Jon Dunn, Barbara Duplisea, Charles Easley, Kim Eckert, Tom Edwards, Victor Emanuel, Ted Eubanks (TEu), Mike Farmer, Shawneen Finnegan, Don Francis, Phyllis Frank, Tony Frank, Brush Freeman, Karen Galley, Tony Gallucci, Hugh Garnett, John Gee (JGe), Brian Gibbons, Jeff Gordon, Peter Gottschling, Martha Grace (MGr), Mary Gustafson, Paul Haddox (PaH), Bruce Hallet (BHa), Laurens Halsey, Robert Hanson, Peggy Harding, Tyrrell Harvey, Vicki Hatfield, Steve Hawkins, Carl Haynie, Harold Hedges, Linda Hedges (LHe), Dick Heller, Rhandy Helton, Kelly Himmel, Buddy Hollis, P. D. Hulce (PDH), Joe Ideker, Pete Isleib, George Jury, Greg Keiran, John Kendall (JKe), Laura Kickline, Kirke King, Jeff Kingery, Jane Kittleman (JaK), Ed Kutac, Leon Lalonde, H. P. Langridge, Greg Lasley, Paul Lehman (PLe), Mark Lockwood, Sue Lower, Gail Diane Luckner (GDL), Phyllis Lund, Guy Luneau (GLu), Art MacKinnon, Michael Manson, Curtis Marantz, Terry Massey, David Matson, Brad McKinney, John Messerly (JMe), Dorothy Metzler, Kip Miller, G. Scott Mills (GSM), Pete Moore, Arnold Moorhouse (AMo), Jim Morgan, Elaine Morman, Jack Morman (JMo), Gretchen Mueller, John Muldrow (JMu), Derek Muschalek (DMu), Kenneth Nanney, John O'Brien, Mitchell Oliphant, Brent Ortego, Max Parker (MaP), Michael Patterson (MiP), Dick Payne, Bruce Peterjohn, Jim Peterson, James Phelps (JPh), Tom Pincelli, Maxwell Pons, Joyce Porter (JPo), Charles Potter, Barbara Potthast, Warren Pulich, James Quinn, Christopher Raithel, Ross Rasmussen, Martin Reid, Barbara Ribble, John Ribble, Debra Richards, Don Richardson (DRi), Jan Risser (JaR), Will Risser, Phil Rostron, Edward Rozenburg, Ken Russell, Willie Sekula, Jeff Selleck (JSe), Chuck Sexton, Cliff Shackelford (CSh), Carleton Shead (CaS), Shirley Shead, David Sibley (DSi), J. W. Sifford (JWS), David Simon, Lawrence R. Smith, John Sproul, Ed Stackpoole, Roger Steed, Darleen Stevens (DSt), Elton Stilwell (ESt), Leon Strickland, Glenn Swartz, Paul Sykes, Delbert Tarter, Stiles Thomas, Charles Thompson, John Trochet, Thea Ulen, Richard Uzar, Rob Van Zandt, Eric Vanderwerf, Matt White (MWh), Bret Whitney (BWh), Jana & John Whittle (J&JW), Burr Williams, Frances Williams, David Wolf, Mimi Wolf, Gary Woods, Shirley Wright, Mark Wynja (MWy), Barry Zimmer, Kevin Zimmer, and Dale Zimmerman.
Acknowledgments. -- The TBRC is very grateful to the many contributors listed above, without whom this report would not be possible. We would also like to offer our sincere thanks to the following consultants who provided the TBRC with expert opinion, advice, or other information concerning records reviewed during 1992: David Ainley, Harold Burgess, Roger Clapp, Steve Howell, Kenn Kaufman, Dave Lee, Guy McCaskie, Burt L. Monroe, Will Russell, Dave Stejskal, the Trumpeter Swan Society, and Kevin Zimmer. The author would also like to thank Greg Lasley for reviewing the draft of this article and for making several helpful comments and suggestions.
Additional Abbreviations. -- AB = American Birds magazine; BBNP = Big Bend National Park; GMNP = Guadalupe Mountains National Park; LSUMZ = Louisiana State University Museum of Zoology; NWR = National Wildlife Refuge; SP = State Park; TCWC = Texas Cooperative Wildlife Collection (Texas A&M University); sp. = species; UTC = Upper Texas Coast.
Accepted Records
Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata) (15). One was photographed on Lake O' The Pines, Marion during its stay 1 January - 19 February 1992 (KN, RR, BG, GLu, CH; 1992-7, TPRF #1021).
Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica) (33). One was on Lake Sam Rayburn, San Augustine from 12-18 March 1991 (DW, NB; 1991-57). At least four were on Offat's Bayou, Galveston from 16 March - 25 April 1991 (CH, JA; 1991-39). One was photographed on Lake Worth, Tarrant during its stay 4-7 January 1992 (MR, CH; 1992-9, TPRF #1022).
Greater Shearwater (Puffinus gravis) (4). One was picked up dead on the Gulf side of Padre Island, Kleberg in mid August 1980 following Hurricane Allen. This specimen was originally mislabeled as a jaeger (GB, GL, CS; 1991-12, *WWF #2270, TPRF #949).
Sooty Shearwater (Puffinus griseus) (5). One was picked up still alive on the beach at Padre Island, Kleberg on 12 May 1990, but it died 3 days later (ACh, GL, CS; 1991-11, *WWF #2402, TPRF #939). One was found dead near San Luis Pass, Brazoria on 2 January 1991 (TH, TEu, CM; 1991-45, *LSUMZ #151916, TPRF #988).
Audubon's Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri) (10). One unusually dark-mantled individual was picked up still alive in Port Aransas, Nueces on 23 July 1990, but it died several days later (TA, GL; 1990-158, *TCWC #12499, TPRF #938).
Leach's Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) (5). One was 36 miles east southeast of Port Aransas, Nueces on 1 June 1991 (CS, PR, RA, NA; 1991-69). One was 52 miles east of Port Aransas on 15 June 1991 (MA, TF, PF, WS; 1991-78).
Band-rumped Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma castro) (7). One was 52 miles east of Port Aransas, Nueces on 15 June 1991 (MA, CS, PF, TF, PG; 1991-79).
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) (21). One was at Anahuac NWR, Chambers from 10-18 March 1991 (MA, CH; 1991-31). Up to four were on West Galveston Island, Galveston from 7 April - 18 May 1991 (TEu, MeC; 1991-73). One was near Anahuac NWR, Chambers on 19 April 1991 (TEu, JM; 1991-58). One was in McAllen, Hidalgo from 30 April - 1 May 1991 (JA, PLe, JD; 1991-54). One was photographed at Mitchell Lake in San Antonio, Bexarduring its stay 5 May - 2 June 1991 (WS, GL, CB, JMu, FB; 1991-55, TPRF #1018). A photo of this bird was published in AB 45:512. One was photographed in Dallas, Dallas during its stay 21 July - 15 August 1991 (CH, BG, PB; 1991-92, TPRF #987). One was photographed in east Fort Worth, Tarrant during its stay 8-11 August 1991 (MR, MiP, RDC, CH; 1991-104, TPRF #1016). One was near High Island, Galveston on 23 August 1991 (DW; 1991-116). One was at Brazoria NWR, Brazoria on 15 December 1991 (PDH, DF; 1992-3).
Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (2). One immature was photographed below Falcon Dam, Starr during its stay 28 December 1989 - 14 January 1990 (MCo, CT, PI, HB, CS, JMu; 1990-9, TPRF #936).
Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) (11). One was in Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches on 20 January 1991 (DW, CSh; 1991-33). One was outside Laguna Atascosa NWR, Cameron from 27 January - 3 February 1991 (JMe, VH, DMu, TU; 1991-34).
Barrow's Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) (2). One adult male was in LaPorte, Harris from 3-31 December 1991 (LL, BH, GDL, TF, PF, MA, RV, GL, JD, LA, DF; 1991-140, TPRF #1006). Photographs of this bird, only the second record for Texas, were published in AB 46:1036.
Masked Duck (Oxyura dominica) (13). Five were photographed at Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo on 3 April 1976 (JA; 1991-100, TPRF #997). One was near Mission, Hidalgo on 14 July 1991 (TG; 1991-129).
Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa) (13). At least four were at Maner Lake, Brazoria on 22 December 1972 (PD; 1991-103). One adult was photographed at Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo in July 1975 (JA; 1991-96, TPRF #1010).
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata) (1). One breeding-plumaged adult was seen by over 100 observers in east Fort Worth, Tarrant on 17 & 18 May 1991 (MR, RDC, CH, CS, GL, JWS, CE, JMu, LH, KN; 1991-56, TPRF #993). A photo of this bird, a first record for Texas, was published in AB 45:512.
Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima) (10). One to two were photographed in Freeport, Brazoria from 16 December 1990 - 25 April 1991 (JM, TEu, GL, CS, DD, CH, PF, TF; 1990-154, TPRF #947). One was photographed at Boca Chica, Cameron during its stay 28 February - 10 March 1991 (BZ, PM, BM; 1991-41, TPRF #986). A photo of this bird was published in AB 45:341.
Red Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicaria) (19). One to two were photographed in Austin, Travis 25-29 September 1980 (GL; 1991-18, TPRF #943). One was in San Antonio, Bexar on 6 May 1984 (WS; 1991-99). One was photographed in San Antonio on 13 September 1987 (ML; 1991-29, TPRF #946). One was photographed in El Paso, El Paso during its stay 3-5 October 1988 (BZ; 1991-28, TPRF #953). Up to three were photographed in El Paso 17 September - 3 October 1991 (BZ, JS; 1991-123, TPRF #990). One was photographed in east Fort Worth,Tarrant during its stay 20-22 September 1991 (JWS, JP, CH, PB, RDC; 1991-124, TPRF #1025). One was at Hagerman NWR, Grayson on 2 November 1991 (RR; 1991-149).
Little Gull (Larus minutus) (13). One adult was at Lake Ray Hubbard, Dallas on 25 November 1990 (BG, PB; 1990-146). One adult was at Lake Waco, McLennan from 16 December 1990 - 24 January 1991 (JMu; 1991-20). One adult was in east Fort Worth, Tarrant on 14 March 1991 (MR; 1991-42). One adult was at Lake Waco from 1 December 1991 - 10 January 1992 (JMu, CS, GDL, FB; 1991-146).
Common Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) (4). One adult was at Lake Waco, McLennan from 11 December 1990 - 12 January 1991 (AC, MeC, JMu; 1991-21).
Mew Gull (Larus canus) (3). One first-winter bird was photographed at Calaveras Lake, Bexar during its stay 10 December 1990 - 7 January 1991 (WS, BWh, GL, FB; 1990-153, TPRF #942). A photo of this bird was published in AB 45:290.
California Gull (Larus californicus) (17). One adult was photographed at the Fort Bliss Sewage Ponds, El Paso on 26 May 1987 (BZ; 1991-125, TPRF #991). One first-winter bird was photographed at Calaveras Lake, Bexar on 15 March 1991 (WS; 1991-44, TPRF #979).
Thayer's Gull (Larus thayeri) (16). One first-winter bird was photographed at the Brownsville City Landfill, Cameronon 18 March 1983 (JA; 1991-23, TPRF #944). One first-winter bird was photographed at Brownsville on 4 January 1991 (JD; 1991-26, TPRF #996). One adult was photographed at High Island, Galveston on 21 April 1991 (MR, PR, JM, TEu; 1991-47, TPRF #1004).
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) (49/38). A third-winter bird was photographed in the town of South Padre Island, Cameron on 10 December 1981 (JA; 1991-95, TPRF #1009). One adult was photographed at High Island,Galveston on 20 April 1990 (KZ; 1992-16, TPRF #982). One third-year bird was photographed on Lake Balmorhea, Reeves during its stay 29 November - 3 December 1990 (PC, JC, ML, FW; 1992-14, TPRF #985). It provided a first record for west Texas. A third-winter bird was at Aransas NWR, Aransas on 2 January 1991 (JMu, FB; 1991-22). Two adults and an immature were photographed at the Brownsville City Landfill, Cameron from 4 January 1991 "into" February (JO, BM; 1991-16, TPRF #999). One adult was photographed at Port Isabel,Cameron on 25 February 1991 (VE, GL, PM; 1991-24, TPRF #945). A second- or third-year bird was photographed at Port Aransas, Nueces on 10 April 1991 (TA; 1991-81, TPRF #1008). A second-winter bird was photographed at the Brownsville City Landfill on 27 November 1991 (MR; 1992-1, TPRF #1017). The Mustang Island bird, documented since 1983, returned in both 1991 and 1992.
Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (47). One third-year bird was on Bolivar Flats, Galveston on 12 May 1973 (DW; 1991-37). One first-winter bird was on West Galveston Island, Galveston from 2 February - 2 March 1986 (JB, DD, DR, AM, JKe; 1991-119). One second-winter bird was photographed at the Brownsville City Landfill,Cameron on 12 March 1990 (JG, MGr; 1991-9, TPRF #941). One first-winter bird was photographed in Austin,Travis on 1 December 1990 (RA, NA, JR, BR; 1991-2, TPRF #940). One second-winter bird was photographed at Port Aransas, Nueces on 17 December 1990 (TA; 1991-98, TPRF #1012). One second-winter bird was photographed at the Brownsville City Landfill during its stay 4 January - 23 February 1991 (JD, JO, BM; 1991-17, TPRF #1002). One first-winter bird was at Freeport, Brazoria from 16-19 March 1991 (JWS, CH, DB; 1991-38). One first-winter bird was photographed on Bolivar Flats on 19 April 1991 (MO; 1991-64, TPRF #1024). One first-winter bird was at High Island, Galveston on 21 April 1991 (JM, TEu; 1991-59).
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) (15/11). One adult was photographed on Mustang Island, Nueces during its stay 11 November 1991 - 23 January 1992 (MeC, AC, DP, TA, GS, DB; 1991-136, TPRF #1028).
Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) (33). Unless otherwise noted, all birds were in first-winter plumage. One was at Lake Pat Cleburne, Johnson from 27 December 1965 - 2 March 1966 (LS, WP; 1991-141). One was at Texas City, Galveston from 4-18 January 1987 (DRi, JB, DD; 1991-117). One was at White Rock Lake, Dallas on 11 November 1990 (CP; 1990-161). One was in Galveston Harbor, Galveston on 29 November 1990 (JaR, WR; 1990-162). One was photographed at Port Aransas, Nueces on 7 December 1990 (TA; 1991-97, TPRF #1011). One was at Freeport, Brazoria on 16 December 1990 (DD; 1990-160). One was photographed at Boca Chica,Cameron on 4 January 1991 (JD; 1991-27, TPRF #975). One in transition to first-summer plumage was at Bolivar Flats, Galveston on 28 April 1991 (BG, PB; 1991-60). One was at Calaveras Lake, Bexar on 28 & 29 October 1991 (WS; 1991-130). One was in El Paso, El Paso on 14 November 1991 (BZ; 1992-8). One was at Lake Balmorhea, Reeves on 30 November 1991 (MWh, BG; 1991-143). One was at Freeport on 15 December 1991 (DD; 1992-5). One was at Rollover Pass, Galveston on 22 December 1991 (MA; 1991-148).
Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini) (24). Two juvenal plumaged birds were photographed at Lake Balmorhea, Reevesduring their stay 25-29 September 1991 (ML; 1991-126, TPRF #992). A photo of one of these birds was published in AB 46:120. One juvenal plumaged bird was at Braunig Lake in San Antonio, Bexar from 31 October - 7 November 1991 (WS, GL, CS, TF, PF; 1991-131).
Bridled Tern (Sterna anaethetus) (7). Between 13 and 20 were found, and several were photographed, 42.5 miles east southeast of Port Aransas, Nueces on 1 June 1991 (CS, PR; 1991-70, TPRF #995).
Mangrove Cuckoo (Coccyzus minor) (5). One was at Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo on 26 & 27 August 1982 (JA, TP; 1991-142). One was at Laguna Atascosa NWR, Cameron on 11 June 1991 (BA, DBo, LK; 1991-80).
Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) (11). One was photographed in the Davis Mountains, Jeff Davis 3-4 June 1991 (ML; 1991-84, TPRF #976).
Green Violet-ear (Colibri thalassinus) (12). One was photographed in a backyard in San Benito, Cameron on 21 April 1991 (SB; 1991-68, TPRF #980). One was photographed at a feeder in Helotes, Bexar on 21 May 1991 (SS, CaS; 1991-89, TPRF #977).
Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris) (10). One was in BBNP, Brewster on 18 May 1991 (ML; 1991-90).
White-eared Hummingbird (Hylocharis leucotis) (3). One was photographed near Rio Grande City, Starr during its stay 14-16 July 1990 (LD, DH, DBl; 1991-76, TPRF #973). It provided a very unusual lowland record for this species. One was in GMNP, Culberson on 7 June 1991 (MR, GK, MiP; 1991-88).
Tufted Flycatcher (Mitrephanes phaeocercus) (1). One was taped, photographed, and seen by many in BBNP,Brewster from 3 November 1991 - 17 January 1992 (BD, JPh, BZ, CH, CS, MA, TF, PF, JD, GL, JMo, EM, BHa, EV, KB, MeC, AC, MaP, ML, JDe, MG, JMu, FB, PG; 1991-132, TPRF #1000, TBSL #203-08). Photographs documenting this first record for the United States were published in AB 46:167 and 46:1036. Also see Zimmer and Bryan (1993).
Greater Pewee (Contopus pertinax) (2). One was in San Antonio, Bexar on 7 April 1991 (GSM; 1991-62). As was the case for the only other accepted record in Texas (in Big Spring), this bird was far from favorable habitat.
Dusky-capped Flycatcher (Myiarchus tuberculifer) (4). One was photographed and tape recorded in BBNP,Brewster on 6 May 1991 (CS; 1991-52, TPRF #1005, TBSL #203-07). Up to two birds were photographed and taped on Mt. Livermore, Jeff Davis 4-19 June 1991 (GL, JP, KB, ML; 1991-74, TPRF #1020, TBSL #208-02). One was in BBNP on 6 September 1991 (JGe; 1991-122). More than a dozen unsubmitted reports of this species exist (mostly from BBNP).
Brown-crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus tyrannulus). One was photographed in Freeport, Brazoria on 15 December 1991 (JM, BBe, GM; 1992-6, TPRF #1019). This is not a review species, but given its rarity at this location (only the second UTC record), its review was requested.
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (2). Two to five birds have been present off and on in Brownsville,Cameron since 9 February 1991 when two were photographed and taped (DSi, JK, GL, PLe, SF, SH, PF, TF, BM, DB, JA, JMu, TG, FB, MeC, AC, GDL; 1991-15, TPRF #998, TBSL #203-05). The only other accepted record for Texas is of a specimen taken in 1909.
Thick-billed Kingbird (Tyrannus crassirostris) (10). Up to two birds were photographed and tape recorded at Cottonwood campground, BBNP, Brewster 23 April - 26 July 1991 (CS, ESt, MeC, AC, GW, HH, LHe, ABe, GL, PLe; 1991-51, TPRF #989, TBSL #203-06). One was at Rio Grande Village, BBNP from 25 May to early June 1991 (PR, MCh, KM, JSe, JPo; 1991-77).
Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana) (7). One was photographed near Gilchrist, Galveston during its stay 23-25 April 1991 (MWy, JMu, JA, FB; 1991-66, TPRF #1001). A photo of this bird was published in AB 45:472.
Rose-throated Becard (Pachyramphus aglaiae) (10). A pair was at Anzalduas Park, Hidalgo from 14-28 June 1972 (JA; 1991-105, TPRF #1013). They nested and returned there in 1973 ("summer") and 1974 (15 June - 5 July 1974). Two were at Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo in June 1975 and returned there during the "summer" of 1976 (JA; 1991-106, TPRF #1014).
Clay-colored Robin (Turdus grayi) (40/35). Up to four birds were at Anzalduas Park, Hidalgo from 12 June 91 - July 1992 (BA, JaR, WR, TP, JaK, MeC, AC, PLe, JA, MM; 1991-93). One was at Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo from 30 November 1991 - 31 December 1991 (JG, JI; 1992-2).
Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius) (12). One was picked up dead in Los Fresnos, Cameron on 28 October 1990 (AMo; 1991-53, *LSUMZ #151912, TPRF #981). One was in Smith Point, Chambers from 22 February - 3 March 1991 (WR, JaR, DB, RU, PDH, PF, TF, J&JW; 1991-26).
Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) (3). One was photographed in Lubbock, Lubbock during its stay 18 December 1977 - 19 March 1978 (GJ, DSt; 1991-43, TPRF #978). These recently uncovered photographs were enough to elevate the species to full status on the Texas list. As a result, the two other records of this species, formerly categorized as "accepted presumptive species," now share full status as well.
Yellow-green Vireo (Vireo flavoviridis) (6). One to two birds were at Laguna Atascosa NWR, Cameron from 11 May - 13 July 1991 (TF, PF, TG; 1991-85). This species is often reported but seldom well-documented in Texas.
Black-whiskered Vireo (Vireo altiloquus) (7). One was in Brownsville, Cameron on 25 May 1991 (RR, MWh; 1991-65). One was at High Island, Galveston on 23 & 24 August 1991 (DW; 1991-112).
Red-faced Warbler (Cardellina rubrifrons) (8). One was photographed in BBNP, Brewster on 17 August 1991 (ML; 1991-113, TPRF #1015).
Henslow's Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowsii) (14). One was in Freeport, Brazoria from 18-26 December 1977 (SC, PaH, SW, AA, SD; 1991-111). One was in Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches from 14-16 December 1990 (DW, SL; 1990-159). One was photographed in Jones Creek, Brazoria during its stay 16 December 1990 - 17 March 1991 (MGr, JG, GL, CS, DMu, PDH, CH, LA, PF, TF; 1990-155, TPRF #948). One to three birds were photographed in Ore City, Upshur 31 December 1990 - 12 January 1991 (GLu, RR, MiP; 1991-7, TPRF #937). One to three birds were photographed at Smith Point, Chambers 24 February - 23 March 1991 (RU, PDH, CH, TEu; 1991-36, TPRF #1003). A photo of one of these birds was published in AB 45:473. One was near Lake Anahuac, Chambers on 26 November 1991 (GDL; 1991-138). Up to nine birds were in Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches from 13 December 1991 - 21 March 1992 (DW, MW, BG; 1991-147). One to three birds were photographed at Brazoria NWR, Brazoria 15 December 1991 - "mid" January 1992 (GL, CS, PDH, DF, JM; 1991-145, TPRF #994).
Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla) (10). One was photographed in Amarillo, Potter during its stay 2 December 1990 - 9 March 1991 (TM; 1991-40, TPRF #1023). One was at Apache Springs, El Paso on 31 December 1990 (JS; 1991-13). One was at GMNP, Culberson on 10 November 1991 (CP; 1991-135).
Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator) (4). One was outside Lewisville, Denton on 28 December 1990 (CBr; 1991-10).
Accepted Presumptive Species
Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) (5). One was seen at White River Lake, Crosby on 21 & 22 January 1978 (KH, DSt; 1990-11).
Berylline Hummingbird (Amazilia beryllina) (1). One was seen in the Chisos Mountains of BBNP, Brewster on 18 August 1991 (JT; 1991-121).
Unaccepted Records
A number of factors may contribute to a record being denied acceptance. It is quite uncommon for a record to not be accepted because the bird was obviously misidentified. More commonly, a record is denied acceptance because the material submitted to the TBRC was incomplete, insufficient, superficial, or just too vague to properly document the reported occurrence while eliminating all other similar species. Also, written documentation or descriptions prepared entirely from memory weeks, months, or years after a sighting are seldom voted on favorably. It is important that we stress here that the simple act of not accepting a particular record should by no means indicate that the TBRC or any of its members necessarily feels the record did not occur as reported. The non-acceptance of any record simply reflects the opinion of the TBRC that the documentation, as submitted, did not meet the rigorous standards appropriate for adding data to the formal historical record. The TBRC makes every effort to be as fair and objective as possible regarding each record. If the committee is unsure about any particular record, it prefers to err on the conservative side and not accept a good record rather than validate a bad one. All records, whether accepted or not, remain on file and can be re-submitted to the committee if additional substantive material is presented.
Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata). One to three birds (1991-67) on Lake Texoma, Grayson from 4 January - 31 March 1991.
Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica). Two (1990-140) at Offat's Bayou, Galveston on 29 April 1984.
Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps auritus). One (1991-144) on Lake Theo, Briscoe on 18 November 1991.
Cory's Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea). One (1989-237) off Port Aransas, Nueces on 4 November 1989. This species has been removed from the regular Review List, but documentation is still solicited (see end of report).
Audubon's Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri). One (1992-17) off South Padre Island, Cameron on 20 December 1991.
Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster). One (1990-147) off Matagorda, Matagorda on 21 April 1985.
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus). One (1991-72) in San Antonio, Bexar on 6 May 1991. This was considered to be a different individual than the one described by 1991-55.
Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata). Thirteen (1989-235) in Starr on 6 October 1989. This species has been removed from the regular Review List, but documentation is still solicited (see end of report).
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes). Four (1991-4) in Houston, Harris on 17 December 1988. Two (1991-46) at Anahuac NWR, Chambers on 3 March 1991.
White-cheeked Pintail (Anas bahamensis). One (1991-137) in Austin, Travis from 31 August - 5 September 1991. The origin of this bird was questioned especially when consideration was given to its odd plumage (probable hybridism).
Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope). One (1991-30) in Austin, Travis on 17 February 1991.
Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis). One (1991-8) in Taylor on 29 December 1990.
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata). One (1991-75) in Austin, Travis on 4 May 1991.
Parasitic Jaeger (Stercorarius parasiticus). One (1989-185) on South Padre Island, Cameron on 8 June 1989. Some argue that photos taken of this (possibly lost!) specimen are of a Long-tailed Jaeger, a much rarer species in Texas.
Skua species (Catharacta sp.). One (1991-48) on Sundown Island, Matagorda on 14 June 1984. Neither consultants nor committee members could agree whether the one slide available eliminated Pomarine Jaeger as a possibility.
Mew Gull (Larus canus). One (1991-139) at Brownsville, Cameron on 23 November 1991.
Thayer's Gull (Larus thayeri). One (1990-61) at Surfside, Brazoria on 8 February 1986.
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus). One (1990-115) near High Island, Jefferson-Galveston-Chambers on 31 March 1990.
Western Gull (Larus occidentalis). One (1990-149) at Lake Balmorhea, Reeves from 29 November - 3 December 1990. Photos revealed this to be a third-year Lesser Black-backed Gull (see
accepted record 1992-14 above).
Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus). One (1990-100) at Boca Chica, Cameron on 24 March 1981. One (1992-13) in Austin, Travis on 13 January 1992.
Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla). One (1990-50) off the Bolivar Ferry, Galveston on 20 January 1979.
Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii). One (1991-50) at Sabine Lake, Jefferson on 21 April 1991.
Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea). One (1991-71) off Port Aransas, Nueces on 1 June 1991.
Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus). One (1991-6) near Lake Fannin, Fannin on 19 December 1989.
Elegant Trogon (Trogon elegans). One (1990-97) in BBNP, Brewster from 24-28 November 1989.
Greater Pewee (Contopus pertinax). One (1990-123) in BBNP, Brewster on 5 May 1990.
Pacific-slope Flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis). One (1991-134) in BBNP, Brewster on 10 November 1991.
Bridled Titmouse (Parus wollweberi). One (1991-3) in BBNP, Brewster on 13 November 1990.
Aztec Thrush (Ridgwayia pinicola). One (1990-127) at Big Bend Ranch, Presidio on 13 May 1990.
Connecticut Warbler (Oporornis agilis). One (1991-35) in Zapata, Zapata on 20 February 1991. One (1991-87) in Corpus Christi, Nueces on 23 April 1991. One (1991-128) in Longview, Gregg on 12 October 1991.
Slate-throated Redstart (Myioborus miniatus). Two (1991-14) in BBNP, Brewster on 3 June 1990.
Blue Bunting (Cyanocompsa parellina). One (1991-32) at Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo on 24 January 1991.
White-collared Seedeater (Sporophila torqueola). One (1989-229) in El Paso, El Paso on 27 August 1989. This is not a review species but was requested for review by a TBRC member. Following 4 circulations, it was finally rejected at the annual meeting due to questions about origin. It was intriguing, however, that the bird's plumage fitted that of the west mexican race.
Henslow's Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii). One (1991-5) in Big Spring, Howard on 20 December 1988.
Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla). One (1991-102) in Del Rio, Val Verde on 29 December 1990.
Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator). One (1990-157) at Caprock Canyons SP, Briscoe on 11 December 1990.
Literature Cited
American Ornithologists Union. 1983. Checklist of North
American birds, 6th ed. American Ornith. Union, Baltimore, MD.
Arnold, K. A. 1984. Decisions of the T.O.S. Bird Records
Committee for 1984. Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 17(1&2):18-19.
------. 1985. Decisions of the T.O.S. Bird Records Committee
for 1985. Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 18(1&2):31-32.
Dittmann, D. L., and G. W. Lasley. 1992. How to document
rare birds. Birding 24:145-159.
Haynie, C. B. 1992. Texas Bird Records Committee Report for
1991. Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 25(1):2-12.
Lasley, G. W. 1988. Texas Bird Records Committee Report for
1987. Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 21(1&2):25-32.
------. 1989. Texas Bird Records Committee Report for 1988.
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 22(1&2):2-14.
------. 1990. Texas Bird Records Committee Report for 1989.
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 23(1&2):6-19.
------. 1991. Texas Bird Records Committee Report for 1990.
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 24(1):2-15.
Oberholser, H. C. 1974. The bird life of Texas. The
University of Texas Press, Austin.
Zimmer, B., and K. Bryan. 1993. First United States Record
of Tufted Flycatcher. Am. Birds 47:48-50.
TBRC Review List
The TBRC requests details, including descriptions and photos if possible, of all records of the following species.
Review List A. -- Rarities: These species, in general, include birds that have occurred four or fewer times per year anywhere in Texas over a ten-year average. The TBRC requests documentation for review for any new or any previously unsubmitted record of the below species no matter how long ago the record occurred. The TBRC also requests details on any record of a species not yet accepted on the Texas State List.
Red-throated Loon, Pacific Loon, Yellow-billed Loon, Yellow-nosed Albatross, White-chinned Petrel, Greater Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, Manx Shearwater, Audubon's Shearwater, Wilson's Storm-Petrel, Leach's Storm-Petrel, Band-rumped Storm-Petrel, Red-billed Tropicbird, Blue-footed Booby, Brown Booby, Red-footed Booby, Glossy Ibis, Jabiru, Greater Flamingo, Trumpeter Swan, Brant, American Black Duck, White-cheeked Pintail, Garganey, Eurasian Wigeon, Harlequin Duck, Barrow's Goldeneye, Masked Duck, Snail Kite, Northern Goshawk, Crane Hawk, Roadside Hawk, Short-tailed Hawk, Paint-billed Crake, Spotted Rail, Double-striped Thick-Knee, Northern Jacana, Eskimo Curlew, Surfbird, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Purple Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff, Red Phalarope, Long-tailed Jaeger, Little Gull, Common Black-headed Gull, Heermann's Gull, Mew Gull, California Gull, Thayer's Gull, Iceland Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Western Gull, Glaucous Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake, Sabine's Gull, Elegant Tern, Bridled Tern, Brown Noddy, Black Noddy, Ruddy Ground-Dove, Mangrove Cuckoo, Snowy Owl, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Mottled Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, White-collared Swift, Green Violet-ear, Mango species, Broad-billed Hummingbird, White-eared Hummingbird, Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird, Elegant Trogon, Lewis' Woodpecker, Ivory-billed Woodpecker (presumed extirpated in Texas), Greenish Elaenia, Tufted Flycatcher, Greater Pewee, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Tropical Kingbird, Thick-billed Kingbird, Gray Kingbird, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Rose-throated Becard, Masked Tityra, Gray-breasted Martin, Clark's Nutcracker, Black-billed Magpie, American Dipper, Clay-colored Robin, White-throated Robin, Rufous-backed Robin, Varied Thrush, Aztec Thrush, Black Catbird, Bohemian Waxwing, Gray Silky-flycatcher, Yellow-green Vireo, Black-whiskered Vireo, Yucatan Vireo, Connecticut Warbler, Gray-crowned Yellowthroat, Red-faced Warbler, Golden-crowned Warbler, Rufous-capped Warbler, Crimson-collared Grosbeak, Blue Bunting, Yellow-faced Grassquit, Baird's Sparrow, Henslow's Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Yellow-eyed Junco, Snow Bunting, Shiny Cowbird, Black-vented Oriole, Pine Grosbeak, White-winged Crossbill, Common Redpoll, Lawrence's Goldfinch.
Review List B. -- Species under special study by sub-committee of TBRC concerning their distribution and status in Texas: Records of these species will not be formally reviewed by the TBRC (except for winter Swainson's Hawk and Semipalmated Sandpiper records which will be reviewed), but documentation is requested to assist in these studies.
Clark's Grebe, Cory's Shearwater, Muscovy Duck, Common Black-Hawk, Swainson's Hawk (December-January), Aplomado Falcon (reintroduction program in progress), Semipalmated Sandpiper (December-January), Pomarine Jaeger, Parasitic Jaeger, Spotted Owl, Williamson's Sapsucker, Northern Shrike.
Presumptive Species List. -- The following is the official TBRC list of species for which written descriptions of sight records have been accepted by the TBRC but the species has not yet met the requirements for full acceptance on the Texas List (specimen, photo, or tape recording for at least one record).
Red-necked Grebe, White-crowned Pigeon, Berylline Hummingbird, Slate-throated Redstart.