1994 Annual Report

Texas Bird Records Committee Report for 1994

This report contains the decisions of the Texas Bird Records Committee (hereafter "TBRC" or "committee") of the Texas Ornithological Society reached during 1994. For information on previous actions of the TBRC, see Arnold (1984, 1985), Lasley (1988, 1989, 1990, 1991), and Haynie (1992a, 1992b, 1993). The committee requests and reviews documentation on any record of a TBRC Review List species (see end of report) as well as any record of any species if requested to do so by a member of the TBRC. The TBRC reached a final decision on 153 records during 1994: 102 records of 50 species were accepted and 51 records of 36 species were not accepted, an acceptance rate of 67% for this report. There were 192 observers who submitted documentation (to the TBRC or to other entities) that was reviewed by the committee during 1994.

This report does not add any new species to the official Texas state list. However, during 1994, the committee did accept a sight record of Crescent-chested Warbler. This previously unrecorded species constituted a new addition to the Presumptive Species List. Therefore, while the official Texas state list at the end of 1994 remained at 590 species in good standing, the addition of Crescent-chested Warbler brought the official Presumptive Species List to 5 species. At least two records which will complete circulation through the TBRC in 1995 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. The committee desires written descriptions as well as photographs, video, and audio recordings if available. If anyone has information concerning a Review List 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 consult "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 1994. 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 species which appear on Review List A as currently amended (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. If known, the initials of those who discovered a particular bird are in boldface but only if the discoverers submitted a description. 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 or video recordings are on file with the TBRC, the Texas Photo Record File (TPRF) (Texas A&M University) number is also given. If an audio 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 this information has been supplemented with a full range of dates the bird(s) was present if that information was made available to the TBRC later. All locations in italics are counties.

TBRC Membership. -- Members of the TBRC during 1994 who participated in decisions listed in this report are: John Arvin, Chair, Keith Arnold, Academician, Greg Lasley, Secretary, Carl Haynie, Martin Reid, Chuck Sexton, David Wolf, Gail Diane Yovanovich, and Barry Zimmer. During 1994, Martin Reid, who had been appointed one year before to fill the unexpired term of Bret Whitney, was elected to his first full three-year term, while Carl Haynie was elected to his second full term. Both the Academician and Secretary were re- elected.

Contributors. -- Tony Amos, Guy Alexander, Nanette Armstrong, Rich Armstrong, Mike Austin, Giff Beaton, Patricia Beecher (PBe), Jean Beck, Bob Behrstock (BBe), Dick Beverly (DBe), Peter Billingham, Nancy Bird, Lytle Blankenship, Terry Blankenship, Beth Blount, Hazel Bluhm (HBl), David Bradford (DaB), Martin Bray (MBr), Joan Brigham (JBr), Howard Brokaw, David Brotherton (DBr), Kelly Bryan, D. Bryant, Marge Bryant, John Buckman (JBu), Frank Bumgardner, Sheriton Burr, Caroline Callery, Cerise Cauthron (CCa), Bill Clark, George Clayton, Fred Collins, Arlie Cooksey, Mel Cooksey, Sanford Cooper (SCo), Sue Corson, David Curson, Carolyn & Ray Cuthbertson (C&RC), David Dauphin, Ariel Davila, Billy Deveturn, Jon Dunn, Bill & Laura Elliott (B&LE), Doug Emkalns, Marguerette Empie, Lily Engles, Jean Evans, Tom & Carol Fawcett (T&CF), Mike Farmer, Charles Fisher, Joe Fisher, Phyllis Frank, Tony Frank, Brush Freeman, Tony Gallucci, Red & Louise Gambill (R&LG), Hugh Garnett, Steve Gast, John Gee, Brian Gibbons (BGi), Jeff Gordon (JGo), Larry Gore, Peter Gottschling, Bill Graber, Nelson & Susan Greenlund (N&SG), Jane Hamilton, Peggy Harding, Dolores & Donald Harrington (D&DH), Pat Hartigan (PHa), George Harmon, Carl Haynie, Tom Hays, Petra Hockey (PHo), Buddy Hollis, Bob Honig (BHo), Eric Hopson, P.D. Hulce (PDH), Rosie & Harold Hurd (R&HH), Pete Isleib, Ann Johnson, Tom Johnson, Jane Jones, Ed & Debbie Kanze (E&DK), Greg Keiran, Richard Kinney, Jane Kittleman, Diana Koger, Kinki Koi, Jim Krakowski (JKr), H. P. Langridge (HPL), Greg Lasley, Paul Lehman, Leland Lemmons, Nick Lethaby, Keith Lockhart, Mark Lockwood, Bob Luckner, Bill Lukehart (BLu), Guy Luneau (GLu), Joan Luneau, Mike Manson, Curtis Marantz, Jim & Betsy Massey (J&BM), Beau Masters, David Matson, Guy McCaskie, Don & Joann Merritt (D&JM), John C. Miller (JCM), Charles Mills (CMi), Jim Morgan, Jack & Elaine Morman (J&EM), Elaine Morrall, John Muldrow (JMu), Ken Nanney, Coleman Newman, Bruce Neville, Michael Nickell, Andy O'Neil, R. L. Norris (RLN), Brent Ortego, Paul Palmer, Helen Parker, Max Parker (MPa), John Parmeter (JPa), Jim Paton, Mike Patterson, Becky Peplinski, John D. Peplinski (JDP), Kirk Prindle, Nick Pulcinella, Ross Rasmussen, James Reveley, Arthur Richard, Barbara Ribble, Lois Rice, Teresa Risdon, Don Roberson, Donna G. Robertson (DGR), Craig Roberts, Phil Rostron, William Rufe, Catherine Sandell (CSa), Paul Saraceni, Bobby Schat (BSc), Willie Sekula, Herschel Sessions, Chuck Sexton, J.W. Sifford (JWS), Richard C. Sims (RCS), Richard M. Sims (RMS), Al Smalley, Gwen Smalley, Gary D. Smith (GDS), Ruth Ann & Clyde Smith (R&CS), Tom Stehn, Darleen Stephens, Cliff Stogner (CSt), Dixie Stogner (DSt), Bob Stone, Byron Stone (BSt), Beverly Taylor, John Trochet, Robert Truss, Mary Ann Tucker (MAT), Allen Valentine, Beverly VanDyke, Ro Wauer, Jeffrey Webster, Matt White, John & Jana Whittle (J&JW), Sue Wiedenfeld, Harry Wilson, David Wolf, Mimi Wolf (MWo), Elizabeth Wolfe, Ronald Wolfe (RWo), Doris Wyman (DWy), Gail Diane Yovanovich (GDY), and Barry Zimmer.

Acknowledgments. -- The TBRC is very grateful to the many contributors listed above, without whom this report would not be possible. The committee 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 1994: Kelly Bryan, Roger Clapp, Bill Clark, Kimball Garrett, Dean Keddy-Hector, Dave Lee, Guy McCaskie, and Chuck Sexton. The author would especially like to thank Greg Lasley for reviewing a draft of this article.

Additional Abbreviations. -- AB = American Birds magazine; AFN = Audubon Field Notes; BBNP = Big Bend National Park; GMNP = Guadalupe Mountains National Park; NWR = National Wildlife Refuge; SNA = State Natural Area; SP = State Park; TCWC = Texas Cooperative Wildlife Collection (Texas A&M University).

Accepted Records

Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata) (22). Three were on Lake Murvaul, Panola on 27 December 1992 (KN; 1993-82). Up to three were photographed on Lake Texoma, Grayson during their stay 8 January - 14 March 1993 (HG; 1993-81, TPRF #1122). One was photographed on Lake Balmorhea, Reeves during its stay 26 November 1993 - 25 April 1994 (KB, GL, GDY, JG, CS, JBu; 1993- 150, TPRF #1202). One was on Imperial Reservoir, Pecos on 4 December 1993 (CH; 1994-8).

Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica) (42). One was at Goose Island SP, Aransas on 27 February 1993 (DW, JF; 1993-47). One was photographed on Braunig Lake, Bexar on 6 November 1993 (WS; 1993-138, TPRF #1176). One was on Lake O' the Pines, Marion from 13-14 November 1993 (GLu, DBr; 1993-147).

Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii) (3). One first-winter bird was photographed on Lake Balmorhea during its stay 25 November - 10 December 1993 before being found dead the afternoon of 10 December 1993 (JWS, GK, MP, DaB, JG, GL, GDY, CS, CH, PG, BN; 1993-149, TPRF #1201, *TCWC #13025). Examination of the specimen revealed the bird suffered from mycotic airsacculitis and pneumonia presumably brought on by a fungal related infection (Arnold). A photograph documenting this first record for the Trans-Pecos was published in AB 48:128.

Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) (9). One was photographed on Lake Tawakoni, Van Zandt during its stay 28 November 1993 - 5 March 1994 (RK, RR, PR, PH, HBl, GL, GH, PB, AV; 1993-155, TPRF #1204). A photograph of this bird was published in AFN 48:224.

Sooty Shearwater (Puffinus griseus) (9). One was picked up sick on Mustang Island, Nueces on 11 June 1993, but it never recovered (TA, GL; 1993-107, TPRF #1166, *TCWC #13000). One was found dead on Mustang Island, Nueces on 10 October 1993 (TA, GL; 1993-140, TPRF #1196, *TCWC #13001).

Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) (5). One exhausted bird was photographed on the beach on Mustang Island, Nueces on 21 June 1993 (WS, MC, AC; 1993-101, TPRF #1170). A photograph of this bird was published in AB 47:1125.

Blue-footed Booby (Sula nebouxii) (2). One exceedingly cooperative bird was seen and photographed at Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, Burnet/Llano by well over 5,000 observers during its long stay there 2 June 1993 - 6 October 1994 (MB, CS, JG, JMu, BF, BSt, J&EM, GDY, GS, AM, JBu, FB, GL, SB, GM; 1993-110, TPRF #1168). The bird, which would often rest on Marge Bryant's diving board in Granite Shoals, eventually left only to reappear at Lake Bastrop, Bastrop from 10 December 1994 - 12 April 1995. Photographs documenting this second record for Texas were published in AB 48:128, AB 48:161, and several local newspapers. Video was even shown on "The ABC Nightly News with Peter Jennings".

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) (35). Two were at Anahuac NWR, Chambers on 11 March 1993 (CM; 1993-45). One was photographed on West Galveston Island, Galveston during its stay 2 April - 1 July 1993 (TF, PF, CS, BSt, BBe; 1993-57, TPRF #1195). One was in south Jefferson on 18 April 1993 (CH; 1993-67). One was photographed at the Eagle Mountain Fish Hatchery, Tarrant during its stay 8-10 May 1993 (CH, TR; 1993- 78, TPRF #1121).

Brant (Branta bernicla) (9). One was collected by a hunter in east Waller in December 1983, but it wasn't until recently that photographs of the mounted specimen were reviewed by the committee and the record was accepted (LG, BHo, GDY; 1993-139; TPRF #1175, *private collection).

American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) (5). One was collected by a hunter at Smith Point, Chambers in December 1991, but it wasn't until recently that the specimen was carefully studied, photographs were reviewed by the committee, and the record was accepted (BM, GDY; 1994-15, TPRF #1197, *private collection). Based on research by Yovanovich, two of the previous four "accepted" Texas specimen records have come under suspicion of being A. rubripes x A. platyrhynchos hybrids or simply misidentified A. fulvigula. These records warrant further review by the committee.

Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) (15). One adult male was photographed at Fort Hancock, Hudspeth on 27 January 1993 (BZ; 1993-50, TPRF #1147). One adult male was at Fort Bliss, El Paso on 8 May 1993 (JP; 1993-98). One male and, possibly, one female were photographed in southeast Dallas during their stay 24-29 October 1993 (EW, CH, DaB, FB, JMu, J&EM; 1993-137, TPRF #1164).

Barrow's Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) (4/3). One adult male was on Lake O' the Pines, Marion from 19-21 November 1993 (SG, J&EM, LB; 1993-146).

Masked Duck (Oxyura dominica) (28). Unless otherwise noted, all birds were in "female" plumage. Up to thirty-seven were seen or photographed on the Welder Wildlife Refuge during their stay 8 October 1992 - 21 August 1993 (TB, GL, PP; 1993- 62, TPRF #1150). The latter, of which a photograph of four of the birds was published in AB 47:275, may have been the largest single gathering of Masked Ducks ever witnessed in the U.S. Up to two were photographed in Corpus Christi, Nueces during their stay 20 December 1992 to 1 January 1993 when one was found dead (PBe, MC, AC, HW; 1993-52, TPRF #1162, *TCWC #12926). Up to ten were at McFaddin NWR, Jefferson from 2 February - 26 May 1993 (JKr; 1993-88). One was in Riviera, Kleberg on 27 February 1993 (JGo; 1993-84). Up to four were photographed in Riviera from 11-14 March 1993 (CM, CCa, PP; 1993-46, TPRF #1155). Up to five were seen or photographed on the Laureles Division of the King Ranch, Kleberg from 12 March - 30 April 1993 (JGo, MF; 1993-85; TPRF #1138). At least twenty were seen or photographed on the Norias Division of the King Ranch, Kenedy from 5 April - 5 May 1993 (BZ, JGo, MF; 1993-79, TPRF #1117). A drake was captured, photographed, and released in Huntsville, Walker on 10 June 1993 (RM; 1993-103, TPRF #1169). Up to eight were seen or photographed in scattered locations south of Norias, Kenedy from 20 September 1993 - 15 April 1994 (BZ, AR, GDY, ML, SCo, DBe, GM, GL; 1993- 142, TPRF #1197).

Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis). This species is not on Review List A due to problems in distinguishing wild birds from reintroduced birds in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. However, an unbanded adult photographed and videotaped northwest of Marfa, Presidio during its stay 2 January - 26 May 1992 was accepted as a naturally occurring vagrant for a variety of reasons (PHa, MA, BO, CS, GL, HP, MPa, RA, NA, JPa, GM, DR, JD, BR, CR, BLu, WR, KB; 1992-15, TPRF #1154). The bird was found in superb habitat in rather close proximity to a recently discovered wild Aplomado Falcon population in the nearby state of Chihuahua, Mexico. Photographs documenting this record, considered to be the first valid one for the U.S. in over 20 years, were published in AB 46:289 and 46:332.

Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa) (19). Two immatures were in Pharr, Hidalgo on 2 January 1993 (MBr, AJ; 1993-134). One adult was near Palmetto SP, Gonzales on 25 April 1993 (BD; 1993-96). One adult was photographed at Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo during its stay 25 September - 16 October 1993 (BZ; 1993-143, TPRF #1198).

Ruff (Philomachus pugnax) (18/15). One reeve was photographed near Anahuac NWR, Chambers during its stay 18-21 April 1993 (PDH, BBe; 1993-86, TPRF #1158). One juvenal plumaged bird was photographed in El Paso, El Paso during its stay 5-11 September 1993 (DE, BN, BZ; 1993-124, TPRF #1174).

Little Gull (Larus minutus) (21/17). One adult was at Cooper Lake, Delta on 13 February 1993 (MW; 1993-65).

Common Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) (6/5). One adult was at Wright Patman Lake, Bowie from 2-20 January 1993 (CMi, D&DH; 1993-35). One adult was at Baffin Bay, Kleberg on 28 February 1993 (AO; 1993-38).

Mew Gull (Larus canus) (4). One first-winter bird was photographed at Fort Hancock, Hudspeth on 26 January 1993 (BZ; 1993-49, TPRF #1146).

California Gull (Larus californicus) (26). One first- year bird was photographed at Fort Hancock Reservoir, Hudspeth on 16 April 1993 (JD; 1993-97, TPRF #1165). One second-winter bird was photographed in San Antonio, Bexar during its stay 27 November - 27 December 1993 (WS; 1994-10, TPRF #1208).

Thayer's Gull (Larus thayeri) (20). One first-winter bird was photographed in east Fort Worth, Tarrant during its stay 28 November 1993 - 3 February 1994 (CH, TR; 1994-9, TPRF #1195).

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) (62/50). One or two third-winter birds were at the Brownsville City Landfill, Cameron on 28 December 1992 (CH; 1993-7). One second-winter bird was at the Brownsville City Landfill on 28 December 1992 (CH; 1993-8). One adult was photographed in Corpus Christi, Nueces on 25 January 1993 (MC, AC; 1993-53, TPRF #1159). One adult was photographed in Jefferson on 16 April 1993 (GL, GDY; 1993-60, TPRF #1157). One first-year bird was photographed in Jefferson on 18 April 1993 (CH; 1993-66, TPRF #1148). The Mustang Island bird, documented since 1983, returned 28 November 1993 - April 1994.

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (54). One first-year bird was photographed at Port Aransas, Nueces during its stay 20-28 February 1993 (TA, DW, JF; 1993-51, TPRF #1156). One first-year bird was photographed at Lake Texoma, Grayson during its stay 21 March - 9 April 1993 (RR, JW, LL, PS; 1993- 58, TPRF #1161). One immature (first or second winter) was photographed at Matagorda Island SP, Calhoun during its stay 15-17 April 1993 (KP, BSc, PHo, DWy, AD, TS; 1993-75, TPRF #1118).

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) (17/13). One adult was photographed in Corpus Christi, Nueces on 31 December 1992 (AC; 1993-54, TPRF #1160).

Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) (42). One first-winter bird was in Galveston, Galveston from 7-8 December 1990 (PDH; 1993-32). One first-winter bird was at Lake Texoma, Grayson from 13-22 April 1993 (JW; 1993-71). One first-year bird was photographed in Jefferson during its stay 24-25 April 1993 (CH; 1993-68, TPRF #1151).

Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini) (31). Unless otherwise noted, all birds were juvenal plumaged. One was photographed at Boles Lake, Lubbock during its stay 25-31 August 1993 (DC, MN, DS, CSt, DSt, R&HH; 1993-109, TPRF #1167). One was photographed at Fort Bliss, El Paso on 6 September 1993 (BZ; 1993-144, TPRF #1199). One was photographed at Lake Grapevine, Denton/Tarrant during its stay 30 September - 6 October 1993 (EW, MP, CH; 1993-125, TPRF #1172). One was photographed at Mitchell Lake, Bexar during its stay 20-27 October 1993 (WS, JMu, JBu, PG, DaB, GDY; 1993-135, TPRF #1163). One extremely late bird was at Lake Alcoa in Rockdale, Milam on 25 November 1993 (BF; 1993-151).

Bridled Tern (Sterna anaethetus) (10). Between 20 and 25 were seen or photographed 90-100 miles off Galveston, Galveston on 1 May 1993 (CS, GDY, PG; 1993-93, TPRF #1131).

Northern Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium gnoma) (2). One was seen and heard at Boot Springs, BBNP, Brewster on 25 April 1993 (WR, JR; 1993-73). While this bird represented only the second accepted Texas record, there remain about a dozen unsubmitted reports since the late 1960s from BBNP and GMNP alone.

Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) (13). One was captured and photographed at Boot Springs, BBNP, Brewster on 22-23 February 1968 (RW; 1993-145, TPRF #1200). One was seen and tape recorded near the Tejas campsite, GMNP, Culberson from 31 May - 2 June 1993 and on 3 July 1993 (CH, MP, BSt; 1993-83, TBSL #203-13). Audio analysis software developed by the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology was used to confirm the recording (Sexton).

Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris) (16). One adult male was photographed at Fort Davis, Jeff Davis during its stay 21-23 May 1993 (KB; 1993-94, TPRF #1129). One immature male was photographed in Midland, Midland during its stay 24-27 August 1993 (D&JM; 1993-121, TPRF #1173). One male was in Houston, Harris on 28 September 1993 (MAT; 1993-136). One female was photographed in Buchanan Dam, Llano during its stay 22 November 1993 - 7 April 1994 (J&BM, GL, GM; 1993-154, TPRF #1203).

White-eared Hummingbird (Hylocharis leucotis) (4). Three birds (1 adult female, 1 juvenile, 1 female/immature) were photographed near Fort Davis, Jeff Davis during their stay 20 June - 16 August 1993 (R&CS, KB, GDY, GL; 1993-95, TPRF #1130). A photograph of one of these birds was published in AB 47:1126.

Elegant Trogon (Trogon elegans) (3). One adult male was along the Pinnacles Trail in BBNP, Brewster on 29 April 1993 providing only the third accepted record for Texas (BV; 1993- 114).

Tufted Flycatcher (Mitrephanes phaeocercus) (2). One was videotaped 47 miles west of Fort Stockton, Pecos at an I-20 rest stop from 2-6 April 1993 (JBr, TJ, KB; 1993-41, TPRF #1149). A photograph documenting this second record for the U.S. was published in AB 47:469.

Greater Pewee (Contopus pertinax) (4). One was in Boot Canyon, BBNP, Brewster on 17 August 1991 (ML; 1991-114).

Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (4). One was at Falcon Dam, Starr on 26 June 1991 (NL; 1991-91). Several birds, documented since 1991, continued to be present in

Brownsville and near Harlingen, Cameron.

Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana) (8). One was near Sabine Pass, Jefferson on 25 April 1993 (JDP, BP; 1993- 77).

Rose-throated Becard (Pachyramphus aglaiae) (16/13). One female was at Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo from 2 January - 18 March 1993 (CM; 1993-36).

Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (8). One was in the Basin at BBNP, Brewster on 1 January 1993 (ES, 1993- 126).

Clay-colored Robin (Turdus grayi) (45/40). One was at Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo from 2-28 January 1993 (CCa; 1993-37). One was photographed and tape recorded in McAllen, Hidalgo during its stay 26 June - 17 July 1993 (JGo, GDY; 1993-105, TPRF #1170, TBSL #203-14).

Rufous-backed Robin (Turdus rufopalliatus) (3). Two were near Fort Davis, Jeff Davis on 9 February 1992 (SC, BT, JJ; 1992-25).

Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) (4). One was in Palo Duro Canyon SP, Randall on 28 January 1993 (ME; 1993-48).

Yellow-green Vireo (Vireo flavoviridis) (9/8). One was photographed on the Bolivar Peninsula, Galveston on 1 May 1992 (J&BM; 1993-42, TPRF #1140). One singing male returned for its second summer to Webberville County Park near Austin, Travis where it was again tape recorded and photographed during its stay 3 May - 8 September 1993 (BN, DE, GL; 1993-76, TPRF #1119, TBSL #203-11).

Black-whiskered Vireo (Vireo altiloquus) (10). One was photographed at Packery Channel, Nueces during its stay 30 April - 1 May 1993 (MC, AC; 1993-87, TPRF #1132).

Red-faced Warbler (Cardellina rubrifrons) (9). One was along the Pine Canyon Trail at BBNP, Brewster on 30 April 1993 (RMS, RCS; 1993-106).

Rufous-capped Warbler (Basileuterus rufifrons) (9). One was near Corpus Christi, Nueces on 19 December 1992 (HS, GA; 1993-55). One was at Dugout Wells, BBNP, Brewster on 8 May 1993 (KK; 1993-80).

Olive Warbler (Peucedramus taeniatus) (2). One was at Blue Creek Ranch, BBNP, Brewster on 3 May 1991 (C&RC, T&CF, B≤ 1991-61).

Varied Bunting (Passerina versicolor). This species is not a Review List species, but given the locale involved, its review was requested. One was in Amarillo, Potter on 5 May 1993 (RP; 1993-102).

Henslow's Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowsii). This species was recently removed from the Review List as it is now regarded as a regular, yet uncommon and local, winter resident in east and coastal Texas. One to two were 6 miles south of Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches from 11-20 December 1992 (DW, MWo; 1993-116). At least two were in extreme southern Panola on 27 December 1992 (DW, RT; 1993-117). Two were in Harris on 1 January 1993 (PDH; 1993-128). One was at Josey Ranch, Harris on 1 January 1993 (DM, FC; 1993-129). As many as 10 were singing(!) in a weedy field near Longview, Rusk from 9-10 April 1993 (GLu, JL; 1993-72). One was 5 miles west of Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches on 10 December 1993 (DW, BGi; 1994- 3). One was 6 miles west of Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches on 10 December 1993 (DW, BGi; 1994-4). Up to six were 6 miles south of Nacogdoches from 16-18 December 1993 (DW, MWo; 1994-5). One was in Chambers on 18 December 1993 (GDY; 1994-6). Two were in extreme southern Panola on 26 December 1993 (DW, RT; 1994-14).

Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) (4). Two were at Lake Balmorhea, Reeves on 27 November 1993 (GDY, BL; 1994-7).

Accepted Presumptive Species

Crescent-chested Warbler (Vermivora superciliosa) (1). One singing adult male was seen in Boot Canyon, BBNP, Brewster on 2 June 1993 (EW, RWo; 1993-90). Although no photograph was secured to allow the species to be added to the official state list, this was an excellent example of how good contemporaneous notetaking can help substantiate a record. In this case, the observers did not know what they had, nor could they find the bird in their field guide. The record was accepted largely on the basis of the submitted field notes which were taken while the bird was in view.

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 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 (1992-49) at Lake Tawakoni, Rains on 7 February 1992.

Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica). One (1992-78) at Lake Tawakoni, Rains on 12 April and 10 May 1992.

Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii). One (1993-31) at Offat's Bayou, Galveston, Galveston on 11 March 1988.

Audubon's Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri). Three (1992-120) off Port Isabel, Cameron on 12 September 1992. One (1992-123) off Port Aransas, Nueces on 4 October 1992. Five (1993-111) off Willacy on 15 August 1993. The committee continues to vote conservatively on purported Audubon's Shearwater records when indisputable features in separating the species from Manx Shearwater are absent in the descriptions.

White-faced Whistling-Duck (Anas viduata). One (1993-92) in Corpus Christi, Nueces on 20 May 1993 was unaccepted on grounds of questionable origin. With no known records for Mexico and none from the West Indies since 1926, it is believed that this largely South American species may well have escaped from some local waterfowl collection, especially in light of the fact that it is a commonly kept aviary bird.

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator). One (1993-34) immature in Lewisville, Denton from 28 December 1992 - 27 February 1993. Immature swan identification is complex and, to paraphrase Zimmer, may be one of the most underrated of identification problems in North America today. In final analysis, several committee members believed the photos and reports did not eliminate Tundra Swan, and the record was rejected before reaching the third circulation.

American Black Duck (Anas rubripes). Two (1993-153) in west Harris on 24 February 1983. One (1993-30) at Anahuac NWR on 22 April 1989. Two (1992-37) at Anahuac NWR, Chambers from 23-25 February 1992. Separating this species from our dark Gulf coast form of Mottled Duck or from "Mallard x American Black Duck" hybrids is extremely difficult. There are many overlapping features involved, some of which are mistakenly considered diagnostic in certain references.

Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope). Eight (1993-130) in Del Rio, Val Verde from 31 December 1992 - 4 January 1993.

Masked Duck (Oxyura dominica). One (1992-134) at Brazos Bend SP, Fort Bend on 13 March 1990.

Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis). One (1993-43) at Palo Duro Canyon SP, Randall on 30 December 1992.

Common Black-Hawk (Buteogallus anthracinus). One (1992- 77) in Kleberg from 14-15 April 1992. While not a reviewable species, this record would have represented a first for Kleberg and so it's review was requested. Many committee members strongly believed that Harris' Hawk was not eliminated.

Roadside Hawk (Buteo magnirostris). One (1993-59) in Salineno, Starr on 20 March 1993. One (1993-61) at Bentsen SP, Hidalgo from 20 March - mid May 1993. One (1993-44) at Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo on 1 April 1993.

Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa). One (1991-49) at Sea Rim SP, Jefferson on 21 April 1991.

Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima). Two (1993-122) in San Antonio, Bexar on 13 September 1993.

Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea). One (1992-115) in Austin, Travis from 14-15 September 1992.

California Gull (Larus californicus). One (1992-31) at Lake Balmorhea, Reeves from 27-28 January 1992. One (1992-32) in San Angelo, Tom Green on 1 February 1992. One (1992-127) in San Antonio, Bexar on 25 October 1992.

Thayer's Gull (Larus thayeri). One (1992-130) on Bolivar Flats, Galveston from 18-22 April 1983. One (1993-33) in Galveston on 26 December 1989. One (1993-70) at Lake Texoma, Grayson from 21 March - 3 April 1993.

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus). One (1993-131) at Bolivar Flats, Galveston on 26 December 1992. One (1993- 25) at Lake Livingston, Polk on 29 December 1992. One (1994- 12) at Bolivar Flats on 7 November 1993.

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus). One (1993-39) in Galveston, Galveston on 28 February 1982. One (1993-133) in Houston, Harris on 19 December 1992.

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus). One (1993-132) at Texas City Dike, Galveston on 26 December 1992.

Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla). One (1992-26) at Lake O' the Pines, Marion on 2 February 1992. One (1993- 64) in Kingsville, Kleberg on 18 February 1993.

Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini). One (1993-141) in San Antonio, Bexar on 30 September 1993.

Bridled Tern (Sterna anaethetus). One (1991-94) at Rollover Pass, Galveston on 9 June 1991.

Ruddy Ground-Dove (Columbina talpacoti). Two (1992-36) at Bentsen SP, Hidalgo on 12 February 1992.

Northern Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium gnoma). Two (1992-93) in the Davis Mountains, Jeff Davis on 20 May 1992.

Green Violet-ear (Colibri thalassinus). One (1993-108) in Hunt, Kerr on 18 July 1993.

Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris). One (1993-91) in Comal from 23-25 April 1993.

Greater Pewee (Contopus pertinax). One (1993-123) in BBNP, Brewster on 23 April 1993.

Thick-billed Kingbird (Tyrannus crassirostris). One (1992-84) on West Galveston Island, Galveston on 18 May 1992. While all agreed a major rarity was described, many committee members felt that Gray Kingbird or some other large-billed Carribbean Tyrannus had not been sufficiently ruled out by the description.

Rose-throated Becard (Pachyramphus aglaiae). One (1991- 118) at Bentsen SP, Hidalgo on 29 November 1985.

Black-capped Gnatcatcher (Polioptila nigriceps). Two (1993-113) in BBNP, Brewster on 29 April 1993.

Gray-crowned Yellowthroat (Geothlypis poliocephala). One (1992-92) in Armstrong, Kenedy on 8 May 1992. One (1993-156) at Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo on 7 December 1993.

Red-faced Warbler (Cardellina rubrifrons). One (1993-89) at Lost Maples SNA, Bandera on 5 June 1993.

Slate-throated Redstart (Myioborus miniatus). One (1993- 119) in BBNP, Brewster on 22 April 1993.

Baird's Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii). Two (1992-158) at Kickapoo Caverns SNA, Kinney on 3 and 13 February 1992.

White-winged Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera). One (1993- 115) in Granbury, Hood in April 1993.

Literature Cited

American Ornithologists' Union. 1983. Checklist of North

American birds, 6th ed. American Ornith. Union,

Baltimore, Maryland. 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. 1992a. Texas Bird Records Committee Report for

1991. Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 25(1):2-12. ------. 1992b. Texas Bird Records Committee Report for 1992.

Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 25(2):30-41. ------. 1993. Texas Bird Records Committee Report for 1993.

Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 26(1&2):2-14. 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.

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, Red- necked Grebe, 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, Collared Plover, Northern Jacana, Wandering Tattler, 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, Slaty-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, Green-breasted Mango, 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, Olive Warbler, Crimson-collared Grosbeak, Blue Bunting, Yellow-faced Grassquit, Baird'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, video, or audio recording for at least one record).

White-crowned Pigeon, Berylline Hummingbird, Social Flycatcher, Crescent-chested Warbler, Slate-throated Redstart.


Carl B. Haynie