1996 Annual Report
Texas Bird Records Committee Report for 1996
Carl B. Haynie
This report contains the decisions of the Texas Bird Records Committee (hereafter "TBRC" or "committee") of the Texas Ornithological Society reached during 1996. For information on previous actions of the TBRC, see Arnold (1984, 1985), Lasley (1988, 1989, 1990, 1991), and Haynie (1992a, 1992b, 1993, 1995, 199x). 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 committee reached a final decision on 241 records during 1996: 189 records of 58 species were accepted and 52 records of 40 species were not accepted, an acceptance rate of 78% for this report. Included under the accepted category were 37 old records of 10 species pertaining to recently located museum specimens. There were 221 observers who submitted documentation (to the TBRC or to other entities) that was reviewed by the committee during 1996.
With the publishing of the Fourtieth Supplement to the American Ornithologists' Union Check-list of North American Birds (1996) came 3 taxonomic revisions which added new species to the official Texas state list: Rufous-sided Towhee was divided into two species, Eastern Towhee (common in eastern Texas) and Spotted Towhee (common in western Texas). Sharp-tailed Sparrow was similarly split into Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow (accidental in Texas based on 1 extant specimen[1]) and Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow (east Texas migrant and coastal winter resident). Lastly, Northern Oriole was split into Baltimore Oriole (common in eastern Texas) and Bullock's Oriole (common in western Texas). In addition, the TBRC accepted first records of Black-capped Chickadee and Northern Wheatear. These actions brought the official Texas state list at the end of 1996 to 598 species in good standing, while the Presumptive Species List (see below) remained at 5 species. Several records which are expected to complete circulation through the TBRC in 1997 will represent new Texas species as well.
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 1996. 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 known returnees are excluded. The number(s) will be listed for all species which appear on Review Lists A and C as currently amended (see end of report). However, in this report, numbers will also be listed for Pacific Loon and Glossy Ibis, two species recently removed from Review List A. Within each species the records are listed chronologically. All observers who submitted written documentation or photographs 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 or facilitated documentation. 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 hyphen and a number. If photographs 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 initalics are counties.
TBRC Membership. -- Members of the TBRC during 1996 who participated in decisions listed in this report were: John Arvin, Chair, Keith Arnold, Academician, Greg Lasley, Secretary, Carl Haynie, Mark Lockwood, Martin Reid, Willie Sekula, Chuck Sexton, and Gail Diane Yovanovich. During 1996, Chuck Sexton and Gail Yovanovich retired from the committee, and Terry Maxwell and Barry Zimmer were elected new members. The Chair, Academician and Secretary were all re-elected.
Contributors. -- Robin Alexander, Tony Amos, Ben Archer, Keith Arnold, Nina & Eddie Arnold (N&EA), James W. Arterburn (JWA), John Arvin, Michael Austin, Jeffrey Back, Sue Barton (SBa), Giff Beaton, Bob Behrstock, Bernard Benson (BBe), Chris Benesh, Steve Bentsen, Tony Bigg, Peter Billingham, Lorie Black, Lytle H. Blankenship (LHB), David R. Blankinship (DRB), Hazel Bluhm, Doug Booher (DBo), Bill & Sarah Bourbon (B&SB), David Bradford, Daniel M. Brooks (DMB), Tim Brush (TBr), Kelly Bryan, John W. Buckman (JWB), Frank Bumgardner, Oscar Carmona, Geoff Carpentier, Ross & Dawn Carrie (R&DC), David & Barbara Carson (D&BC), C. P. Catley (CPC), Charles T. Clark (CTC), James Clarke, Wendy Connally, Arlie Cooksey, Mel Cooksey, Chris Corben, Cameron Cox (CaC), Robert & Cathy Creed (R&CC), David Dauphin, Eric Ruiz de Velceco (ERdV), Mike Dillon, Robert Duncan, Jon Dunn, Charles Easley, Carol E. Edwards (CEE), Jack Eitniear, Mark Elwonger, Victor Emanuel, Doug Emkalns, Archie Engledow, Ted Eubanks, Virginia Eubanks (VEu), Ben Feltner (BFe), Frank Fitch, Bennie Flatt (BFl), Tony & Phyllis Frank (T&PF), Brush Freeman, Samuel Fried, Jody Gabbert (JGa), Tony Gallucci, Lawrence Gardella, John P. Gee (JPG), Brian Gibbons, Mike Gonzalez, Jeff Gordon, Peter Gottschling, Patsy Greaves (PGr), Gerry Green, Peggy Harding (PHa), Carl Haynie, Roy Heideman, Jose Hernandez (JHe), Julie Hill, Petra Hockey, Jenny Hoskins (JHo), Kurt Huffman, Lisa Hug, P. D. Hulce (PDH), Don Hunter, Gary Hunter, Cheryl Johnson, Tom Johnson, Judith Jones, Edgar Jones, Jay Kaplan, Greg Keiran, John D. Kemper (JDK), Richard Kinney, Ed Kutac, Linda Laack, Thomas M. Langschied (TML), Greg Lasley, Paul Lehman, Jason Leifester, Tony Leukering, John C. Llast (JCL), Mark Lockwood, Bob Luckner, Guy Luneau (GLu), Barry Lyon (BLy), Robert Machover, Jim & Betsy Massey (J&BM), Steve Matherly (SMa), Larry May, Guy McCaskie, Greg T. McClellan (GTM), Eileen McConnell (EiM), Eve McCullough (EvM), Kelly McDowell, Maurine McFarland (MMc), Elric McHenry, Bonnie McKinney (BoM), Brad McKinney, Vicki McLemore, Steven Mlodinow, Melisa Montemayor, Laura E. Moore (LEM), Jim Morgan, Jack & Elaine Morman (J&EM), John Muldrow (JMu), Jean Munhee (JeM), Jean & Seay Nance (J&SN), Kenneth Nanney, Bruce Neville, George Oliver, Alan Ortego, Brent Ortego, James Ortego, Sue Ortego, Paul Palmer, Michael Patterson, Michael Pawlick (MPaw), Dwight Peake, Richard Peake (RPe), Jim Peterson, Randy Pinkston, Barbara Potthast, Marisol Quintana-Galetovic (MQG), Ross Rasmussen, Martin Reid, John & Barbara Ribble (J&BR), Jan & Will Risser (J&WR), Don Roberson, Leif Robinson, Stephen Rottenborn, William Russell, Steve Sabo, Bobby Schat, Robert Schutsky (RSc), Rosemary Scott, Willie Sekula, Larry Semo (LSe), Chuck W. Sexton (CWS), Kenneth Seyffert, Dominic Sherony (DSh), Dudley B. Sherry (DBS), David Sibley, J. W. Sifford (JWS), Vicki Simon, A. Horton Smith (AHS), Dana Smith (DSm), Susan Soloyanis (SSo), Darleen Stevens (DSt), Cliff Stogner, Rose Marie Stortz (RMS), Dave Sugeno (DSu), Bette & Jim Sullivan (B&JS), Paul Sunby, Lee Sutton, Daniel N. Svingen (DNS), Peder Svingen (PSv), Glenn Swartz, James Swartz, Scott Swengel (SSw), Delbert G. Tarter (DGT), Terry Tate, Robert Thacker, Kevin Thornton, David Thurston, Richard Uzar, Al Valentine, Henry von Staden (HvS), Ro Wauer, Ed Wetzel, Brian Wheeler, John W. White (JWW), Carl T. White (CTW), Matt White, Donald Whitehead, Gayle Whitten (GWh), Jana Whittle, John A. Whittle (JAW), Sue Wiedenfeld, Frances Williams, Kimberly J. Williams (KJW), Edith Wilson (EWi), Kathleen Withers, David Wolf, Garry Woodard, Tonya Worley, Alan Wormington, C. K. Worthen (CKW), Gail D. Yovanovich (GDY), Barry Zimmer, and Joe Zotter.
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 1996: Paul Buckley, Jon Dunn, Steve N. G. Howell, Kenn Kaufman, David Lee, Paul Lehman, Guy McCaskie, Bob Sundstrom, and Kevin Zimmer. The author would especially like to thank Greg Lasley and Mark Lockwood for reviewing a draft of this article.
Additional Abbreviations. -- AMNH = American Museum of Natural History (New York); AOU = American Ornithologists' Union; APM = Alberta Provincial Museum; BBNP = Big Bend National Park; CU = Cornell University; DMNH = Delaware Museum of Natural History; FM = Farm to Market road; FMNH = Field Museum of Natural History (Chicago); FN = Field Notes (National Audubon Society); MM = Memphis Museum; OMNH = Oklahoma Museum of Natural History; NWR = National Wildlife Refuge; ROM = Royal Ontario Museum; SNA = State Natural Area; SP = State Park; SR = State Route; TCWC = Texas Cooperative Wildlife Collection (Texas A&M University); TTU = Texas Tech University (Lubbock); UMMZ = University of Michigan Museum of Zoology; USNM = National Museum of Natural History (Washington, D.C.); UTEP = University of Texas at El Paso; WWF = Welder Wildlife Foundation (Sinton, Texas); YPM = Yale Peabody Museum (Yale University).
Accepted Records
Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata) (25). One was photographed at Surfside, Brazoriaon 27 April 1994 (TE, JM; 1995-18, TPRF #1321). Two birds were on Lake Comanche,Comanche on 4 December 1994 (CH; 1994-179). One was on Lake Tawakoni, Rainsfrom 26 December 1994 - 6 January 1995 (KN, MW, GL, J&BR; 1995-2).
Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica) (57). This species was recently removed from the Review List. Up to two birds were on Offat's Bayou in Galveston, Galveston from 24 March - 16 May 1983 (TE, VEu, BFe; 1992-141). One was on Lake Ransom Canyon, Lubbock from 16 November - 21 December 1986 (CS; 1992-99). One was on Lake O' The Pines,Marion from 23 December 1993 - 15 January 1994 (HB; 1994-21). One adult in breeding plumage was in Rockport, Aransas on 9 July 1994 documenting the first accepted summer record for Texas (N&EA; 1994-145). One adult was on Lake Tawakoni, Rains from 12-13 November 1994 (RR; 1994-182). One was photographed at Lighthouse Marina on Lake Texoma, Grayson on 26 November 1994 (BG; 1994-185, TPRF #1335). Up to two birds were photographed on Lake Balmorhea, Reeves during their stay 15 December 1994 - 25 April 1995 (JG, GL, BM, GDY, JWS; 1995-3, TPRF #1305). One adult was photographed at Texas City, Galveston during its stay 16-17 December 1994 (GL; 1994-178, TPRF #1315). One was photographed on McNary Reservoir, Hudspeth on 30 December 1994 (GL, CJ, BZ; 1995-4, TPRF #1313). One was on Copano Bay,Aransas from 9-22 November 1995 (BF, PH, ME, CTC; 1995-134).
Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) (11). One was at Island View Marina on Lake O'The Pines, Marion on 2 January 1995 (MW, KN; 1995-11).
Greater Shearwater (Puffinus gravis) (6). One was 66 miles southeast of Port O'Connor, Calhoun on 24 June 1995 (DP, GL, BF, FB, ME, PH, PG; 1995-86).
Audubon's Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri) (17). Eleven birds, some videotaped, were off Port Mansfield, Willacy on 7 August 1993 (DP; 1995-93, TPRF #1378). Twelve to fifteen birds, some photographed, were off Port O'Connor, Calhoun on 24 September 1994 (DP, GL; 1994-149, TPRF #1300). One was photographed off Port O'Connor on 24 June 1995 (DP, GL, BF, FB, ME; 1995-85, TPRF #1372). Thirty-seven birds, some photographed and videotaped, were off Port O'Connor on 19 August 1995 (DP, RP, BM,GL; 1995-109, TPRF #1420). One old record was accepted after "discovery" of an extant museum specimen: one was collected at Sabine Pass, Jefferson on 29 March 1929 (*USNM 300257).
Leach's Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) (12). A headless specimen lacking most of its tail was found on the beach at Port Aransas, Nueces on 20 August 1991 (TA; 1992-113, *TCWC 12818). After four rounds, this troublesome record was accepted primarily on wing chord measurements and expert analysis (DL). One was photographed 93 miles off Port O'Connor, Calhoun on 24 September 1994 (DP, GL, ME, SSo; 1994-152, TPRF #1299). Two were photographed 70 miles off Port O'Connor on 24 June 1995 (DP, GL, BF, FB; 1995-83, TPRF #1370).
Band-rumped Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma castro) (14). One was videotaped off Port Mansfield, Willacy on 7 August 1993 (DP; 1995-94, TPRF #1377). Six birds, some photographed, were 93 miles off Port O'Connor, Calhoun on 24 September 1994 (DP,GL, ME, SSo; 1994-151, TPRF #1298). Thirty to thirty-two birds, some photographed, were 68-84 miles off Port O'Connor on 24 June 1995 representing the highest single-day tally of the species in Texas waters (DP, GL, BF, FB, ME; 1995-82, TPRF #1369). Eight birds, some photographed, were up to 95 miles off Port O'Connor on 19 August 1995 (DP, RP, BF, BM, GL; 1995-107, TPRF #1418).
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) (52). This species was removed from the Review List in 1995, but eleven records submitted before that time completed circulation during 1996. One adult was in Brownsville, Cameron on 27 February 1994 (MPaw; 1994-117). One adult was on Bolivar Peninsula, Galveston on 16 April 1994 (LSe; 1994-114). One breeding-plumaged adult was at Eagle Mountain Fish Hatchery, Tarrant on 7 May 1994 (EW,JWS, MP; 1994-73). Two adults were at Attwater NWR, Colorado on 5 September 1994 (GL, CJ; 1994-144). One was photographed near Port Arthur, Jefferson on 13 November 1994 (JAW; 1994-170, TPRF #1312). One was near the intersection of SR 124 and FM 1985, Chambers on 13 March 1995 (BB; 1995-72). One breeding-plumaged adult was at Flour Bluff, Nueces from 10 April - 29 May 1995 (AC, MC; 1995-89). Two breeding-plumaged adults were at Sabine Pass, Jefferson on 21 April 1995 (BB; 1995-73). One was in west Harris county on 21 April 1995 (TE, JM; 1995-98). Up to four birds, one of which was photographed, were 8 miles south of Port Lavaca, Calhounfrom 21 April - 29 May 1995 (GL, BF, PH; 1995-58, TPRF #1365). Two birds were in east Ft. Worth, Tarrant on 4 May 1995 (JWS; 1995-59).
Brant (Branta bernicla) (14). One was at Lake Ransom Canyon, Lubbock on 27 January 1994 (JZ; 1994-58). One (B. b. nigricans) was photographed in Lubbock, Lubbock on 25 November 1994 (HB, KN; 1994-174, TPRF #1314). One was at Anahuac NWR,Chambers on 8 January 1995 (JHe; 1995-9). One was at Port Aransas, Nueces/Aransason 15 January 1995 (PH; 1995-10). One (B. b. hrota) was near Katy, Harris from 21 February - 5 March 1995 (T&PF, BF, DB, J≀ 1995-20).
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) (6). One old record was accepted after "discovery" of an extant museum specimen: one was collected at High Island, Chambers on 23 December 1916 (*AMNH 350531).
Garganey (Anas querquedula) (2). One drake was found sick at the Presidio sewage lagoons, Presidio on 29 April 1994 only to be collected later on 6 May 1994 when it was found dead (AW, GL, BM, GDY, ML; 1994-77, TPRF #1296, *TCWC 13170). A photograph documenting this second record for Texas was published in FN 48:961.
Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) (20). All of the following records were of photographed males. One was at Laguna Atascosa NWR, Cameron from 1 November 1994 - 23 January 1995 (RSc, BM, KJW, WS, MPaw, LL, CH, ERdV, MG; 1994-169, TPRF #1311). One was at Lake Marvin, Hemphill from 23-30 November 1994 (GL, CJ, KS; 1994-171, TPRF #1306). One was in Amarillo, Potter from 20 December 1994 - 11 March 1995 (EK, KS, TJ, JJ, T&PF, BF; 1995-7, TPRF #1330). One was at Fort Hancock, Hudspeth and later at Tornillo Reservoir, El Paso from 17 January - 18 February 1995 (BZ, ML, WS; 1995-38, TPRF #1331). One was on the King Ranch,Kleberg on 24 February 1995 (JG; 1995-67, TPRF #1358).
Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) (2). Two birds, a male and female, were at the spillway on Lake Tawakoni, Van Zandt on 5 January 1995 furnishing only the second accepted record for Texas (MW; 1995-12). Three old coastal reports cited by Oberholser remain unsubmitted.
Masked Duck (Oxyura dominica) (42). One was at Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo on 8 November 1992 (SSw; 1992-148). One was at Aransas NWR, Aransas on 17 December 1993 (LB; 1994-33). Two birds were photographed at Brazoria NWR, Brazoria on 3 April 1994 (JWB; 1994-78, TPRF #1323). Up to two birds, a male and female, were photographed at Laguna Atascosa NWR, Cameron during their stay 20 April - 30 July 1994 (BM; 1994-72, TPRF #1292). Up to twenty-four birds (14 adults and 10 young), some photographed, were at Attwater NWR, Colorado from 29 July - 4 December 1994 furnishing a first nesting record for the refuge (JHo, GL, ML; 1994-143, TPRF #1302). Up to six birds were at Brazos Bend SP, Fort Bend from 19 November 1994 - 15 May 1995 (J&WR, RT, JAW, FB, GDY, R&DC, CE, JW; 1995-28, TPRF #1324). A photograph documenting this record was published in FN 49:166. One was photographed at Brazoria NWR on 18 December 1994 (PDH, GL; 1995-15, TPRF #1319). Four were in Sinton,San Patricio on 25 December 1994 (MQG; 1995-5). One was photographed at Anuahuac NWR, Chambers on 25 February 1995 (DD; 1995-63, TPRF #1357). Up to four birds were at Santa Ana NWR from "May to September" 1995 (TBr, BM, SB; 1995-103).
Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) (7). One adult was in Gillette, Karnes on 16 March 1994 (JGa; 1994-66, TPRF #1338). A photograph documenting this 6th record for Texas was published in FN 48:961. One immature was near Klondike, Delta on 18 March 1995 (MW, GLu; 1995-91).
Short-tailed Hawk (Buteo brachyurus) (6). One light morph adult was at Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo on 4 October 1994 (BZ; 1994-162). One light morph bird was at Lost Maples SNA, Bandera from 24 May - 16 June 1995 (DBo, DSu, KH, GO, BA, JMu, BF, B&JR; 1995-71). One dark morph immature was photographed at Santa Ana NWR on 30 May 1995 providing a first record for this morph in Texas (BW; 1995-76, TPRF #1366). One light morph, sub-adult bird was near Dripping Springs, Hays on 6 June 1995, well north of any other Texas record (JPG; 1995-78).
Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa) (25). One adult was at Welder Refuge, San Patriciofrom 20 December 1974 - March 1975 (WR, GW; 1992-108). Two old records were accepted after "discovery" of extant museum specimens: One was collected in Brownsville,Cameron on 29 April 1889 (*USNM 116752). One was collected in Brownsville on 24 July 1891 (*USNM 141059).
Eskimo Curlew (Numenius borealis) (16). Three old records were accepted after "discovery" of extant museum specimens: One was collected on Padre Island, Nueces on 8 March 1877 (*AMNH 80026). One was collected in Gainesville, Cooke on 17 March 1880 (*FMNH 2143). One was collected in Brownsville, Cameron on 13 March 1894 (*MM 660).
Surfbird (Aphriza virgata) (7). One breeding-plumaged adult was on North Padre Island,Kleberg from 15-21 April 1994 (AC, MC, GS, GDY, CH, BM, GL; 1994-67, TPRF #1291). A photograph documenting this 5th record for Texas was published in FN 48:961. One in near breeding plumage was in Fulton, Aransas from 10-15 April 1995 (ME, T&PF, J&EM, SMa, MC, AC, CWS; 1995-41, TPRF #1333). A photograph documenting this record was published in FN 49:275. One was photographed at Anahuac NWR, Chambersduring its stay 18-21 April 1995 (PL, DD, DE, BN, CPC; 1995-61, TPRF #1356).
Ruff (Philomachus pugnax) (20/17). One female-plumaged bird was photographed in east Fort Worth, Tarrant during its stay 29-30 April 1995 (MR, JeM, CH; 1995-57, TPRF #1364).
Long-tailed Jaeger (Stercorarius longicaudus) (9). One juvenile was at Kirby Lake in Abilene, Taylor during its stay 4-18 September 1993 (GH, LB, TW, AV; 1994-61, TPRF #1288). A photograph documenting this 9th record for Texas was published in FN 48:129.
Mew Gull (Larus canus) (6). One first-winter bird was photographed in San Antonio,Bexar during its stay 10-30 December 1994 and again 19 February - 12 March 1995 (WS, GL, BF, BM, CWS, J&EM, J&BR; 1994-177, TPRF #1307).
California Gull (Larus californicus) (33). One adult was at Lake Texoma near Pottsboro,Grayson on 5 November 1994 (RR; 1994-168). Up to two birds, one in first-winter plumage, were in Austin, Travis from 29 December 1994 - 8 March 1995 (BF, J&BR,PS; 1995-6). Up to two birds, one in third-winter plumage were photographed in San Antonio, Bexar during their stay 2 January - 18 February 1995 (WS, J&BR; 1995-36, TPRF #1328). One first-winter bird was photographed in Austin on 4 March 1995 (BF,PH, WS, J&BR; 1995-26, TPRF #1326). One first-year bird was in Arlington, Tarranton 1 April 1995 (MR; 1995-50).
Thayer's Gull (Larus thayeri) (24). One photographed adult was at Mustang and North Padre Islands, Nueces from 1-19 December 1993 (CC, LH, B&JS; 1994-63, TPRF #1334). One first-winter bird was photographed on South Padre Island, Cameron during its stay 20 February - 1 March 1994 (MPaw; 1994-116, TPRF #1436). One first-winter bird was photographed at Cooper Lake, Hopkins & Delta during its stay 23 December 1994 - 28 February 1995 (MW, KN, HB; 1995-39, TPRF #1332). Note: An additional report, while unaccepted as Thayer's Gull, was accepted by the committee as "Thayer's/Iceland Gull" (see Thayer's Gull under Unaccepted Records).
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) (72/59). One third-year bird was photographed on Mustang Island, Nueces on 14 December 1993 (CC, LH; 1994-68, TPRF #1339). One adult was photographed at the Brownsville landfill, Cameron on 7 January 1994 (TL; 1994-65, TPRF #1290). One second-winter bird was at Bolivar Flats,Galveston on 15 October 1994 (J≀ 1994-164). One adult was photographed at Laguna Atascosa NWR, Cameron on 23 January 1995 (GDY; 1995-30, TPRF #1325). One first-winter bird was photographed in San Antonio, Bexar during its stay 17 February - 4 March 1995 (WS, J&BR; 1995-37, TPRF #1329). Up to four birds, some photographed, were at the Brownsville landfill from 18 February - 24 April 1995 (JG, SR; 1995-68, TPRF #1359). One first-winter bird was photographed in Austin, Travis during its stay 4-15 March 1995 (BF, PH, WS, J&BR; 1995-25, TPRF #1322). One adult was in Seadrift, Calhoun from 7 November - 26 February 1996 (BF, PH; 1995-135).
Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (63). One first-year bird was photographed at Sea Rim SP, Jefferson on 16 April 1988 (JWA; 1994-69, TPRF #1337). One first-year bird was in Galveston, Galveston on 25 November 1993 (RU; 1994-57). One second-year bird was photographed 6 miles east of the SR 124 & 87 intersection in Jefferson on 24 April 1994 (GDY, BL, SBa, PSv, AE; 1994-75, TPRF #1294). One second-year bird was photographed at San Luis Pass, Galveston/Brazoria during its stay 24-27 April 1994 (GL, CJ, JM; 1994-74, TPRF #1293). One second-year bird was at San Luis Pass,Galveston on 21 April 1995 (TE, JM; 1995-97, TPRF #1373). One second-year bird was on Matagorda Peninsula, Matagorda from 22-23 October 1995 (PH, BF; 1995-128). One first-year bird was photographed 7 miles east of High Island, Jefferson on 20 April 1996 (JD; 1996-110, TPRF #1423).
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) (19/15). One adult was photographed on Mustang Island, Nueces on 14 December 1993 (CC, LH; 1994-59, TPRF #1340).
Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) (45). One first-winter bird at Rollover Pass,Galveston on 10 September 1995 was very early (JAW; 1995-117). The next earliest fall record for Texas is 28 October. One first-winter bird was photographed in Galveston,Galveston on 8 January 1996 (RPe; 1996-96, TPRF #1422).
Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini) (40). Unless otherwise noted, all records were of juvenal-plumaged birds. One was at Calaveras Lake, Bexar on 17 September 1994 (WS; 1994-161). One adult was at Lake Grapevine, Tarrant / Denton from 30 September - 1 October 1994 (EW, MP; 1994-157) providing one of the few records of an adult in Texas. One in first-alternate plumage was photographed at McNary Reservoir, Hudspeth on 6 May 1995 (JD, DSh; 1995-70, TPRF #1361). The latter provided the first accepted spring record for Texas. One juvenal-plumaged bird with possibly two adults were at Imperial Reservoir, Pecos from 10-12 September 1995 (BP; 1995-111). One was at Lake O'The Pines, Marion from 23-26 September 1995 (GLu, MD, PHa, CaC, HB; 1995-113). One was photographed in Odessa, Ector during its stay 27 September - 1 October 1995 (CTW, FW, DSm; 1995-116, TPRF #1435). One was photographed near Longview,Harrison on 2 October 1995 (GLu; 1995-131, TPRF #1440). One was photographed at Lake Tawakoni, Rains on 29 August 1996 (MW; 1996-116, TPRF #1444).
Bridled Tern (Sterna anaethetus) (15). Twenty birds, some photographed, were 90 miles off Port O'Connor, Calhoun on 24 September 1994 (DP, GL; 1994-150, TPRF #1297). Three birds were photographed 60-80 miles off Port O'Connor on 24 June 1995 (DP, GL,BF, FB, ME; 1995-84, TPRF #1371). Twelve birds, some photographed and videotaped, were over 70 miles off Port O'Connor on 19 August 1995 (DP, ML, BF, BM, GL; 1995-108, TPRF #1419).
Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) (15). One was at Boot Springs in BBNP,Brewster on 4 September 1993 (GK; 1993-118).
Green Violet-ear (Colibri thalassinus) (19). One immature was in Conroe, Montgomeryfrom 14-17 July 1994 (PDH, 1994-147). One adult was photographed in Corpus Christi,Nueces during its stay 6 May - 25 June 1995 (VS, JS, GS, PP, JD, AC, MC, ME; 1995-60, TPRF #1374). One sub-adult was audiotaped at Sandy Creek in northwest Travisduring its stay 16 June - 8 July 1995 (J&SN, GL, BF, RP, CWS, FB, BLy, ML, J&BR; 1995-81, TPRF #1367, TBSL #203-16). A photograph documenting this record was published in FN 49:950. One was photographed at Lost Maples SNA, Bandera during its stay 5-6 July 1995 (PGr, RH, ML; 1995-100, TPRF #1376). One sub-adult was videotaped and photographed in McDade, Bastrop during its stay 12-30 July 1995 (D&BC, BF, GL, J&BR; 1995-95, TPRF #1368).
Green-breasted Mango (Anthracothorax prevostii) (4). One immature was photographed at Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo during its stay 18-20 August 1993 (TBr, KM; 1994-13, TPRF #1336).
Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris) (21/20). One adult male was mist-netted at Dolan Falls Ranch Preserve, Val Verde on 18 April 1993; while being extracted, the bird succumbed to heat and was collected (EJ; 1994-166, TPRF #1309, *APM Z-93-9-11). One adult male was in Nursery, Victoria on 17 April 1994 (GG; 1994-71). One adult female returned for its second year at Buchanan Dam, Llano where it was audiotaped during its stay 2 October 1994 - 7 April 1996 (J&BM, GL, CS; 1994-159, TBSL #216-05). One adult male was photographed at Cranfills Gap, Bosque during its stay 21 March - 2 April 1995 providing a first for North Central Texas (R&CC, CE, JMu; 1995-74, TPRF #1362). One adult male was photographed in Mertzon, Irion during its stay 20-28 April 1995 providing a first for the Concho Valley (TT, DGT; 1995-69, TPRF #1360).
White-eared Hummingbird (Hylocharis leucotis) (7). One adult male was photographed in El Paso, El Paso during its stay 12-20 October 1994 (EvM, BZ, DE, BN; 1994-163, TPRF #1308). Two immatures or females were 16 miles west southwest of Fort Davis, JeffDavis on 27 August 1995 (BF; 1995-110).
Allen's Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin) (5). This species is very difficult to confirm in Texas, especially in light of recently confirmed specimen examples of green-backed adult male Rufous Hummingbirds. Courtship flight would be diagnostic, although it is doubtful this display would ever be observed in Texas. While hand-held measurements or collection of tail feathers may prove to be the only likely means by which to confirm the species here, the following two sight records were accepted by the committee for various reasons. One adult male was in Houston, Harris on 11 January 1993 (JD; 1993-69). The reporting observer related his impression of tail feather shape upon seeing full frame photographs (unsubmitted) of the spread tail. One to two adult males were near Fort Davis, Jeff Davis from 26 July - 5 August 1994 (JPG; 1994-132).
Lewis's Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis) (25). One adult was in Lubbock, Lubbock on 10 October 1995 (DSt; 1995-129).
Dusky-capped Flycatcher (Myiarchus tuberculifer) (6). One was at Hogan Park in Midland, Midland on 3 September 1994 (DH, RMS, FW; 1994-160). One was photographed at Government Spring in BBNP, Brewster during its stay 7-8 May 1995 (CB, EiM; 1995-75, TPRF #1363).
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (8). At least two birds were audiotaped and photographed in Brownsville, Cameron where they've remained since 31 December 1993 (BM, N&EA, GL; 1994-62, TPRF #1289, TBSL #216-02). Two birds were audiotaped in Harlingen, Cameron on 13 August 1996 (OC; 1996-123, TBSL #203-17). Several birds, documented since 1994, continued to be present at Rancho Viejo, Cameron. Still others, documented since 1991, continued to be present at two other locations in Cameron.
Thick-billed Kingbird (Tyrannus crassirostris) (12). One adult was photographed at Rio Grande Village, BBNP, Brewster on 30 July 1995 (BZ, VE; 1995-96, TPRF #1375).
Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana) (8). One adult was at Tivoli, Refugio on 8 October 1958 (MMc, EWi; 1995-125) based on a written report which was only recently uncovered and reviewed. This record had previously been listed as "Accepted" on account of a reported, but now lost, photograph held at Welder Refuge (photo "WWF P-26", FN13:47, Oberholser 1974).
Rose-throated Becard (Pachyramphus aglaiae) (18/15). Two old records were accepted after "discovery" of extant museum specimens: Two birds were collected in McAllen, Hidalgo on 29 December 1948 (*DMNH 47529 & 47530), and another was collected at the same location the following day (*DMNH 46536).
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (9). One old record was accepted after "discovery" of an extant museum specimen: One was collected in Alpine, Brewster on 12 November 1972 (*UTEP 443).
Black-capped Chickadee (Parus atricapillus) (1). One was collected in El Paso, ElPaso on 10 April 1881 as evidenced by the recent "discovery" (DS, GL, KA) of an extant museum specimen (CKW; 1995-34, TPRF #1327, *YPM 9723). It furnished a first record for Texas (at least four other specimens from the 1800s remain unlocated). Today, the species occurs regularly around Albuquerque and has been seen as close as Animas Creek, New Mexico, 90 miles from the Texas border (fide BZ).
Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe) (1). One female or immature was at Laguna Atascosa NWR, Cameron from 1-6 November 1994 (KT, T&PF, HvS, DB, GL, JPG, CEE, JA, MPaw, J&BR, BM; 1994-165, TPRF #1310). A photograph documenting this first record for Texas was published in FN 49:70.
Clay-colored Robin (Turdus grayi) (45). One singing male was at La Joya, Hidalgo on 16 July 1994 (TBr; 1995-42). One adult was in Corpus Christi, Nueces from 16-22 March 1995 (AC, GS; 1995-43). One singing male was in Salineno, Starr from 25 April - 6 May 1995 (BB; 1995-66). One was along the Jaguarundi Trail in Santa Ana NWR,Hidalgo on 16 June 1995 (TBr; 1995-105).
Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) (5). One old record was accepted after "discovery" of an extant museum specimen: One was collected at Palo Duro Canyon,Randall on 26 December 1936 (*USNM 597272).
Gray Silky-flycatcher (Ptilogonys cinereus) (2). One male was in El Paso, El Paso from 12 January - 5 March 1995 (DE, BN, BZ, GM, J&BR, JD, PG, DB, P&TF, J&EM, GDY, ML, FB, TL, PS; 1995-13, TPRF #1320). Photographs documenting this second record for the U.S. were published in FN 49:168 and in the 15 January edition of the El Paso Times. A drought and crop failure in the species native range may have contributed to the bird's appearance.
Yellow-green Vireo (Vireo flavoviridis) (11/10). One old record was accepted after "discovery" of an extant museum specimen: One was collected in Ingleside, San Patricio on 10 May 1966 (*AMNH 786690).
Black-whiskered Vireo (Vireo altiloquus) (11). One was at Packery Channel County Park, Nueces on 24 April 1995 (AC; 1995-90).
Gray-crowned Yellowthroat (Geothlypis poliocephala) (38). Eighteen old records were accepted after "discovery" of extant museum specimens: Sixteen of them were collected in Brownsville, Cameron between 10 June 1892 and 25 May 1894 (*AMNH 760095 & 760096; *UMMZ 194474; *USNM 128486 & 128487, 129348-129351, 129401-129405 & 151988; *ROM 113406). One was collected in Cameron county on 3 May 1894 (*CU 16815) as was another on 16 May 1894 (*FMNH 6567).
Golden-crowned Warbler (Basileuterus culicivorus) (9). One adult was photographed near Willow Lake in Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo during its stay 8 November 1995 - mid January 1996 (LG, BF, PH, LEM, JMu, JG, KW, GL, AKS, JDK, MA; 1995-133, TPRF #1443).
Rufous-capped Warbler (Basileuterus rufifrons) (11). One adult was at Park Chalk Bluff, northwest of Uvalde, Uvalde from 20 April - early August 1995 (BFl, JPG, MC, AC, J&EM, T&PF, GL, BF, FB; 1995-55). One adult was at Dolan Falls Ranch Preserve,Val Verde on 30 August 1995 (WC; 1995-130).
Olive Warbler (Peucedramus taeniatus) (4). One immature was at Big Bend Ranch,Presidio on 7 September 1994 (JPG, CEE, KB; 1994-146). One adult male was at Lake MacKenzie in Tule Canyon, Briscoe on 30 April 1995 (GWh; 1995-65).
Baird's Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii) (18). Seven old records were accepted after "discovery" of extant museum specimens: One was collected in Rio Grande City, Starr in the winter of 1880 (*AMNH 83460). One was collected in Boquillas, Brewster on 21 May 1935 (*CU 19451). Three separate birds were collected at Muleshoe NWR, Bailey on 27 November 1976 (*OMNH 11361), 18 January 1977 (*OMNH 11570), and 19 January 1977 (*OMNH 11571), respectively. One was collected in Kent on 12 March 1978 (*TTU 3703). One was collected in Lubbock on 23 September 1980 (*TTU 3895).
Henslow's Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowsii). This species was removed from the Review List in 1994, but one record submitted before that time recently completed circulation. Two birds were in west Harris county on 2 March 1982 (TG; 1993-40).
Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla) (17/16). One immature was photographed in Boquillas Canyon, BBNP, Brewster on 15 January 1974 (RW, LM; 1994-156, TPRF #1301). One adult was photographed at Hueco Tanks SP, El Paso after returning for another winter there 23 October 1994 - 16 April 1995 (RR, GL, BM, GM, T&PF, FB, JD, BZ, PS; 1994-183, TPRF #1303). One adult was in Uvalde, Uvalde on 31 January 1995 (LHB; 1995-64).
Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) (4). One adult male was at the junction of FM 1351 and Wilkinson road, Goliad on 5 March 1993 (RW; 1993-56). One male with a possible female were in Matagorda, Matagorda on 26 March 1995 (BF; 1995-44).
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 unaccepted because the material submitted 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 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 (1992-145) at Texas City, Galveston from 26 December 1981 - 28 February 1982.
Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica). One (1995-8) on Lake O'The Pines, Marion on 2 January 1995.
Yellow-nosed Albatross (Diomedea chlororhynchos). One (1995-23) off Port O'Connor,Calhoun on 9 January 1995.
Greater Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri). One (1994-94) photographed off Port O'Connor, Calhoun on 28 May 1994 was rejected after two rounds after photo enlargements and further review indicated it was most likely a Black-capped Petrel. This record has since been resubmitted as Pterodroma hasitata, a species which would represent a new addition to the Texas list if accepted.
Audubon's Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri). One (1993-74) in Galveston, Galveston on 1 May 1993.
Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber). One "pink" bird (1995-118) at Mad Island Marsh,Matagorda on 19 December 1994 may have been an escaped captive but was poorly described.
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus). One (1994-11) at Anahuac NWR, Chambers on 25 November 1993. Two to three (1994-29) at Anahuac NWR on 31 December 1993.
Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator). One (1995-45) poorly documented individual at Brazoria NWR, Brazoria from 21 November 1994 - 20 January 1995 was described as having a black plastic leg band on its right leg. Many committee members felt a similarly tagged Tundra Swan could not be eliminated from either the description or the available photographs.
Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope). One male (1994-155) in Austin, Travis on 20-21 October 1994 was thought by several committee members to be a hybrid American/Eurasian Wigeon.
Common Eider (Somateria mollissima). One (1994-148) at Boca Chica, Cameron on 21 April 1994.
Roadside Hawk (Buteo magnirostris). One (1995-112) at Park Chalk Bluff, Uvalde on 16 August 1995.
Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni). Two "adults" (1995-119) in Cameron county on 20 December 1994. One "immature" (1995-120) in LaSalle county on 22 December 1994. While not a review species, December-January reports of Swainson's Hawks will continue to be rigorously reviewed (see Review List B at the end of this report). To date, very few valid winter records exist for this species anywhere in the U.S., and most have been of immature birds.
Collared Forest-Falcon (Micrastur semitorquatus). One "tawny-phase adult" (1995-124) near Bentsen SP, Hidalgo on 12 March 1994 obviously pertained to a different bird than the light morph individual documented at Bentsen during January and February of that year. The committee felt the written details, as submitted, were insufficient to document a second U.S. record.
Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea). One (1995-114) near Dawn, Deaf Smith on 8 September 1995.
Skua species (Catharacta sp.). One (1995-127) at South Padre Island, Cameron on 9 July 1988, while suggestive, did not eliminate Pomarine Jaeger as a possibility.
California Gull (Larus californicus). One adult (1993-63) in Victoria, Victoria on 2 February 1993. One immature (1994-173) at Lake Buchanan, Llano on 13 November 1994. Thirty adults (1994-184) at Red Bluff Lake, Loving on 4 December 1994.
Thayer's Gull (Larus thayeri). One first- or second-year bird (1994-76) in Jeffersoncounty on 24 April 1994 was accepted by the committee as a "Thayer's/Iceland Gull". Should the AOU rule these two species are in fact one, as some taxonomists believe, this record will be moved to the Accepted category.
Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides). One immature bird (1995-122) on Sundown Island,Calhoun on 1 June 1994 was suggestive, but many committee members felt the documentation was inconclusive.
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus). One first-year bird (1993-99) at Bolivar Flats,Galveston on 24 April 1993. One adult (1994-154) at Bolivar Flats on 27 December 1993. One first-winter bird (1994-55) on South Padre Island, Cameron on 26 February 1994. One first-winter bird (1994-91) at Indian Point, San Patricio on 27 February 1994. One (1994-102) near McFaddin NWR, Jefferson on 27 March 1995.
Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus). One immature (1994-86) at Rollover Pass,Galveston on 23 April 1994.
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus). One first-year bird (1995-80) at San Luis Pass,Galveston on 21 April 1995.
Bridled Tern (Sterna anaethetus). One adult (1994-140) off Port O'Connor, Calhoun on 23 July 1994.
Ruddy Ground-Dove (Columbina talpacoti). One "female" (1994-54) near La Joya,Hidalgo on 13 February 1994 was suggestive but the details were considered by many to be inconclusive.
Gray-headed Dove (Leptotila rufaxilla). One (1994-158) below Falcon Dam, Starr on 30 September 1994. Identification of this bird was based primarily on soft part coloration, however, soft part colors are variable and can change hormonally in Leptotila doves (fideJA). In addition, this species frequents wet foothill forest, not lowland riparian growth like that found below Falcon Dam.
Vaux's Swift (Chaetura vauxi). One (1995-14) in Grand Prairie, Dallas on 9 October 1994.
Violet-crowned Hummingbird (Amazilia violiceps). One (1994-153) at Big Bend Ranch,Presidio on 24 March 1994.
Plain-capped Starthroat (Heliomaster constantii). One (1995-132) in BBNP, Brewsteron 23 November 1993.
Lewis's Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis). One or two (1994-180) in Rose, Deaf Smithon 30 November 1994.
Gila Woodpecker (Melanerpes uropygialis). One (1995-24) in El Paso, El Paso from 16-18 February 1995 was very suggestive yet insufficiently documented for a species unrecorded in Texas.
Dusky-capped Flycatcher (Myiarchus tuberculifer). One (1995-88) at Park Chalk Bluff,Uvalde on 21 June 1995. Three (1995-102) at Fort Clark Springs, Kinney on 18 July 1995.
Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher (Myiodynastes luteiventris). One (1995-49) at BBNP,Brewster on 13 November 1991.
Mangrove Swallow (Tachycineta albilinea). One (1995-56) at Galveston Island SP,Galveston on 15 April 1995 was suggestive yet insufficiently described for a species unrecorded in the U.S.
Bridled Titmouse (Parus wollweberi). One (1995-54) at BBNP, Brewster on 8 March 1995.
Black-capped Gnatcatcher (Polioptila nigriceps). Two (1995-101) at BBNP, Brewsteron 5 June 1995.
Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava). One (1995-22) in Tehuacana, Limestone on 15 February 1995.
Hooded Yellowthroat (Geothlypis nelsoni). One (1994-176) photographed at BBNP,Brewster on 28 & 29 September 1994. One (1995-53) at Adolf Thomae County Park,Cameron on 7 April 1995. Neither the photographs nor the reports eliminated local races of Common Yellowthroat, a species whose variability in plumage due to race, age, and sex is often unappreciated.
Gray-crowned Yellowthroat (Geothlypis poliocephala). One (1995-121) in Zapatacounty on 2 June 1995. This species is extremely difficult to confirm in Texas without audio recordings or detailed measurements to back up reports.
Slate-throated Redstart (Myioborus miniatus). One (1995-46) in BBNP, Brewster on 24 October 1994.
Baird's Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii). One (1995-126) at Falcon SP, Starr on 27 April 1979. One (1995-77) at BBNP, Brewster from 23-25 May 1995.
Streak-backed Oriole (Icterus pustulatus). One (1995-35) in BBNP, Brewster on 20 September 1986, while suggestive, did not rule out a winter-plumaged Hooded Oriole. One (1994-134) photographed below Falcon Dam, Starr on 17 December 1993 was very suggestive (the photograph seemed to indicate a heavily streaked back) but the photo was poor and most of the bird was obscured by foliage.
Literature Cited
American Ornithologists' Union. 1983. Checklist of North
American birds, 6th ed. American Ornith. Union, Baltimore, Maryland.
American Ornithologists' Union. 1996. Fourtieth Supplement to the A.O.U. Check-list
of North American Birds. 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.
------. 1995. Texas Bird Records Committee Report for 1994.
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 28(2):30-41.
------. 199x. Texas Bird Records Committee Report for 1995.
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 2w(x):y-z.
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 Lists
The TBRC Review Lists constitute all species for which documentation is requested. The committee also requests details on any record of a species not yet accepted on the Texas List. As of this writing, the following changes have been made to Review Lists A, B, C, and the Presumptive Species List since they were published in the Texas Bird Records Committee Report for 1995 (Haynie 199x): Pacific Loon, Audubon's Shearwater, Band-rumped Storm-Petrel, Glossy Ibis, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Glaucous Gull, and Bridled Tern were moved from Review List A to Review List B. Collared Forest-Falcon, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Kelp Gull, Roseate Tern, Ruddy Quail-Dove, Black-capped Chickadee, Northern Wheatear, Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush, and Flame-colored Tanager were added to Review List A. Murre species was added to the Presumptive Species List.
At the end of 1996, efforts were underway to confirm the identification of this specimen currently housed at the Denver Museum of Natural History. In August 1997, the specimen was finally examined and was, in fact, a misidentified Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow. This species will be removed from the Texas list with the publishing of the 1997 Texas Bird Records Committee Report.