1998 Annual Report

Texas Bird Records Committee Report for 1998

MARK W. LOCKWOOD

Natural Resource Program, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

The Texas Bird Records Committee (hereafter "TBRC" or "committee") of the Texas Ornithological Society requests and reviews documentation on any record of a TBRC Review List species. Annual reports of the committee’s activities have appeared in the Bulletin of the Texas Ornithological Society since 1984. The committee reached a final decision on 206 records during 1998: 150 records of 65 species were accepted and 56 records of 43 species were not accepted, an acceptance rate of 72.8% for this report. Included under the accepted category were six records of three species pertaining to specimens collected prior to 1988. There were 227 observers who submitted documentation (to the TBRC or to other entities) that was reviewed by the committee during 1998.

In 1998 the TBRC accepted first state records of Black-capped Petrel, Arctic Tern, Dark-billed Cuckoo and Red-breasted Sapsucker. Photographically documented records of Berylline Hummingbird and Slate-throated Redstart were also accepted during 1998, moving these two species from the presumptive list to the state list. A sight record of Black Swift was accepted during 1998, thus adding the species to the presumptive list. In addition, Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) was added to the state list based on the rapid expansion of this introduced species into Texas. These actions brought the official Texas State List to 613 species in good standing. This total does not include the five species listed on the Presumptive Species List.

In addition to the review of previously undocumented species, any committee member may request that a record of any species be reviewed. The committee desires written descriptions as well as photographs, video, and audio recordings if available. Information concerning a Review List species may be submitted to the committee secretary, Greg Lasley, 305 Loganberry Court, Austin, Texas 78745-6527 (email: glasley@earthlink.net). Guidelines for preparing rare bird documentation can be found in Dittmann and Lasley (1992).

The records in this report are arranged taxonomically following the AOU Checklist of North American Birds (AOU 1998). A number in parentheses after the species name represents the total number of accepted records in Texas for that species at the end of 1998. The numbers of accepted records are also listed for Pacific Loon, Audubon’s Shearwater, Band-rumped Storm-Petrel, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Glaucous Gull, Bridled Tern, Tropical Kingbird, and Clay-colored Robin, eight species recently removed from Review List A, though retained on Review List B. All observers who submitted written documentation or photographs of accepted records are acknowledged by initials. If known, the initials of those who discovered a particular bird are in boldface but only if the discoverers submitted supporting documentation. The TBRC file number of each accepted record will follow the observers' initials. 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. 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 1998 who participated in decisions listed in this report were: John Arvin, Chair, Keith Arnold, Academician, Greg Lasley, Secretary, Brush Freeman, Petra Hockey, Mark Lockwood, Terry Maxwell, Martin Reid, Willie Sekula, and Barry Zimmer. During 1998, Petra Hockey was elected as a new member and John Arvin retired from the committee. Lockwood replaced Arvin as committee Chair. The Academician and Secretary were re-elected.

Contributors -- Mark Adams (MAd), Mary Lou Alcorn, Lynne Aldrich, Robin Alexander, Tony Amos, Eddie & Nina Arnold, Keith Arnold, John Arvin, Mike Austin (MAu), Paul Baicich (PBa), Helen Baines, Noreen Baker, Jim Bangma (JBa), Keith Bartels (KBa), Richard Bartels (RBa), Patty Beasley (PBe), Bob Behrstock (BBe), Anne Bellamy, Robert Benson (RBe), Steve Bentsen, Lorie Black (LoB), Lytle Blankenship (LyB), David Bradford, Tim Brush, Kelly Bryan (KBr), Tim Bulow, Frank Bumgardner, Jim Burns (JBu), Jerry Caraviotis (JCa), Oscar Carmona, Cynthia Chapman, Gary Clark, Scott Clark, Therese Clawson (TCl), Will Cook, Mel & Arlie Cooksey, Tim Cooper (TCo), Jim & Pat Culbertson (J&PCu), David Dauphin, Barbara & Phil Davis, Paul Davis (PaD), Carole Dill (CDi), Mike Dillon (MDi), Mary Dodson (MDo), Robert Doe, Jeff Donaldson (JDo), Andy Donnelly, Gladys Donohue, Charles Duncan (CDu), Jon Dunn (JDu), Charles Easley (CEa), Marc & Maryann Eastman (M&ME), John Economidy, Victor Emanuel, Steve Emmons, Ted Eubanks, Kim Ekert, Mark Elwonger, Chuck & Shirley Fellers, Tim Fennell (TFe), Tony & Phillis Frank (T&PF), Brush Freeman (BFr), Bert Frenz (BeF), Jim Flynn (JFl), Jim Fuller (JFu), Murray Gardler (MGa), Brian Gibbons, Tom Gill, Kamel Girgis, Peter Gottschling, Ann Gordon, Jeff Gordon, Russell Graham (RGr), Micheal Gray (MGr), L.E. Grimes, H.D. Grissom (HDG), Ron Gutberlet (RGu), Laurens Halsey, Dale Hartsfield (DHa), Jill Haukos (JHa), Scott Haywood, David (DaH) & Linda Hedges (LHe), Dick Heller (DHe), Jim Hengeveld (JHe), Jim Hines (JHi), Petra Hockey, Buddy Hollis (BuH), Eric Hopson, Bill Howe (BHo) P. D. Hulce (PDH), Chuck Hunter, Marshall Iliff, Francie Jeffery, Ann Johnson, Bob Johnson, Dan Jones, Larry Jordon, Sharon Kanareff, John Karges (JKa), Thomas Kent, Richard Kinney, Jane Kittleman (JKi), Michael & Anna Kutska, Linda Laack, H.P. Langridge, Greg Lasley, Tony Leukering, Mark Lockwood, Bill Lupardus (BLu), Bill Lybarger (BLy), Barry Lyon, Gerald Maisel, Steve Matherly (SMa), Terry Maxwell, Jody Mays (JMa), Guy McCaskie, Jimmy McHaney (JMc), Brad McKinney (BMc), Joann Merritt, Wayne Meyer, Charles Mills, Steve Mlodinow (SMl), Elaine & Jack Morman, John Muldrow, Ken Nanney, Nancy Norman, Susue Oden, Jerry Oldenettel, Micheal Overton, Kay Palmer, Marcos Paredes, Helen Parker, Kathy & Martin Parker, Jim Paton (JPa), Arvind Pauabi, Dwight Peake, Richard Peake (RPe), Jim Peterson (JPe), Randy Pinkston (RPi), Gail Poth, Jeff Price (JPr), R.H. Protor (RHP), Bob Quinn, Mike Quinn, Amelia Ranche, Ross Rasmussen, Janet Rathjen (JRa), Mary Ruth Rathjen (MRR), Ellen Red, Martin Reid (MR), Kay Rhoades, John & Barbara Ribble (J&BRi), Don Richardson, Cecilia Riley, S. Gary Roberts (SGR), Wayne Rogers, Gary Rosenberg (GRo), Gerd Rotzoll (GRo), Bill Rowe (BRo), Billy Sandifer (BSa), Susan Sander, David Sarkozi (DSa), Mike Sawyer (MSa), Kay Scheuner, Jim Sealy (JSe), Willie Sekula, Larry Semo (LSe), Chuck Sexton (CSe), David & Elvera Shappirio, Paul Sharp (PSh), J. W. Sifford (JWS), Joel & Vicki Simon, Macklin Smith (MSm), Sylvestre Sorola, Lloyd Spitalnik (LSp), Terry Steele, Blair Sterba-Boatright (BSB), Jim Stevenson (JSt), Cliff Stogner (CSt), Bob Stone (BSt), Bill Summerour (BSu), Paul Sunby (PSu), Peder Svingen (PSv), Glenn Swartz, Kenneth Taylor, Rick Taylor, Daniel Thompson, Ian Tizard, Thede Tobish, Jeff Troy, Suzanne Tuttle, Richard Uzar, Don Verser, Ro Wauer (RWa), Jim Weber (JWe), Ron Weeks (RWe), Carter Whatley, Matt & Kristin White (M&KW), John Whittle (JWh), Steve Williams, Charles Wiedenfeld, Dale Wiedenfeld, Sue Wiedenfeld, Richard Wilberforce (RWi), Frances Williams, Angus Wilson (AnW), Jack Windsor (JWi), Adam Wood (AdW), Alan Wormington (AWor), Gail Diane Yovanovich, Jim Zabriskie, 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 thank the following consultants who provided the TBRC with expert opinion, advice, or other information concerning records reviewed during 1998: Chris Benesh, Donna Dittmann, Jon Dunn, Ted Eubanks, Kimball Garrett, Ned Johnson, John Klicka, Paul Lehman, John O’Neill, Brian Patteson, Van Remsen, Gary Rosenberg, Chuck Sexton, Brian Wheeler and Bret Whitney. The TBRC also thanks the curators that provided information on specimens housed at the follow collections: American Museum of Natural History, Manchester University Museum, Texas Cooperative Wildlife Collection, and the University of Texas - Pan American. The author thanks Petra Hockey and Brush Freeman for reviewing previous drafts of this report.

Additional Abbreviations. – AMNH = American Museum of Natural History; AOU = American Ornithologists' Union; BBNP = Big Bend National Park; MUM = Manchester University Museum, Manchester, England; NWR = National Wildlife Refuge; SP = State Park; TCWC = Texas Cooperative Wildlife Collection (Texas A&M University); UT Pan American = University of Texas Pan American at Edinburg.

ACCEPTED RECORDS

Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata) (34). One at Lake Tawakoni, Rains, on 27 February 1994 (RK; 1994-141). Up to three at Cooper Lake, Delta, from 18 January - 23 March 1998 (M&KW, JDu; 1998-31; TPRF 1587). One at Lake Tawakoni, Rains, from 1 January - 14 March 1998 (RR, MW; 1998-19; TPRF 1564). One at Galveston, Galveston, from 1 April to 3 May 1998 (RWe, GL, GS, DD, JWh, MI, DB; 1998-53, TPRF 1599).

Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) (13). One at Lake Lewisville, Denton, from 29-30 March 1998 (LH; 1998-99; TPRF 1580). This bird was in breeding plumage, a rarely observed plumage in Texas.

Yellow-nosed Albatross (Thalassarche chlororhynchos) (3). One found dead on San Jose Island, Aransas, on 11 July 1997 (TA; 1997-129; TPRF 1651; *TCWC 13338).

Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata) (2). One off Port O’Connor, Calhoun, on 28 May 1994 (DP, T&PF, MAu, ME, DB, SW, PG, LA; 1996-129; TPRF 1631). One off Port O’Connor, Calhoun, on 26 July 1997 (DP, ME, LyB, PH, RGr, SH, RPe, MGa, NB, TFe, MGr; 1997-118, TPRF 1633). These records represent the first records for Texas.

Greater Shearwater (Puffinus gravis) (9). One found dead near Port Aransas, Nueces, on 29 June 1998 (TA, GL; 1998-94; TPRF 1619; *TCWC 13368). Another found near death on San Jose Island, Aransas, on 30 July 1998 (TA, GL; 1998-115; TPRF 1677; *TCWC 13369). One was recorded on a pelagic trip out of Port O'Connor, Calhoun, on 26 July 1997 (DP, ME, LyB, PH, RGr, SH, RPe, MGa, NB; 1997-119)

Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) (6). One found dead on North Padre Island, Kenedy, on 13 September 1997 (BSa, MC; 1997-147; TPRF 1630; *TCWC 13329).

Audubon's Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri) (24). Up to five individuals were recorded on a pelagic trip out of Port O'Connor, Calhoun, on 29 June 1996 (DPe, BMc; 1996-192; TPRF 1642). Two individuals were recorded on a pelagic trip out of Port O'Connor, Calhoun, on 27 July 1996 (DPe; 1996-194; TPRF 1641). Up to 18 individuals were recorded on a pelagic trip out of Port O'Connor, Calhoun, on 23 August 1997 (ML, ME, GL; 1997-141; TPRF 1629). Up to 16 were recorded on a pelagic trip out of Port O'Connor, Calhoun, on 26 July 1997 (DP, LyB, RGr, RPe; 1997-120; TPRF 1637)

Leach's Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) (18). One was found on a pelagic trip out of Port O'Connor, Calhoun, on 29 June 1996 (DPe, BMc; 1996-195, TPRF 1643). One was found on North Padre Island, Kleberg, on 7 June 1997 (TA, GL; 1997-130; TPRF 1652; *TCWC 13327). Two were recorded on a pelagic trip out of Port O'Connor, Calhoun, on 28 June 1997 (DP, ME, BFr, RGr; 1997-103). Two were recorded on a pelagic trip out of Port O'Connor, Calhoun, on 26 July 1997 (DP, LyB, RGr; 1997-122). One was found on a pelagic trip out of Port O'Connor,Calhoun, on 23 August 1997 (JG, BFr, ML, GL, ME; 1997-139).

Band-rumped Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma castro) (19). Up to 11 individuals were recorded on a pelagic trip out of Port O'Connor, Calhoun, on 29 June 1996 (DPe, BMc; 1996-191). Up to nine individuals were recorded on a pelagic trip out of Port O'Connor, Calhoun, on 27 July 1996 (DPe; 1996-193; TPRF 1644). Up to 29 were recorded on a pelagic trip out of Port O'Connor, Calhoun, on 28 June 1997 (DP, ME, BFr, RGr; 1997-102; TPRF 1634). Up to 43 were recorded on a pelagic trip out of Port O'Connor, Calhoun, on 26 July 1997 (DP, LyB, RGr, RPe; 1997-121; TPRF 1634). Up to 23 were recorded on a pelagic trip out of Port O'Connor, Calhoun, on 23 August 1997 (GL, ML, BFr; 1997-140; TPRF 1628).

Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus) (3). One was found on North Padre Island, Kleberg, on 7 June 1997 (TA; 1997-133; TPRF 1653; *TCWC 13339).

Jabiru (Jabiru mycteria) (7). A specimen, found dead, at La Sal Vieja, Hidalgo, in September 1972 (*UT Pan American) was located during 1998 (TPRF 1673). One at Laguna Atascosa NWR, Cameron, on 11 August 1997 (JMa; 1997-138; TPRF 1656).

Brant (Branta bernicla) (17). One "American" Brant from the Katy Prairie, Fort Bend, in November 1971 (KG; 1998-43; TPRF 1563; *TCWC 13337). The specimen is a mount donated to the TCWC.

Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) (26). A male at Anzalduas County Park, Hidalgo, from 12 February to 7 March 1997 (SB, SMl, AWor, HP, RWe; 1997-52; TPRF 1582).

Masked Duck (Nomonyx dominica) (52). One at Cullinan Park, Fort Bend, from 23 February to 4 April 1998 (TE, MGr, HB, PSh, MDo; 1998-30; TPRF 1594). A male on the Buena Vista Ranch, Cameron, from 16 April to 30 May 1998 (TCo; 1998-140; TPRF 1664). Three specimens were located in 1998, one from near Faysville, Hidalgo, on an unknown date (*UT Pan American; TPRF 1674), one from eastern Hidalgo on 23 December 1980 (*UT Pan American; TPRF 1675), and one from Shamrock, Willacy, on 23 November 1986 (*UT Pan American; TPRF 1676).

Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) (12). One 7 miles east of Sunray, Moore, on 3 February 1995 (BFr, PH; 1995-16). One at Grand Prairie,Dallas, on 18 March 1995 (KN; 1995-52). One on FM 3395 near the Moore/Hutchinson line on 20 February 1997 (SW; 1997-155). One at Buffalo Lakes NWR, Randall, on 1 November 1995 (RWi; 1998-137; TPRF 1663).

Short-tailed Hawk (Buteo brachyurus) (8). One at Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo, on 15 February 1997 (KT; 1997-41).

Eskimo Curlew (Numenius borealis) (18). Two specimens were located in 1998, one collected in 1861 at an unspecified location (*MUM B.09395) and another where the location and date of collection are unknown (*AMNH 738187).

Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea) (8). One at Port Arthur, Jefferson, on 24 November 1994 (JWh; 1994-186). One at Galveston, Galveston, from 30 April to 2 May 1997 (PDH, JMc, DP, ER; 1997-80; TPRF 1625).

Ruff (Philomachus pugnax) (21). One at Arlington, Tarrant, from 29 August to 4 September 1998 (EW, JWS, MDi, M&KW, SC, JMc, BSt, LH; 1998-122; TPRF 1618).

Red Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicaria) (25). One at Fort Hancock, Hudspeth, on 17 November 1996 (CEa; 1997-18). One at Arlington, Tarrant, from 10-15 September 1998 (MR, JWS, MDi, KR, SC, JMc, DHa; 1998-127; TPRF 1670).

Little Gull (Larus minutus) (29). An adult at Mountain Creek Lake, Dallas, from 25 December 1996 to 17 February 1997 (KN, JDu, M&KW, TT; 1997-43). A first-winter bird at Mountain Creek Lake, Dallas, on 28 November 1997 (RGr, KN; 1997-163). An adult at Mountain Creek Lake,Dallas, on 7 December 1997 (RR; 1997-174).

Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) (15). One at Lake Wright Patman, Bowie/Cass, on 28 December 1996 (CM; 1997-3). One at Mountain Creek Lake, Dallas, on 9 February 1997 (KN; 1997-49). One at Cooper Lake, Delta/Hopkins, from 26 October 1997 to 14 February 1998 (MW, RGr, BFr; 1997-162; TPRF 1596). One at Arlington, Tarrant, from 24 January to 23 March 1998 (JMc, MGa, MR, JWS, RGu, PSu, GL, MW, MO; 1998-16; TPRF 1597). One at Arlington, Tarrant, from 1-21 March 1998 (MR, MW; 1998-42; TPRF 1608).

California Gull (Larus californicus) (48). An adult at Galveston, Galveston, from 1 December 1996 to mid February 1997 (DP, JMc, RPe; 1997-61; TPRF 1623). An adult at Mountain Creek Lake, Dallas, on 25 December 1996 (KN; 1997-48). Another adult was at San Antonio, Bexar, from 7 December 1996 to 3 January 1997 (WS; 1997-15; TPRF 1572). Up to four at Corpus Christi, Nueces, from 14 February to 22 March 1997 (WS, J&BRi; 1997-66; TPRF 1616). An adult was at El Paso, El Paso, on 21 January 1998 (BZ; 1998-37; TPRF 1593).

Thayer's Gull (Larus thayeri) (39). A first winter bird at Galveston, Galveston, from 25 November to 28 December 1993 (RU, DP; 1994-56; TPRF 1647). An adult was at Corpus Christi, Nueces, from 28 February to 8 March 1996 (GS, WS; 1996-31; TPRF 1621). A first winter bird was at San Antonio, Bexar, on 3 January 1997 (WS; 1997-14; TPRF 1577). A first winter bird was at Corpus Christi, Nueces, from 25 January to 5 April 1997 (WS, J&BRi; 1997-64; TPRF 1617). Another first winter bird was at Clint, El Paso, on 28 January 1997 (BZ; 1997-45; TPRF 1561). A first winter bird was at El Paso, El Paso, from 28 January to 2 February 1997 (JPa, BZ; 1997-53). Another first winter bird was at Brownsville, Cameron, from 22 February to 1 March 1997 (BMc, WS; 1997-65).

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) (87). One adult at Corpus Christi, Nueces, from 8-30 March 1996 (WS; 1996-87; TPRF 1626). One adult at Galveston, Galveston, on 16 November 1996 (JSt; 1996-168; TPRF 1645). An adult at Laguna Atascosa NWR, Cameron, on 30 December 1996 (CDu; 1997-27). Another adult was at Beaumont, Jefferson, on 30 December 1996 (JWh; 1997-62). Up to five were at Brownsville, Cameron, from 4 January to 1 March 1997 (BRo, SMl, BMc; 1997-32). Up to five at Corpus Christi, Nueces, from 25 January to 1 April 1997 (WS, J&BRi, GL; 1997-69; TPRF 1615). A first winter bird was in El Paso on 28 January 1997 (BZ; 1997-44; TPRF 1581).

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (73). One in Jefferson on 15 April 1995 (CEa; 1995-79). One at East Beach and Bolivar Flats, Galveston, from 16 November 1996 to 29 March 1997 (JSt, JWh, DR, DP, BB, JRa, PG, CDu, DT; 1996-167 & 1997-12, TPRF 1584).

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) (28). One at Port Aransas, Nueces, on 27 September 1988 (TA; 1996-187; TPRF 1658). One at Mustang Island, Nueces, on 9 November 1996 (JM; 1997-107; TPRF 1659). One at Brownsville, Cameron, on 11 February 1997 (SMl; 1997-51).

Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) (3). One at Padre Island National Seashore, Kleberg, on 4 May 1996 (WS; 1996-88; TPRF 1627).

Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) (66). One at Midland, Midland, from 16-19 December 1997 (PaD, LEG, SO, FW, JMc; 1998-8; TPRF 1592). One first winter bird at Possum Kingdom Lake, Young, on 28 December 1996 (KN; 1997-47). One at Bolivar Peninsula, Galveston, on 25 April 1997 (JRa, MRR; 1997-111). One at Calaveras Lake, Bexar, on 26 November 1998 (WS, MR, J&BRi; 1998-143; TPRF 1609).

Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini) (49). One at Greenville City Lake, Hunt, from 18-29 November 1997 (MW, RGr, CEA, MAu; 1997-161; TPRF 1574). One found on a pelagic trip out of Port O’Connor, Calhoun, on 20 September 1997 (ME, RGr, JA; 1997-145). One at Fort Bliss, El Paso, on 11 September 1998 (BZ; 1998-136; TPRF 1672). Up to five at Lake Lewisville, Denton, from 11-17 September 1998 (RGr, JWS, BSt, LH; 1998-128; TPRF 1613). One at Tornillo Reservoir, El Paso, from 18-20 September 1998 (BZ, JPa; 1998-133; TPRF 1671).

Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) (2). An adult at McNary Reservoir, Hudspeth, from 5-7 June 1997 (JPa, BJ; 1997-98; TPRF 1614). One immature bird on a pelagic trip out of Port O’Connor, Calhoun, on 26 July 1997 (DP, ME, LyB, PH, RGr, SH, RPe, MGa, NB, TFe, MGr; 1997-117; TPRF 1636). These represent the first accepted records for the state.

Bridled Tern (Sterna anaethetus) (21). Three were recorded on a pelagic trip out of Port O’Connor, Calhoun, on 29 June 1996 (DP, BMc; 1996-196; TPRF 1640). Several individuals were observed on a pelagic trip out of Port O’Connor, Calhoun, on 27 July 1996 (DP; 1996-197, TPRF 1646). Up to 14 individuals were recorded on a pelagic trip out of Port O'Connor, Calhoun, on 23 August 1997 (BFr, ML, GL; 1997-139). Over 100 were recorded on a pelagic trip out of Port O'Connor, Calhoun, on 28 June 1997 (DP, ME, BFr, RGr, AWor; 1997-106; TPRF 1635). Three were recorded on a pelagic trip out of Port O'Connor, Calhoun, on 26 July 1997 (DP, LyB, RGr; 1997-123; TPRF 1639).

Mangrove Cuckoo (Coccyzus minor) (7). One at Quintana, Brazoria, on 11 May 1997 (DV, MGr; 1997-90; TPRF 1665).

Dark-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus melacoryphus) (1). One was at Weslaco, Hidalgo, on 10 February 1986 (CC; 1995-115; TPRF 1600; *LSUMZ). This represents the first Texas and United States record.

Black Swift (Cypseloides niger). A group of four were in the Franklin Mountains, El Paso, on 22 August 1985 (JDo; 1994-172). This represents the first accepted record for Texas, but since no photographs, specimens or sound recording were obtained, Black Swift is placed on the Presumptive List.

White-collared Swift (Streptoprocne zonaris) (4). One at Brownsville, Cameron, on 18 May 1997 (BSu; 1997-101; TPRF 1666).

Green Violet-ear (Colibri thalassinus) (23). One at Bastrop SP, Bastrop, on 5 July 1996 (BFr; 1996-89). One near Henderson, Rusk, from 13-17 June 1997 (HDG; 1997-113; TPRF 1657).

Green-breasted Mango (Anthracothorax prevostii) (6). One at Corpus Christi, Nueces, from 3-8, and 21 November to 21 December 1997 (J&VS, CW, PBe, PH, BSB, KBa, RGr, WS, GS; 1997-150; TPRF 1632).

Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris) (26). A male at Fort Davis, Jeff Davis, from 23 May to 10 July 1998 (GL; 1998-81; TPRF 1573).

White-eared Hummingbird (Hylocharis leucotis) (9). One male at Davis Mountains Resort, Jeff Davis, from 31 July to 23 August 1997 (M&ME, GL, CSe, DB, ML, BFr; 1997-125; TPRF 1649).

Berylline Hummingbird (Amazilia beryllina) (2). One at Davis Mountains Resort, Jeff Davis, from 17 August to 4 September 1997 (M&ME, MAd, KBr, LHe, CH, CR, GL, ML, CSe, DB, JWS, RGr; 1997-137; TPRF 1661). This represents the first photographed record for Texas and places this species on the State List.

Costa's Hummingbird (Calypte costae) (6). One at Rio Grande Village, BBNP, Brewster, on 26 April 1997 (BJ, HPL; 1997-105).

Lewis's Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis) (34). One at Midland, Midland, from 28 December 1996 to 1 January 1997 (BLu, GP; 1997-16). One, possibly more, near Bakersfield, Pecos, from 2-31 January 1997 (MC, RBa, FB; 1997-24). One at San Angelo, Tom Green, from 11 March to 28 April 1997 (TM; 1997-85).

Red-breasted Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus ruber) (1). One adult at McGregor, McLennan, on 27 February 1996, (AG, FB; 1997-175; TPRF 1586). This represents an amazing first record for Texas. Lockwood and Shackelford (1998) provide details of this unexpected record.

Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher (Myiodynastes luteiventris) (8). One at Pine Canyon, BBNP, Brewster, on 28 July and 10 August 1997 (GL, CSe, BFr; 1997-124; TPRF 1648).

Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (13). Two at Harlingen, Cameron, from 2-3 February 1997 (OC; 1997-33). One at Cottonwood Campground, BBNP, Brewster, on 17 June 1997 (RT; 1997-116).

Thick-billed Kingbird (Tyrannus crassirostris) (13). One at Rio Grande Village, BBNP, Brewster, from 11-17 June 1997 (GC, JWi; 1997-108).

Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana) (11). Two at Austin, Travis, from 6-7 May 1997 (ML, BFr, AD; 1997-79; TPRF 1624). One near Anahuac NWR, Chambers, on 17 May 1997 (CD; 1997-154). Another near Anahuac NWR, Chambers, on 13 September 1997 (DS, SK; 1997-144).

Rose-throated Becard (Pachyramphus aglaiae) (22). A male at Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo, from 30 July to 3 October 1997 (TB, EH, DJ; 1997-134; TPRF 1660).

Yellow-green Vireo (Vireo flavoviridis) (16). One at Sarita, Kenedy, on 20 April 1997 (AJ, JBa; 1997-99). One at the Kenedy Ranch, Kenedy, 11 May 1997 (BFr, DS; 1997-83).

Black-whiskered Vireo (Vireo altiloquus) (12). One at High Island, Galveston, on 10 May 1997 (DV, T&PF, BB, JCa; 1997-95).

Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (13). One at Midland, Midland, on 28 December 1996 (BLu; 1997-13).

Clay-colored Robin (Turdus grayi) (51). Two at Fronton, Starr, from 23 April to 8 June 1997 (BFr, ML, DHe; 1997-75). Up to three at Bentsen-Rio Grande SP, Hidalgo, from 14 Nov 1997 to 3 April 1998 (CEa, CSe, GL, ML, M&AC, PSv, GM, MGr, FB; 1997-169; TPRF 1598). One at Corpus Christi, Nueces, from 4 December 1997 to 11 January 1998 (M&AC, E&NA; 1998-45; TPRF 1575). Up to three at McAllen, Hidalgo, from 4-27 April 1998 (JG, BZ, PBa, J&BRi, RBe, TL, JKi, BMc, M∾ 1998-52; TPRF 1583).

Rufous-backed Robin (Turdus rufopalliatus) (5). One near Santa Elena Canyon, BBNP, Brewster, on 14 February 1997 (MP, 1997-42).

Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) (8). One at Lubbock, Lubbock, on 17 November 1996 (JHa; 1997-26). One at Texline, Dallam, on 12 January 1997 (JO; 1997-38; TPRF 1590). One 8 miles north of Rosenberg, Fort Bend, on 7 February 1997 (SW, 1997-30).

Red-faced Warbler (Cardellina rubrifrons) (16). One at Boot Canyon, BBNP, Brewster, on 23 April 1997 (AP; 1997-74).

Slate-throated Redstart (Myioborus miniatus) (2). One in the Davis Mountains, Jeff Davis, on 2 August 1997 (JKa, GL, CSe, FJ; 1997-126; TPRF 1650). This represents the first photographed record for Texas and places this species on the State List.

Rufous-capped Warbler (Basileuterus rufifrons) (12). One at Lake Amistad, Val Verde, from 27 December 1997 to 6 March 1998 (CW, SS, WS, J&BRi, PSv; 1998-44; TPRF 1595).

Baird's Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii) (25). One at Rio Grande Village, BBNP, Brewster, from 4-6 May 1996 (TG, AB, BG; 1996-74). One five miles north of Balmorhea, Reeves, on 21 December 1996 (KBr; 1997-20).

Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla) (20). One along RR 1832, Jeff Davis, on 28 November 1995 (BFr, PH; 1995-150). One at El Paso, El Paso, from 16-19 November 1997 (JPa, BZ; 1997-164).

Yellow-eyed Junco (Junco phaeonotus) (7). One at Guadalupe Mountains N.P., Culbertson, on 25 November 1996 (T&PF; 1997-91). One at El Paso, El Paso, on 13 January 1997 (MLA; 1997-56).

Blue Bunting (Cyanocompsa parellina) (20). One female at Laguna Atascosa NWR, Cameron, on 16 November 1996 (LoB; 1996-153). One adult male and one adult female, possibly others, at Bentsen-Rio Grande SP, Hidalgo, 30 November 1996 to 29 March 1997 (JHe, OC, KE, BRo, SMl, LSp, J&PCu, BeF, RGr, D&ES, JW, RD, BMc, KP, BLy; 1996-172; TPRF 1579). A male at Santa Margarita Ranch, Starr, on 15 February 1997 (OC, DJ; 1997-55). Up to four at Bentsen-Rio Grande SP, Hidalgo, from 28 November 1997 to 15 March 1998 (BMc, RA, ML, MO, BeF, GL, M&AC, GM, J&BRi, PSv, MQ, SB, MGr, FB, DB; 1998-9, TPRF 1588; *TCWC 13335).

Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) (5). One male at Port O’Connor, Calhoun, on 19 April 1997 (PH; 1997-73).

Common Redpoll (Carduelis flammea) (5). Ten at Davis Mountains Resort, Jeff Davis, from 2-26 December 1996 (C&SF; 1997-19).

Lawrence's Goldfinch (Carduelis lawrencei) (12). Four at Terlingua Ranch, Brewster, on 22 October 1996 (JHi; 1997-17). Ten at Pinto Canyon,Presidio, from 26 January to 13 February 1997 (MAd, AWor; 1997-34). Up to 23 at El Paso, El Paso, from 19-26 January 1997 (JPa, JZ, BZ; 1997-22; TPRF 1585).

UNACCEPTED

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 not accepted 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 preparedentirely 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.

Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica). One (1996-86) at Lake Balmorhea, Reeves, on 17 April 1996.

Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena). One (1994-181) at Corpus Christi, Nueces, from 19-20 November 1994.

Band-rumped Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma castro). Seven (1996-93) at Surfside, Brazoria, on 6 May 1996.

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus). One (1995-32) at Anahuac NWR, Chambers, on 27 January 1995.

Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber). One (1995-27) at Laguna Atascosa NWR, Cameron, from 14 February 1995 through at least the spring of 1998. Photographs examined by the committee strongly suggest that this individual was a member of the African subspecies of Greater Flamingo.

American Black Duck (Anas rubripes). One (1997-50) at Lubbock, Lubbock, from 13 January to 5 May 1997. The committee expressed concerns about the origin of this bird. It had an oversized band on one leg and the condition of its flight feathers suggested that it might have been in captivity.

Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope). One (1996-76) at Lake Amistad, Val Verde, from 2-5 February 1996. One (1997-29) at Denison, Grayson, from 4 January - 23 March 1997. The bird present at Denison show plumage characters that strongly suggested a hybrid with A. americana. Potential hybridization could not be eliminated in the other record.

Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus). One (1997-37) at Lake Worth, Tarrant, on 21 December 1996. Broad-winged Hawk is not a review species, however, a member of the committee asked that this record be reviewed.

Short-tailed Hawk (Buteo brachyurus). One (1997-11) at Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo, on 6 September 1996.

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni). Two (1997-157) at Laguna Atascosa NWR, Cameron, on 5 January 1997. Details from December-January reports of Swainson's Hawk are requested for review by the TBRC as a Review List B species. There are very few well-documented midwinter records of this species from Texas.

Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus). One (1997-146) at Corpus Christi, Nueces, on 27 September 1997. Rough-legged Hawk is not a review species, however, a member of the committee asked that this record be reviewed.

Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa). One (1997-46) at Pharr, Hidalgo, on 4 March 1997.

Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla). One (1997-58) at Laguna Atascosa NWR, Cameron, on 10 January 1997. Details from December-January reports of Semipalmated Sandpiper are requested for review by the TBRC as a Review List B species. There are no well-documented midwinter records of this species from Texas.

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata). One (1996-113) at San Antonio, Bexar, on 12 September 1996.

Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima). Two (1997-82) on West Galveston Island, Galveston, on 19 April 1997.

Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus). One (1997-173) at Rockport, Aransas, on 1 April 1997.

Heermann’s Gull (Larus heermanni). One (1997-168) at Tornillo Reservoir, El Paso, on 5 April 1997.

Mew Gull (Larus canus). One (1997-63) at Galveston, Galveston, on 26 January 1997.

California Gull (Larus californicus). One (1996-115) at Lake Tawakoni, Rains, from 31 May to 11 June 1996. One (1997-23) at White Rock Lake,Dallas, on 17 January 1997. Two (1997-94) at Crystal Beach, Galveston, on 12 April 1997. Two (1996-91) at Galveston, Galveston, on 19 April 1996. One (1997-104) at Galveston, Galveston, on 30 April 1997. One (1997-110) at Balmorhea Lake, Reeves, on 29 April 1997. Two (1997-115) at Bolivar Flats, Galveston, from 25 May to 12 July 1997.

Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides). One (1995-33) from Jefferson on 18 December 1994.

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus). One (1996-12) at Boca Chica, Cameron, on 28 December 1995.

Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus). One (1996-81) at Matagorda Island, Calhoun, on 16 April 1996.

Ruddy Ground-Dove (Columbina talpacoti). One (1997-57) at Bentsen-Rio Grande SP, Hidalgo, on 21 March 1997.

Blue Ground-Dove (Claravis pretiosa). Two (1997-170) at Salineno, Starr, on 19 November 1997. Although the description was suggestive, the committee did not think that the details were sufficient to document a first United States record.

Vaux’s Swift (Chaetura vauxi). One (1997-149) at El Paso, El Paso, on 19 October 1997. Although the details provided were very suggestive, documenting this species may require a specimen and the committee remains conservative where this species is concerned.

White-eared Hummingbird (Hylocharis leucotis). One (1995-87) at Laguna Meadows, BBNP, Brewster, on 24 June 1995.

Costa's Hummingbird (Calypte costae). One (1995-165) at El Paso, El Paso, on 4 January 1995.

Lineated Woodpecker (Dryocopus lineatus). One (1997-54) at Falcon Heights, Starr, from 23-26 February 1997. The written details were very suggestive, however the committee felt that the submitted materials were not strong enough to document a first U.S. record.

Dusky-capped Flycatcher (Myiarchus tuberculifer). One (1996-37) at Sabal Palm Grove, Cameron, on 1 February 1996. One (1997-112) at Pine Canyon, BBNP, Brewster, on 10 May 1997.

Thick-billed Kingbird (Tyrannus crassirostris). One (1997-76) in Zavala on 2 April 1997.

Black-capped Vireo (Vireo atricapillus). One (1997-156) near Uvalde, Uvalde, on 30 December 1996. Black-capped Vireo is not a review species, however, a member of the committee asked that this record be reviewed. There are no winter records for this species in the United States.

Yellow-green Vireo (Vireo flavoviridis). One (1995-123) at Falcon Dam, Starr, on 13 May 1972.

Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus). Four (1997-96) in Dallas from 10 March to at least May 1997.

Black-capped Gnatcatcher (Polioptila nigriceps). One (1997-136) at Rio Grande Village, BBNP, Brewster, on 8 August 1997. There are no accepted records for this species from Texas.

Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius). One (1996-67) at the Turkey Creek Unit, Big Thicket National Preserve, Hardin, on 6 April 1996.

Aztec Thrush (Ridgwayia pinicola). One (1997-151) at Longhorn Cavern SP, Burnet, in 1991 or 1992.

Slate-throated Redstart (Myioborus miniatus). One (1997-72) in northwestern Bexar on 17 April 1997. One (1997-89) at Cedar Hill SP, Dallas, on 27 May 1997.

Gray-crowned Yellowthroat (Geothlypis poliocephala). One (1996-23) at Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo, on 27 Dec 1993. One (1996-14) at San Ygnacio, Zapata, from 31 December 1995 to 27 May 1996.

Blue-black Grassquit (Volatinia jacarina). One (1997-109) at Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo, on 6 December 1996.

Sage Sparrow (Amphispiza belli). One (1997-147) at Rio Grande City, Starr, on 14 September 1996. Sage Sparrow is not a review species, however, a member of the committee asked that this record be reviewed.

Baird's Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii). One (1996-132) at Big Bend NP, Brewster, on 5 May 1996. One (1997-93) at Davis Mountains SP, Jeff Davis, on 30 November 1996. One (1997-21) at Lake Balmorhea, Reeves, on 21 December 1996.

Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis). One (1997-81) at Fort Worth, Tarrant, on 3 May 1997. One (1997-153) at Goose Island SP, Aransas, on 9 November 1997.

Common Redpoll (Carduelis flammea). One (1997-92) in the Davis Mountains, Jeff Davis, on 30 November 1996. Two (1997-171) north of La Joya,Hidalgo, 6-13 November 1997.

LITERATURE CITED

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION. 1998. Check-list of North American birds, 7th ed. American Ornithologists’ Union.

DITTMANN, D. L., and G. W. LASLEY. 1992. How to document rare birds. Birding

24:145-159.

HAYNIE, C. B. 1998. Texas bird records committee report for 1995. Bull. of the Tex. Ornith.

Soc. 29: 2-10.

LOCKWOOD, M. L., AND C. E. SHACKELFORD. 1998. The occurrence of Red-breasted Sapsucker and suspected hybrids with Red-naped Sapsucker in Texas. Bull. of the Tex. Ornith. Soc. 31: 2-6.

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