Bird Photos - South Central Texas

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BRUSH COUNTRY BIRDS

A large number of species widely and incorrectly called "LRGV
(Lower Rio Grande Valley) specialties" are found with some
regularity around Uvalde (which ain't the LRGV). Many call them
"LRGV birds" because that is where they went to see them.
A tad ego-centric! Their Chamber of Commerces love it though!

In reality the LRGV is less than 1% of their ranges, and most
are common throughout the south TX brush country, and far into Mexico.
It's just where many people saw them, so that's what they are!?!

As far as the U.S. goes, "south Texas specialties" would be better.
Good places for them around Uvalde are Cook's Slough, Ft. Inge,
the city park on Hwy. 90, the Fish Hatchery, Concan,
and along any watercourses in the county
(e.g., Nueces, Frio, Sabinal Rivers).

Some are rather recent invaders/colonizers northward.
These south Texas specialty species occurring here include
Least Grebe, Groove-billed Ani, Ringed Kingfisher, Couch's Kingbird,
Great Kiskadee, Long-billed Thrasher, and Olive Sparrow.
Except the Ani, the others all nest in the area.
Then toss in the Tropical Parula and Rufous-capped Warbler,
both of which have a toehold here as members of their species
push the limits in colonizing new ground.

The last 3 winters consecutive, for the first time ever,
Green Jay (small groups) - and Audubon's Oriole (mostly pairs),
have occurred each winter. Two White-tipped Doves have been
found (summer and winter) recently. Even a Clay-colored Robin
(!) was found this far north (Feb. '05) ! (see rarities photos page)

I have heard both Yellow-green Vireo and White-collared Seedeater
singing in July in the riparian gallery corridors of the brush country
of Uvalde County! I saw a Gray-crowned Yellowthroat once too.
I can't tell you the good stuff. You wouldn't believe it!

The simple fact is that if it is or has occurred in the LRGV,
it could or has occurred here.

Here we have a few bad pictures of these northerly south Texas specialties.

Couch's Kingbird

Couch's Kingbird - an adult feeding one of the
3 young fledged in Utopia on June 5.
One of further north known nestings and probably the
first ever for the species on the Edwards Plateau/hill country

Great Kiskadee

Groove-billed Ani

Audubon's Oriole
on the Uvalde bird count 12/04

Olive Sparrow

First documented Clay-colored Robin in Uvalde Co.
at Cook's Slough, Feb. 4, 05.

Ringed Kingfisher, juvenile female

Ringed Kingfisher, juvenile female

Long-billed Thrasher

Great Kiskadee

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