Texas Bird Records Committee Report for 1994
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 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.
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