The Birding Gods smiled on me this weekend! I succeeded in seeing an unprecedented three Code 5 and a Code 4 “lifer” birds in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Remember Code 5 is as rare as it gets. Code 6 is extinct! I had not seen a new USA bird since April but not for lack of trying. I was too late to pull the trigger and travel for two Arizona hummingbirds in August; I dipped on an Argentinian tern in Naples this fall; and just last week I missed the Green-breasted Mango in Louisiana while attending a work conference in The Big Easy. None of those stories were blog-worthy, although experiencing failure does make success taste better.
This trip started slowly as my professional guide (Evan Farese) and I walked eleven miles over eight hours in the Resaca de la Palma State Park in Brownsville…..and missed our two targets: Roadside Hawk (4) and Texas’s first ever Gray-collared Becard (5). Ten minutes after I left Resaca to drive to my evening destination……both birds were seen and reported on E-Bird.
BIRDING THE BORDER
(Santa Margarita Ranch)
I was fortunate to have made the cut for a limited access tour that evening in search of the Mottled Owl at the Santa Margarita Ranch – two hours north of Harlingen on the Rio Grande. Huge THANK YOU to guides Simon Kiacz and Zachary Johnson! This Code 5 Mexican owl vocalized often and even swooped and banked in front of the assembled group – alas no photos.
The next morning proved very fruitful as the 3rd Bare-throated Tiger Heron (Code 5) ever located in the USA continued to pose for photographers along the banks of the Rio Grande on the Santa Margarita Ranch.
BARE-THROATED TIGER HERON
(Rio Grande)
I decided to return to Resaca de la Palma State Park that afternoon as Evan had indicated the long-legged Roadside Hawk likes to hunt for grasshoppers in the dry bed at dusk. My efforts were rewarded!
ROADSIDE HAWK
(Brownsville)
Evan and I met the next morning at Resaca to try again for the shy Becard. This seven-inch, large-headed, flycatcher-like passerine was not vocalizing. A true needle-in-the-haystack situation. But within minutes of our arrival, a friendly couple from Ohio showed us the hackberry tree where this male played hide and seek.
GRAY-COLLARED BECARD
(Brownsville)
I have no idea why Texas has had this ridiculous run of rarities. Perhaps it’s climate change. Another possible explanation is the increased presence of many young, enthusiastic and talented birders who have an affiliation with the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). Whatever the case, my ABA Area life-list now stands at 815 and I cannot wait for the next chase. But first, time to watch Eagles and Seahawks:). HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
birdtalesblog 
Congratulations!
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Thanks!
Way to grind it Puss!!!
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Thanks Puss! This was a trip for the ages.
Always fun to live vicariously through you George!
Thanks Arlin! I’m blessed!!
Sensational!
Mace, have you seen the red-flanked blue tail in NJ? I had to go to LA for it.
Did not know about it!
Another great tail George! Wondering, is Evan Farese originally from San Francisco?
Hi Anne. Yes, Evan said he’s from Kentview in Marin. Age 29. Tell me more. Best, George
*Kentville
Good work in the valley GW… merry christmas JEFF
Thanks Wat! Hope Santa is good to Luca:)
Alas, you should’ve stayed out of TV range and enjoyed your Code 5 bird collection vs. what appear to be Code 6’s playing for our Eagles these days! Nevertheless, your persistence, creativity, and of course, your expert (eye, ear, insight) shined through. #815!!
Thanks Jimbo! Yes, the 🦅disappointed…..especially after Dallas was shellacked.
George,
Happy holidays to you and Nina and the kids. Enjoyed your latest post, and must say that the Tiger Heron is a great looking bird. Hope we catch up with you guys in 2024.
Cheers, David & Marion
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Thanks David! Still on cloud 9. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and NY with yr gang. Xxx, George & Nina
George, that is really exciting ! Congratulations on your new achievement . Merry Christmas.
Thanks Scott! Merry Xmas and Happy NY!!