Golden Triangle Audubon Bird Alert -- April 7, 2011

Reports yesterday (April 6) were that migrants dropped into Sabine Woods in mid afternoon, with 14 species of warbler reliably reported, including Prairie – there was also at least one Prairie seen on April 5).

Today, migrants arrived between about 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., not in any large numbers, but several firsts of the season.  At least 14 warbler species were again present, with no migrant warbler species in large numbers. Species seen included a male Prothonotary, a male American Redstart, two Worm Eating, both Waterthrushes and other species that have been common over the last few days.  Orchard Orioles arrived in some numbers and a male Baltimore was again seen.  Both Summer (make and female) and Scarlet Tanager (male) were seen (and were also April 6, but apparently did not stay overnight). Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Rose-breasted Grosbeak male and Blue Grosbeak male were seen.

A grassy field west of  FM1406 in Jefferson County about 2/10 mile north of the Chambers County line had about 50 Upland Sandpipers in it this morning (April 6). Caution, it is very difficult to stop on that road!  The field is located between the driveways of 14363 and 14631 FM1406 on the opposite side of the road.

There were large concentrations of Whimbrel (200+) with a few American Golden Plovers in two areas of moist rice fields.  One area is west of Heisig Road, at its north end (and parts can also be seen from Johnson Road), and the other was west of South China Road, more or less at the power line north of Lawhon Road.

John A. Whittle