Introduction!
This is a list of every wild bird species that I have seen with my own two eyes.
Date and location listed are for my very first sighting of the species. Occasionally I’ll add a second or third notable sighting, and sometimes notes on particular color morphs or interesting behaviors.
If the word “life” appears next to the date, that means I’ve been seeing that species since I was a small child (essentially my entire life).
I don’t share certain exact locations in these lists (only vague terms such as “Baytown home”). Many times the exact location of a sighting has been forgotten or lost, but in some cases, it is deliberately withheld.
I write about the field guides I use on my Favorite Animal Books page, so check that out if it’s of interest to you. A good field guide can go a long way in successfully identifying birds!
I have two lists here: one based on type of bird, the other based on location.
It’s the same information, just organized differently. Pick your preference. You have options!
Latest update: December 25th 2016
Latest update: December 25th 2016
Fun Numbers:
Total number of species seen: 187
Number of new species seen in Baytown alone: 78
New species seen per year:
(2006)- 44
(2007)- 26
(2008)- 9
(2009)- 28
(2010)- 15
(2011)- 11
(2012)- 1
(2013)- 0
(2014)- 7
(2015)- 13
(2016)- 20
(2016)- 20
BIRDS SEEN, BY TYPE:
My own categories, based on how I tend to group bird species in my head. Not based on actual bird taxonomy(!), unlike the American Ornithologists’ Union checklist, which is worth a look if you’re interested in how birds are actually related to one another (and if you live in Texas, this one by the Texas Bird Records Committee is another good one!) Though I do try to group birds in the same genus next to each other on the list, and all the gulls are in the same place, etc. There’s order here, but it’s my own personal order.
Misc. Water Birds
Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon), Baytown home (TX), 2006
Ringed Kingfisher (Ceryle torquata), Houston TX, 2008
Green Kingfisher (Chloroceryle americana), South Llano River State Park (Junction TX), May 2009
Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), Galveston TX, life (mid 1990s)
American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos), Baytown TX, Winter 2006
Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens), Galveston TX, 2014
Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger), Baytown Nature Center (TX), Summer 2006
Ring-Billed Gull (Larus delawarensis), Galveston TX, 2007
Franklin’s Gull (Larus pipixcan), Baytown TX, 2007
Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla), Houston TX, life (mid 1990s)
Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia), Galveston TX, 2007
Forster’s Tern (Sterna forsteri), Baytown TX, 2007
Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis), Burnett Bay in Baytown TX, 2009
Gull-Billed Tern (Sterna nilotica), Baytown Nature Center (TX), June 2009
Royal Tern (Sterna maxima), Galveston (TX), December 2016
Least Tern (Sterna antillarum), Sylvan Beach, La Porte (TX), May 27th 2016
Royal Tern (Sterna maxima), Galveston (TX), December 2016
Least Tern (Sterna antillarum), Sylvan Beach, La Porte (TX), May 27th 2016
Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga), Baytown home (TX), 2010
Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus), Baytown Nature Center (TX), 2006
Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus), Baytown Nature Center (TX), 2006
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor), Michigan, October 6th 2010
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis), Texas Hill Country, 2006
Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens), Clear Lake (TX), December 2016
Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens), Clear Lake (TX), December 2016
Common Loon (Gavia immer), Baytown Nature Center (TX), April 20th 2015
Wood Duck (Aix sponsa), Baytown home (TX), 2006
Black-Bellied Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis), Baytown TX, 2006
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Houston TX, life (mid 1990s)
American Wigeon (Anas americana) West Bay, Galveston (TX), December 2016
American Wigeon (Anas americana) West Bay, Galveston (TX), December 2016
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata), Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge (TX), January 16th 2015
Blue-Winged Teal (Anas discors), Baytown Nature Center (TX), 2007
Redhead (Aythya americana), Michigan Upper Peninsula, October 10th 2010
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris), McGovern Lake at Hermann Park in Houston TX, January 23rd 2016
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola), Keystone Heritage Park in El Paso TX, March 16th 2016
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris), McGovern Lake at Hermann Park in Houston TX, January 23rd 2016
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola), Keystone Heritage Park in El Paso TX, March 16th 2016
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus), Baytown home (TX), Winter 2006
Red-Breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator), Michigan, October 12th 2010
Pied-Billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps), Baytown Nature Center (TX), Winter 2008
Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), High Island TX, Spring 2009
American Coot (Fulica americana), Houston TX, 2006
Waders and shore birds
Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis), on the road between Sonora and Ft. Stockton (TX), February 11th 2011 (also seen in Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge TX, on January 16th 2015)
Wood Stork (Mycteria americana), Baytown Nature Center (TX), Summer 2007
Roseate Spoonbill (Ajaja ajaja), Houston TX, life (mid 1990s)
Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis), Houston TX, 2006
Great Egret (Ardea albus), Baytown home (TX), 2006
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias), Sims Bayou in Houston TX, life (mid 1990s)
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula), Baytown home (TX), 2006
Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) Baytown Nature Center (TX), 2006 (“calico phase”, when birds molt from immature white feathers to adult blue feathers, seen here also)
Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor), Baytown Nature Center (TX), 2006
Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens), West Bay near Baywater Drive in Galveston TX, December 24th 2015 (white form)
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus), Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, January 16th 2015
Green Heron (Butorides virescens), Baytown home (TX), 2006
Black-Crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), Baytown TX, 2006
Yellow-Crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea), Baytown TX, 2006
White Ibis (Eudocimus albus), Baytown Nature Center (TX), 2006
White-Faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi), High Island TX, Spring 2009
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, January 16th 2015
American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus), Galveston TX, 2007
Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus), Baytown Nature Center, Summer 2007
American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana), West Bay near Baywater Drive in Galveston TX, December 25th 2015
Willet (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus), Galveston TX, Winter 2007
Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres), Galveston TX, December 10th 2015
Black-Bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola), Baytown Nature Center (TX), May 5th 2010
Snowy Plover (Charadrius wilsonia), Galveston (TX), December 2016
Sanderling (Calidris alba), Topsail Hill State Park (FL), November 25th 2016
Snowy Plover (Charadrius wilsonia), Galveston (TX), December 2016
Sanderling (Calidris alba), Topsail Hill State Park (FL), November 25th 2016
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus), Baytown TX, 2006
Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia), Baytown home (TX), 2007
Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus), West Bay, Galveston (TX), December 2016
Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago), Clear Lake (TX), December 2016
Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus), West Bay, Galveston (TX), December 2016
Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago), Clear Lake (TX), December 2016
Birds of Prey
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus), Richmond TX, 2004(?)
Barred Owl (Strix varia), first heard in Brazos Bend State Park (TX), December 28th 2009, and first seen in Baytown home neighborhood (TX), November 2015
Eastern Screech Owl (Otus asio), Houston TX, 2007. Observed resident and frequent nester at Baytown home (TX) as well.
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura), Texas Hill Country, life (mid 1990s)
Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus), Baytown home neighborhood (TX), 2006
Crested Caracara (Polyborus plancus), on the road to High Island TX, Spring 2009 (also seen twice in the vicinity of Brazoria Wildlife Refuge in TX, as well as scattered sightings in Texas Hill Country areas).
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), Armand Bayou (TX), 2001. Seen also in Baytown TX, both at the Baytown Nature Center (unrecorded year - between 2007 and 2013?) and flying over Spur 330 at I-10 (2015).
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Baytown Nature Center (TX), 2006
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), Baytown TX, 2006
Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni), Baytown home (TX), October 14th 2014 (also seen flying over Houston TX highways, 2015)
Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus), Baytown home (TX), 2009 (one of the most common hawks sighted here. Also seen in a Clear Lake (Houston TX) subdivision park 2015)
White-tailed Hawk (Buteo albicaudatus), Katy Prairie Conservancy's Indiangrass Preserve (Waller, TX), April 9th 2016
Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus), Spring Creek Greenway (TX), April 2nd 2016
White-tailed Hawk (Buteo albicaudatus), Katy Prairie Conservancy's Indiangrass Preserve (Waller, TX), April 9th 2016
Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus), Spring Creek Greenway (TX), April 2nd 2016
Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus), Baytown home neighborhood (TX), 2008
Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus), Baytown Nature Center (TX), 2008
White-Tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus), Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, January 16th 2015 (also seen hunting on beach in Galveston TX near Baywater Drive)
Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis), Baytown home (TX), August 14th 2009
Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus), Westwood Park in Baytown TX, June 5th 2014
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), West Bay near Baywater Drive in Galveston TX, December 25th 2015 (also seen at Baytown Nature Center, January 15th 2015)
American Kestrel (Falco sparverius), Baytown Nature Center, 2007
Swifts, Swallows, Nightjars, and Hummingbirds (“Random Aerialists”)
Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor), Baytown TX, 2006
Lesser Nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis), San Antonio TX, 2007
White-Throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis), Lost Mine Trail in Big Bend TX, May 2009
Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica), Baytown home (TX), 2006
Purple Martin (Progne subis), Baytown TX, 2006
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), Baytown home (TX), 2006
Cliff Swallow (Hirundo pyrrhonota), Big Bend TX, May 2009
Cave Swallow (Hirundo fulva), Devil’s Sinkhole in Rocksprings TX, 2006(?)
Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), Louisiana, 2008
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris), Baytown home (TX), 2006
Black-Chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri), Texas Hill Country, 2007
White-Eared Hummingbird (Hylocharis leucotis), Tohono Chul Nature Park in Tucson Arizona, Thanksgiving 2011
Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris) Tuscon (AZ), July 2nd 2016
Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris) Tuscon (AZ), July 2nd 2016
Ground Birds (Doves, Pheasants, and Friends)
Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus), Big Bend TX, May 2009
Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), South Llano River State Park (Junction TX), May 2009
Spruce Grouse (Bonasa umbellus), Michigan Upper Peninsula, October 11th 2010
Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata), Big Bend TX, 2004(?)
Gambel’s Quail (Callipepla gambelli), Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson AZ, Thanksgiving 2011
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), Baytown TX, 2006
White-Winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica), Baytown TX, 2006
Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto), San Jacinto Mall in Baytown TX, 2007
Inca Dove (Columbina inca), Baytown home (TX), 2007
Rock Dove (Columba livia), Houston TX, life (mid 1990s)
Woodclamberers (“Woodpecks, Nutcases, and Creepies”)
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), Baytown home (TX), 2006
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus), Baytown home (TX), 2006
Gilded Flicker (Colaptes chrysoides), Tucson Arizona, Thanksgiving 2011
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens), Baytown home (TX), 2006
Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus), Lost Mine Trail in Big Bend TX, May 2009
Red-Headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), Georgia, 2008
Gila Woodpecker (Melanerpes uropygialis), Tucson Arizona, Thanksgiving 2011
Golden-Fronted Woodpecker (Melanerpes aurifrons), South Llano River State Park (Junction TX), May 2009
Red-Bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus), Baytown home (TX), 2006
Ladder-Backed Woodpecker (Dryobates scalaris), Franklin Mountains State Park (El Paso TX), March 17th 2016
Ladder-Backed Woodpecker (Dryobates scalaris), Franklin Mountains State Park (El Paso TX), March 17th 2016
Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius), Baytown home (TX), 2006
White-Breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis), Michigan, October 7th 2010
Red-Breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis), Michigan Upper Peninsula, October 10th 2010
Brown-Headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla), W. Goodrich Jones State Forest in Conroe TX, March 5th 2016
Brown-Headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla), W. Goodrich Jones State Forest in Conroe TX, March 5th 2016
Brown Creeper (Certhia americana), Baytown home (TX), 2006
Assorted Passerines (“it’s really long so I broke it up in random places to be readable”)
Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), Baytown TX, 2007
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum),Baytown home (TX), 2007
Phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens), Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson AZ, Thanksgiving 2011
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus), Texas Hill Country, life (mid 1990s). Also extremely abundant for a brief period every Fall in the vicinity of San Jacinto Mall in Baytown TX.
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus), Baytown Nature Center (TX), Summer 2008
Western Kingbird (Tyrannus vociferans), Sealy TX, June 26th 2015 (nesting pair on a power line next to a Whataburger)
Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus), Baytown home (TX), September 6th 2011
Vermillion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus), South Llano River State Park (Junction TX), May 2009. Seen also in Galveston TX near Baywater Drive, December 24th 2015.
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe), Baytown home (TX), October 4th 2010
Curve-Billed Thrasher (Toxostoma curvirostre), Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson AZ, Thanksgiving 2011
Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum), Baytown home (TX), October 14th 2011
Crissal Thrasher (Toxostoma crissale), Billy Rogers Arroyo Park in El Paso TX, March 15th 2016
Crissal Thrasher (Toxostoma crissale), Billy Rogers Arroyo Park in El Paso TX, March 15th 2016
Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus), Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson AZ, Thanksgiving 2011
Rock Wren (Salpinctes obsoletus), Fort Davis TX, May 2009
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus), Baytown home (TX), 2006
Sedge Wren (Cistothorus platensis), Clear Lake (TX), December 2016
Sedge Wren (Cistothorus platensis), Clear Lake (TX), December 2016
Black-Billed Magpie (Pica pica), Denver Zoo in Colorado, Winter 2009
Common Raven (Corvus corax), Michigan Upper Peninsula, October 10th 2010
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), Baytown home (TX), 2006 (strangely no longer seen in immediate vicinity of this location since at least 2013)
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata), Houston TX, life (mid 1990s)
Mexican Jay (Aphelocoma ultramarina), Lost Mine Trail in Big Bend TX, May 2009
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), Houston TX, life (mid 1990s)
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), Baytown home (TX), 2006
Great-Tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus), Houston TX, life (mid 1990s)
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), Baytown TX, 2006
Red-Winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), Richmond TX, 2001
Brewer’s Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus), Baytown home (TX), March 30th 2012
Brown-Headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater), Baytown home (TX), April 26th 2010
Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna), Galveston TX, 2006
Scott’s Oriole (Icterus parisorum), Fort Davis TX, May 2009
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula), Baytown home (TX), Spring 2009
Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea), Baytown home (TX), May 7th 2015
American Robin (Turdus migratorius), Baytown home (TX), Winter 2006
Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina), Baytown home (TX), April 16th 2010, found dead
Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus), South Llano River State Park (Junction TX), December 26th 2014
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis), Louisiana, 2008. Also sighted in Baytown on March 5th 2010, and in parts of Houston in 2015
American Pipit (Anthus rubescens), Garth Road in Baytown TX, January 29th 2016
American Pipit (Anthus rubescens), Garth Road in Baytown TX, January 29th 2016
Solitary Vireo (Vireo solitarius), Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary in Houston TX, November 13th 2009 (“Blue-headed” form)
Yellow-Rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata), Georgia, 2008. “Myrtle” form. Also seen in Baytown home (TX) April 8th 2010.
Black-and-White Warbler (Mniotilta varia), Quiet Hill Ranch in the Texas Hill Country, 2007
Common Yellowthroat (Geothylpis trichas), Garth Road in Baytown TX, October 20th 2015. In bushes around a McDonald's.
Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus), Baytown home (TX), 2007
Carolina Chickadee (Parus carolinensis), Baytown home (TX), 2006
Black-Capped Chickadee (Parus atricapillus), Michigan, October 8th 2010
Tufted Titmouse (Parus bicolor), Texas Hill Country, 2006 (black-crested form seen in Blanco TX, 2007)
Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea), Baytown home (TX), August 2009
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) Baytown home (TX), 2006
Golden-Crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa), Michigan Upper Peninsula, October 11th 2009
Pyrrhuloxia (Cardinalis sinuatus), Texas Hill Country (also seen with frequency in El Paso), 2007
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), Houston TX, life (mid 1990s)
Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus), Lost Mine Trail in Big Bend TX, May 2009
Canyon Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus), Big Bend TX, May 2009
Black-Headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus), Lost Mine Trail in Big Bend TX, May 2009
Blue Grosbeak (Guiraca caerulea), The Window trail in Big Bend TX, May 2009
Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris), Quiet Hill Ranch in the Texas Hill Country, 2007
American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis), Baytown home (TX), 2007
Lesser Goldfinch (Carduelis psaltria), Tucson Arizona, Thanksgiving 2011
Pine Siskin (Carduelis pinus) South Llano River State Park, December 27th 2014
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus), Quiet Hill Ranch in the Texas Hill Country, 2007
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis), Michigan Upper Peninsula, October 11th 2010
Black-Throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata), South Llano River State Park (Junction TX), December 27th 2014
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina), South Llano River State Park (Junction TX), December 27th 2014
Rufous-crowned Sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps), Quiet Hill Ranch in the Texas Hill Country, 2007
Savannah Sparrow (Passserculus sandwichensis), Clear Lake (TX), December 2016
Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii), Challenger 7 Park, Clear Lake (TX), December 2016
Savannah Sparrow (Passserculus sandwichensis), Clear Lake (TX), December 2016
Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii), Challenger 7 Park, Clear Lake (TX), December 2016
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), Houston TX, life (mid 1990s)
Local Exotics
Monk Parakeet / Quaker Parrot (Myiopsitta monachus), Kemah TX, 2007
Red-Vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer), Greater Eastwood area of Houston TX, June 2015
BIRDS SEEN, BY LOCATION
Grouped first by state, then by town (if available), then by specific location within the town (also if available). Towns thrown about pretty randomly, same with locations within towns (and states, too, actually). Species organized loosely using my personal non-taxonomic system.
Birds are listed under the first location at which they were seen, and not any subsequently noted locations. In the event that a bird was only heard and not seen on its first recorded “sighting”, it will be listed by the first time I actually saw it with my own eyes. Remember, this list is “I first saw this bird here”, not “this is a comprehensive list of the birds I have seen at this location.”
I have recorded birds in the following states: Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, and Florida.
TEXAS
Baytown
Baytown home
Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon), 2006
Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga), 2010
Wood Duck (Aix sponsa), 2006
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus), Winter 2006
Great Egret (Ardea albus), 2006
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula), 2006
Green Heron (Butorides virescens), 2006
Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia), 2007
Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni), October 14th 2014 (also seen flying over Houston TX highways, 2015)
Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus), 2009 (one of the most common hawks sighted here. Also seen in a Clear Lake (Houston TX) subdivision park 2015)
Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis), August 14th 2009
Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica), 2006
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), 2006
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris), 2006
Inca Dove (Columbina inca), 2007
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), 2006
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus), 2006
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens), 2006
Red-Bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus), 2006
Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius), 2006
Brown Creeper (Certhia americana), 2006
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum), 2007
Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus), September 6th 2011
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe), October 4th 2010
Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum), October 14th 2011
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus), 2006
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), 2006 (strangely no longer seen in immediate vicinity of this location since at least 2013)
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), 2006
Brewer’s Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus), March 30th 2012
Brown-Headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater), April 26th 2010
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula), Spring 2009
Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea), May 7th 2015
American Robin (Turdus migratorius), Winter 2006
Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina), April 16th 2010, found dead
Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus), 2007
Carolina Chickadee (Parus carolinensis), 2006
Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea), August 2009
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) 2006
American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis), 2007
Baytown neighborhood
Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus), 2006
Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus), 2008
Barred Owl (Strix varia), first heard in Brazos Bend State Park (TX), December 28th 2009, and first seen in Baytown home neighborhood (TX), November 2015
Baytown Nature Center
Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger), Summer 2006
Gull-Billed Tern (Sterna nilotica), June 2009
Common Loon (Gavia immer), April 20th 2015
Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus), 2006
Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus), 2006
Blue-Winged Teal (Anas discors), 2007
Pied-Billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps), Winter 2008
Wood Stork (Mycteria americana), Summer 2007
Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) 2006 (“calico phase”, when birds molt from immature white feathers to adult blue feathers, seen here also)
Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor), 2006
White Ibis (Eudocimus albus), 2006
Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus), Summer 2007
Black-Bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola), May 5th 2010
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), 2006
Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus), 2008
American Kestrel (Falco sparverius), 2007
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus), Summer 2008
Westwood Park
Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus), June 5th 2014
Burnett Bay
Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis), 2009
Once upon a baytown (specific locations lost to time and space - parking lots, random streets, that lake in that park you don’t remember)
American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos), Winter 2006
Franklin’s Gull (Larus pipixcan), 2007
Forster’s Tern (Sterna forsteri), 2007
Black-Bellied Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis), 2006
Black-Crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), 2006
Yellow-Crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea), 2006
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus), 2006
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), 2006
Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor), 2006
Purple Martin (Progne subis), 2006
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), 2006
White-Winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica), 2006
Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), 2007
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), 2006
Tiny bits of nature on Garth Road
Common Yellowthroat (Geothylpis trichas), McDonalds, October 20th 2015
American Pipit (Anthus rubescens), CVS, January 29th 2016
American Pipit (Anthus rubescens), CVS, January 29th 2016
San Jacinto Mall Parking Lot
Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto), San Jacinto Mall in Baytown TX, 2007
Kemah
Specific location floating into space
Monk Parakeet / Quaker Parrot (Myiopsitta monachus), 2007
Houston
Specific location lost to time and space
Ringed Kingfisher (Ceryle torquata), 2008
Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla), life (mid 1990s)
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), life (mid 1990s)
American Coot (Fulica americana), 2006
Roseate Spoonbill (Ajaja ajaja), life (mid 1990s)
Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis), 2006
Eastern Screech Owl (Otus asio), 2007. Observed resident and frequent nester at Baytown home (TX) as well.
Rock Dove (Columba livia), life (mid 1990s)
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata), life (mid 1990s)
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), life (mid 1990s)
Great-Tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus), life (mid 1990s)
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), life (mid 1990s)
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), life (mid 1990s)
Sims Bayou
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias), life (mid 1990s)
Armand Bayou
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), 2001. Seen also in Baytown TX, both at the Baytown Nature Center (unrecorded year - between 2007 and 2013?) and flying over Spur 330 at I-10 (2015).
Edith. L. Moore Nature Sanctuary
Solitary Vireo (Vireo solitarius), November 13th 2009 (“Blue-headed” form)
Greater Eastwood area
Red-Vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer), June 2015
Hermann Park
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris), McGovern Lake, January 23rd 2016
Clear Lake Area
Savannah Sparrow (Passserculus sandwichensis), December 2016
Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii), Challenger 7 Park, December 2016
Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago), December 2016
Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens), December 2016Hermann Park
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris), McGovern Lake, January 23rd 2016
Clear Lake Area
Savannah Sparrow (Passserculus sandwichensis), December 2016
Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii), Challenger 7 Park, December 2016
Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago), December 2016
Sedge Wren (Cistothorus platensis), December 2016
Spring Creek Greenway
Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus), April 2nd 2016
La Porte
Sylvan Beach
Least Tern (Sterna antillarum), May 27th 2016
Richmond
Specific locations super secretive
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus), 2004(?)
Red-Winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), 2001
Galveston
Specific locations probably buried under sand
Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), life (mid 1990s)
Ring-Billed Gull (Larus delawarensis), 2007
Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia), 2007
American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus), 2007
Willet (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus), Winter 2007
Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres), December 10th 2015
Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna), 2006
Crested Caracara (Polyborus plancus), Spring 2009 (also seen twice in the vicinity of Brazoria Wildlife Refuge in TX, as well as scattered sightings in Texas Hill Country areas).
Inexplicably seen while at Schlitterbahn, when you don’t have your binoculars
Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens), 2014
West Bay, in the vicinity of Bay Water Dr.
Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens), December 24th 2015 (white form)
American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana), December 25th 2015
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), December 25th 2015 (also seen at Baytown Nature Center January 15th 2016)
Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus), December 2016
American Wigeon (Anas americana) West Bay, December 2016
Beach near West Bay
Snowy Plover (Charadrius wilsonia), December 2016
Royal Tern (Sterna maxima), December 2016
Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus), December 2016
American Wigeon (Anas americana) West Bay, December 2016
Beach near West Bay
Snowy Plover (Charadrius wilsonia), December 2016
Royal Tern (Sterna maxima), December 2016
High Island
Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), Spring 2009
White-Faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi), Spring 2009
Freeport
Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata), January 16th 2015
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus), January 16th 2015
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), January 16th 2015
White-Tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus), January 16th 2015 (also seen hunting on beach in Galveston TX near Baywater Drive)
Conroe
W. Goodrich Jones State Forest
Brown-Headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla), March 5th 2016
Katy Prairie
KPC's Indiangrass Preserve (Waller)
White-tailed Hawk (Buteo albicaudatus), April 9th 2016
Conroe
W. Goodrich Jones State Forest
Brown-Headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla), March 5th 2016
Katy Prairie
KPC's Indiangrass Preserve (Waller)
White-tailed Hawk (Buteo albicaudatus), April 9th 2016
Texas Hill Country
Specific location wandering the hills forever
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis), 2006
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura), life (mid 1990s)
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus), life (mid 1990s). Also extremely abundant for a brief period every Fall in the vicinity of San Jacinto Mall in Baytown TX.
Tufted Titmouse (Parus bicolor), 2006 (black-crested form seen in Blanco TX, 2007)
Pyrrhuloxia (Cardinalis sinuatus), Texas Hill Country (also seen with frequency in El Paso), 2007
Quiet Hill Ranch in Gillespie County
Black-Chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri), 2007
Black-and-White Warbler (Mniotilta varia), 2007
Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris), 2007
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus), 2007
Rufous-crowned Sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps), 2007
San Antonio
Lesser Nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis), 2007
South Llano River State Park in Junction
Green Kingfisher (Chloroceryle americana), May 2009
Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), May 2009
Golden-Fronted Woodpecker (Melanerpes aurifrons), May 2009
Vermillion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus), May 2009. Seen also in Galveston TX near Baywater Drive, December 24th 2015.
Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus), December 26th 2014
Pine Siskin (Carduelis pinus),December 27th 2014
Black-Throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata), December 27th 2014
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina), December 27th 2014
Devil’s Sinkhole in Rocksprings
Cave Swallow (Hirundo fulva), 2006(?)
Big Bend area
Specific location pinned on some cactus somewhere
Cliff Swallow (Hirundo pyrrhonota), May 2009
Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus), May 2009
Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata), 2004(?)
Canyon Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus), May 2009
Lost Mine Trail
White-Throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis), May 2009
Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus), May 2009
Mexican Jay (Aphelocoma ultramarina), May 2009
Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus), May 2009
Black-Headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus), May 2009
The Window trail
Blue Grosbeak (Guiraca caerulea), May 2009
El Paso
Keystone Heritage Park
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola), March 16th 2016
Billy Rogers Arroyo Park
Crissal Thrasher (Toxostoma crissale), March 15th 2016
Franklin Mountains State Park
Ladder-Backed Woodpecker (Dryobates scalaris), March 17th 2016
LOUISIANA
Specific location mired in the swamp
Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), 2008
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis), 2008. Also sighted in Baytown on March 5th 2010, and in parts of Houston in 2015
GEORGIA
Specific location eaten by Whale Sharks
Red-Headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), 2008
Yellow-Rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata), 2008. “Myrtle” form. Also seen in Baytown home (TX) April 8th 2010.
ARIZONA
Tucson
Tohono Chul Nature Park
White-Eared Hummingbird (Hylocharis leucotis), Thanksgiving 2011
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Gambel’s Quail (Callipepla gambelli), Thanksgiving 2011
Phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens), Thanksgiving 2011
Curve-Billed Thrasher (Toxostoma curvirostre), Thanksgiving 2011
Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus), Thanksgiving 2011
Specific location hidden in a giant saguaro
Gilded Flicker (Colaptes chrysoides), Thanksgiving 2011
Gila Woodpecker (Melanerpes uropygialis), Thanksgiving 2011
Lesser Goldfinch (Carduelis psaltria), Thanksgiving 2011
Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris), July 2nd 2016
Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris), July 2nd 2016
COLORADO
Denver
Denver Zoo
Black-Billed Magpie (Pica pica), Winter 2009
MICHIGAN
Lower Peninsula
Specific location cozied up in a mitten somewhere
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor), October 6th 2010
Red-Breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator), October 12th 2010
White-Breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis), October 7th 2010
Black-Capped Chickadee (Parus atricapillus), October 8th 2010
Upper Peninsula
Specific location buried under autumn leaves
Redhead (Aythya americana), October 10th 2010
Spruce Grouse (Bonasa umbellus), October 11th 2010
Red-Breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis), October 10th 2010
Common Raven (Corvus corax), October 10th 2010
Golden-Crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa), October 11th 2009
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis), October 11th 2010
FLORIDA
Topsail Hill State Park
Sanderling (Calidris alba), Topsail Hill State Park (FL), November 25th 2016
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