Grassquit: Right Place, Right Time

March 8 

I woke before sunrise to guide a family here birding from Tennessee; Julie and Brent, and kids Aiden (age 13) and Miles (age 9). Having worked in environmental education for a decade, having kid birding clients is one of my favorite things. We met at Estero State Park. This was their first trip to Texas, so dozens of the birds were brand new to them. We first made our way over to Alligator Lake, then circled back around to the Tropical area, where we spent some time waiting near the park host feeding station, in hopes that the Crimson-collared Grosbeak would come in. It did! 

Crimson-collared Grosbeak at Estero State Park 

While standing there, another birder mentioned, somewhat casually, that he had seen a Yellow-faced Grassquit come to the drip there twice that morning. I explained the situation to my clients - this was their day. We could either wait at the feeders longer to see whether it might show, or we could continue on to look for the Elegant Trogon. After a short pause for consideration and family consensus, they decided they’d rather continue on. And so we did. But not for long! We made it about 25 yards down the road, when we heard someone at the feeding station exclaim “there it is!”. We raced quickly back, I set eyes on the bird, and quickly got all four family members on the bird as well. We watched it for less than one minute, and then, quickly as it arrived, it vanished. Dozens of others showed up throughout the afternoon, and I heard there was a large search party the next day as well, but it was never to be seen again. 

We did go look for the Elegant Trogon, and were treated to amazing views. She’s seemingly gotten more confiding as the months have gone by. 

Elegant Trogon at Estero State Park 

Year List: 467

March 11

I guided the same family of four, this time at Quinta Mazatlan, where we found a Tropical Parula, heard the Dusky-capped Flycatcher, and we saw an early Ash-throated Flycatcher, which was number 468 for my year list. Aiden and Miles were great kids and a joy to bird with, and I hope they continue the hobby into adulthood! 

Aiden, Miles, and Tiffany at Quinta Mazatlan 

Year List: 468

March 12

Today the American Birding Association announced that Mitred Parakeet is now a countable species. I had seen this species in Florida in January. I went back and revisited my Florida lists (from before I decided to do a Big Year) and realized I hadn't taken it off my list and had been accidentally counting it all along. I carefully sifted through my list to make sure I didn't have any other strange exotics that don't belong on there. Nope! Current total still remains at 468. 

March 13

It was catch-up day at home after being gone for a month, but I did a quick spin around Bentsen State Park which doubled as birding and dog walking. I saw the Palm Warbler that's been there for a few days now, a rare bird for Hidalgo County. As I was leaving, I drove past the National Butterfly Center, where a male Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was perched on a wire. 

Year List: 469