Whereas visiting the town of Corpus Christi in Texas in November 2023, we had been instructed a couple of uncommon chicken within the coronary heart of the downtown. We went to the world the place it had been reported. We had been standing in entrance of a restaurant. On the opposite corners had been a car parking zone, an workplace constructing, and a barren, cement-covered lot. Different birders joined us on the stakeout, as we wandered across the space. We had been all questioning if the chicken would present up. There have been false sightings, with a warbler and a Home Sparrow being mistaken for the goal chicken. Then, considered one of our group was waving to us to return to her. We hurried again to the nook to see a Cattle Tyrant working across the lot, snapping up flies. This uncommon, terrestrial flycatcher is a resident of Panama and South America. It has by no means been seen north of there. This go to was a primary for North America as outlined by the American Birding Affiliation. Some folks theorized that it hitched a experience on a tanker, or was blown in by a hurricane, or simply flew north. Regardless of the purpose, it was a thrill for all of us to be a part of this historic occasion.
Cattle Tyrant
In contrast to most different flycatchers, these leggy birds are constructed for pursuing terrestrial bugs.
Earlier within the week, we had traveled to the Decrease Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) for a birding tour. Our information took us to the native hotspots to search out resident birds like Inexperienced Jay, Widespread Pauraque, Pink-billed Pigeon, Plain Chachalaca, Cactus Wren, and Buff-bellied Hummingbird.
Discover the Widespread Paraque
Cactus Wren
Additionally, she had us chase some rarities. We noticed Golden-crowned Warbler, Roadside Hawk, Tropical Parula, and Rose-throated Becard. When our tour was over, she inspired us to see the Cattle Tyrant. Additionally, she instructed us to search for American Flamingos. They had been displaying up at many hotspots as a result of they’d been blown into the world by a hurricane. Certainly one of our ultimate, must-see birds was Aplomado Falcon.We discovered a pair sitting on their hack field. For the bug-lovers, we noticed a surprising Mexican Blue Butterfly. The LRGV and the Coastal Bend of Texas are nice birding areas. This was my third journey to each spots. I nonetheless discovered lifers and loved seeing the resident birds once more.
Mexican Blue Butterfly
Notice: All pictures courtesy of Joanne Brathwaite
Autor Leslie Kinrys
