Bird sighitngs/reports

Bird Sightings/Reports

Report YOUR sightings/bird stories for inclusion!

Phil Erven spotted a flock of 25 American Avocet in breeding plumage on 27 April at the Trimmier Wildlife Area on Stillhouse Hollow.
Corky and Joye Johnson report that on Tuesday, April 22 a Green Heron over Hickory Rd here in Temple was their FOS and usually see it in that vicinity each year. Today April 26 in their backyard 4501 Hickory, a Yellow-breasted Chat and an Acadian Flycatcher were spotted in a red mulberry tree, eating berries and insects. Both were nice surprises. Cedar Waxwings are still hanging around their neighborhood. This was the day also for a high count of Western Kingbirds arriving in Temple. Only a few in this end of town until the 26th.
Gil Eckrich reports a six warbler species day at his house on 27 April, topped by a Hooded Warbler. Other warbler species were Golden-cheeked Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Nashville Warbler, and a nice male Black and White Warbler.

Scott Summers reports that on 18 April he caught the first Yellow-headed Blackbirds-3 as matter of fact 1 in Coryell , 2 in Bell .

Also, he saw FOS Painted Bunting, getting a drink in a shallow pool of water from last night's rain in a 2-track rut off Nolanville Rd in Bell County; and had FOS Eastern Kingbird at the Taylor Branch in a dead pecan tree from flood-Bell County.

Tuesday, 15 Apr, had a pair of Northern Bobwhite on West Range in TA 50 Coryell, his FOY record for the species.

Scott Summer promptly submitted this report of the April Field Trip:

Special thanks to Mr. Bill Messer for hosting the April field trip.

We had a very nice weather day (upper 50's to lower 60's, clear and dry) on Bill Messer's 400 + acre private ranch in central Bell County. We birded from 0830-1145.

Highlights included: 33 bird total species, including hearing but not seeing 2 Golden-cheeked Warblers, and a Black-and White Warbler. New breeding/migrating bird arrivals observed included Summer Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Nashville Warbler, and White-eyed Vireo.

Grassland sparrows included Vesper Sparrow, and Savannahs.

The morning was topped of by a very nice lunch hosted by Mr. Bill Messer himself at his home, that included fresh fruit, chicken/beef kabobs, bbq meatballs, spinach dip, cocktail shrimp, bruschetta, and dessert---three kind of intresting and tasty miniature pie-type snacks lemon, chocalate, and buttermilk flavored!!!Wow! Those of you who missed this trip, really missed it!

Attendees, included Liz Cowan, Teresa and Phil Ervin, Louise Reid, Marilyn Miller, Laura and George Murphy, Mr. Bill Messer + his black lab-Suzie, and Crissy & Scott Summers.

	Bird Sightings/Reports Report YOUR sightings/bird stories for inclusion! Phil Erven spotted a flock of 25 American Avocet in breeding plumage on 27 April at the Trimmier Wildlife Area on Stillhouse Hollow. Corky and Joye Johnson report that on Tuesday, April 22 a Green Heron over Hickory Rd here in Temple was their FOS and usually see it in that vicinity each year. Today April 26 in their backyard 4501 Hickory, a Yellow-breasted Chat and an Acadian Flycatcher were spotted in a red mulberry tree, eating berries and insects. Both were nice surprises. Cedar Waxwings are still hanging around their neighborhood. This was the day also for a high count of Western Kingbirds arriving in Temple. Only a few in this end of town until the 26th. Gil Eckrich reports a six warbler species day at his house on 27 April, topped by a Hooded Warbler. Other warbler species were Golden-cheeked Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Nashville Warbler, and a nice male Black and White Warbler. Scott Summers reports that on 18 April he caught the first Yellow-headed Blackbirds-3 as matter of fact 1 in Coryell , 2 in Bell . Also, he saw FOS Painted Bunting, getting a drink in a shallow pool of water from last night's rain in a 2-track rut off Nolanville Rd in Bell County; and had FOS Eastern Kingbird at the Taylor Branch in a dead pecan tree from flood-Bell County. Tuesday, 15 Apr, had a pair of Northern Bobwhite on West Range in TA 50 Coryell, his FOY record for the species. Scott Summer promptly submitted this report of the April Field Trip: Special thanks to Mr. Bill Messer for hosting the April field trip. We had a very nice weather day (upper 50's to lower 60's, clear and dry) on Bill Messer's 400 + acre private ranch in central Bell County. We birded from 0830-1145. Highlights included: 33 bird total species, including hearing but not seeing 2 Golden-cheeked Warblers, and a Black-and White Warbler. New breeding/migrating bird arrivals observed included Summer Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Nashville Warbler, and White-eyed Vireo. Grassland sparrows included Vesper Sparrow, and Savannahs. The morning was topped of by a very nice lunch hosted by Mr. Bill Messer himself at his home, that included fresh fruit, chicken/beef kabobs, bbq meatballs, spinach dip, cocktail shrimp, bruschetta, and dessert---three kind of intresting and tasty miniature pie-type snacks lemon, chocalate, and buttermilk flavored!!!Wow! Those of you who missed this trip, really missed it! Attendees, included Liz Cowan, Teresa and Phil Ervin, Louise Reid, Marilyn Miller, Laura and George Murphy, Mr. Bill Messer + his black lab-Suzie, and Crissy & Scott Summers.