Antshrike's Bird Blog: June 2008

Monday, June 23, 2008

Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher at Quinta Mazatlan

Wow, I haven't posted in about six weeks. The spring migration was so hot and windy and boring and school is always very hectic towards the end of the year and I haven't had much interesting to write about. About two weeks ago Dr. Tim Brush's son, John, found a Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher at Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen. These are common summer breeders in the mountains south of here but this individual is, as far as I can tell, a first record for Hidlago County. Every few years a spring migrant overshoot will show up somewhere in Texas. A pair nested in Starr County back in the 70's. This Quinta Mazatlan bird also has a nest in the dead palm. Bronzed Cowbirds were hounding it so that may be what gets raised. The bird was still there as of yesterday.

Listers, Come out of the closet!

I have a problem. I am a lister. There. I said it. I'm not ashamed of it. There's lots of birders out there who look down their noses at listers. But I bet they have lists too. They list in the privacy of their homes. Maybe behind the locked door of the bathroom. Come on listers. Come out of the closet (or the bathroom)! Oh I know what they say about listing. You go blind or hair grows on the palms of your hands. But it's not true. In fact listing is good for you. So make your lists and don't feel guilty about it.