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Once a mega rarity, this northeast Mexican endemic is almost annual in the lower Rio Grande Valley.

Dan Jones Amateur photographer		© Dan Jones

http://www.flickr.com/photos/avocetfm
Adult female in Potato Tree (food source). Continuing rarity in U.S.

Frank Mantlik Professional photographer http://frankmantlik.zenfolio.com I'm an avid birder and photographer, based in CT. A retired Postal Carrier, I'm in the field daily, birding or leading bird tours for Sunrise Birding LLC or local bird clubs. Many photo credits. I also give photo-illustrated presentations. I'm a past President of CT Ornithological Association (COA), and serve on its Rare Bird Committee (ARCC).		© Frank Mantlik

The fifth to be found in the lower Rio Grande Valley this winter. They love munching on potato tree berries.

Dan Jones Amateur photographer		© Dan Jones

My blog.
This is proving to be a good invasion year for this range restricted species with four being found so far in the lower Rio Grande Valley.

Dan Jones Amateur photographer		© Dan Jones

http://birdsandnature.blogspot.com/ Found 12-15-11 by Jimmy Paz & David Benn during CBC.

SeEtta Moss Amateur photographer		© SeEtta Moss

One of two youngsters I found near the feeding station yesterday. Looks like we're on our way to another good winter.

Dan Jones Amateur photographer		© Dan Jones

Long-staying female, undergoing body feather molt so could stick around a while longer... BrdPics

Bill Schmoker Professional photographer http://www.nikonbirding.com/page/pro_staff/61 bill@schmoker.org Nikon Birding ProStaff member Bill Schmoker is known in the birding community as a leading digital photographer of birds. Since 2001 he has built a collection of digital bird photos documenting well over 600 species of North American birds. His photography has appeared in international nature publications, books, newspapers, interpretive signs, web pages, advertisements, corporate logos and as references for art works. Also a published writer, Bill wrote a chapter for Good Birders Don't Wear White and writes the Geared for Birding column in Winging It (the American Birding Association's newsletter.) Bill is a popular birding guide, speaker and workshop instructor and is an eBird reviewer for Colorado. Other experiences of Bill's include conducting fieldwork for Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory and serving as president of Colorado Field Ornithologists. Bill teaches middle school science in Boulder, Colorado. When he isn't birding, Bill enjoys family time with his wife and son. www.schmoker.org/BirdPics/ www.brdpics.blogspot.com/		© Bill Schmoker

The south Texas onslaught of rarities continues. Male feeding on Coyotillo berries. Antshrike's Bird Blog

Dan Jones Amateur photographer		© Dan Jones

Thanks to Wayne Bartholomew, Executive Directon of Frontera for help in locating this bird.

Nolan A Lameka Amateur photographer		© Nolan A Lameka

Female present for seveal weeks. Munching on the fruit from potato tree (Solanum erianthum)

Dan Jones Amateur photographer		© Dan Jones

Digibin shot using Leica 8 x 42 bins and Canon powershot A540. More pics

James P. Smith Amateur photographer		© James P. Smith

Female has been present for a couple of weeks.

Dan Jones Amateur photographer		© Dan Jones

Canon EOS 1D MKII, Canon 600mm IS USM

Chris Brogdale Amateur photographer		© Chris Brogdale

Haven't seen any of this species posted recently, so........

Keith Brady Amateur photographer		© Keith Brady

Male with out of focus female. Just another one of the incredible birds now in the valley

Riley Wyna Amateur photographer		© Riley Wyna

As many as thirteen sighted in the Valley this year.

Dan Jones Amateur photographer		© Dan Jones