I flew to McAllen, TX yesterday, got settled into my Airbnb after dark, and this AM headed straight to the Fork-tailed Flycatcher stakeout. This vagrant had been seen for the last 3 days running on some agricultural land near a sugar factory, and I had high hopes. After getting there at the crack of dawn, to find my binos were left behind, taking a quick scope and camera scan, returning for binos, and getting back just as some other birders were getting there, I commenced to look. And look. And look. Just after one Canadian couple gave up and drove away, I spotted a ridiculously long-tailed bird fight across the road into the wind and land on a wire. Sure enough, ABA lifer #722 (old ABA area) in the books.

This species usually lives south of the border, but has a notoriety for vagrancy, showing up really anywhere anytime. It is also often tough to chase, as it can be a one day and done vagrant, but this one stuck. Hoping it stays until Friday when Ken and Bruce get here. I got just brief looks before it was blown/flew back into the reservoir area, to be seen briefly in flight at distance twice more before I left.
Next on to Santa Ana, where a female Crimson-collared Grosbeak was relocated 2 days ago after being absent for a while. It was hot and quiet at the feeders by noon when I got there, and I decided not to spend the afternoon watching the feeders. I hiked the refuge for about 3 hours, seeing some cool birds, but nothing really unusual.

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After the drive back and dinner I went to the long-standing Green Parakeet Roost here in McAllen. It was as remembered, innumerable Great-tailed Grackles and a nice flock of Green Parakeets on the wires.

Tomorrow I’m off to Estero Llano Grande SP, Frotera Audubon Center and The National Butterfly Center. Hope these bring great birds and more fun. Until then, good birding and good day!