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1. The distribution of Ross’s Geese (Chen rossii) within Texas has changed significantly since 1990 as the overall population has increased. This species is now a common sight on the High Plains and Coastal Plains. In areas with high concentrations of Ross’s and Snow Geese, the two species segregate even within a single flock. This adult was in Andrews, Andrews County, on 28 November 2009. Photograph by Mark W. Lockwood. 2. Although Brant is a TBRC Review Species, reports from hunters suggest that this dark goose occurs with greater frequency than the accepted records would indicate. This (Black) Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) was in Andrews, Andrews County, on 10 November 2007. Photograph by Mark W. Lockwood. 3. The separation of Canada Goose into two species has provided an identification challenge when comparing the Lesser Canada Goose to Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii). This Cackling Goose was in Lubbock, Lubbock County, on 24 December 2007. Photograph by Mark W. Lockwood. 4. Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) is a rare visitor to Texas, and all discoveries are noteworthy. The majority of sightings are from the Panhandle and across northern Texas, but there are scattered records from almost all regions of the state. These two were at Fort Hood, Bell County, on 4 January 2011. Photograph by Gil Eckrich. [34.224.33.93] Project MUSE (2024-03-29 14:58 GMT) 5. The population of Mallards found in the Trans-Pecos and southward along the Rio Grande belongs to the distinctive Mexican Duck (Anas platyrhynchos diazi). Additional study of the amount of introgression with green-headed Mallards within populations in Texas and northern Mexico is needed. This male Mexican Duck was at Midland, Midland County, on 21 December 2011. Photograph by Mark W. Lockwood. 6. Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) is the most commonly occurring of the three scoter species in Texas. Although fully adult males are regularly seen, first- and second-year birds make up the majority of the wintering population in the state. This second-year male was at Port Bolivar, Galveston County, on 26 May 2010. Photograph by Joseph C. Kennedy. 7. Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) was long known under the name Oldsquaw. These ducks are rare to very rare in winter in the state, with most sightings coming from along the coast. This female was photographed in Austin, Travis County, on 22 January 2010. Photograph by Lawrence Semo. 8. Hooded Mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus) have been increasing as a nesting species in the northeastern portion of the state. They are often found using nest boxes designed for Wood Ducks and laying eggs in active Wood Duck nests. This male was at Balmorhea SP, Reeves County, on 28 February 2012. Photograph by Mark W. Lockwood. 9. Gambel’s Quail (Callipepla gambelii) are restricted to the westernmost counties in the state. The easternmost edge of the range is in extreme western Culberson County and along the Rio Grande to eastern Presidio County. This male was at Fort Leaton State Historic Site, Presidio County, on 5 April 2007. Photograph by Mark W. Lockwood. 10. Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) populations have declined precipitously in recent decades, and this once-abundant species is now very rare or even absent in many areas of its historic range. This pair was near Rio Grande City, Starr County, on 2 December 2007. Photograph by Greg W. Lasley. 11. Montezuma Quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae) were once more widespread on the Edwards Plateau but are now restricted to the southwestern portion of that region. Studies have shown that they are very sensitive to changes in the tallgrass cover of their preferred savannah-like habitat. This male was in northern Jeff Davis County on 11 January 2010. Photograph by Mark W. Lockwood. 12. Lesser Prairie-Chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) populations have continued to decline in Texas, and the species appears imperiled. The remaining populations are being intensely studied in attempts to develop more successful conservation strategies. This displaying male was in northern Yoakum County on 30 March 2010. Photograph by Mark W. Lockwood. 13. Red-throated Loons (Gavia stellata) are a rare visitor to Texas, although they do appear to occur with much higher frequency in the northeastern quarter of the state. This winterplumaged adult was at Balmorhea Lake, Reeves County, on 26 November 2010. Photograph by Mark W. Lockwood. 14. Although still considered rare visitors to Texas, Pacific Loons (Gavia pacifica) are found much more frequently than are Red-throated Loons, and there are records from most regions...