An ABA Code 4 Crimson-collared Grosbeak has been present at Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center in Hidalgo County, Texas, since January 22, but the news was only made widely available recently. There are several records of this northern Mexican species in south Texas, especially in recent years, though in the past there were far less common.
Quinta Mazatlan, a historic mansion located in McAllen, Texas,is one of the smaller World Birding Center sites but it has a history of hosting excellent birds. From Expressway 83 take the 10th Street Exit past the La Plaza Mall before turning east on Sunset Drive. There is a $3 admission fee. Site hours are 8am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
Crimson-collared Grosbeaks are visitors from northeastern Mexico and within the ABA Area have only been found in Texas. Small invasions of this species occurred in the winters of 1987-1988 and 2004-2005. There were very few records between those two invasions, but they have been somewhat regular since 2005 with one or two individuals found many winters.