Only Species observed from January 1984 through May 2004 are included. Species seen in previous years , and the date of last sighting are listed in the Historical Records. The seasonal distribution block is shown for each species at the bottom of the species page, The block for each month is divided into thirds, covering 10 day periods. 

A    =     Abundant.         Can be found in quantity in the proper season and habitat.

I     =      Irregular            Not Present every year, but varies from fairly common to abundant when present

C    =     Common            Found daily, but not in large numbers in the proper season and habitat.

F    =     Fairly Common   Present regularly in small numbers, but takes considerable search to find.

U    =     Uncommon        Occurs infrequently and yet is seen too frequently to be considered rare.

R    =     Rare                   One or Two sightings during the period since 1983.

X    =    Accidental            One or Two records since 1983.

XXX    =    Accidental      One or Two individuals which remained several weeks.

P   =    Photograph or specimen available. Most of these are deposited with the Texas Cooperative Wildlife Collection  
            at Texas A&M University

B  =     Nested at least once since 1983

Note: Midland County has very few permanent wetlands and is subject to long periods of drought. If you do not find waterbirds in the numbers shown here, come back in a rainy year.