An update to the divisionally segmented League of Counties page. The addition of species numbers to the counties have slowed to the post-Spring speed: the addition of species numbers to the counties has slowed to a post-Spring speed. As we settle in, the top Division A has Nueces reaching a 12-species lead ahead of Cameron County, with 352 over 340. It remains to be seen if that lead can be covered by the end of the year. Hidalgo moved out ahead of Galveston in the B division by a 336 to 330 edge.

The tight race in C still holds, though the inland, urban, San Antonio-based Bexar County holds a 6-species lead over coastal Brazoria and Aransas Counties, and a 7-species lead over rival Travis County up the road.

Newton County is the story from the obscure divisions, with a 37-species lead over the rest of Division W—thanks to one birder especially making many thorough visits to this often-forgotten Piney Woods county. Expect it to possibly be promoted a couple of divisions higher next year.

Also, many counties are already over their year averages from the last 10 years, with Brown (38), Newton (34), Brooks (30), Henderson (29), Anderson (25), Frio (24), Delta (22), Willacy (21), Maverick (21), Kaufman (20), and Lipscomb (20) all at least 20 over, already. With the spring rush officially behind us, the leaderboard is shaping up for an exciting second half of the year.

With the spring rush officially behind us and the notorious Texas June heat on the horizon, the leaderboard is likely locked into place for a little while. Will Cameron County find a way to close the gap on Nueces when fall migration hits, or will Newton County continue its absolute tear through Division W? Or perhaps some fortunate, obscure county will become the focus of an adventurous Texas Century Clubber? We’ll see how the standings look on the other side of the summer doldrums!