Hello birders. This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for
southeast Arizona was made on August 12th. The next update will be made on
August 18th. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE VOICEMAIL NUMBER HAS CHANGED AGAIN. The
new number is 520-629-0510. At the time of this posting, it is not yet
functional. I apologize for this inconvenience. You can also e-mail your
reports to keith_kamper@comcast.net.
In the following, where directions are not given, they can be found in the
newest edition of Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona published by and
available from Tucson Audubon Society. Updates regarding changes in access
to sites described in this guide can be found if you point your browser to:
www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/updates.htm.
METHODOLOGY OF THIS REPORT
The sequence of sightings in this report is not random. Species are listed
by order of overall rarity within locality. The first locality mentioned
contains the rarest species seen during the reporting period. Within that
locality, species are mentioned in relative-rarity order or in taxonomic
order, if relative rarity is the same, within sub-locality. When the
sightings for a locality are complete, the rarest remaining species dictates
which locality is mentioned next, and so forth. At any point when 2 or more
species are of the same relative rarity, taxonomic order then determines the
sequence in which the localities are covered. Consequently, the order in
which localities are mentioned will vary from one report to the next.
Several announcements follow the sightings.
Tucson (Southeast Arizona) RBA: (520) 798-1005
An asterisk * preceding a species name below indicates that the species
warrants careful review by the Arizona Bird Committee (ABC). A pound sign #
indicates that sketch details are warranted. Please send documentation of
these birds to:
Arizona Bird Committee, P.O. Box 91856, Tucson, AZ 85752
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT
Marginally rare/uncommon species mentioned are not listed.
*SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Chiricahua Mountains 8/11)
#SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER (Avra Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant 8/12;
Willcox 8/5)
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Beatty's Guest Ranch)
*BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD (Ramsey Canyon 8/5)
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (Ash Canyon B & B 7/26)
#ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD (Beatty's Guest Ranch)
#SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Portal 8/9)
#ROSE-THROATED BECARD (Patagonia Roadside Rest 8/11)
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER (Montosa canyon 8/11)
*AZTEC THRUSH (Carr Canyon 8/12; Madera Canyon 8/6-- unconfirmed)
*CRESCENT-CHESTED WARBLER (Miller Canyon 8/12)
American Redstart (Pena Blanca Lake 8/6)
#PAINTED BUNTING (Multiple locations)
CONTRIBUTORS are listed in the text. The spelling of names given over the
phone is not guaranteed to be correct. Any omissions are unintentional.
HUACHUCA MOUNTAINS
A *CRESCENT-CHESTED WARBLER was discovered at Miller Canyon, Huachuca
Mountains on the 12th by visiting birders Mark and Laurie Conrad. Mark
Stevenson provides the following details regarding the sighting: "It was
seen in the canyon along the Miller Canyon Trail above the Beattys' Guest
Ranch. There is a fairly well-known landmark called the Split Rock, a large
boulder that sits on the right side of the trail that is split vertically in
two. The bird was first seen about 100 yards up-canyon from there. A rock
cairn was built. Later, it was seen 150-200 yards past Split Rock. Another
cairn was created at that location. The bird spent most of its time high in
conifers. It was last seen flying down canyon. It had only a small red spot
in the center of the chest. Images were not obtained. Directions to Miller
Canyon are in both of the SE AZ bird-finding guides. The Miller Canyon Trail
begins at a sign off the north side of the parking circle at the top of the
road, on the right just after the road enters the one-way loop. Take plenty
of water along as the trail climbs significantly." Reports-- positive or
negative-- will be greatly appreciated.
At least one *AZTEC THRUSH persisted in Carr Canyon through the 12th (Kim
Garwood and Molly Pollock). It has been observed from the Comfort Springs
Trail which starts on the north side of the Ramsey Vista Campground at the
end of the road up Carr Canyon. Park in the parking area along the road
immediately before it reaches the campground (parking is "donation
requested" there and "fee" in the campground). Take the well-signed Comfort
Springs Trail downhill. Some have found that waiting at vantage points along
the trail which overlook the drainage below to be a successful strategy. The
thrush will occasionally perch on one of the many dead snags.
The *BERYLLINE HUMINGBIRD was observed again at the feeders in the Ramsey
Canyon Preserve on the 5th (Erika Wilson). Ramsey Canyon is open to the
public between the hours of 8 am to 5 pm; parking space is somewhat limited.
General admission is $5 per person. Admission for residents of Cochise
County and members of the Nature Conservancy is $3 per person.
Multiple #WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRDS continue to visit Beatty's Guest Ranch,
with sightings at the Hawk Watch and Controlled Access Site. #LUCIFER
HUMMINGBIRD, #ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD presumed Berryline x Magnificent
Hummingbirds and VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD have also been sighted during
the past week (Tom Beatty Sr.). Unconfirmed reports of PLAIN-CAPPED
STARTHROAT have been received from visitors. For more information regarding
this location, visit www.SEAZHUMMINGBIRDS.com
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRDS, including presumed juveniles, have been frequenting
the feeders at Ash Canyon B & B (Mary Jo Ballator). For more information on
this site see http://AshCanyonBandB.com
I-19 CORRIDOR
An #AZTEC THRUSH was reported at Madera Canyon on the 6th (Brian Fitch fide
Troy Corman).From the upper parking lot, take the wide paved trail leading
from the parking lot restrooms that heads up into the canyon. The drainage
is on your right at this point. Eventually, this trail gives way to dirt and
then crosses the drainage. The bird was reported along the trail upstream of
this drainage crossing. Subsequent searches have been unsuccessful; any
reports would be appreciated.
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS were observed in Montosa Canyon on the 11th
(Melody Kehl). They were in the vicinity of the large culvert. For more
information on this location consult Rick Taylor's latest ABA birdfinding
guide, or see Rich Hoyer's website at:
http://personal.riverusers.com/~calliope/montosacanyon.html
A male AMERICAN REDSTART was present at Pena Blanca Lake on the 6th (Gavin
Bieber). Park at the first parking lot where the boat ramp is located and
then walk down to the boat ramp and cross the wash to your left to reach the
paved trail. Take this trail to the right and at the second spot where the
trail widens, affording views of the lake (there are raised flagstones
ringing the trail edge) there is a very large willow that has fallen partly
into the water. The bird was frequenting this fallen willow.
An AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, unusual at this season, was present at Amado on the
8th (Rich Jensen and Rick Wright).
CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS
A juvenile *SHORT-TAILED HAWK was observed over Barfoot Park, high in the
Chiricahuas on the 11th (Cris Benesh).
A #SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was a good find on the 9th at the junction of
Portal Road and Stateline Road near Portal (Raymond Bogiatto and Shelly
Kirn). It was observed again latter the same day along the fence line that
runs parallel with Stateline Road, approximately 250 yards past the turn
onto Stateline Rd if you were traveling from Portal.
A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was observed at the George Walker House in Paradise
on the 10th (Jackie Lewis).
PATAGONIA/SONOITA AREA
The pair of #ROSE-THROATED BECARDS persisted at a nest at the Patagonia
Roadside Rest Stop; the most recent report occurred on the 11th (Melody
Kehl). Cross the road from the east end of the rest stop and proceed down
the path and turn right. Look for a well worn area on the left (north side)
of the trail. The nest is located in a sycamore near the creek.
WILLCOX
A #SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER was noted at Lake Cochise (AKA Twin Lakes, Willcox
Playa, or just Willcox) on the 5th (Bruce Di Labio). Two FORSTER'S TERNS
were also present here during this past week as were 1-4 BLACK TERNS
(m.ob.). A SANDERLING was observed on the 8th (Keith Kamper). STILT
SANDPIPERS made a few appearances at the large pond (Garey Harrit et al).
TUCSON
A #SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER was detected at the Avra Valley Wastewater
Treatment Plant on the 10th (Philip Kline); it was still present on the 12th
(Darlene Smyth and Rick Wright). A RED-NECKED PHALAROPE was noted among the
many Wilson's Phalaropes on the 12th (Darlene Smyth and Rick Wright).
PAINTED BUNTINGS
This species continues to make a good showing this week. The highest
reported count of four occurred at what was known as the Kino Springs Golf
Course near Patagonia (Bruce Di Labio and Phil Norton). An effective
strategy one may employ is to scan from the tip of the small peninsula that
sticks out into the middle of the first pond (the pond most distant from the
clubhouse), One adult male and one female/immature bird were present on the
11th at the Tombstone Sewage Treatment Plant (not ponds as I had previously
reported) (William Flack). From Highway 80 north of Tombstone, turn onto a
dirt road directly across from the entrance to the Holiday Inn Express.
Right after you get on that road, you'll see a sign mentioning the water
treatment plant. When you hit the gated entrance to the high school, don't
go through the gate: bear right and drive around the fenced school grounds.
At the bottom of the hill, go left: there's a right fork with a "State Trust
Land; No Trespassing" sign, which you don't want to follow. That road will
take you directly to the sewage plant and the city dump. One immature male
was present at the George Walker House in Paradise, Chiricahua Mountains on
the 10th (Jackie Lewis). A male was present around the San Pedro River Inn,
near Sierra Vista, on the 7th (Mike and Joy Bowen fide Michael Marsden).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FORT HUACHUCA ACCESS: The fort still requires the usual valid ID, car
registration and proof of insurance (or rental agreement) to enter. It is
now reported that a new requirement is in place for Foreign Nationals. They
must now be accompanied by a U.S. citizen with a military identification
card in order to gain entry. Any updates regarding this change will be
posted to the AZ/NM Listserv and the RBA.
BAIRD'S SPARROW HILL AND THE VACA RANCH CORRAL: These locations are off
limits to birders. Birding within .25 of a mile of the corral is prohibited.
These sites are located in the San Rafael Valley. Please respect this
unfortunate closure.
HEREFORD BRIDGE: The bridge over the San Pedro River is out, and not
expected to re-open in the near future.
CASA GRANDE SEWAGE PONDS: Due to a construction project, birders will be
able to view the ponds only from outside of the chain link fence.
NOGALES SEWAGE PONDS: The ponds remain closed to birders.
Thanks for reporting,
Keith Kamper
southeast Arizona was made on August 12th. The next update will be made on
August 18th. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE VOICEMAIL NUMBER HAS CHANGED AGAIN. The
new number is 520-629-0510. At the time of this posting, it is not yet
functional. I apologize for this inconvenience. You can also e-mail your
reports to keith_kamper@comcast.net.
In the following, where directions are not given, they can be found in the
newest edition of Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona published by and
available from Tucson Audubon Society. Updates regarding changes in access
to sites described in this guide can be found if you point your browser to:
www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/updates.htm.
METHODOLOGY OF THIS REPORT
The sequence of sightings in this report is not random. Species are listed
by order of overall rarity within locality. The first locality mentioned
contains the rarest species seen during the reporting period. Within that
locality, species are mentioned in relative-rarity order or in taxonomic
order, if relative rarity is the same, within sub-locality. When the
sightings for a locality are complete, the rarest remaining species dictates
which locality is mentioned next, and so forth. At any point when 2 or more
species are of the same relative rarity, taxonomic order then determines the
sequence in which the localities are covered. Consequently, the order in
which localities are mentioned will vary from one report to the next.
Several announcements follow the sightings.
Tucson (Southeast Arizona) RBA: (520) 798-1005
An asterisk * preceding a species name below indicates that the species
warrants careful review by the Arizona Bird Committee (ABC). A pound sign #
indicates that sketch details are warranted. Please send documentation of
these birds to:
Arizona Bird Committee, P.O. Box 91856, Tucson, AZ 85752
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT
Marginally rare/uncommon species mentioned are not listed.
*SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Chiricahua Mountains 8/11)
#SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER (Avra Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant 8/12;
Willcox 8/5)
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Beatty's Guest Ranch)
*BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD (Ramsey Canyon 8/5)
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (Ash Canyon B & B 7/26)
#ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD (Beatty's Guest Ranch)
#SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Portal 8/9)
#ROSE-THROATED BECARD (Patagonia Roadside Rest 8/11)
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER (Montosa canyon 8/11)
*AZTEC THRUSH (Carr Canyon 8/12; Madera Canyon 8/6-- unconfirmed)
*CRESCENT-CHESTED WARBLER (Miller Canyon 8/12)
American Redstart (Pena Blanca Lake 8/6)
#PAINTED BUNTING (Multiple locations)
CONTRIBUTORS are listed in the text. The spelling of names given over the
phone is not guaranteed to be correct. Any omissions are unintentional.
HUACHUCA MOUNTAINS
A *CRESCENT-CHESTED WARBLER was discovered at Miller Canyon, Huachuca
Mountains on the 12th by visiting birders Mark and Laurie Conrad. Mark
Stevenson provides the following details regarding the sighting: "It was
seen in the canyon along the Miller Canyon Trail above the Beattys' Guest
Ranch. There is a fairly well-known landmark called the Split Rock, a large
boulder that sits on the right side of the trail that is split vertically in
two. The bird was first seen about 100 yards up-canyon from there. A rock
cairn was built. Later, it was seen 150-200 yards past Split Rock. Another
cairn was created at that location. The bird spent most of its time high in
conifers. It was last seen flying down canyon. It had only a small red spot
in the center of the chest. Images were not obtained. Directions to Miller
Canyon are in both of the SE AZ bird-finding guides. The Miller Canyon Trail
begins at a sign off the north side of the parking circle at the top of the
road, on the right just after the road enters the one-way loop. Take plenty
of water along as the trail climbs significantly." Reports-- positive or
negative-- will be greatly appreciated.
At least one *AZTEC THRUSH persisted in Carr Canyon through the 12th (Kim
Garwood and Molly Pollock). It has been observed from the Comfort Springs
Trail which starts on the north side of the Ramsey Vista Campground at the
end of the road up Carr Canyon. Park in the parking area along the road
immediately before it reaches the campground (parking is "donation
requested" there and "fee" in the campground). Take the well-signed Comfort
Springs Trail downhill. Some have found that waiting at vantage points along
the trail which overlook the drainage below to be a successful strategy. The
thrush will occasionally perch on one of the many dead snags.
The *BERYLLINE HUMINGBIRD was observed again at the feeders in the Ramsey
Canyon Preserve on the 5th (Erika Wilson). Ramsey Canyon is open to the
public between the hours of 8 am to 5 pm; parking space is somewhat limited.
General admission is $5 per person. Admission for residents of Cochise
County and members of the Nature Conservancy is $3 per person.
Multiple #WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRDS continue to visit Beatty's Guest Ranch,
with sightings at the Hawk Watch and Controlled Access Site. #LUCIFER
HUMMINGBIRD, #ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD presumed Berryline x Magnificent
Hummingbirds and VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD have also been sighted during
the past week (Tom Beatty Sr.). Unconfirmed reports of PLAIN-CAPPED
STARTHROAT have been received from visitors. For more information regarding
this location, visit www.SEAZHUMMINGBIRDS.com
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRDS, including presumed juveniles, have been frequenting
the feeders at Ash Canyon B & B (Mary Jo Ballator). For more information on
this site see http://AshCanyonBandB.com
I-19 CORRIDOR
An #AZTEC THRUSH was reported at Madera Canyon on the 6th (Brian Fitch fide
Troy Corman).From the upper parking lot, take the wide paved trail leading
from the parking lot restrooms that heads up into the canyon. The drainage
is on your right at this point. Eventually, this trail gives way to dirt and
then crosses the drainage. The bird was reported along the trail upstream of
this drainage crossing. Subsequent searches have been unsuccessful; any
reports would be appreciated.
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS were observed in Montosa Canyon on the 11th
(Melody Kehl). They were in the vicinity of the large culvert. For more
information on this location consult Rick Taylor's latest ABA birdfinding
guide, or see Rich Hoyer's website at:
http://personal.riverusers.com/~calliope/montosacanyon.html
A male AMERICAN REDSTART was present at Pena Blanca Lake on the 6th (Gavin
Bieber). Park at the first parking lot where the boat ramp is located and
then walk down to the boat ramp and cross the wash to your left to reach the
paved trail. Take this trail to the right and at the second spot where the
trail widens, affording views of the lake (there are raised flagstones
ringing the trail edge) there is a very large willow that has fallen partly
into the water. The bird was frequenting this fallen willow.
An AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, unusual at this season, was present at Amado on the
8th (Rich Jensen and Rick Wright).
CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS
A juvenile *SHORT-TAILED HAWK was observed over Barfoot Park, high in the
Chiricahuas on the 11th (Cris Benesh).
A #SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was a good find on the 9th at the junction of
Portal Road and Stateline Road near Portal (Raymond Bogiatto and Shelly
Kirn). It was observed again latter the same day along the fence line that
runs parallel with Stateline Road, approximately 250 yards past the turn
onto Stateline Rd if you were traveling from Portal.
A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was observed at the George Walker House in Paradise
on the 10th (Jackie Lewis).
PATAGONIA/SONOITA AREA
The pair of #ROSE-THROATED BECARDS persisted at a nest at the Patagonia
Roadside Rest Stop; the most recent report occurred on the 11th (Melody
Kehl). Cross the road from the east end of the rest stop and proceed down
the path and turn right. Look for a well worn area on the left (north side)
of the trail. The nest is located in a sycamore near the creek.
WILLCOX
A #SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER was noted at Lake Cochise (AKA Twin Lakes, Willcox
Playa, or just Willcox) on the 5th (Bruce Di Labio). Two FORSTER'S TERNS
were also present here during this past week as were 1-4 BLACK TERNS
(m.ob.). A SANDERLING was observed on the 8th (Keith Kamper). STILT
SANDPIPERS made a few appearances at the large pond (Garey Harrit et al).
TUCSON
A #SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER was detected at the Avra Valley Wastewater
Treatment Plant on the 10th (Philip Kline); it was still present on the 12th
(Darlene Smyth and Rick Wright). A RED-NECKED PHALAROPE was noted among the
many Wilson's Phalaropes on the 12th (Darlene Smyth and Rick Wright).
PAINTED BUNTINGS
This species continues to make a good showing this week. The highest
reported count of four occurred at what was known as the Kino Springs Golf
Course near Patagonia (Bruce Di Labio and Phil Norton). An effective
strategy one may employ is to scan from the tip of the small peninsula that
sticks out into the middle of the first pond (the pond most distant from the
clubhouse), One adult male and one female/immature bird were present on the
11th at the Tombstone Sewage Treatment Plant (not ponds as I had previously
reported) (William Flack). From Highway 80 north of Tombstone, turn onto a
dirt road directly across from the entrance to the Holiday Inn Express.
Right after you get on that road, you'll see a sign mentioning the water
treatment plant. When you hit the gated entrance to the high school, don't
go through the gate: bear right and drive around the fenced school grounds.
At the bottom of the hill, go left: there's a right fork with a "State Trust
Land; No Trespassing" sign, which you don't want to follow. That road will
take you directly to the sewage plant and the city dump. One immature male
was present at the George Walker House in Paradise, Chiricahua Mountains on
the 10th (Jackie Lewis). A male was present around the San Pedro River Inn,
near Sierra Vista, on the 7th (Mike and Joy Bowen fide Michael Marsden).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FORT HUACHUCA ACCESS: The fort still requires the usual valid ID, car
registration and proof of insurance (or rental agreement) to enter. It is
now reported that a new requirement is in place for Foreign Nationals. They
must now be accompanied by a U.S. citizen with a military identification
card in order to gain entry. Any updates regarding this change will be
posted to the AZ/NM Listserv and the RBA.
BAIRD'S SPARROW HILL AND THE VACA RANCH CORRAL: These locations are off
limits to birders. Birding within .25 of a mile of the corral is prohibited.
These sites are located in the San Rafael Valley. Please respect this
unfortunate closure.
HEREFORD BRIDGE: The bridge over the San Pedro River is out, and not
expected to re-open in the near future.
CASA GRANDE SEWAGE PONDS: Due to a construction project, birders will be
able to view the ponds only from outside of the chain link fence.
NOGALES SEWAGE PONDS: The ponds remain closed to birders.
Thanks for reporting,
Keith Kamper