Hello birders,
This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for southeast
Arizona was made on December 1st. The next update will be made on December
8th. To report rare birds call (520) 798-1005 and press #2. Please note that
this is now the same number at which you can listen to the pre-recorded RBA.
You can also e-mail your reports to keith_kamper@comcast.net .
In this report, 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 new sites and
changes in access to sites described in this guide can be found if you point
your browser to:
www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/updates.htm.
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 documentation. A pound sign # indicates that brief
corroborative details are warranted. Please send details to the Arizona Bird
Committee at:
P.O. Box 91856
Tucson, AZ 85752-1856
CONTRIBUTORS are listed in the text. The spelling of names given over the
phone is not guaranteed to be accurate. Any errors or omissions are
unintentional.
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
*LEAST GREBE (Sweetwater Wetlands; KERP 11/26)
*APLOMADO FALCON (San Raphael Valley 11/25)
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Red Rock 11/26)
*GROOVE-BILLED ANI (White-water Draw 11/26)
Elegant Trogon (Madera Canyon 11/25; Huachuca Canyon 11/30)
Green Kingfisher (Patagonia Lake State Park 11/26; San Pedro House 11/25)
#EASTERN PHOEBE (San Pedro Inn 12/1)
#WINTER WREN (Madera Canyon 12/1)
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER (Patagonia Lake State Park 11/29)
Spragues Pipit (San Raphael Valley 11/26)
*WORM-EATING WARBLER (Patagonia Lake State Park 11/21)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Sycamore Canyon 11/27)
#HARRIS’S SPARROW (Harshaw Canyon 11/26)
SAN RAPHAEL VALLEY
Most tantalizing was the report of a well-described *APLOMADO FALCON in the
San Raphael Valley on the 25th (Peter Walsh). It was in the dead top of a
cottonwood to the west of the San Rafael Loop Rd. about 2 miles north of the
Duquense-Lochiel Rd. junction. This is along the dry Santa Cruz River. If
driving south from Patagonia, one should start looking off to the west any
time after crossing the Santa Cruz River. Subsequent searchers have been
unsuccessful, however; this is a large area, with much habitat that this
rare falcon could utilize.
A #GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW was found along Harshaw Creek Road, about 2.85
miles upstream from the junction with Harshaw Canyon Road. It was
associating with other sparrows in the dense and narrow strip of low brush
just below the road shoulder and above the creek (the creek is rather
straight at this point and not far from the road) ( Jake Mohlmann, et. al.).
A SPRAGUES PIPIT was observed in the San Raphael Valley, a few miles north
of the Duquesne-San Rafael intersection on the 26th (Darlene Smyth and Rick
Wright).
SYCAMORE CANYON
A *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER was observed in Sycamore Canyon on the 27th, about
a 1/2 mile down the trail (Matt Griffiths). This is the Sycamore Canyon
(Arizona has a number of them) that is near the Mexican border and west of
Nogales. Many might remember that a pair was present in this canyon and bred
here in 2004. One bird was seen here in May of this year, but there were
probably no other sightings after that.
WHITEWATER DRAW
The *GROOVE-BILLED ANI persisted at Whitewater Draw through the 26th (Nancy
Bent). It has been observed around the pond closest to the parking area, in
trees along the south edge, and in the reeds along the east edge. It has
also been sighted in the willows to the west of the viewing platform on the
dike between the first big pond and the southern ponds. A WHITE-THROATED
SPARROW was noted at the draw near the north observation platform at the
pond closest to the parking lot.
TUCSON AREA
After an extended absence, a/the *LEAST GREBE reappeared at KERP (Kino
Ecosystem Restoration Project, AKA Ajo Detention Basins). It was on the pond
northeast of the baseball fields at Sam Lena Park. As you come in on the Sam
Lena Park access road from Country Club Road, this is NOT the first pond on
the right. It's the next one to the west, which is accessed by foot via the
sidewalk that diverges from the road and loops around the north side of the
park. The grebe was in the east and southeast parts of the pond, relatively
close to the path (Kendall Kroesen).
The *LEAST GREBE was persisted on the keyhole pond at Sweetwater Wetlands
through the 1st (Philip Kline). From the parking lot, take the cement path
across the bridge then turn left off the concrete and follow the path around
to the first viewing platform. It is shaped like and old-fashioned keyhole.
The YELLOW WARBLER was still present at the wetlands on the 25th (Will
Russell).
A CALIFORNIA GULL was observed at Kennedy Park on the 27th (John Higgins).
A late TRE SWALLOW was present at the Avra Valley Road Sewage Treatment
Plant on the 29th (Larry Liese).
Late Ospreys were observed this week at Aqua Caliente Park and Woodland Road
(Vivian Mac Kinnon).
I-19 CORRIDOR/PATAGONIA/SONOITA
Patagonia Lake State Park continues to host multiple rarities along Sonoita
Creek. The *WORM-EATING WARBLER was observed again on the 30th (Richard and
Robin Wolcott). It was in a tall cottonwood just inland from the inlet near
the stream entry or near the tire in the stream just upstream from its entry
into the lake. Two pairs of *BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS were observed on the
29th. One pair was present near the beginning of the Sonoita Creek Trail on
the hillside above (and below) the bench. The second pair was in the willows
between the mesquite bosque and the lake (near the third wash). The GREEN
KINGFISHER continues and is most often seen where Sonoita Creek meets the
lake (m.ob.).
Two #WINTER WRENS were observed on the 1st . One was observed just
downstream from the first stream crossing to the right on the Proctor loop
(or the lower of the two bridges on the Proctor loop). The second was among
the roots of a tall cottonwood and in the streambed across the creek from a
large purplish boulder. A female AMERICAN REDSTART was observed on the 29th
just below the upper bridge on the loop trail from the Proctor Road parking
lot (George Jones). An ELEGANT TROGON was observed in the canyon on the
25th near the Santa Rita Lodge (John King). Another, or perhaps the same
individual, was observed on the same date just below the Whitehouse Picnic
area (David Pearson).
An #EASTERN PHOEBE was observed on the 1st, along the Santa Cruz River (Anza
trail), 100 yards north of Tubac bridge (Clark Blake).
SIERRA VISTA AREA
A 1st winter #HARRIS’S SPARROW was observed at the north pond of the San
Pedro River Inn on the 1st. Take the trail heading north from the visitors'
car park for about 300 yards and you will come to the pond on the left. An
#EASTERN PHOEBE was present on the same date over the east pond (viewable
from the lookout next to the visitors' car park at the Inn (Michael
Marsden).
The male GREEN KINGFISHER was observed at the Black Phoebe Pond at the San
Pedro House on the 25th (Jim Burns).
An ELEGANT TROGON was observed in Huachuca Canyon, Huchuca Mountains, on the
30th . The male was by the small concrete dam about ¼ mile from the last
picnic area (Alan Miller).
RED ROCK
Eight #RUDDY GROUND-DOVES were observed at the Red Rock Feedlot on the 26th
(David Pearson). They were on the west side of Hollis Road (running north
and south along the west end of the feed lots).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FORT HUACHUCA ACCESS: The fort still requires valid photo ID, car
registration and proof of insurance (or rental agreement) to enter. A new
requirement is that Foreign Nationals must now be accompanied by a special
trained escort. It is not known to me, at the time of this writing, if they
have any personnel trained for this duty. Direct any questions about this
rule to the U.S. Army at Fort Huachuca.
BAIRD'S SPARROW HILL AND THE VACA RANCH CORRAL in the San Rafael Valley:
These locations remain off limits to birders. Birding within .25 of a mile
of the corral is prohibited. Please observe this unfortunate closure,
brought on by birder behavior.
HEREFORD BRIDGE: The bridge over the San Pedro River is out, and is 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 your reports and good birding!
Keith Kamper
Tucson, AZ
This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for southeast
Arizona was made on December 1st. The next update will be made on December
8th. To report rare birds call (520) 798-1005 and press #2. Please note that
this is now the same number at which you can listen to the pre-recorded RBA.
You can also e-mail your reports to keith_kamper@comcast.net .
In this report, 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 new sites and
changes in access to sites described in this guide can be found if you point
your browser to:
www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/updates.htm.
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 documentation. A pound sign # indicates that brief
corroborative details are warranted. Please send details to the Arizona Bird
Committee at:
P.O. Box 91856
Tucson, AZ 85752-1856
CONTRIBUTORS are listed in the text. The spelling of names given over the
phone is not guaranteed to be accurate. Any errors or omissions are
unintentional.
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
*LEAST GREBE (Sweetwater Wetlands; KERP 11/26)
*APLOMADO FALCON (San Raphael Valley 11/25)
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Red Rock 11/26)
*GROOVE-BILLED ANI (White-water Draw 11/26)
Elegant Trogon (Madera Canyon 11/25; Huachuca Canyon 11/30)
Green Kingfisher (Patagonia Lake State Park 11/26; San Pedro House 11/25)
#EASTERN PHOEBE (San Pedro Inn 12/1)
#WINTER WREN (Madera Canyon 12/1)
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER (Patagonia Lake State Park 11/29)
Spragues Pipit (San Raphael Valley 11/26)
*WORM-EATING WARBLER (Patagonia Lake State Park 11/21)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Sycamore Canyon 11/27)
#HARRIS’S SPARROW (Harshaw Canyon 11/26)
SAN RAPHAEL VALLEY
Most tantalizing was the report of a well-described *APLOMADO FALCON in the
San Raphael Valley on the 25th (Peter Walsh). It was in the dead top of a
cottonwood to the west of the San Rafael Loop Rd. about 2 miles north of the
Duquense-Lochiel Rd. junction. This is along the dry Santa Cruz River. If
driving south from Patagonia, one should start looking off to the west any
time after crossing the Santa Cruz River. Subsequent searchers have been
unsuccessful, however; this is a large area, with much habitat that this
rare falcon could utilize.
A #GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW was found along Harshaw Creek Road, about 2.85
miles upstream from the junction with Harshaw Canyon Road. It was
associating with other sparrows in the dense and narrow strip of low brush
just below the road shoulder and above the creek (the creek is rather
straight at this point and not far from the road) ( Jake Mohlmann, et. al.).
A SPRAGUES PIPIT was observed in the San Raphael Valley, a few miles north
of the Duquesne-San Rafael intersection on the 26th (Darlene Smyth and Rick
Wright).
SYCAMORE CANYON
A *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER was observed in Sycamore Canyon on the 27th, about
a 1/2 mile down the trail (Matt Griffiths). This is the Sycamore Canyon
(Arizona has a number of them) that is near the Mexican border and west of
Nogales. Many might remember that a pair was present in this canyon and bred
here in 2004. One bird was seen here in May of this year, but there were
probably no other sightings after that.
WHITEWATER DRAW
The *GROOVE-BILLED ANI persisted at Whitewater Draw through the 26th (Nancy
Bent). It has been observed around the pond closest to the parking area, in
trees along the south edge, and in the reeds along the east edge. It has
also been sighted in the willows to the west of the viewing platform on the
dike between the first big pond and the southern ponds. A WHITE-THROATED
SPARROW was noted at the draw near the north observation platform at the
pond closest to the parking lot.
TUCSON AREA
After an extended absence, a/the *LEAST GREBE reappeared at KERP (Kino
Ecosystem Restoration Project, AKA Ajo Detention Basins). It was on the pond
northeast of the baseball fields at Sam Lena Park. As you come in on the Sam
Lena Park access road from Country Club Road, this is NOT the first pond on
the right. It's the next one to the west, which is accessed by foot via the
sidewalk that diverges from the road and loops around the north side of the
park. The grebe was in the east and southeast parts of the pond, relatively
close to the path (Kendall Kroesen).
The *LEAST GREBE was persisted on the keyhole pond at Sweetwater Wetlands
through the 1st (Philip Kline). From the parking lot, take the cement path
across the bridge then turn left off the concrete and follow the path around
to the first viewing platform. It is shaped like and old-fashioned keyhole.
The YELLOW WARBLER was still present at the wetlands on the 25th (Will
Russell).
A CALIFORNIA GULL was observed at Kennedy Park on the 27th (John Higgins).
A late TRE SWALLOW was present at the Avra Valley Road Sewage Treatment
Plant on the 29th (Larry Liese).
Late Ospreys were observed this week at Aqua Caliente Park and Woodland Road
(Vivian Mac Kinnon).
I-19 CORRIDOR/PATAGONIA/SONOITA
Patagonia Lake State Park continues to host multiple rarities along Sonoita
Creek. The *WORM-EATING WARBLER was observed again on the 30th (Richard and
Robin Wolcott). It was in a tall cottonwood just inland from the inlet near
the stream entry or near the tire in the stream just upstream from its entry
into the lake. Two pairs of *BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS were observed on the
29th. One pair was present near the beginning of the Sonoita Creek Trail on
the hillside above (and below) the bench. The second pair was in the willows
between the mesquite bosque and the lake (near the third wash). The GREEN
KINGFISHER continues and is most often seen where Sonoita Creek meets the
lake (m.ob.).
Two #WINTER WRENS were observed on the 1st . One was observed just
downstream from the first stream crossing to the right on the Proctor loop
(or the lower of the two bridges on the Proctor loop). The second was among
the roots of a tall cottonwood and in the streambed across the creek from a
large purplish boulder. A female AMERICAN REDSTART was observed on the 29th
just below the upper bridge on the loop trail from the Proctor Road parking
lot (George Jones). An ELEGANT TROGON was observed in the canyon on the
25th near the Santa Rita Lodge (John King). Another, or perhaps the same
individual, was observed on the same date just below the Whitehouse Picnic
area (David Pearson).
An #EASTERN PHOEBE was observed on the 1st, along the Santa Cruz River (Anza
trail), 100 yards north of Tubac bridge (Clark Blake).
SIERRA VISTA AREA
A 1st winter #HARRIS’S SPARROW was observed at the north pond of the San
Pedro River Inn on the 1st. Take the trail heading north from the visitors'
car park for about 300 yards and you will come to the pond on the left. An
#EASTERN PHOEBE was present on the same date over the east pond (viewable
from the lookout next to the visitors' car park at the Inn (Michael
Marsden).
The male GREEN KINGFISHER was observed at the Black Phoebe Pond at the San
Pedro House on the 25th (Jim Burns).
An ELEGANT TROGON was observed in Huachuca Canyon, Huchuca Mountains, on the
30th . The male was by the small concrete dam about ¼ mile from the last
picnic area (Alan Miller).
RED ROCK
Eight #RUDDY GROUND-DOVES were observed at the Red Rock Feedlot on the 26th
(David Pearson). They were on the west side of Hollis Road (running north
and south along the west end of the feed lots).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FORT HUACHUCA ACCESS: The fort still requires valid photo ID, car
registration and proof of insurance (or rental agreement) to enter. A new
requirement is that Foreign Nationals must now be accompanied by a special
trained escort. It is not known to me, at the time of this writing, if they
have any personnel trained for this duty. Direct any questions about this
rule to the U.S. Army at Fort Huachuca.
BAIRD'S SPARROW HILL AND THE VACA RANCH CORRAL in the San Rafael Valley:
These locations remain off limits to birders. Birding within .25 of a mile
of the corral is prohibited. Please observe this unfortunate closure,
brought on by birder behavior.
HEREFORD BRIDGE: The bridge over the San Pedro River is out, and is 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 your reports and good birding!
Keith Kamper
Tucson, AZ