birders,
This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for southeast
Arizona was made on December 16h. The next update will be made on December
22nd. 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:
#EURASIAN WIGEON (Willcox)
Red Breasted Merganser (Tucson)
*LEAST GREBE (Sweetwater Wetlands; Sam Lena Park; Patagonia Lake State Park)
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Multiple locations)
Green Kingfisher (Patagonia Lake)
#WINTER WREN (Madera Canyon)
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER (Patagonia Lake State Park)
Northern Parula (Patagonia Lake; Pinal Airpark)
#CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Pinal Airpark)
*BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER (Sawmill canyon)
#BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Tubac; Patagonia Lake State Park)
I-19 CORRIDOR/PATAGONIA/SONOITA
A *LEAST GREBE was discovered on the 14th at Patagonia Lake State Park, at
the northeast end of the lake where it meets Sonoita Creek (George Jones.
Multiple reports of *BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS were received from the park
this week (m.ob.). Specific locations include: the willows at the northeast
end of the lake near the creek; the willows and mesquites midway between the
second and third wash; and the north end of Nutting’s Wash. The washes and
Sonoita Creek can be accessed from the Sonoita Creek Trail at the east end
of the park. Please be aware that other gnatcatcher species are present at
the lake. The #LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH persisted along the creek, usually in
the vicinity of a tire which is in the middle of the stream, just before the
woodland opens up (m.ob.). A #WINTER WREN has been seen skulking in the same
area (Linda Figueroa and Diane Touret). Also near the tire was an ELEGANT
TROGON on the 14th (Patrick Santinello). A #BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was
present on the same date (both sightings by Beve Postmus, et.al.). The GREEN
KINGFISHER was sighted upstream from the lake on the 10th (Nate Dias). The
NORTHERN PARULA has been observed on multiple dates by many observers. It
tends to associate with a mixed feeding flock which includes Orange-
crowneds and Yellow-rumped Warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Hutton's
Vireo. The flock moves about, but is often seen near where the creek meets
the lake.
The #WINTER WREN was sighted again along the creek at the Proctor Road Loop,
Madera Canyon, on the 11th. A late GREATER PEWEE was present along the Baldy
Trail on the 11th (George Jones).
The #BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was noted on the 12th along the Anza trail,
about ½ mile north of the bridge in Tubac (Clark Blake).
SIERRA VISTA AREA
A male *BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER was a nice find in Sawmill Canyon on the
10th (Alan and Ann Miller). The bird was “on the right hand side of the
road, when driving up canyon, about 150 yards down from the cabin at the
entrance to Sawmill.”
A #”KRIDER’S RED-TAILED HAWK was observed along Highway 92 at the Miller
Canyon intersection on the 14th (Tony Battitste and Wezil Walraven).
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVES continued at the San Pedro River Inn with a sighting on
the 11th (Michael Marsden and Robert Weissler).
Another #RUDDY GROUND-DOVE was observed in Garden Wash, about 200 yards
southwest of the San Pedro River on the 15th. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was
present at Black Phoebe Pond on the same date (Stuart Healy). Both locations
can be accessed from the San Pedro House.
TUCSON AREA/SANTA CRUZ FLATS
The *LEAST GREBE was seen again at Sam Lena Park in south Tucson on the 14th
(Mark Stevenson). It was in the eastern pond that is seen from the paved
walking path between ramada #5 and ramada #6. Sam Lena Park is at the
northwest corner of E Ajo Way and S. Country Club.
The *LEAST GREBE continued at Sweetwater Wetlands through the 11th (Molly
Pollock and Mark Stevenson). 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.
A #CHESNUT-SIDED WARBLER and NORTHERN PARULA were found on the 14th “in the
same location near the Pinal Air Park Pecan Grove in north-central Pima
County (just south of the Pinal County line). Both were in the grove of
cottonwoods and pecan trees just to the west of the abandoned brick house
that is a couple hundred yards north of the NW corner of the pecan grove.
Both birds were loosely associated with a mixed species flock. A male
#“YELLOW-SHAFTED” NORTHERN FLICKER was also sighted at the southwest corner
of the old pecan grove (Rich Hoyer and Jake Mohlmann).
A RED-BREASTED MERGANSER was observed Arthur Pack Golf Course on the 8th
(Gary Rosenberg).
MOUNTAIN PLOVERS were noted at the Western Sod Farm, Santa Cruz Flats, on
several dates this week (v.ob.).
A #”HARLAN’S RED-TAILED HAWK was observed on the 14th at the intersection of
Hardin and Luckett on the Santa Cruz Flats (Alison Berringer, Darlene Smyth
and rick Wright).
SULFUR SPRINGS VALLEY
A #EURASIAN WIGEON was observed at Cochise Lake (AKA Twin Lakes or Willcox
Playa) in Willcox on the 12th (Michael McGee). It was observed again on the
15th on the south side of the adjacent golf course (Scott Kennedy). A hybrid
American x Eurasian Wigeon was present here for the past couple winters,
though it has not been reported to me this winter, so take care with
identification.
MOUNTAIN PLOVERS were noted on several dates during this past week in the
fields on Central Highway north of Davis (v.ob.).
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 16h. The next update will be made on December
22nd. 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:
#EURASIAN WIGEON (Willcox)
Red Breasted Merganser (Tucson)
*LEAST GREBE (Sweetwater Wetlands; Sam Lena Park; Patagonia Lake State Park)
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Multiple locations)
Green Kingfisher (Patagonia Lake)
#WINTER WREN (Madera Canyon)
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER (Patagonia Lake State Park)
Northern Parula (Patagonia Lake; Pinal Airpark)
#CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Pinal Airpark)
*BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER (Sawmill canyon)
#BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Tubac; Patagonia Lake State Park)
I-19 CORRIDOR/PATAGONIA/SONOITA
A *LEAST GREBE was discovered on the 14th at Patagonia Lake State Park, at
the northeast end of the lake where it meets Sonoita Creek (George Jones.
Multiple reports of *BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS were received from the park
this week (m.ob.). Specific locations include: the willows at the northeast
end of the lake near the creek; the willows and mesquites midway between the
second and third wash; and the north end of Nutting’s Wash. The washes and
Sonoita Creek can be accessed from the Sonoita Creek Trail at the east end
of the park. Please be aware that other gnatcatcher species are present at
the lake. The #LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH persisted along the creek, usually in
the vicinity of a tire which is in the middle of the stream, just before the
woodland opens up (m.ob.). A #WINTER WREN has been seen skulking in the same
area (Linda Figueroa and Diane Touret). Also near the tire was an ELEGANT
TROGON on the 14th (Patrick Santinello). A #BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was
present on the same date (both sightings by Beve Postmus, et.al.). The GREEN
KINGFISHER was sighted upstream from the lake on the 10th (Nate Dias). The
NORTHERN PARULA has been observed on multiple dates by many observers. It
tends to associate with a mixed feeding flock which includes Orange-
crowneds and Yellow-rumped Warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Hutton's
Vireo. The flock moves about, but is often seen near where the creek meets
the lake.
The #WINTER WREN was sighted again along the creek at the Proctor Road Loop,
Madera Canyon, on the 11th. A late GREATER PEWEE was present along the Baldy
Trail on the 11th (George Jones).
The #BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was noted on the 12th along the Anza trail,
about ½ mile north of the bridge in Tubac (Clark Blake).
SIERRA VISTA AREA
A male *BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER was a nice find in Sawmill Canyon on the
10th (Alan and Ann Miller). The bird was “on the right hand side of the
road, when driving up canyon, about 150 yards down from the cabin at the
entrance to Sawmill.”
A #”KRIDER’S RED-TAILED HAWK was observed along Highway 92 at the Miller
Canyon intersection on the 14th (Tony Battitste and Wezil Walraven).
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVES continued at the San Pedro River Inn with a sighting on
the 11th (Michael Marsden and Robert Weissler).
Another #RUDDY GROUND-DOVE was observed in Garden Wash, about 200 yards
southwest of the San Pedro River on the 15th. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was
present at Black Phoebe Pond on the same date (Stuart Healy). Both locations
can be accessed from the San Pedro House.
TUCSON AREA/SANTA CRUZ FLATS
The *LEAST GREBE was seen again at Sam Lena Park in south Tucson on the 14th
(Mark Stevenson). It was in the eastern pond that is seen from the paved
walking path between ramada #5 and ramada #6. Sam Lena Park is at the
northwest corner of E Ajo Way and S. Country Club.
The *LEAST GREBE continued at Sweetwater Wetlands through the 11th (Molly
Pollock and Mark Stevenson). 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.
A #CHESNUT-SIDED WARBLER and NORTHERN PARULA were found on the 14th “in the
same location near the Pinal Air Park Pecan Grove in north-central Pima
County (just south of the Pinal County line). Both were in the grove of
cottonwoods and pecan trees just to the west of the abandoned brick house
that is a couple hundred yards north of the NW corner of the pecan grove.
Both birds were loosely associated with a mixed species flock. A male
#“YELLOW-SHAFTED” NORTHERN FLICKER was also sighted at the southwest corner
of the old pecan grove (Rich Hoyer and Jake Mohlmann).
A RED-BREASTED MERGANSER was observed Arthur Pack Golf Course on the 8th
(Gary Rosenberg).
MOUNTAIN PLOVERS were noted at the Western Sod Farm, Santa Cruz Flats, on
several dates this week (v.ob.).
A #”HARLAN’S RED-TAILED HAWK was observed on the 14th at the intersection of
Hardin and Luckett on the Santa Cruz Flats (Alison Berringer, Darlene Smyth
and rick Wright).
SULFUR SPRINGS VALLEY
A #EURASIAN WIGEON was observed at Cochise Lake (AKA Twin Lakes or Willcox
Playa) in Willcox on the 12th (Michael McGee). It was observed again on the
15th on the south side of the adjacent golf course (Scott Kennedy). A hybrid
American x Eurasian Wigeon was present here for the past couple winters,
though it has not been reported to me this winter, so take care with
identification.
MOUNTAIN PLOVERS were noted on several dates during this past week in the
fields on Central Highway north of Davis (v.ob.).
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