This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for southeast
Arizona was made on March 30, 2006. The next update will be made April 6th.
To report rare birds call (520) 798-1005 and press #2. You can also e-mail
your reports to keith_kamper AT 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. 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
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
*LEAST GREBE (Sweetwater Wetlands; Sam Lena Park)
#RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Several locations)
#EASTERN PHOEBE (San Pedro River)
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER (Patagonia Lake State Park)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Sycamore Canyon)
#FOX SPARROW (Arivaca)
*ORCHARD ORIOLE (Tucson)
NOGALES AREA
The *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER was observed on several dates in Sycamore Canyon
this week, with the most recent report on the 24th (Henry Detwiler, et al).
Sycamore Canyon is west of Nogales on Ruby Road and is covered in both
Arizona bird-finding guides. The warbler has been observed from 1/2 to 2/3
of a mile down the canyon (from the pipes in the parking lot). It has most
often been observed near the confluence of Sycamore and Montana Canyons.
Montana Canyon is the first obvious canyon which meets Sycamore on the right
(west). Two tall spires on the north side of Montana Canyon are especially
obvious if one hikes up Montana and looks back. A small waterfall will be
noted just before one reaches this area. Three ELEGANT TROGONS were observed
in the canyon close to the Mexican border on the 25th (Bert Harris fide Moez
Ali). Ruby Road is passable by a passenger car except with heavy rains.
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS were observed at Patagonia Lake State Park, with
the most recent report occurring on the 25th (Rich Hoyer, Jake Mohlmann and
John Yeger). The are usually seen along the Sonoita Creek trail at the east
end of the park. Check the Mesquite Bosque and Washes. See
http://www.pr.state.az.us/Parks/parkhtml/patagonia.html for more information
regarding this site.
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVES were observed around the Kino Springs Golf Course
clubhouse on the 26th (Henry Detwiler).
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVES were seen at the gate to Marian Paton's home in
Patagonia on the 28th (Stuart Healy).
A #FOX SPARROW was observed at Arivaca Cienega on the 28th (Sally Johnsen
and Brian McKnight). The rare sparrow was observed from the trail beyond the
ponds in the direction of the creek, about 50 yards before the sign that
says "End of Trail". It was on the trail and in the tangle on the south side
of the path.
One ELEGANT TROGON was sighted at Madera Canyon on the 28th along the Carrie
Nation/Vault Mine trail, 100 yards before the stream crossing (Dick Palmer).
A probable WILLOW FLYCATCHER was observed at Pena Blanca Lake on the 26th
(George and Ellen West).
TUCSON
The adult male *ORCHARD ORIOLE was observed at the Sonoran Co-housing
development which is located at the 500 block of E. Roger Road on the 26th
(Jeri Ogden). The development is on the north side of the street less than a
quarter mile west of 1st Avenue in central Tucson. From I-10, take the
Prince Rd exit and head east on Prince to Stone Ave. Turn left, north, on
Stone to Roger Road. Go right/east on Roger, watching for the Sonoran
Co-housing sign on the north/left. Visitors are welcome, but please respect
the resident's privacy and do not park under the covered parking.
At Sweetwater Wetlands, the *LEAST GREBE continues, with the most recent
reports putting the bird on ponds #9 and # 10. An early SUMMER TANAGER was
present here on the 28th (Jerry Bock).
http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/sweetwater.htm
Another *LEAST GREBE persisted at Sam Lena Park in south Tucson through the
25th (Kenn Kaufman, Kendall Kroesen, Nina Mollet, et al). It was in the
eastern pond that is seen from the paved walking path between ramada #5 and
ramada #6 (Mark Stevenson).
A BONAPARTE'S GULL was observed at Kennedy Park on the 29th (John Higgins).
An early, or possibly over-wintering HERMIT WARBLER was observed at Tohono
Chul Park on the 27th (Philip Kline).
HOODED MERGANSERS were observed on the main pond at Arthur Pack Park on the
26th Mike Devito and Roger Wolf).
Early LESSER NIGHTHAWKS were present for the past two weeks at the southwest
corner of Reid Park (Carla Danforth fide Mark Stevenson).
SIERRA VISTA AREA
One male and three female #RUDDY GROUND DOVES were present near the cottages
at the San Pedro River Inn. The adult dark-morph #"HARLAN'S" RED-TAILED HAWK
continues by the river near the San Pedro River Inn. The pair of
WHITE-TAILED KITES persisted along the Inn's north trail (Michael Marsden).
Please see the following website before your visit:
http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/updates2.htm#riverinn
The #EASTERN PHOEBE persisted along the San Pedro River through the 24th
(Rich Hoyer). "From the end of Waters Road (which heads towards the river
from Palominas Drive and ends right next to the Casa de San Pedro), take the
trail towards the river. It was then about 75 to 100 yards down the trail to
the north where a long line of very large cottonwoods, marking the former
river channel, comes in from the NW and blends with the smaller cottonwoods
along the current river bed."
An ELEGANT TROGON continues to visit the yard at the Ash Canyon Bed &
Breakfast (Mary Jo Balator). If you arrive at 6:05 a.m., Mary Jo will put
out the suet block for the trogon. Donations are appreciated.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FORT HUACHUCA ACCESS: Entry to this active U.S. Army fort still requires
valid photo ID, car registration and proof of insurance (or rental
agreement). A new requirement is that Foreign Nationals must now be
accompanied by a special trained military 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.
http://huachuca-www.army.mil/sites/local/
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 respect this unfortunate closure which
was brought on by adverse birder behavior.
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.
The Hereford Road Bridge over the San Pedro should reopen by April 2006.
Thanks for your reports and good birding!
Good Birding!
Keith Kamper
Tucson, Az.
Arizona was made on March 30, 2006. The next update will be made April 6th.
To report rare birds call (520) 798-1005 and press #2. You can also e-mail
your reports to keith_kamper AT 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. 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
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
*LEAST GREBE (Sweetwater Wetlands; Sam Lena Park)
#RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Several locations)
#EASTERN PHOEBE (San Pedro River)
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER (Patagonia Lake State Park)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Sycamore Canyon)
#FOX SPARROW (Arivaca)
*ORCHARD ORIOLE (Tucson)
NOGALES AREA
The *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER was observed on several dates in Sycamore Canyon
this week, with the most recent report on the 24th (Henry Detwiler, et al).
Sycamore Canyon is west of Nogales on Ruby Road and is covered in both
Arizona bird-finding guides. The warbler has been observed from 1/2 to 2/3
of a mile down the canyon (from the pipes in the parking lot). It has most
often been observed near the confluence of Sycamore and Montana Canyons.
Montana Canyon is the first obvious canyon which meets Sycamore on the right
(west). Two tall spires on the north side of Montana Canyon are especially
obvious if one hikes up Montana and looks back. A small waterfall will be
noted just before one reaches this area. Three ELEGANT TROGONS were observed
in the canyon close to the Mexican border on the 25th (Bert Harris fide Moez
Ali). Ruby Road is passable by a passenger car except with heavy rains.
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS were observed at Patagonia Lake State Park, with
the most recent report occurring on the 25th (Rich Hoyer, Jake Mohlmann and
John Yeger). The are usually seen along the Sonoita Creek trail at the east
end of the park. Check the Mesquite Bosque and Washes. See
http://www.pr.state.az.us/Parks/parkhtml/patagonia.html for more information
regarding this site.
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVES were observed around the Kino Springs Golf Course
clubhouse on the 26th (Henry Detwiler).
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVES were seen at the gate to Marian Paton's home in
Patagonia on the 28th (Stuart Healy).
A #FOX SPARROW was observed at Arivaca Cienega on the 28th (Sally Johnsen
and Brian McKnight). The rare sparrow was observed from the trail beyond the
ponds in the direction of the creek, about 50 yards before the sign that
says "End of Trail". It was on the trail and in the tangle on the south side
of the path.
One ELEGANT TROGON was sighted at Madera Canyon on the 28th along the Carrie
Nation/Vault Mine trail, 100 yards before the stream crossing (Dick Palmer).
A probable WILLOW FLYCATCHER was observed at Pena Blanca Lake on the 26th
(George and Ellen West).
TUCSON
The adult male *ORCHARD ORIOLE was observed at the Sonoran Co-housing
development which is located at the 500 block of E. Roger Road on the 26th
(Jeri Ogden). The development is on the north side of the street less than a
quarter mile west of 1st Avenue in central Tucson. From I-10, take the
Prince Rd exit and head east on Prince to Stone Ave. Turn left, north, on
Stone to Roger Road. Go right/east on Roger, watching for the Sonoran
Co-housing sign on the north/left. Visitors are welcome, but please respect
the resident's privacy and do not park under the covered parking.
At Sweetwater Wetlands, the *LEAST GREBE continues, with the most recent
reports putting the bird on ponds #9 and # 10. An early SUMMER TANAGER was
present here on the 28th (Jerry Bock).
http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/sweetwater.htm
Another *LEAST GREBE persisted at Sam Lena Park in south Tucson through the
25th (Kenn Kaufman, Kendall Kroesen, Nina Mollet, et al). It was in the
eastern pond that is seen from the paved walking path between ramada #5 and
ramada #6 (Mark Stevenson).
A BONAPARTE'S GULL was observed at Kennedy Park on the 29th (John Higgins).
An early, or possibly over-wintering HERMIT WARBLER was observed at Tohono
Chul Park on the 27th (Philip Kline).
HOODED MERGANSERS were observed on the main pond at Arthur Pack Park on the
26th Mike Devito and Roger Wolf).
Early LESSER NIGHTHAWKS were present for the past two weeks at the southwest
corner of Reid Park (Carla Danforth fide Mark Stevenson).
SIERRA VISTA AREA
One male and three female #RUDDY GROUND DOVES were present near the cottages
at the San Pedro River Inn. The adult dark-morph #"HARLAN'S" RED-TAILED HAWK
continues by the river near the San Pedro River Inn. The pair of
WHITE-TAILED KITES persisted along the Inn's north trail (Michael Marsden).
Please see the following website before your visit:
http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/updates2.htm#riverinn
The #EASTERN PHOEBE persisted along the San Pedro River through the 24th
(Rich Hoyer). "From the end of Waters Road (which heads towards the river
from Palominas Drive and ends right next to the Casa de San Pedro), take the
trail towards the river. It was then about 75 to 100 yards down the trail to
the north where a long line of very large cottonwoods, marking the former
river channel, comes in from the NW and blends with the smaller cottonwoods
along the current river bed."
An ELEGANT TROGON continues to visit the yard at the Ash Canyon Bed &
Breakfast (Mary Jo Balator). If you arrive at 6:05 a.m., Mary Jo will put
out the suet block for the trogon. Donations are appreciated.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FORT HUACHUCA ACCESS: Entry to this active U.S. Army fort still requires
valid photo ID, car registration and proof of insurance (or rental
agreement). A new requirement is that Foreign Nationals must now be
accompanied by a special trained military 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.
http://huachuca-www.army.mil/sites/local/
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 respect this unfortunate closure which
was brought on by adverse birder behavior.
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.
The Hereford Road Bridge over the San Pedro should reopen by April 2006.
Thanks for your reports and good birding!
Good Birding!
Keith Kamper
Tucson, Az.