This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for southeast
Arizona was made on April 6, 2006. The next update will be made April 13th.
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)
#SABINE'S GULL (Lake Cochise)
#RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Several locations)
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (Hereford)
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER (Patagonia Lake State Park)
*CAROLINA WREN (Southwest Research Station)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Sycamore Canyon)
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Madera Canyon)
#CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (Hereford)
I-19 CORRIDOR/NOGALES AREA
The male *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER returned to Madera Canyon, with the first
sighting occurring on the 31st (Reid Freeman and Bill Massey) and most
recently on the 4th (Alison Beringer and Rick Wright). The bird has been
seen in the vicinity of the Madera Kubo Gift Shop and Cabins. This is
private property within the national forest. The nearest parking is at the
Amphitheater/Nature Trail Parking lot on the right, which is shortly before
you reach Kubo. Please stay along the road; do not enter the property. Watch
for cars!
The *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER was observed on several dates in Sycamore Canyon
this week, with the most recent report on the 2nd (Bob Duncan, 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. It has also been noted before and
about 100 yards beyond the confluence.
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS were observed at Patagonia Lake State Park, with
the most recent report occurring on the 2nd (v. ob.). They 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 2nd (Medro Williams).
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVES were seen at Marian Paton's home in Patagonia on the
2nd. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was also present (Rick Wright). The yard is
open to the public; donations are appreciated.
An ELEGANT TROGON was observed in Montosa Canyon on the 6th (David Sedgely).
Specifically, it was mature grove of oaks about a 1/4 mile past the ford at
Montosa wash, and then about 200 yards. southeast along a jeep trail.
A CRESTED CARACARA on the 31st over the pecan groves at the turn from
Sahuarita toward Quail Creek on Nogales Highway (Ed Post).
CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS
The long-staying *CAROLINA WREN was reported again on the 2nd at the
Southwest Research Station near Portal (Kent Fiala). It is often seen near
the water feature. Listen for its distinctive song. Please be aware that
some areas around the station are off limits. See
http://research.amnh.org/swrs/ for more details on the station.
TUCSON
At Sweetwater Wetlands, the *LEAST GREBE continues, with the most recent
reports putting the bird on ponds #9 and # 10.
http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/sweetwater.htm
Northwest of Tucson at the Pinal Airpark Pecan Grove, WHITE-TAILED KITES
were observed on the 6th (Peter Salomon).
A NORTHERN GOSHAWK was observed Sabino Canyon on the 1st (Alison Beringer,
Darlene Smyth and Rick Wright).
WILLCOX
A #SABINE'S GULL was an unexpected surprise at Lake Cochise on the 31st
(Ronna Logger). It has been seen by many observers since the initial
discovery, with the most recent report occurring on the 6th (Clifford
Cathers). Franklin's Gulls have also been seen recently. An early VAUX'S
SWIFT was sighted here on the 6th (Clifford Cathers).
SIERRA VISTA AREA
#RUDDY GROUND DOVES were present near the cottages at the San Pedro River
Inn. The pair of WHITE-TAILED KITES, plus one interloper 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
A #CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was observed at a private residence in Hereford on
the 3rd (Ben and Linda Feltner).
A #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD and WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were observed at a private
residence in Stump Canyon on the 4th (Peter Sockness).
The presumed hybrid MAGNIFICENT X BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD was seen again at
Beatty's Guest Ranch in the Huchuca's this week (Tom Beatty sr.). See
http://home.earthlink.net/~beattysguestranch/ for more information.
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 April 6, 2006. The next update will be made April 13th.
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)
#SABINE'S GULL (Lake Cochise)
#RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Several locations)
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (Hereford)
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER (Patagonia Lake State Park)
*CAROLINA WREN (Southwest Research Station)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Sycamore Canyon)
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Madera Canyon)
#CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (Hereford)
I-19 CORRIDOR/NOGALES AREA
The male *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER returned to Madera Canyon, with the first
sighting occurring on the 31st (Reid Freeman and Bill Massey) and most
recently on the 4th (Alison Beringer and Rick Wright). The bird has been
seen in the vicinity of the Madera Kubo Gift Shop and Cabins. This is
private property within the national forest. The nearest parking is at the
Amphitheater/Nature Trail Parking lot on the right, which is shortly before
you reach Kubo. Please stay along the road; do not enter the property. Watch
for cars!
The *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER was observed on several dates in Sycamore Canyon
this week, with the most recent report on the 2nd (Bob Duncan, 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. It has also been noted before and
about 100 yards beyond the confluence.
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS were observed at Patagonia Lake State Park, with
the most recent report occurring on the 2nd (v. ob.). They 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 2nd (Medro Williams).
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVES were seen at Marian Paton's home in Patagonia on the
2nd. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was also present (Rick Wright). The yard is
open to the public; donations are appreciated.
An ELEGANT TROGON was observed in Montosa Canyon on the 6th (David Sedgely).
Specifically, it was mature grove of oaks about a 1/4 mile past the ford at
Montosa wash, and then about 200 yards. southeast along a jeep trail.
A CRESTED CARACARA on the 31st over the pecan groves at the turn from
Sahuarita toward Quail Creek on Nogales Highway (Ed Post).
CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS
The long-staying *CAROLINA WREN was reported again on the 2nd at the
Southwest Research Station near Portal (Kent Fiala). It is often seen near
the water feature. Listen for its distinctive song. Please be aware that
some areas around the station are off limits. See
http://research.amnh.org/swrs/ for more details on the station.
TUCSON
At Sweetwater Wetlands, the *LEAST GREBE continues, with the most recent
reports putting the bird on ponds #9 and # 10.
http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/sweetwater.htm
Northwest of Tucson at the Pinal Airpark Pecan Grove, WHITE-TAILED KITES
were observed on the 6th (Peter Salomon).
A NORTHERN GOSHAWK was observed Sabino Canyon on the 1st (Alison Beringer,
Darlene Smyth and Rick Wright).
WILLCOX
A #SABINE'S GULL was an unexpected surprise at Lake Cochise on the 31st
(Ronna Logger). It has been seen by many observers since the initial
discovery, with the most recent report occurring on the 6th (Clifford
Cathers). Franklin's Gulls have also been seen recently. An early VAUX'S
SWIFT was sighted here on the 6th (Clifford Cathers).
SIERRA VISTA AREA
#RUDDY GROUND DOVES were present near the cottages at the San Pedro River
Inn. The pair of WHITE-TAILED KITES, plus one interloper 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
A #CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was observed at a private residence in Hereford on
the 3rd (Ben and Linda Feltner).
A #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD and WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were observed at a private
residence in Stump Canyon on the 4th (Peter Sockness).
The presumed hybrid MAGNIFICENT X BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD was seen again at
Beatty's Guest Ranch in the Huchuca's this week (Tom Beatty sr.). See
http://home.earthlink.net/~beattysguestranch/ for more information.
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.