This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for southeast
Arizona was made on April 20, 2006. The next update will be made April
27th. 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)
*SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Chiricahua Mountains)
#RUDDY GROUND DOVE (San Pedro River Inn)
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Ramsey Canyon)
*BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD (Ramsey Canyon)
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (Ash Canyon B & B)
#ROSE-THROATED BECARD (Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop)
CAROLINA WREN (Southwest Research Station)
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER (Madera Canyon)
#RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN (Ramsey Canyon)
*TENNESSEE WARBLER (Ramsey Canyon)
#BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Madera Canyon)
Northern Parula (Several locations)
#CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Sweetwater Wetlands)
*MAGNOLIA WARBLER (Ramsey Canyon)
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Madera Canyon)
#CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (Chiricahua Mountains)
#HARRIS'S SPARROW (Oro Valley)
I-19 CORRIDOR/NOGALES AREA
The male *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER continued at Madera Canyon, with the most
recent report occurring on the 15th (Will Russell) 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!
A male #ROSE-THROATED BECARD was noted at the Patagonia Rodside Rest Stop on
the early date of the 16th (Robin Wolcott). It was seen near the Sycamore
along the creek, where a pair nested last year. It was also noted closer to
the road.
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS were observed at Proctor Road, Madera Canyon on
the 15th (Will Russell).
A female #BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was detected in Madera Canyon on the 17th
(Jerry Brink). It was observed in the Madera Canyon Picnic Area, at the
downhill end, near the large reddish boulder by the stairs.
A NORTHERN PARULA was observed at Madera Canyon on the 14th (Diane Touret).
It was in the willows between the Madera and Whitehouse Picnic Areas.
A MARBLED GODWIT was observed at the Green Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant
on the 18th (Dick Palmer).
The WHITE-THROATED SPARROW continued at Marian Paton's home in Patagonia.
(Jerry Bock). The yard is open to the public; donations are appreciated.
WILLETS were observed at the Amado Sewage Treatment Plant on the 20th (Dick
Brookner).
CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS
The long-staying *CAROLINA WREN was reported on the 20th at the Southwest
Research Station near Portal (Scott Kennedy). 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.
A *SHORT-TAILED HAWK was observed over Barfoot Junction on the 20th (Scott
Kennedy).
A #CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was observed at a private residence in the
Chiricahua's on the 14th (P.D. Hulce).
A NORTHERN PARULA was noted along the driveway to the Cave Creek Ranch on
the 20th (Scott Kennedy).
A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was noted at the George Walker House in Paradise,
on the 20th (Jackie Lewis).
SIERRA VISTA AREA
Ramsey Canyon hosted several rarities this week. A *MAGNOLIA WARBLER and a
*TENNESSEE WARBLER were observed on the 15th (Priscilla Brodkin). An exact
location was not given. A male *BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD was noted on several
dates on a snag about 70 yard northeast of the overlook. A few observers
have suggested that it might be a hybrid. It is unknown if more than one
bird is involved. A WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD continues at the feeders behind
the Visitor's Center (many observers). A #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN was seen
before reaching the parking area, near where the road circles.
http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/arizona/preserves/art1
973.html
#RUDDY GROUND DOVES were present near the cottages at the San Pedro River
Inn. The pair of WHITE-TAILED KITES was observed over the Inn's south field
(Donna Knox and Michael Marsden). Please see the following website before
your visit: http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/updates2.htm#riverinn
A Lucifer Hummingbird continues at the Ash Canyon B & B (Mary Jo Ballator).
The yard is open to the public; donations are appreciated.
A pair of WHITE-TAILED KITES was observed near the bridge at the San Pedro
River Riparian Natural Conservation Area, just northwest of Route 90 river
crossing (many observers).
A RED-FACED WARBLER was unusal at Las Cienegas National Conservation Area on
the 20th (Susan Birky and Shery Kistler).
TUCSON
At Sweetwater Wetlands, the *LEAST GREBE continues, with the most recent
reports putting the bird on ponds #9 and # 10. A #CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER
made an appearance at the wetlands on the 16th. It has apparently moved on.
http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/sweetwater.htm
A HARRIS'S SPARROW was observed north of Tucson, at a private residence in
Oro Valley, on the 17th (Doug Forester).
A NORTHERN PARULA was observed at Cienega Creek on the 17th (Moez Ali). From
the railroad bridge, the bird is "upstream where there is a large pool of
water, reedbed and cottonwood trees. This is about 150 yards east of where
Davidson Canyon intersects Cienega Creek. A permit is required for entrance
to this location. See http://www.pima.gov/pksrec/natres/Cienega/ciecr.html
for more information.
A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was observed at a private residence in the Catalina
Foothills (fide Kendall Kroesen).
A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was observed at Kitt Peak, around the feeders and
water feature, Elaine Halbedel).
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 20, 2006. The next update will be made April
27th. 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)
*SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Chiricahua Mountains)
#RUDDY GROUND DOVE (San Pedro River Inn)
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Ramsey Canyon)
*BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD (Ramsey Canyon)
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (Ash Canyon B & B)
#ROSE-THROATED BECARD (Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop)
CAROLINA WREN (Southwest Research Station)
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER (Madera Canyon)
#RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN (Ramsey Canyon)
*TENNESSEE WARBLER (Ramsey Canyon)
#BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Madera Canyon)
Northern Parula (Several locations)
#CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Sweetwater Wetlands)
*MAGNOLIA WARBLER (Ramsey Canyon)
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Madera Canyon)
#CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (Chiricahua Mountains)
#HARRIS'S SPARROW (Oro Valley)
I-19 CORRIDOR/NOGALES AREA
The male *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER continued at Madera Canyon, with the most
recent report occurring on the 15th (Will Russell) 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!
A male #ROSE-THROATED BECARD was noted at the Patagonia Rodside Rest Stop on
the early date of the 16th (Robin Wolcott). It was seen near the Sycamore
along the creek, where a pair nested last year. It was also noted closer to
the road.
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS were observed at Proctor Road, Madera Canyon on
the 15th (Will Russell).
A female #BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was detected in Madera Canyon on the 17th
(Jerry Brink). It was observed in the Madera Canyon Picnic Area, at the
downhill end, near the large reddish boulder by the stairs.
A NORTHERN PARULA was observed at Madera Canyon on the 14th (Diane Touret).
It was in the willows between the Madera and Whitehouse Picnic Areas.
A MARBLED GODWIT was observed at the Green Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant
on the 18th (Dick Palmer).
The WHITE-THROATED SPARROW continued at Marian Paton's home in Patagonia.
(Jerry Bock). The yard is open to the public; donations are appreciated.
WILLETS were observed at the Amado Sewage Treatment Plant on the 20th (Dick
Brookner).
CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS
The long-staying *CAROLINA WREN was reported on the 20th at the Southwest
Research Station near Portal (Scott Kennedy). 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.
A *SHORT-TAILED HAWK was observed over Barfoot Junction on the 20th (Scott
Kennedy).
A #CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was observed at a private residence in the
Chiricahua's on the 14th (P.D. Hulce).
A NORTHERN PARULA was noted along the driveway to the Cave Creek Ranch on
the 20th (Scott Kennedy).
A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was noted at the George Walker House in Paradise,
on the 20th (Jackie Lewis).
SIERRA VISTA AREA
Ramsey Canyon hosted several rarities this week. A *MAGNOLIA WARBLER and a
*TENNESSEE WARBLER were observed on the 15th (Priscilla Brodkin). An exact
location was not given. A male *BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD was noted on several
dates on a snag about 70 yard northeast of the overlook. A few observers
have suggested that it might be a hybrid. It is unknown if more than one
bird is involved. A WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD continues at the feeders behind
the Visitor's Center (many observers). A #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN was seen
before reaching the parking area, near where the road circles.
http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/arizona/preserves/art1
973.html
#RUDDY GROUND DOVES were present near the cottages at the San Pedro River
Inn. The pair of WHITE-TAILED KITES was observed over the Inn's south field
(Donna Knox and Michael Marsden). Please see the following website before
your visit: http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/updates2.htm#riverinn
A Lucifer Hummingbird continues at the Ash Canyon B & B (Mary Jo Ballator).
The yard is open to the public; donations are appreciated.
A pair of WHITE-TAILED KITES was observed near the bridge at the San Pedro
River Riparian Natural Conservation Area, just northwest of Route 90 river
crossing (many observers).
A RED-FACED WARBLER was unusal at Las Cienegas National Conservation Area on
the 20th (Susan Birky and Shery Kistler).
TUCSON
At Sweetwater Wetlands, the *LEAST GREBE continues, with the most recent
reports putting the bird on ponds #9 and # 10. A #CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER
made an appearance at the wetlands on the 16th. It has apparently moved on.
http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/sweetwater.htm
A HARRIS'S SPARROW was observed north of Tucson, at a private residence in
Oro Valley, on the 17th (Doug Forester).
A NORTHERN PARULA was observed at Cienega Creek on the 17th (Moez Ali). From
the railroad bridge, the bird is "upstream where there is a large pool of
water, reedbed and cottonwood trees. This is about 150 yards east of where
Davidson Canyon intersects Cienega Creek. A permit is required for entrance
to this location. See http://www.pima.gov/pksrec/natres/Cienega/ciecr.html
for more information.
A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was observed at a private residence in the Catalina
Foothills (fide Kendall Kroesen).
A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was observed at Kitt Peak, around the feeders and
water feature, Elaine Halbedel).
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.