This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for southeast
Arizona was made on April 27, 2006. The next update will be made May 4th.
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)
Clark's Grebe (Lake Cochise)
*GLOSSY IBIS (Rio Rico)
#WHIMBREL (Green Valley)
*WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (Lake Cochise)
#RED PHALAROPE (Lake Cochise)
#HEERMANN'S GULL (Amado)
#RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Patagonia; Kino Springs Golf Course; Tucson)
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Ramsey Canyon)
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (Ash Canyon B & B; Beatty's Guest Ranch; Cochise
Stronghold Campground))
#ROSE-THROATED BECARD (Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop)
*RED-EYED VIREO (Tumacacori)
CAROLINA WREN (Southwest Research Station)
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER (Madera Canyon; Patagonia Lake State Park)
#RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN (Ramsey Canyon)
Northern Parula (Several locations)
#BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Whitewater Draw)
#HOODED WARBLER (San Pedro river Inn)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Sycamore Canyon)
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Madera Canyon)
#CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (Kino Springs Golf Course)
Evening Grosbeak (Catalina Mountains)
I-19 CORRIDOR/NOGALES AREA
An apparent *GLOSSY IBIS was discovered on the 23rd feeding in a flooded
pasture on the north side of Rio Rico Road, which is just east of the Santa
Cruz River (Shawneen Finnegan and Dave Stejskal). Rio Rico Road is accessed
from I-19. The bird was with a large flock of White-faced Ibises.
The male *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER continued at Madera Canyon, with the most
recent report occurring on the 25th (Joe Gebler) The bird has been seen in
the vicinity of the Madera Kubo Gift Shop and Cabins. A #WHITE-EARED
HUMMINGBIRD appeared at the feeder here on the same date(Diana Davis and Joe
Gebler); a female NORTHERN PARULA was also detected (Joe Gebler). 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 the 21st in Sycamore Canyon
(Dave Danforht and Rick Wright)). Sycamore Canyon is west of Nogales on Ruby
Road and is covered in both Arizona bird-finding guides. The warbler has
been most often observed from 1/2 to 2/3 of a mile down the canyon (from the
pipes in the parking lot). It frequents 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.
A *RED-EYED VIREO was observed along the Santa Cruz River at Tumacacori on
the 26th (Keith Kamper). The river can be accessed from San Gertrudis Lane,
which is on the east side of the East Frontage road, and south of the
Mission. You will see an arch above the dirt road stating the name. The
landowners have granted passage rights to the river, but please park in the
ample space just north of the lane and walk to the Santa Cruz. (There is not
space by the river to park a car.) Once you have walked to the river head
north along the west bank. Proceed about 100 yards to where a stick with an
old water bottle on the top was placed. From there, walk east toward to the
river. You will note that the west bank has little vegetation due to prior
flooding. To the north many branches are piled up in the river. Another
stick was placed into the ground, this time with a milk jug at the top. The
vireo foraged on the east side of the river.
A male #ROSE-THROATED BECARD was detected again at the Patagonia Rodside
Rest Stop, with the most recent report occurring on the 26th (Keith Kamper).
It is at times near the large hanging nest used last year. From the east end
of the parking area, carefully cross the highway, decend towards the creek,
and turn right. The nest, hanging from a sycamore, is visible from the
second and third well-worn areas near the fence.
A #HEERMANN'S GULL made a brief stop at the Amado Sewage Pond on the morning
of the 26th (Keith Kamper). It departed by late afternoon.
A #WHIMBREL was discovered at Torres Blancas Golf Course in Green Valley on
the 21st (David Sedgeley). It was walking out in one of the fairways, and
the adjacent rough, where it borders the street called Royal Troon Place.
Here is no public access for non-golfers, but it might be possible to scan
for it from the open undeveloped area at Royal Troon Place. Please be
respectful of the privacy of the residents; do not enter the golf course.
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS were observed at Proctor Road, Madera Canyon on
the 27th (Al Tozier). The pair was between the path going into the cemetery
and the Proctor Road crossing. The location was on the east side of the
path.
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS continue at Patagonia Lake State Park. The birds
are usually seen along the Sonoita Creek Trail, at the east end of the park.
Check the Mesquite Bosque and washes. On the 22nd, a NORTHERN PARULA was
observed along the trail, between the trailhead and the first bench (Brian
McNight). Twenty WHITE PELICANS were present on the lake on the 24th (Lanie
Epstein). See http://www.pr.state.az.us/Parks/parkhtml/patagonia.html for
more information regarding this site.
Two #RUDDY GROUND-DOVES were present at Kino Springs Golf Course, on the
27th (John Mueller and Peter Salomon). The birds were noted at the pond
closest to the highway. A #CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was detected here with a
flock of Brewer's Sparrows, on the 25th (Melody Kehl).
#RUDDY GROUND DOVES and WHITE-THROATED SPARROW continued at Mrs. Paton's
home in Patagonia. The yard is open to the public; donations are
appreciated.
CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS
The long-staying *CAROLINA WREN was reported at the Southwest Research
Station, near Portal, on the 25th (Pawel Cygan fide John Yerger). It has
been moving around the property, as well as up and down Main Fork. Please be
aware that some areas around the station are off limits. See
http://research.amnh.org/swrs/ for more details.
A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK and WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were noted at the George
Walker House in Paradise, on the 23rd (Jackie Lewis).
SULFUR SPRINGS VALLEY
Two casual and very early *WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS were reported at Lake
Cochise (AKA Twin Lakes, Willcox Playa), in Willcox, on the 25th (John and
Marty Hirth). They were not noted on subsequent dates. A # RED PHALAROPE
was present here on the 23rd (Keith Kamper) and 24th (Richard Carlson). A
CLARK'S GREBE was noted on the 27th (Keith Kamper). Several MARBLED GODWITS
and SMEIPALMATED PLOVERS were reported on several dates.
A #BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was noted at Whitewater Draw on the 24th (Michael
Marsden).
A #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD was reported at Cochise Stronghold Campground,
Dragoon Mountains, on the 23rd (fide Nancy Yates and Richard Fray).
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
The *LEAST GREBE at Sam Lena Park/Kino Environmental Restoration Project
continued, with the most recent report occurring on the 22nd (Kendall
Kroesen). The bird is usually seen on the eat pond, which is at the north
end of the park, between ramada # 5 and ramada #6.
An EVENING GROSBEAK was found at Willow Canyon, Catalina Mountains, on the
22nd (Barbara Bickel). The bird took flight soon after its discovery. Rose
Canyon is close, as the bird flies, to this area, and may be worth checking.
Both areas are accessed from the Catalina Highway.
A #RUDDY GROUND-DOVE was observed at a private Tucson residnece on the 25th
(Ned Harris).
A NORTHERN PARULA continued at Cienega Creek through the 21st (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.
SIERRA VISTA AREA
A #WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD continues at the feeders behind the Ramsey Canyon
Visitor's Center (many observers). The #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN also remains,
the most recent report occurred on the 21st (Clifford Cathers). It is most
often seen before reaching the parking area, near where the road circles.
http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/arizona/preserves/art1
973.html
A #HOODED WARBLER was detected on the 26th, along the river at the San Pedro
River Inn (Doug Crane and Greg Pruzansky fide Michael Marsden).
A #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD continues at the Ash Canyon B & B (Mary Jo
Ballator). The yard is open to the public; donations are appreciated.
Another #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD was present at Beatty's Guest Ranch this week,
at the Controlled Access Site. A Berylline-type Hummingbird was seen on the
25th, at the Public Viewing Area (Wezil Walraven fide Tom Beatty Sr.). It
may be a hybrid.
A RED-FACED WARBLER was unusual at the Casa de San Pedro on the 22nd (John
Yerger, et al).
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
sponsered by a someone with a military ID card. 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 30, 2006.
Thanks for your reports. Good Birding!
Arizona was made on April 27, 2006. The next update will be made May 4th.
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)
Clark's Grebe (Lake Cochise)
*GLOSSY IBIS (Rio Rico)
#WHIMBREL (Green Valley)
*WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (Lake Cochise)
#RED PHALAROPE (Lake Cochise)
#HEERMANN'S GULL (Amado)
#RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Patagonia; Kino Springs Golf Course; Tucson)
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Ramsey Canyon)
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (Ash Canyon B & B; Beatty's Guest Ranch; Cochise
Stronghold Campground))
#ROSE-THROATED BECARD (Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop)
*RED-EYED VIREO (Tumacacori)
CAROLINA WREN (Southwest Research Station)
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER (Madera Canyon; Patagonia Lake State Park)
#RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN (Ramsey Canyon)
Northern Parula (Several locations)
#BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Whitewater Draw)
#HOODED WARBLER (San Pedro river Inn)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Sycamore Canyon)
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Madera Canyon)
#CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (Kino Springs Golf Course)
Evening Grosbeak (Catalina Mountains)
I-19 CORRIDOR/NOGALES AREA
An apparent *GLOSSY IBIS was discovered on the 23rd feeding in a flooded
pasture on the north side of Rio Rico Road, which is just east of the Santa
Cruz River (Shawneen Finnegan and Dave Stejskal). Rio Rico Road is accessed
from I-19. The bird was with a large flock of White-faced Ibises.
The male *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER continued at Madera Canyon, with the most
recent report occurring on the 25th (Joe Gebler) The bird has been seen in
the vicinity of the Madera Kubo Gift Shop and Cabins. A #WHITE-EARED
HUMMINGBIRD appeared at the feeder here on the same date(Diana Davis and Joe
Gebler); a female NORTHERN PARULA was also detected (Joe Gebler). 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 the 21st in Sycamore Canyon
(Dave Danforht and Rick Wright)). Sycamore Canyon is west of Nogales on Ruby
Road and is covered in both Arizona bird-finding guides. The warbler has
been most often observed from 1/2 to 2/3 of a mile down the canyon (from the
pipes in the parking lot). It frequents 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.
A *RED-EYED VIREO was observed along the Santa Cruz River at Tumacacori on
the 26th (Keith Kamper). The river can be accessed from San Gertrudis Lane,
which is on the east side of the East Frontage road, and south of the
Mission. You will see an arch above the dirt road stating the name. The
landowners have granted passage rights to the river, but please park in the
ample space just north of the lane and walk to the Santa Cruz. (There is not
space by the river to park a car.) Once you have walked to the river head
north along the west bank. Proceed about 100 yards to where a stick with an
old water bottle on the top was placed. From there, walk east toward to the
river. You will note that the west bank has little vegetation due to prior
flooding. To the north many branches are piled up in the river. Another
stick was placed into the ground, this time with a milk jug at the top. The
vireo foraged on the east side of the river.
A male #ROSE-THROATED BECARD was detected again at the Patagonia Rodside
Rest Stop, with the most recent report occurring on the 26th (Keith Kamper).
It is at times near the large hanging nest used last year. From the east end
of the parking area, carefully cross the highway, decend towards the creek,
and turn right. The nest, hanging from a sycamore, is visible from the
second and third well-worn areas near the fence.
A #HEERMANN'S GULL made a brief stop at the Amado Sewage Pond on the morning
of the 26th (Keith Kamper). It departed by late afternoon.
A #WHIMBREL was discovered at Torres Blancas Golf Course in Green Valley on
the 21st (David Sedgeley). It was walking out in one of the fairways, and
the adjacent rough, where it borders the street called Royal Troon Place.
Here is no public access for non-golfers, but it might be possible to scan
for it from the open undeveloped area at Royal Troon Place. Please be
respectful of the privacy of the residents; do not enter the golf course.
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS were observed at Proctor Road, Madera Canyon on
the 27th (Al Tozier). The pair was between the path going into the cemetery
and the Proctor Road crossing. The location was on the east side of the
path.
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS continue at Patagonia Lake State Park. The birds
are usually seen along the Sonoita Creek Trail, at the east end of the park.
Check the Mesquite Bosque and washes. On the 22nd, a NORTHERN PARULA was
observed along the trail, between the trailhead and the first bench (Brian
McNight). Twenty WHITE PELICANS were present on the lake on the 24th (Lanie
Epstein). See http://www.pr.state.az.us/Parks/parkhtml/patagonia.html for
more information regarding this site.
Two #RUDDY GROUND-DOVES were present at Kino Springs Golf Course, on the
27th (John Mueller and Peter Salomon). The birds were noted at the pond
closest to the highway. A #CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was detected here with a
flock of Brewer's Sparrows, on the 25th (Melody Kehl).
#RUDDY GROUND DOVES and WHITE-THROATED SPARROW continued at Mrs. Paton's
home in Patagonia. The yard is open to the public; donations are
appreciated.
CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS
The long-staying *CAROLINA WREN was reported at the Southwest Research
Station, near Portal, on the 25th (Pawel Cygan fide John Yerger). It has
been moving around the property, as well as up and down Main Fork. Please be
aware that some areas around the station are off limits. See
http://research.amnh.org/swrs/ for more details.
A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK and WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were noted at the George
Walker House in Paradise, on the 23rd (Jackie Lewis).
SULFUR SPRINGS VALLEY
Two casual and very early *WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS were reported at Lake
Cochise (AKA Twin Lakes, Willcox Playa), in Willcox, on the 25th (John and
Marty Hirth). They were not noted on subsequent dates. A # RED PHALAROPE
was present here on the 23rd (Keith Kamper) and 24th (Richard Carlson). A
CLARK'S GREBE was noted on the 27th (Keith Kamper). Several MARBLED GODWITS
and SMEIPALMATED PLOVERS were reported on several dates.
A #BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was noted at Whitewater Draw on the 24th (Michael
Marsden).
A #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD was reported at Cochise Stronghold Campground,
Dragoon Mountains, on the 23rd (fide Nancy Yates and Richard Fray).
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
The *LEAST GREBE at Sam Lena Park/Kino Environmental Restoration Project
continued, with the most recent report occurring on the 22nd (Kendall
Kroesen). The bird is usually seen on the eat pond, which is at the north
end of the park, between ramada # 5 and ramada #6.
An EVENING GROSBEAK was found at Willow Canyon, Catalina Mountains, on the
22nd (Barbara Bickel). The bird took flight soon after its discovery. Rose
Canyon is close, as the bird flies, to this area, and may be worth checking.
Both areas are accessed from the Catalina Highway.
A #RUDDY GROUND-DOVE was observed at a private Tucson residnece on the 25th
(Ned Harris).
A NORTHERN PARULA continued at Cienega Creek through the 21st (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.
SIERRA VISTA AREA
A #WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD continues at the feeders behind the Ramsey Canyon
Visitor's Center (many observers). The #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN also remains,
the most recent report occurred on the 21st (Clifford Cathers). It is most
often seen before reaching the parking area, near where the road circles.
http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/arizona/preserves/art1
973.html
A #HOODED WARBLER was detected on the 26th, along the river at the San Pedro
River Inn (Doug Crane and Greg Pruzansky fide Michael Marsden).
A #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD continues at the Ash Canyon B & B (Mary Jo
Ballator). The yard is open to the public; donations are appreciated.
Another #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD was present at Beatty's Guest Ranch this week,
at the Controlled Access Site. A Berylline-type Hummingbird was seen on the
25th, at the Public Viewing Area (Wezil Walraven fide Tom Beatty Sr.). It
may be a hybrid.
A RED-FACED WARBLER was unusual at the Casa de San Pedro on the 22nd (John
Yerger, et al).
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
sponsered by a someone with a military ID card. 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 30, 2006.
Thanks for your reports. Good Birding!