This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for southeast
Arizona was made on May 4, 2006. The next update will be made May 11th. 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)
Brown Pelican (Patagonia Lake State Park)
Sanderling (Lake Cochise)
#SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER (Avra Valley)
#RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Patagonia; Kino Springs Golf Course; San Pedro River
Inn)
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR (Oro Blanco Mine)
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Miller Canyon)
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (Ash Canyon B & B)
Green Kingfisher (San Pedro River Inn)
#SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Rodeo)
#ROSE-THROATED BECARD (Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop)
Clark’s Nutcracker (Mount Lemmon)
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER (Madera Canyon; Patagonia Lake State Park)
#VARIED THRUSH (Mount Lemmon)
#GRAY CATBIRD (Ash Canyon B & B)
*WORM-EATING WARBLER (Sweetwater Wetlands)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Sycamore Canyon)
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Madera Canyon)
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (San Pedro River Inn)
I-19 CORRIDOR/NOGALES AREA
*BUFF-COLLARD NIGHTJARS were noted at Oro Blanco Mine, near California
Gulch, on the 3rd (Melody Kehl et al). A high-clearance vehicle is desirable
for the rough road leading to the mine.
The male *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER continued at Madera Canyon, with the most
recent report occurring on the 3rd (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! *BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS were observed at
Proctor Road, Madera canyon on the 28th (Mark Stevenson et al). The birds
were near the cattle guard on Proctor Road.
The *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER was observed on the 30th in Sycamore Canyon (Gary
Rosenberg). 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 male #ROSE-THROATED BECARD continues at the Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop
with the most recent report occurring on the 29th (James Prudente). 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 down 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.
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS continue at Patagonia Lake State Park They are
usually seen along the Sonoita Creek Trail, at the east end of the park.
Check the Mesquite Bosque and washes. A BROWN PELICAN was present on the
29th (Norma Miller). 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 near the
clubhouse (Michael Smith).
Sporadic appearances of #RUDDY GROUND DOVE and more regular sightings of
WHITE-THROATED SPARROW continued at Mrs. Paton’s home in Patagonia. The yard
is open to the public; donations are appreciated.
A CRESTED CARACARA was noted on the 2nd about ¼ mile in on Flux Canyon Road,
Patagonia (Tom Arny).
TUCSON
At Sweetwater Wetlands, the *LEAST GREBE continues, with the most recent
reports putting the bird on the westernmost pond. A *WORM-EATING WARBLER at
the ‘Hidden pond’ was a good find on the 29th (Jerry Bock).
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 29th (Keith Kamper
and John Yerger). The bird is usually seen on the west pond, which is at the
north end of the park, between ramada # 5 and ramada #6.
Several interesting sightings occurred atop Mount Lemmon this week. CLARK’S
NUTCRACKER was observed along Bear Wallow Road on the 3rd. Two WILLIAMSON’S
SAPSUCKERS were noted at Steward Observatory on the 28th. An out-of-place
PHYRHULOXIA was noted at Marshall Gulch (ca. 8000 feet) on the 2nd (all Moez
Ali).
A #SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER was detected at Avra Valley Wastewater Treatment
Plant on the 1st (Dave Stejskal). It was still present on the 3rd (Philip
Kline). Several observers noted BAIRD’S SANDPIPER and WESTERN GREBE here
during this past week. Seventy-two WILLETS were noted here on the 30th
(Scott Schuette). A MERLIN was noted on the 1st (Rick Wright).
Not often detected during migration, GRAY VIREOS were found in Sabino Canyon
on the 28th and the 3rd (Will Russell). The first bird was seen on the west
slope, just below the dam; the second bird was just below the road crossing
below the east side of the creek.
Two RED-NECKED PHALAROPES and a BAIRD’S SANDPIPER were noted at the Corona
de Tucson Sewage Treatment Plant on the 1st (Keith Kamper). The ponds are
located on Sahuarita Road, just a bit west of Harrison Road. The entrance is
on the north side of Sahuarita. A large crane (non-avian) is visible. Drive
to the fenced-in ponds and park well out of the way of the gate.
Construction is ongoing. Birders may view the ponds from outside of the
fence, but must not enter.
A flock of 35 WILLETS was found at Lakeside Park on the 30th (David West).
SIERRA VISTA AREA
A #SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was a good find along Highway 80 on the 2nd
(Scott Kennedy). The bird was seen between Mile markers 410 and 409, south
of Rodeo.
Male and Female #WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRDS were noted at Beatty’s Guest
Ranch, Miller Canyon, at the Controlled Access Site (fee required) (Tom
Beatty Sr.).
A #GRAY CATBIRD was seen at the Ash Canyon Bed & Breakfast on the 2nd (Joe
Woodley). It was at the upper drip off the back patio. A #LUCIFER
HUMMINGBIRD continues here (Mary Jo Ballator). The yard is open to the
public; donations are appreciated.
A hybrid FLAME-COLORED X WESTERN TANAGER was observed near the VW Mine,
Miller Canyon, on the 2nd (Gary Rosenberg and mark Stevenson).
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVE continues at the San Pedro River Inn. A GREEN KINGFISHER
was noted where the South Trail meets the river. A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK
was seen at the Inn’s feeders on the 1st. A RED-FACED WARBLER was noted on
the 1st at the Black Pond, north of the end of the south trail (all
sightings by Michael Marsden).
SULFUR SPRINGS VALLEY
A SANDERLING was found at Lake Cochise (AKA Twin Lakes, Willcox Playa, etc.)
in Willcox on the 30th (Stuart Healy). It was still present on the 3rd
(Keith Kamper and Peter Salomon).
An #EASTERN PHOEBE was noted st Whitewater Draw, between the structure and
the ponds on the 28th (Larry Liese).
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
sponsored by 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!
Keith Kamper
Tucson, Az.
Arizona was made on May 4, 2006. The next update will be made May 11th. 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)
Brown Pelican (Patagonia Lake State Park)
Sanderling (Lake Cochise)
#SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER (Avra Valley)
#RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Patagonia; Kino Springs Golf Course; San Pedro River
Inn)
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR (Oro Blanco Mine)
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Miller Canyon)
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (Ash Canyon B & B)
Green Kingfisher (San Pedro River Inn)
#SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Rodeo)
#ROSE-THROATED BECARD (Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop)
Clark’s Nutcracker (Mount Lemmon)
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER (Madera Canyon; Patagonia Lake State Park)
#VARIED THRUSH (Mount Lemmon)
#GRAY CATBIRD (Ash Canyon B & B)
*WORM-EATING WARBLER (Sweetwater Wetlands)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Sycamore Canyon)
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Madera Canyon)
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (San Pedro River Inn)
I-19 CORRIDOR/NOGALES AREA
*BUFF-COLLARD NIGHTJARS were noted at Oro Blanco Mine, near California
Gulch, on the 3rd (Melody Kehl et al). A high-clearance vehicle is desirable
for the rough road leading to the mine.
The male *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER continued at Madera Canyon, with the most
recent report occurring on the 3rd (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! *BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS were observed at
Proctor Road, Madera canyon on the 28th (Mark Stevenson et al). The birds
were near the cattle guard on Proctor Road.
The *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER was observed on the 30th in Sycamore Canyon (Gary
Rosenberg). 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 male #ROSE-THROATED BECARD continues at the Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop
with the most recent report occurring on the 29th (James Prudente). 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 down 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.
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS continue at Patagonia Lake State Park They are
usually seen along the Sonoita Creek Trail, at the east end of the park.
Check the Mesquite Bosque and washes. A BROWN PELICAN was present on the
29th (Norma Miller). 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 near the
clubhouse (Michael Smith).
Sporadic appearances of #RUDDY GROUND DOVE and more regular sightings of
WHITE-THROATED SPARROW continued at Mrs. Paton’s home in Patagonia. The yard
is open to the public; donations are appreciated.
A CRESTED CARACARA was noted on the 2nd about ¼ mile in on Flux Canyon Road,
Patagonia (Tom Arny).
TUCSON
At Sweetwater Wetlands, the *LEAST GREBE continues, with the most recent
reports putting the bird on the westernmost pond. A *WORM-EATING WARBLER at
the ‘Hidden pond’ was a good find on the 29th (Jerry Bock).
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 29th (Keith Kamper
and John Yerger). The bird is usually seen on the west pond, which is at the
north end of the park, between ramada # 5 and ramada #6.
Several interesting sightings occurred atop Mount Lemmon this week. CLARK’S
NUTCRACKER was observed along Bear Wallow Road on the 3rd. Two WILLIAMSON’S
SAPSUCKERS were noted at Steward Observatory on the 28th. An out-of-place
PHYRHULOXIA was noted at Marshall Gulch (ca. 8000 feet) on the 2nd (all Moez
Ali).
A #SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER was detected at Avra Valley Wastewater Treatment
Plant on the 1st (Dave Stejskal). It was still present on the 3rd (Philip
Kline). Several observers noted BAIRD’S SANDPIPER and WESTERN GREBE here
during this past week. Seventy-two WILLETS were noted here on the 30th
(Scott Schuette). A MERLIN was noted on the 1st (Rick Wright).
Not often detected during migration, GRAY VIREOS were found in Sabino Canyon
on the 28th and the 3rd (Will Russell). The first bird was seen on the west
slope, just below the dam; the second bird was just below the road crossing
below the east side of the creek.
Two RED-NECKED PHALAROPES and a BAIRD’S SANDPIPER were noted at the Corona
de Tucson Sewage Treatment Plant on the 1st (Keith Kamper). The ponds are
located on Sahuarita Road, just a bit west of Harrison Road. The entrance is
on the north side of Sahuarita. A large crane (non-avian) is visible. Drive
to the fenced-in ponds and park well out of the way of the gate.
Construction is ongoing. Birders may view the ponds from outside of the
fence, but must not enter.
A flock of 35 WILLETS was found at Lakeside Park on the 30th (David West).
SIERRA VISTA AREA
A #SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was a good find along Highway 80 on the 2nd
(Scott Kennedy). The bird was seen between Mile markers 410 and 409, south
of Rodeo.
Male and Female #WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRDS were noted at Beatty’s Guest
Ranch, Miller Canyon, at the Controlled Access Site (fee required) (Tom
Beatty Sr.).
A #GRAY CATBIRD was seen at the Ash Canyon Bed & Breakfast on the 2nd (Joe
Woodley). It was at the upper drip off the back patio. A #LUCIFER
HUMMINGBIRD continues here (Mary Jo Ballator). The yard is open to the
public; donations are appreciated.
A hybrid FLAME-COLORED X WESTERN TANAGER was observed near the VW Mine,
Miller Canyon, on the 2nd (Gary Rosenberg and mark Stevenson).
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVE continues at the San Pedro River Inn. A GREEN KINGFISHER
was noted where the South Trail meets the river. A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK
was seen at the Inn’s feeders on the 1st. A RED-FACED WARBLER was noted on
the 1st at the Black Pond, north of the end of the south trail (all
sightings by Michael Marsden).
SULFUR SPRINGS VALLEY
A SANDERLING was found at Lake Cochise (AKA Twin Lakes, Willcox Playa, etc.)
in Willcox on the 30th (Stuart Healy). It was still present on the 3rd
(Keith Kamper and Peter Salomon).
An #EASTERN PHOEBE was noted st Whitewater Draw, between the structure and
the ponds on the 28th (Larry Liese).
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
sponsored by 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!
Keith Kamper
Tucson, Az.