This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for southeast
Arizona was made on June 8, 2006. The next update will be made June 15th.
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/Kino Environmental
Restoration Project)
*SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Pinaleno Mountains)
*WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (Lake Cochise)
#LEAST TERN (Cochise Lake; Tucson)
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR (Oro Blanco Mine)
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Miller Canyon; Madera Canyon)
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (Ash Canyon B & B)
#ROSE-THROATED BECARD (Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop)
*CAROLINA WREN (Southwest Research Station)
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER (Patagonia Lake State Park)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Chiricahua Mountains)
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Madera Canyon)
CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS
The *CAROLINA WREN persisted at the Southwest Research Station, with the
most recent report occurring on the 4th (Carlos Ross). Some areas of the
research station are off-limits. See
http://research.amnh.org/swrs/volunteers.htm for more information.
LAKE COCHISE
An unprecedented group of three *WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS, accidental in
Arizona, was observed at Lake Cochise (AKA Twin Lakes) in Willcox on the
6th (Erika Wilson). A #LEAST TERN was present on the 4th (Doug Jenness,
Keith Kamper and Carlos Ross). A BLACK TERN was observed on the 2nd (Rich
Hoyer). Four late WESTERN SANDPIPERS, an AMERICAN WIGEON and a REDHEAD
continued through the week (various observers).
PINALENO MOUNTAINS
A light-morph *SHORT-TAILED HAWK was observed in the Pinaleno Mountains in
Graham County on the 3rd. It was circling above the Treasure Park area,
about 0.7 miles from the Swift Trail (Highway 109) (Doug Jenness and Keith
Kamper). This is apparently a first record for this mountain range and for
Graham County.
I-19 CORRIDOR/NOGALES AREA
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR was noted at the abandoned Oro Blanco Mine on the
morning of the 5th (Rich Hoyer, Jeff Safford and June Safford). A
high-clearance vehicle is highly desirable for the rough road leading in.
The *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER was observed on the 5th in Sycamore Canyon
(Stuart Healy). 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. It frequents the
confluence of Sycamore and Montana Canyons. Montana Canyon is the first
obvious canyon which meets Sycamore on the right (west). 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. The warbler has also been observed before and about 100 yards beyond
the confluence.
The male *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER continued at Madera Canyon in the vicinity
of the Madera Kubo Gift Shop and Cabins. It was most recently reported on
the 7th (Dan Bauman and Sam Plant). On the same date, a #WHITE-EARED
HUMMINGBIRD was noted at the gift shop feeders (Dan Bauman and Sam Plant).
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 continues at the Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop
with the most recent report occurring on the 6th (Stuart Healy). It is at
times near the hanging nest used last year and the new nest to the right.
From the east end of the parking area carefully cross the highway and
descend towards the creek. Turn right on the trail. The old and new nests,
hanging from a sycamore, are visible from the second or third well-worn
areas observed from the fence.
A pair of *BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS was observed at Patagonia Lake State
Park on the 6th. The pair was observed "at the base of the hillside north of
Nutting's Wash.To reach this area, walk north from the wash hugging the base
of the hillside for about 100 yards, duck down under a big mesquite to
follow a cow trail that opens up into an area of rocks, Ocotillo, Prickly
Pear, etc. You can look back down to the mesquite from here. A lingering
WESTERN GREBE and female COMMON MERGANSER were present on the same date (all
Stuart Healy).
TUCSON
At Sweetwater Wetlands, the *LEAST GREBE continues, with the most recent
report occurring on the 6th (Scott Schuette). The grebe was on pond #9.
http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/sweetwater.htm
The *LEAST GREBE was observed again at Sam Lena Park/ Kino Environmental
Restoration Project on the 7th (Andrew Core). It was present on the large
pond at the north edge of the park.
A #LEAST TERN was observed at Kennedy Park Lake on the 2nd (John Higgins).
Two WHITE-TAILED KITES were observed at the Avra Valley Wastewater Treatment
Plant on the 4th (John Higgins).
Interesting due to the altitude/habitat were the MONTEZUMA QUAIL and
CASSIN'S KINGBIRD on the 4th in Summerhaven atop Mount Lemmon (Moez Ali).
SIERRA VISTA AREA
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRDS continue at Beatty's Guest Ranch, Miller Canyon,
at the Controlled Access Site (fee required) (Tom Beatty Sr.).
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRDS continue to visit the feeders at the Ash Canyon B & B
(Mary Jo Ballator). The yard is open to the public; donations are
appreciated.
A GRAY VIREO was an unusual find at the Bledsoe Cabin chimney (on the
newly-created Bledsoe Loop Tarail) at Ramsey Canyon on the 5th (Joe Woodley
fide Rick Romea).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FORT HUACHUCA ACCESS: It is no longer necessary to stop at the main gate
visitor center to get a pass. A photo id is required, but visitors are not
being asked for there registration and proof of insurance at this time.
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 River is now open.
Thanks for your reports. Good Birding!
Keith Kamper
Tucson, Az.
Arizona was made on June 8, 2006. The next update will be made June 15th.
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/Kino Environmental
Restoration Project)
*SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Pinaleno Mountains)
*WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (Lake Cochise)
#LEAST TERN (Cochise Lake; Tucson)
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR (Oro Blanco Mine)
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Miller Canyon; Madera Canyon)
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (Ash Canyon B & B)
#ROSE-THROATED BECARD (Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop)
*CAROLINA WREN (Southwest Research Station)
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER (Patagonia Lake State Park)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Chiricahua Mountains)
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Madera Canyon)
CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS
The *CAROLINA WREN persisted at the Southwest Research Station, with the
most recent report occurring on the 4th (Carlos Ross). Some areas of the
research station are off-limits. See
http://research.amnh.org/swrs/volunteers.htm for more information.
LAKE COCHISE
An unprecedented group of three *WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS, accidental in
Arizona, was observed at Lake Cochise (AKA Twin Lakes) in Willcox on the
6th (Erika Wilson). A #LEAST TERN was present on the 4th (Doug Jenness,
Keith Kamper and Carlos Ross). A BLACK TERN was observed on the 2nd (Rich
Hoyer). Four late WESTERN SANDPIPERS, an AMERICAN WIGEON and a REDHEAD
continued through the week (various observers).
PINALENO MOUNTAINS
A light-morph *SHORT-TAILED HAWK was observed in the Pinaleno Mountains in
Graham County on the 3rd. It was circling above the Treasure Park area,
about 0.7 miles from the Swift Trail (Highway 109) (Doug Jenness and Keith
Kamper). This is apparently a first record for this mountain range and for
Graham County.
I-19 CORRIDOR/NOGALES AREA
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR was noted at the abandoned Oro Blanco Mine on the
morning of the 5th (Rich Hoyer, Jeff Safford and June Safford). A
high-clearance vehicle is highly desirable for the rough road leading in.
The *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER was observed on the 5th in Sycamore Canyon
(Stuart Healy). 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. It frequents the
confluence of Sycamore and Montana Canyons. Montana Canyon is the first
obvious canyon which meets Sycamore on the right (west). 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. The warbler has also been observed before and about 100 yards beyond
the confluence.
The male *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER continued at Madera Canyon in the vicinity
of the Madera Kubo Gift Shop and Cabins. It was most recently reported on
the 7th (Dan Bauman and Sam Plant). On the same date, a #WHITE-EARED
HUMMINGBIRD was noted at the gift shop feeders (Dan Bauman and Sam Plant).
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 continues at the Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop
with the most recent report occurring on the 6th (Stuart Healy). It is at
times near the hanging nest used last year and the new nest to the right.
From the east end of the parking area carefully cross the highway and
descend towards the creek. Turn right on the trail. The old and new nests,
hanging from a sycamore, are visible from the second or third well-worn
areas observed from the fence.
A pair of *BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS was observed at Patagonia Lake State
Park on the 6th. The pair was observed "at the base of the hillside north of
Nutting's Wash.To reach this area, walk north from the wash hugging the base
of the hillside for about 100 yards, duck down under a big mesquite to
follow a cow trail that opens up into an area of rocks, Ocotillo, Prickly
Pear, etc. You can look back down to the mesquite from here. A lingering
WESTERN GREBE and female COMMON MERGANSER were present on the same date (all
Stuart Healy).
TUCSON
At Sweetwater Wetlands, the *LEAST GREBE continues, with the most recent
report occurring on the 6th (Scott Schuette). The grebe was on pond #9.
http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/sweetwater.htm
The *LEAST GREBE was observed again at Sam Lena Park/ Kino Environmental
Restoration Project on the 7th (Andrew Core). It was present on the large
pond at the north edge of the park.
A #LEAST TERN was observed at Kennedy Park Lake on the 2nd (John Higgins).
Two WHITE-TAILED KITES were observed at the Avra Valley Wastewater Treatment
Plant on the 4th (John Higgins).
Interesting due to the altitude/habitat were the MONTEZUMA QUAIL and
CASSIN'S KINGBIRD on the 4th in Summerhaven atop Mount Lemmon (Moez Ali).
SIERRA VISTA AREA
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRDS continue at Beatty's Guest Ranch, Miller Canyon,
at the Controlled Access Site (fee required) (Tom Beatty Sr.).
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRDS continue to visit the feeders at the Ash Canyon B & B
(Mary Jo Ballator). The yard is open to the public; donations are
appreciated.
A GRAY VIREO was an unusual find at the Bledsoe Cabin chimney (on the
newly-created Bledsoe Loop Tarail) at Ramsey Canyon on the 5th (Joe Woodley
fide Rick Romea).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FORT HUACHUCA ACCESS: It is no longer necessary to stop at the main gate
visitor center to get a pass. A photo id is required, but visitors are not
being asked for there registration and proof of insurance at this time.
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 River is now open.
Thanks for your reports. Good Birding!
Keith Kamper
Tucson, Az.