This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for southeast
Arizona was made on June 15, 2006. The next update will be made June 22nd.
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 (Red Rock area)
*GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Arivaca Cienega)
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR (Oro Blanco Mine)
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Miller Canyon)
*BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD (Ramsey Canyon)
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (Ash Canyon B & B)
#ROSE-THROATED BECARD (Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop)
*YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Chiricahua Mountains)
*CAROLINA WREN (Southwest Research Station)
#PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Chiricahua Mountains-2 locations)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Sycamore Canyon)
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Madera Canyon)
*YELLOW GROSBEAK (Sycamore Canyon)
SYCAMORE CANYON/ARIVACA AREA
A male *YELLOW GROSBEAK was independently discovered in Sycamore Canyon by
two observers; it was first noted on the 11th (Zach Holderby fide Moez Ali)
and again on the 12th (Dan Baumann). Sycamore Canyon is west of Nogales on
Ruby Road and is covered in both Arizona bird-finding guides The grosbeak
was observed 7/8 of the way down canyon to Montana Canyon (about a half mile
from the parking lot) where a large log crosses the stagnant water. Montana
Canyon is the first obvious canyon which meets Sycamore on the right (west).
Tall spires on the north side are especially obvious if one hikes up Montana
and looks back. The last reported sighting occurred on the 13th (Matt Brown
et al). Reports, either positive or negative, are sought.
The *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER was last reported in Sycamore Canyon on the 14th
(Jerry Bock). 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 (see above for information on Montana Canyon). A small waterfall
will be noted just before one reaches this area. The warbler has also been
observed before and up to about 200 yards beyond the confluence.
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR was noted at the abandoned Oro Blanco Mine near, but
not in California Gulch, on the 11th (Melody Kehl). A high-clearance
vehicle is highly desirable for the rough road leading in.
A *GROOVE-BILLED ANI was a nice find at Arivaca Cienega on the 9th (Tony
Godfrey). The bird was at the pond where the overlook is equipped with
scopes. It was observed again on the 10th (Dick Palmer). A male
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was observed here on the 11th (Matt Johnson).
I-19 CORRIDOR
The male *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER continued at Madera Canyon in the vicinity
of the Madera Kubo Gift Shop and Cabins. It has apparently paired with a
female Western Tanager. 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 8th (Dan Baumann). 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.
CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS
The *CAROLINA WREN persisted at the Southwest Research Station, with the
most recent report occurring on the 15th (Brian J. Clough). The bird is
usually vocal early morning. A #PROTHONOTARY WARBLER was discovered along
the creek behind the cabins at the station on the 10th (P.D. Hulce). Some
areas of the research station are off-limits. See
http://research.amnh.org/swrs/volunteers.htm for more information.
*SHORT-TAILED HAWK was again sighted from Barfoot Park on the 9th (Bill
Massey). It has also been observed from Barfoot Lookout this season. A
TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was observed just below the lookout on the 10th (Geoff
Levin).
A *YELLOW-THROATED VIREO was reported at the bridge at South Fork, near
Portal, on the 10th (Richard Greenspun). A subsequent search was
unsuccessful.
Another #PROTHONOTARY WARBLER was observed at a private residence in the
Chiricahua's beginning on the 9th (Maya Decker). Details on observing this
bird (if it is still present) can be obtained by calling Maya at
520-558-1238.
A FLAME-COLORED X WESTERN TANAGER was observed at Rucker Canyon on the 12th
(Rose Ann Rowlett and Richard Webster). This is almost undoubtedly the same
bird that has been seen here in past years.
A WHITE-TAILED KITE was observed on the 11th south of Portal, and west of
Stateline Road, near Willow Tank (Geoff Levin).
A male ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was observed at the George Walker House in
Paradise on the 11th (Jackie Lewis).
SIERRA VISTA AREA
A male *BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD appeared at the feeders at the Nature
Conservancy's Ramsey Canyon on the 12th (Rick Romea). It was most recently
reported on the 14th (Clifford Cathers). The preserve opens at 8 am and
closes at 5 pm. General admission is $5.
#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 ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was observed along the edge of the San Pedro River
just north (about 100 meters) from where the river meets Escauple Wash (Rick
Romea).
TUCSON
At Sweetwater Wetlands, the *LEAST GREBE continues, with the most recent
report occurring on the 12th (Geoff Levin). The grebe was on pond #9.
http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/sweetwater.htm
At least four #RUDDY-GROUND DOVES were noted near Red Rock, which is
northwest of Tucson, on the 10th (Doug Jenness). The doves were along the
Santa Cruz River where Sasco Road meets the river. This is a couple miles
west of Red Rock.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FORT HUACHUCA ACCESS: A photo id, car registration and proof of insurance is
now required for entry into the fort. 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 15, 2006. The next update will be made June 22nd.
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 (Red Rock area)
*GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Arivaca Cienega)
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR (Oro Blanco Mine)
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Miller Canyon)
*BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD (Ramsey Canyon)
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (Ash Canyon B & B)
#ROSE-THROATED BECARD (Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop)
*YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Chiricahua Mountains)
*CAROLINA WREN (Southwest Research Station)
#PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Chiricahua Mountains-2 locations)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Sycamore Canyon)
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Madera Canyon)
*YELLOW GROSBEAK (Sycamore Canyon)
SYCAMORE CANYON/ARIVACA AREA
A male *YELLOW GROSBEAK was independently discovered in Sycamore Canyon by
two observers; it was first noted on the 11th (Zach Holderby fide Moez Ali)
and again on the 12th (Dan Baumann). Sycamore Canyon is west of Nogales on
Ruby Road and is covered in both Arizona bird-finding guides The grosbeak
was observed 7/8 of the way down canyon to Montana Canyon (about a half mile
from the parking lot) where a large log crosses the stagnant water. Montana
Canyon is the first obvious canyon which meets Sycamore on the right (west).
Tall spires on the north side are especially obvious if one hikes up Montana
and looks back. The last reported sighting occurred on the 13th (Matt Brown
et al). Reports, either positive or negative, are sought.
The *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER was last reported in Sycamore Canyon on the 14th
(Jerry Bock). 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 (see above for information on Montana Canyon). A small waterfall
will be noted just before one reaches this area. The warbler has also been
observed before and up to about 200 yards beyond the confluence.
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR was noted at the abandoned Oro Blanco Mine near, but
not in California Gulch, on the 11th (Melody Kehl). A high-clearance
vehicle is highly desirable for the rough road leading in.
A *GROOVE-BILLED ANI was a nice find at Arivaca Cienega on the 9th (Tony
Godfrey). The bird was at the pond where the overlook is equipped with
scopes. It was observed again on the 10th (Dick Palmer). A male
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was observed here on the 11th (Matt Johnson).
I-19 CORRIDOR
The male *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER continued at Madera Canyon in the vicinity
of the Madera Kubo Gift Shop and Cabins. It has apparently paired with a
female Western Tanager. 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 8th (Dan Baumann). 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.
CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS
The *CAROLINA WREN persisted at the Southwest Research Station, with the
most recent report occurring on the 15th (Brian J. Clough). The bird is
usually vocal early morning. A #PROTHONOTARY WARBLER was discovered along
the creek behind the cabins at the station on the 10th (P.D. Hulce). Some
areas of the research station are off-limits. See
http://research.amnh.org/swrs/volunteers.htm for more information.
*SHORT-TAILED HAWK was again sighted from Barfoot Park on the 9th (Bill
Massey). It has also been observed from Barfoot Lookout this season. A
TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was observed just below the lookout on the 10th (Geoff
Levin).
A *YELLOW-THROATED VIREO was reported at the bridge at South Fork, near
Portal, on the 10th (Richard Greenspun). A subsequent search was
unsuccessful.
Another #PROTHONOTARY WARBLER was observed at a private residence in the
Chiricahua's beginning on the 9th (Maya Decker). Details on observing this
bird (if it is still present) can be obtained by calling Maya at
520-558-1238.
A FLAME-COLORED X WESTERN TANAGER was observed at Rucker Canyon on the 12th
(Rose Ann Rowlett and Richard Webster). This is almost undoubtedly the same
bird that has been seen here in past years.
A WHITE-TAILED KITE was observed on the 11th south of Portal, and west of
Stateline Road, near Willow Tank (Geoff Levin).
A male ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was observed at the George Walker House in
Paradise on the 11th (Jackie Lewis).
SIERRA VISTA AREA
A male *BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD appeared at the feeders at the Nature
Conservancy's Ramsey Canyon on the 12th (Rick Romea). It was most recently
reported on the 14th (Clifford Cathers). The preserve opens at 8 am and
closes at 5 pm. General admission is $5.
#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 ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was observed along the edge of the San Pedro River
just north (about 100 meters) from where the river meets Escauple Wash (Rick
Romea).
TUCSON
At Sweetwater Wetlands, the *LEAST GREBE continues, with the most recent
report occurring on the 12th (Geoff Levin). The grebe was on pond #9.
http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/sweetwater.htm
At least four #RUDDY-GROUND DOVES were noted near Red Rock, which is
northwest of Tucson, on the 10th (Doug Jenness). The doves were along the
Santa Cruz River where Sasco Road meets the river. This is a couple miles
west of Red Rock.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FORT HUACHUCA ACCESS: A photo id, car registration and proof of insurance is
now required for entry into the fort. 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.