This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for southeast
Arizona was made on June 22, 2006. The next update will be made June 29th.
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)
*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-GREEN VIREO (Sycamore Canyon)
*CAROLINA WREN (Southwest Research Station)
#BROWN THRASHER (Portal)
*TROPICAL PARULA (Portal)
#HOODED WARBLER (Carr Canyon)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Sycamore Canyon)
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Madera Canyon)
CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS
A*TROPICAL PARULA was discovered by Terrie and Larry Gates in their yard in
Portal on the 16th. It was last reported on the 20th (Jerry Bock et al). The
bird has been photographed; an image can be viewed at
http://www.hummingbirdworld.com/tropicalparula/ It was not looked for on the
21st .The rare warbler does not come in often but does come to the fountain
to drink water. The yard is not usually open to the public, but the Gates'
are graciously allowing birders in to look for this great find. The Gates'
provide the following information: "our house is the last driveway on the
north before the Portal Bridge. There is a large blue peace flag at the
entrance. We will accept visitors only in the afternoon from one p.m. to
5:30 p.m. Please do not come early or stay late. Enter through wooden gate
on the stucco wall to left of our front porch. Watch from the shade under
the big juniper. The bird comes to the top tier of a four-tier birdbath. It
is usually an hour or hour-and-a-half between visits."
The *CAROLINA WREN persisted at the Southwest Research Station. The bird is
often vocal in the early morning. Some areas of the research station are
off-limits. See http://research.amnh.org/swrs/index.htm for more information
on the station.
Exceptional in June, was a #BROWN THRASHER on the 21st at the only water in
lower S Fork Cave Creek (Dave Jasper).
SYCAMORE CANYON/ARIVACA AREA
A *YELLOW-GREEN VIREO was discovered in Sycamore Canyon on the 15th (Melody
Kehl).
Sycamore Canyon is west of Nogales on Ruby Road and is covered in both
Arizona bird-finding guides. The vireo was observed about a 1/2 mile down
the canyon. It was found in the first group of willows to the north of a
small "waterfall." This is just before one reaches Montana Canyon which
enters Sycamore from the west. Spires framing Montana Canyon are especially
obvious if one hikes up Montana and looks back. Subsequent searches have
been unsuccessful thus far. The *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER continues around the
confluence of Sycamore and Montana. The warbler is sometimes seen up
Montana, as well as before and up to about 200 yards beyond the confluence.
It was most recently reported on the 17th (Pierre Deviche et al.).
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR was noted agai at the abandoned Oro Blanco Mine
near, but not in California Gulch, on the 17th (Melody Kehl). A
high-clearance vehicle is highly desirable for the rough road leading in.
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 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. 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 well-worn areas (about 70
yards from the beginning of the trail) next to the fence.
A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was observed in Madera Canyon on the 18th (kendall
Kroesen). It was "on the Carrie Nation Mine Trail just up canyon from where
the Vault Mine Trail heads up the hillside and out of the canyon. This was
approximately 10 a.m. It was foraging in a large oak across the creek from
the trail."
A WOOD DUCK was observed at the Amado Sewage Pond on the 17th (Rich Hoyer,
Keith kamper and Jake Mohlmann).
SIERRA VISTA AREA
A male *BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD continues to make occasional appearances at
the feeders at the Nature Conservancy's Ramsey Canyon. The most recent
report occurred on the 15th (Rick RomeaThe preserve opens at 8 am and closes
at 5 pm. General admission is $5.
*BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD was also observed at feeders at the Ramsey Canyon Inn
just below the Ramsey Canyon Preserve on the 18th (Jerry Bock). It was
coming to a feeder on the uphill side of the Inn briefly and infrequently.
Tthere is no parking at the Inn except for guests. The only public parking
in the area is at the Preserve. You can watch the Inn feeders while on foot
in the public road but can't roam the grounds.
A male #HOODED WARBLER was observed along the Comfort Springs Trail in Carr
Canyon on the 17th (Rich Hoyer, Keith Kamper and Jake Mohlmann). This trail
is accessed from the Ramsey Vista Campground and is completely downhill
until you reach a valley where you cross two creeks - both of which are dry.
The warbler was observed at the first crossing immediately after the trail
bends sharply to the right. It was to the left of the trail above the dry
streambed.
#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 NEOTROPIC CORMORANT was present at the San Pedro River Inn's pond since
the 17th (Michael Marsden).
TUCSON
At Sweetwater Wetlands, the *LEAST GREBE continues, with the most recent
report occurring on the 20th (Thomas Heinrich). The grebe returned to pond
#6 (AKA Keyhole Pond). It had been spending time on Pond #9.
http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/sweetwater.htm
The *LEAST GREBE persisted at Sam Lena Park/Kino Environmental Restoration
Project. It was last reported on the 17th (Rich Hoyer, Keith Kamer and Jake
Mohlmann).
An apparent COMMON MERGANSER was present at the CAP pond on the 16th (John
Higgins).
A WHITE-TAILED KITE was observed at Avra Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant
on the 22nd (David West).
An OSPREY, unusual in June, was observed at Agua Caliente most recently on
the 20th (Vivian MacKinnon).
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 22, 2006. The next update will be made June 29th.
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)
*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-GREEN VIREO (Sycamore Canyon)
*CAROLINA WREN (Southwest Research Station)
#BROWN THRASHER (Portal)
*TROPICAL PARULA (Portal)
#HOODED WARBLER (Carr Canyon)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Sycamore Canyon)
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Madera Canyon)
CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS
A*TROPICAL PARULA was discovered by Terrie and Larry Gates in their yard in
Portal on the 16th. It was last reported on the 20th (Jerry Bock et al). The
bird has been photographed; an image can be viewed at
http://www.hummingbirdworld.com/tropicalparula/ It was not looked for on the
21st .The rare warbler does not come in often but does come to the fountain
to drink water. The yard is not usually open to the public, but the Gates'
are graciously allowing birders in to look for this great find. The Gates'
provide the following information: "our house is the last driveway on the
north before the Portal Bridge. There is a large blue peace flag at the
entrance. We will accept visitors only in the afternoon from one p.m. to
5:30 p.m. Please do not come early or stay late. Enter through wooden gate
on the stucco wall to left of our front porch. Watch from the shade under
the big juniper. The bird comes to the top tier of a four-tier birdbath. It
is usually an hour or hour-and-a-half between visits."
The *CAROLINA WREN persisted at the Southwest Research Station. The bird is
often vocal in the early morning. Some areas of the research station are
off-limits. See http://research.amnh.org/swrs/index.htm for more information
on the station.
Exceptional in June, was a #BROWN THRASHER on the 21st at the only water in
lower S Fork Cave Creek (Dave Jasper).
SYCAMORE CANYON/ARIVACA AREA
A *YELLOW-GREEN VIREO was discovered in Sycamore Canyon on the 15th (Melody
Kehl).
Sycamore Canyon is west of Nogales on Ruby Road and is covered in both
Arizona bird-finding guides. The vireo was observed about a 1/2 mile down
the canyon. It was found in the first group of willows to the north of a
small "waterfall." This is just before one reaches Montana Canyon which
enters Sycamore from the west. Spires framing Montana Canyon are especially
obvious if one hikes up Montana and looks back. Subsequent searches have
been unsuccessful thus far. The *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER continues around the
confluence of Sycamore and Montana. The warbler is sometimes seen up
Montana, as well as before and up to about 200 yards beyond the confluence.
It was most recently reported on the 17th (Pierre Deviche et al.).
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR was noted agai at the abandoned Oro Blanco Mine
near, but not in California Gulch, on the 17th (Melody Kehl). A
high-clearance vehicle is highly desirable for the rough road leading in.
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 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. 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 well-worn areas (about 70
yards from the beginning of the trail) next to the fence.
A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was observed in Madera Canyon on the 18th (kendall
Kroesen). It was "on the Carrie Nation Mine Trail just up canyon from where
the Vault Mine Trail heads up the hillside and out of the canyon. This was
approximately 10 a.m. It was foraging in a large oak across the creek from
the trail."
A WOOD DUCK was observed at the Amado Sewage Pond on the 17th (Rich Hoyer,
Keith kamper and Jake Mohlmann).
SIERRA VISTA AREA
A male *BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD continues to make occasional appearances at
the feeders at the Nature Conservancy's Ramsey Canyon. The most recent
report occurred on the 15th (Rick RomeaThe preserve opens at 8 am and closes
at 5 pm. General admission is $5.
*BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD was also observed at feeders at the Ramsey Canyon Inn
just below the Ramsey Canyon Preserve on the 18th (Jerry Bock). It was
coming to a feeder on the uphill side of the Inn briefly and infrequently.
Tthere is no parking at the Inn except for guests. The only public parking
in the area is at the Preserve. You can watch the Inn feeders while on foot
in the public road but can't roam the grounds.
A male #HOODED WARBLER was observed along the Comfort Springs Trail in Carr
Canyon on the 17th (Rich Hoyer, Keith Kamper and Jake Mohlmann). This trail
is accessed from the Ramsey Vista Campground and is completely downhill
until you reach a valley where you cross two creeks - both of which are dry.
The warbler was observed at the first crossing immediately after the trail
bends sharply to the right. It was to the left of the trail above the dry
streambed.
#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 NEOTROPIC CORMORANT was present at the San Pedro River Inn's pond since
the 17th (Michael Marsden).
TUCSON
At Sweetwater Wetlands, the *LEAST GREBE continues, with the most recent
report occurring on the 20th (Thomas Heinrich). The grebe returned to pond
#6 (AKA Keyhole Pond). It had been spending time on Pond #9.
http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/sweetwater.htm
The *LEAST GREBE persisted at Sam Lena Park/Kino Environmental Restoration
Project. It was last reported on the 17th (Rich Hoyer, Keith Kamer and Jake
Mohlmann).
An apparent COMMON MERGANSER was present at the CAP pond on the 16th (John
Higgins).
A WHITE-TAILED KITE was observed at Avra Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant
on the 22nd (David West).
An OSPREY, unusual in June, was observed at Agua Caliente most recently on
the 20th (Vivian MacKinnon).
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.