This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for southeast
Arizona was made on June 29, 2006. The next update will be made July 6th.
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 (Avra Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant; Sweetwater Wetlands;
Sam Lena Park)
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Santa Cruz Flats)
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR (Oro Blanco Mine)
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Miller Canyon)
*BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD (Miller Canyon; Ramsey Canyon)
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (Ash Canyon B & B)
#ROSE-THROATED BECARD (Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop)
*RED-EYED VIREO (Garden Canyon)
American Redstart (Marshall Gulch)
#OVENBIRD (Bear Wallow)
#HOODED WARBLER (Miller Canyon)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Sycamore Canyon)
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Madera Canyon)
SYCAMORE CANYON/ARIVACA AREA
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR was noted again at the abandoned Oro Blanco Mine
near, but not in California Gulch, on the 28th (Rick Wright). A
high-clearance vehicle is highly desirable for the rough road leading in.
The *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER was observed on the 28th in Sycamore Canyon (Rick
Wright et al). 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 that
canyon 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.
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 male #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD was observed at Bog Springs Campground, Madera
Canon, on the 25th (Cindy and Kurt Radamaker). It was coming in to a
temporarily hung feeder at campsite #7. The campground host has a feeder
hung at his site, which may be worth checking.
SIERRA VISTA AREA
An apparent *BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD was observed at Beatty's Guest Ranch,
Miller Canyon, on the 27th (Patrick Santinello and Ludlow Lambertson) and
28th (Thomas Heinrich). It was at the Hawk Watch Site, which is usually
reserved for guests. #WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRDS also continue here at the
Controlled Access Site (fee required) (Tom Beatty Sr.).
A male *BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD continues to make occasional appearances at
the feeders at the Nature Conservancy's Ramsey Canyon. The preserve opens at
8 am and closes at 5 pm. General admission is $5.
A *RED-EYED VIREO was a good find in Garden Canyon, Huachuca Mountains, on
the 24th (Scott Schuette). It was "first seen just past the gate above the
upper picnic area and moved down past the gate till it moved over to the
stream."
#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 #HOODED WARBLER was observed on the 22nd along the Miller Canyon Trail,
about 100 yards below split rock (Joe Woodley).
TUCSON
Amazingly, a third *LEAST GREBE was discovered in the Tucson area this week.
It was observed at the northwest corner of the largest pond at Avra Valley
Wastewater Treatment Plant on the 27th (Dave Stejskal).
At Sweetwater Wetlands, the *LEAST GREBE continues, with the most recent
report occurring on the 25th. The grebe was on Pond #5.
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 27th on the north pond (Keith Kamper).
An #OVENBIRD was discovered off he Catalina Highway on the 28th "along the
Bear Wallow Road close to the Mt.Bigelow observatory dirt parking lot. The
bird was about 200 yards east along the trail leading to the huge old growth
fir forest below the 2 mile dirt road (large boulders mark the trailhead)"
(Moez Ali).
A #RUDDY GROUND-DOVE was noted north of Tucson on the Santa Cruz Flats on
the 28th (Rich Hoyer). It was at the western of the two Sasco Road crossings
of the Santa Cruz River.
An AMERICAN REDSTART was observed in Marshall Gulch, beyond Summerhaven in
the Santa Catalina Mountains on the 23rd (Moez Ali). It was 350 yards along
the trail behin the retrooms at the second stream crossing.
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 29, 2006. The next update will be made July 6th.
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 (Avra Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant; Sweetwater Wetlands;
Sam Lena Park)
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Santa Cruz Flats)
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR (Oro Blanco Mine)
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Miller Canyon)
*BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD (Miller Canyon; Ramsey Canyon)
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (Ash Canyon B & B)
#ROSE-THROATED BECARD (Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop)
*RED-EYED VIREO (Garden Canyon)
American Redstart (Marshall Gulch)
#OVENBIRD (Bear Wallow)
#HOODED WARBLER (Miller Canyon)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Sycamore Canyon)
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Madera Canyon)
SYCAMORE CANYON/ARIVACA AREA
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR was noted again at the abandoned Oro Blanco Mine
near, but not in California Gulch, on the 28th (Rick Wright). A
high-clearance vehicle is highly desirable for the rough road leading in.
The *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER was observed on the 28th in Sycamore Canyon (Rick
Wright et al). 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 that
canyon 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.
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 male #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD was observed at Bog Springs Campground, Madera
Canon, on the 25th (Cindy and Kurt Radamaker). It was coming in to a
temporarily hung feeder at campsite #7. The campground host has a feeder
hung at his site, which may be worth checking.
SIERRA VISTA AREA
An apparent *BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD was observed at Beatty's Guest Ranch,
Miller Canyon, on the 27th (Patrick Santinello and Ludlow Lambertson) and
28th (Thomas Heinrich). It was at the Hawk Watch Site, which is usually
reserved for guests. #WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRDS also continue here at the
Controlled Access Site (fee required) (Tom Beatty Sr.).
A male *BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD continues to make occasional appearances at
the feeders at the Nature Conservancy's Ramsey Canyon. The preserve opens at
8 am and closes at 5 pm. General admission is $5.
A *RED-EYED VIREO was a good find in Garden Canyon, Huachuca Mountains, on
the 24th (Scott Schuette). It was "first seen just past the gate above the
upper picnic area and moved down past the gate till it moved over to the
stream."
#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 #HOODED WARBLER was observed on the 22nd along the Miller Canyon Trail,
about 100 yards below split rock (Joe Woodley).
TUCSON
Amazingly, a third *LEAST GREBE was discovered in the Tucson area this week.
It was observed at the northwest corner of the largest pond at Avra Valley
Wastewater Treatment Plant on the 27th (Dave Stejskal).
At Sweetwater Wetlands, the *LEAST GREBE continues, with the most recent
report occurring on the 25th. The grebe was on Pond #5.
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 27th on the north pond (Keith Kamper).
An #OVENBIRD was discovered off he Catalina Highway on the 28th "along the
Bear Wallow Road close to the Mt.Bigelow observatory dirt parking lot. The
bird was about 200 yards east along the trail leading to the huge old growth
fir forest below the 2 mile dirt road (large boulders mark the trailhead)"
(Moez Ali).
A #RUDDY GROUND-DOVE was noted north of Tucson on the Santa Cruz Flats on
the 28th (Rich Hoyer). It was at the western of the two Sasco Road crossings
of the Santa Cruz River.
An AMERICAN REDSTART was observed in Marshall Gulch, beyond Summerhaven in
the Santa Catalina Mountains on the 23rd (Moez Ali). It was 350 yards along
the trail behin the retrooms at the second stream crossing.
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.