This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for southeast
Arizona was made on July 7, 2006. The next update will be made July 13th.
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)
Clark's Grebe (Lake Cochise)
*LAUGHING GULL (Lake Cochise)
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Santa Cruz Flats)
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Miller Canyon)
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (Ash Canyon B & B)
#ROSE-THROATED BECARD (Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop)
*WOOD THRUSH (Sweetwater Wetlands)
#GRAY CATBIRD (Whitewater Draw)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Sycamore Canyon)
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Madera Canyon)
SYCAMORE CANYON
.
The *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER was most recently reported in Sycamore Canyon on
the 5th (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 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 200
yards beyond the confluence, and up Montana Canyon.
TUCSON
Unprecedented in July, was a *WOOD THRUSH at Sweetwater Wetlands on the 2nd
(Tony Leonardini). To get to the area where the bird was seen, take the
concrete path from the parking lot, cross the bridge and stay on the
concrete path as it heads right toward the gazebo. The bird was in the area
of the first tall trees on the left side of the path. This rare thrush was
last reported on the evening of the 2nd singing from the island closest to
the gazebo (Jerry Bock).
The *LEAST GREBE continues at the wetlands. It was most recently on Pond #5.
http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/sweetwater.htm
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVES were noted north of Tucson on the Santa Cruz Flats on
the 1st (Laurent Deviche and Pierre Deviche). An adult sitting on a nest
with a young bird confirms the first breeding record for southeast Arizona.
The doves were at the western of the two Sasco Road crossings of the Santa
Cruz River.
SULFUR SPRINGS VALLEY
An immature *LAUGHING GULL was an excellent find at Lake Cochise (AKA Twin
Lakes) in Willcox on the 30th (Rick Taylor). It was last reported on the 2nd
(Doug Jenness). A CLARK'S GREBE was observed on the large pond on the 3rd
(Roger Eastman).
A GRAY CATBIRD was at Whitewater Draw on the 3rd (Diane Touret).
I-19 CORRIDOR
The male *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER continued at Madera Canyon 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!
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.
SIERRA VISTA AREA
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRDS continue at Beatty's Guest Ranch, Miller Canyon,
at the Controlled Access Site (fee required) (Tom Beatty Sr.). A hybrid
VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD x ? and a possible hybrid BLACK-CHINNED
HUMMINGBIRD x ? were observed on the 5th (Sheri Williamson).
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRDS continue to visit the feeders at the Ash Canyon B & B
(Mary Jo Ballator). A probable BROAD-BILLED X BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD was
observed here on the 5th (Sheri Williamson). The yard is open to the public;
donations are appreciated.
CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS
A #WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD was observed at the feeders at the Southwest
Research Station, near Portal, on the 2nd (Brian J. Clough and Susan
Wethington).
A #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD was observed at a private feeder in the Chiricahua's
on the 2nd. A SWAINSON'S THRUSH was observed on the same date (Rick Taylor).
A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was observed at the George Walker House in Paradise
on the 1st (Jackie Lewis). The yard is open to birders.
KITT PEAK
A YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO atop Kitt Peak was an interesting find on the 5th
(Elaine Halbedel). The bird was seen from the main public parking lot at the
top.
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 July 7, 2006. The next update will be made July 13th.
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)
Clark's Grebe (Lake Cochise)
*LAUGHING GULL (Lake Cochise)
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Santa Cruz Flats)
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Miller Canyon)
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (Ash Canyon B & B)
#ROSE-THROATED BECARD (Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop)
*WOOD THRUSH (Sweetwater Wetlands)
#GRAY CATBIRD (Whitewater Draw)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Sycamore Canyon)
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Madera Canyon)
SYCAMORE CANYON
.
The *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER was most recently reported in Sycamore Canyon on
the 5th (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 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 200
yards beyond the confluence, and up Montana Canyon.
TUCSON
Unprecedented in July, was a *WOOD THRUSH at Sweetwater Wetlands on the 2nd
(Tony Leonardini). To get to the area where the bird was seen, take the
concrete path from the parking lot, cross the bridge and stay on the
concrete path as it heads right toward the gazebo. The bird was in the area
of the first tall trees on the left side of the path. This rare thrush was
last reported on the evening of the 2nd singing from the island closest to
the gazebo (Jerry Bock).
The *LEAST GREBE continues at the wetlands. It was most recently on Pond #5.
http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/sweetwater.htm
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVES were noted north of Tucson on the Santa Cruz Flats on
the 1st (Laurent Deviche and Pierre Deviche). An adult sitting on a nest
with a young bird confirms the first breeding record for southeast Arizona.
The doves were at the western of the two Sasco Road crossings of the Santa
Cruz River.
SULFUR SPRINGS VALLEY
An immature *LAUGHING GULL was an excellent find at Lake Cochise (AKA Twin
Lakes) in Willcox on the 30th (Rick Taylor). It was last reported on the 2nd
(Doug Jenness). A CLARK'S GREBE was observed on the large pond on the 3rd
(Roger Eastman).
A GRAY CATBIRD was at Whitewater Draw on the 3rd (Diane Touret).
I-19 CORRIDOR
The male *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER continued at Madera Canyon 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!
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.
SIERRA VISTA AREA
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRDS continue at Beatty's Guest Ranch, Miller Canyon,
at the Controlled Access Site (fee required) (Tom Beatty Sr.). A hybrid
VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD x ? and a possible hybrid BLACK-CHINNED
HUMMINGBIRD x ? were observed on the 5th (Sheri Williamson).
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRDS continue to visit the feeders at the Ash Canyon B & B
(Mary Jo Ballator). A probable BROAD-BILLED X BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD was
observed here on the 5th (Sheri Williamson). The yard is open to the public;
donations are appreciated.
CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS
A #WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD was observed at the feeders at the Southwest
Research Station, near Portal, on the 2nd (Brian J. Clough and Susan
Wethington).
A #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD was observed at a private feeder in the Chiricahua's
on the 2nd. A SWAINSON'S THRUSH was observed on the same date (Rick Taylor).
A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was observed at the George Walker House in Paradise
on the 1st (Jackie Lewis). The yard is open to birders.
KITT PEAK
A YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO atop Kitt Peak was an interesting find on the 5th
(Elaine Halbedel). The bird was seen from the main public parking lot at the
top.
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.