This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for southeast
Arizona was made on July 14, 2006. The next update will be made July 20th.
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; Avra Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant)
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR (Oro Blanco Mine)
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Santa Cruz Flats)
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Miller Canyon)
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (Ash Canyon B & B)
#ROSE-THROATED BECARD (Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop)
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER (Patagonia Lake State Park)
*AZTEC THRUSH (Hereford)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Sycamore Canyon)
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Madera Canyon)
SYCAMORE CANYON/ORO BLANCO MINE
At least two *BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJARS continued at the abandoned Oro Blanco
Mine, near, but not in California Gulch. The birds were most recently
reported on the 12th (Melody Kehl, John Yerger, et al).
.The *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER observed on several occasions in Sycamore Canyon
this past week. Sycamore Canyon is west of Nogales on Ruby Road and is
covered in both Arizona bird-finding guides. The warbler had been observed
from 1/2 to 2/3 of a mile down the canyon in the vicinity of 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. On the 11th (Marshall Iliff) and 12th
(Gavin Bieber, Jon Dunn et al) the warbler was observed about an 1/8 of a
mile from the parking lot. Marshall provides the following information: "To
get to the location, one should park in the signed Sycamore Canyon parking
lot and start down the trail. The trail crosses the creek for the first time
and the bird was singing about halfway to the next (second) crossing. The
location is easy to recognize because the trail passes between 3 metal posts
(two on the left side of trail, one on the right). A large fallen dead tree
is 40 ft off to the right here as well."
SIERRA VISTA AREA
An *AZTEC THRUSH made an appearance in Bob Behrstock's yard in Hereford on
the 9th (Joe Woodley). It has not been seen again.
A male *BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD made an appearance at the Ramsey Canyon
Preserve's feeders on the 9th. An apparent #ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD was present
the same day.(Marshal Ilif).
#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).. Most interesting at this season was a LAWRENCE'S
GOLDFINCH on the 13th (Gavin Bieber, Jon Dunn, et al). The yard is open to
the public; donations are appreciated.
I-19 CORRIDOR
The male *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER continued at Madera Canyon in the vicinity
of the Madera Kubo Gift Shop and Cabins as well as a bit more up canyon.
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 GRAY HAWK was noted at Proctor Road (Molly
Pollock and Mark Stevenson).
A male #ROSE-THROATED BECARD continues to make appearances at the Patagonia
Roadside Rest. It is sometimes observed 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. Listen for the distinctive vocalizations.
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS were observed along the Sonoita Creek Trail on
the 9th (Marshall Iliff). The gnatcatchers are typically observed in the
washes and mesquite bosque.
A #ROSS'S GOOSE was an interesting find at the Green Valley Waste Water
Treatment Plant on the 11th. A FRANKLIN"S GULL was also present (Dick
Palmer). The duo continued through at least the 13th (v.ob.).
TUCSON
The recently discovered *LEAST GREBE was noted again at Avra Valley
Wastewater Treatment Plant on the 11th (Rick Wright). It was on the
northwest pond. An OSPREY was present on the 8th (John Higgins).
The *LEAST GREBE continues at Sweetwater Wetlands. It was most recently
reported on Pond #5. http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/sweetwater.htm
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVES were noted north of Tucson on the Santa Cruz Flats 11th
(Doug Jenness). The doves were at the western of the two Sasco Road
crossings of the Santa Cruz River. A WILLOW FLYCATCHER was also present at
this location on the same date.
SULFUR SPRINGS VALLEY
Small numbers of shorebirds have been noted at Lake Cochise (AKA Twin Lakes)
in Willcox this week. A STILT SANDPIPER was present on the 8th (Rick
Taylor). The lingering REDHEAD continues
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 14, 2006. The next update will be made July 20th.
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; Avra Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant)
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR (Oro Blanco Mine)
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Santa Cruz Flats)
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Miller Canyon)
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (Ash Canyon B & B)
#ROSE-THROATED BECARD (Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop)
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER (Patagonia Lake State Park)
*AZTEC THRUSH (Hereford)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Sycamore Canyon)
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Madera Canyon)
SYCAMORE CANYON/ORO BLANCO MINE
At least two *BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJARS continued at the abandoned Oro Blanco
Mine, near, but not in California Gulch. The birds were most recently
reported on the 12th (Melody Kehl, John Yerger, et al).
.The *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER observed on several occasions in Sycamore Canyon
this past week. Sycamore Canyon is west of Nogales on Ruby Road and is
covered in both Arizona bird-finding guides. The warbler had been observed
from 1/2 to 2/3 of a mile down the canyon in the vicinity of 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. On the 11th (Marshall Iliff) and 12th
(Gavin Bieber, Jon Dunn et al) the warbler was observed about an 1/8 of a
mile from the parking lot. Marshall provides the following information: "To
get to the location, one should park in the signed Sycamore Canyon parking
lot and start down the trail. The trail crosses the creek for the first time
and the bird was singing about halfway to the next (second) crossing. The
location is easy to recognize because the trail passes between 3 metal posts
(two on the left side of trail, one on the right). A large fallen dead tree
is 40 ft off to the right here as well."
SIERRA VISTA AREA
An *AZTEC THRUSH made an appearance in Bob Behrstock's yard in Hereford on
the 9th (Joe Woodley). It has not been seen again.
A male *BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD made an appearance at the Ramsey Canyon
Preserve's feeders on the 9th. An apparent #ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD was present
the same day.(Marshal Ilif).
#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).. Most interesting at this season was a LAWRENCE'S
GOLDFINCH on the 13th (Gavin Bieber, Jon Dunn, et al). The yard is open to
the public; donations are appreciated.
I-19 CORRIDOR
The male *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER continued at Madera Canyon in the vicinity
of the Madera Kubo Gift Shop and Cabins as well as a bit more up canyon.
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 GRAY HAWK was noted at Proctor Road (Molly
Pollock and Mark Stevenson).
A male #ROSE-THROATED BECARD continues to make appearances at the Patagonia
Roadside Rest. It is sometimes observed 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. Listen for the distinctive vocalizations.
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS were observed along the Sonoita Creek Trail on
the 9th (Marshall Iliff). The gnatcatchers are typically observed in the
washes and mesquite bosque.
A #ROSS'S GOOSE was an interesting find at the Green Valley Waste Water
Treatment Plant on the 11th. A FRANKLIN"S GULL was also present (Dick
Palmer). The duo continued through at least the 13th (v.ob.).
TUCSON
The recently discovered *LEAST GREBE was noted again at Avra Valley
Wastewater Treatment Plant on the 11th (Rick Wright). It was on the
northwest pond. An OSPREY was present on the 8th (John Higgins).
The *LEAST GREBE continues at Sweetwater Wetlands. It was most recently
reported on Pond #5. http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/sweetwater.htm
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVES were noted north of Tucson on the Santa Cruz Flats 11th
(Doug Jenness). The doves were at the western of the two Sasco Road
crossings of the Santa Cruz River. A WILLOW FLYCATCHER was also present at
this location on the same date.
SULFUR SPRINGS VALLEY
Small numbers of shorebirds have been noted at Lake Cochise (AKA Twin Lakes)
in Willcox this week. A STILT SANDPIPER was present on the 8th (Rick
Taylor). The lingering REDHEAD continues
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.