This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for southeast
Arizona was made on July 29, 2006. The next update will be made August 3rd.
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:
Brown Pelican (Tucson)
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Kino Springs Golf Course)
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Miller Canyon)
*BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD (Ramsey Canyon)
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (Several locations)
Green Kingfisher (Escapule Wash)
*WHITE-EYED VIREO (Roadside Rest Stop)
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER (Patagonia Lake State Park; Madera Canyon)
*AZTEC THRUSH Garden Canyon; Madera Canyon)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Sycamore Canyon)
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Madera Canyon)
#PAINTED BUNTING (Several locations)
NOGALES AREA/I-19
An *AZTEC THRUSH was discovered in Madera Canyon on the 24th (Gerard Lilly).
Seven(!) where observed later on that date (Bill Massey and Molly Pollock).
As many as 9 birds were noted (Tom Archdeacon and Sonya Steckler). The most
recent report of three birds occurred on the 28th (Melody Kehl et al). The
birds were noted from several locations along the Vault Mine/Carrie Nation
Mine Trails. From "Mt Wrightson Picnic Area and Trailhead" take the Carrie
Nation Mine/Vault Mine Trail/Old Baldy Trail that starts at the uphill end
of the east-most/highest parking area on the parking loop. There are large
informative trailhead signs there. The birds have been observed feeding on
choke cherries. The group has been observed as low as about a ¼ mile up the
trail where Old Baldy Trail meets Carrie Nation Trail and up to the area
near the deep rock cleft to the right of the trail; a choke cherry is a bit
above this area. Jim Hayes provides the following GPS coordinates: N 31 deg
42' 16.9", W 110 deg 52' 33.1" ; Philip Kline offers the following GPS
coordinates from his sighting about 100 yards up canyon from the bench: 31
deg 42.515N, 110 deg 52.577W. Mark Stevenson provides the following links to
topographical maps from topozone.com:
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=12&n=3507853&e=511701&datum=nad83
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=12&n=3507853&e=511701&datum=nad83
The *WHITE-EYED VIREO continues to make sporadic appearances at the
Patagonia Roadside Rest. It has been vocal. The most recent sighting
occurred on the 27th (Matt Brown), about 200 feet south of the picnic table.
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER was noted again in Sycamore Canyon, with the most
recent sighting occurring on the 28th (Rick Wright et al). The bird has been
noted about an 1/8 mile from the parking lot. Walk towards the canyon and
begin listening for its distinctive song around the first stream crossing
and around the adobe ruins of the Hank and Yank homestead. Mosquites are
reportedly a nuisance here
The male *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER continues in the vicinity of the Madera Kubo
Cottages, in Madera Canyon, with the most recent report occurring on the
26th (Mark Stevenson). Madera Kubo is private property within Madera Canyon.
Park a short distance down canyon at the Amphitheatre parking area. Do not
enter the Kubo property. Watch and listen from the road and take care not to
block the road.
A *BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER was observed and probably another heard, at
Proctor Road, Madera canyon, on the 28th (Molloy Pollock et al). “The birds
were in the vicinity of the bat houses. To get there, park at the Proctor
Parking Area. Walk up canyon on the paved trail, crossing the dirt of
Proctor Road and continuing up canyon a short way (ca. 150 feet). The bat
houses are on long metal poles planted on the left side of the trail with a
sign explaining the rich bat life of AZ. The gnatcatcher(s) was/were on the
opposite side of the trail.”
The ROSS’S GOOSE continues at the Green Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant,
with the last reported sighting occurring on the 23rd. Two PECTORAL
SANDPIPERS were observed on the same date (Bev Postmus).
PATAGONIA AREA
The *WHITE-EYED VIREO continues to make sporadic appearances at the
Patagonia Roadside Rest. At times, it has been vocal. The most recent
sighting occurred on the 27th (Matt Brown), about 200 feet south of the
picnic table.
Two *BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS were noted along the Sonoita Creek Trail at
Patagonia Lake State Park on the 26th (Matt Victoria). They are typically
noted in the washes and mesquite bosque.
A fly-by #RUDDY GROUND-DOVE was noted at the Kino Springs Golf Course on the
26th (Matt Victoria).
SIERRA VISTA AREA
An *AZTEC THRUSH was observed in Garden Canyon, Huachuca Mountains, which is
accessed through Fort Huachuca (see note below under announcements) on the
21st (Arvind Panjabi fide Troy Corman). It was feeding in a fruiting shrub
that is adjacent to a tree snag approximately 25 meters (down canyon) before
the pull-out for the pictograph viewing area. It was observed again on the
24th (Deborah Grove et al) in the same general area. Other searches have
been unsuccessful.
*BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD was recorded again at the Ramsey Canyon Preserve’s
feeder, with the most recent report occurring on the 23rd (Clifford Cathers
et al).
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRDS continue at the Beatty’s Guest Ranch, Miller
Canyon, with the most recent report being received on the 23rd (Erika
Wilson). The birds are coming into the Controlled Access Site ($5 fee
required).
A #PAINTED BUNTING was noted at the cottages at the San Pedro River Inn on
the 25th (Michael Marsden).
A male #PAINTED BUNTING was observed at a private residence in Hereford on
the 22nd (Robert A Behrstock).
Another #PAINTED BUNTING was detected at the Kingfisher Pond (accessed from
the San Pedro House) on the 21st (Dave Beaudette). It was in the thickets of
white sweet clover on the west side of the pond.
A GREEN KINGFISHER was observed 10 yards upstream form the Escapule Wash and
the San Pedro River on the 21st (Alan Miller).
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRDS continue to visit the feeders at the Ash Canyon B & B
with the most recent report occurring on the 23rd (Erika Wilson).The yard
is open to the public; donations are appreciated.
A juvenile WHITE-TAILED KITE was observed on the north side of Highway 90
about 400 yards from the highway and 250 yards west of the river (Mike
Guest).
TUCSON
A #PAINTED BUNTING was noted at the Colossal Cave Mountain Park on the 28th
(Moez Ali). It was on the east bank of the narrow channel about 200 yards
upstream from the main parking area with the metal figure.
The BROWN PELICAN continues at the Avra Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant,
with the most recent sighting reported on the 28th (Philip Kline). A MERLIN
was very unusual at this season on the 23rd (John Higgins and David West).
Two MARBLED GODWITS and an early RED-NECKED PHALAROPE were noted here on the
27th (Gavin Bieber).
CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD was noted at the Portal Store on the 23rd (Magill
Weber) and at the Southwest Research Station on the same date (P.D. Hulce).
BISBEE
A #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD was observed at a private residence in Bisbee on the
21st (Michael Trisk).
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 29, 2006. The next update will be made August 3rd.
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:
Brown Pelican (Tucson)
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Kino Springs Golf Course)
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Miller Canyon)
*BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD (Ramsey Canyon)
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (Several locations)
Green Kingfisher (Escapule Wash)
*WHITE-EYED VIREO (Roadside Rest Stop)
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER (Patagonia Lake State Park; Madera Canyon)
*AZTEC THRUSH Garden Canyon; Madera Canyon)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Sycamore Canyon)
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Madera Canyon)
#PAINTED BUNTING (Several locations)
NOGALES AREA/I-19
An *AZTEC THRUSH was discovered in Madera Canyon on the 24th (Gerard Lilly).
Seven(!) where observed later on that date (Bill Massey and Molly Pollock).
As many as 9 birds were noted (Tom Archdeacon and Sonya Steckler). The most
recent report of three birds occurred on the 28th (Melody Kehl et al). The
birds were noted from several locations along the Vault Mine/Carrie Nation
Mine Trails. From "Mt Wrightson Picnic Area and Trailhead" take the Carrie
Nation Mine/Vault Mine Trail/Old Baldy Trail that starts at the uphill end
of the east-most/highest parking area on the parking loop. There are large
informative trailhead signs there. The birds have been observed feeding on
choke cherries. The group has been observed as low as about a ¼ mile up the
trail where Old Baldy Trail meets Carrie Nation Trail and up to the area
near the deep rock cleft to the right of the trail; a choke cherry is a bit
above this area. Jim Hayes provides the following GPS coordinates: N 31 deg
42' 16.9", W 110 deg 52' 33.1" ; Philip Kline offers the following GPS
coordinates from his sighting about 100 yards up canyon from the bench: 31
deg 42.515N, 110 deg 52.577W. Mark Stevenson provides the following links to
topographical maps from topozone.com:
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=12&n=3507853&e=511701&datum=nad83
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=12&n=3507853&e=511701&datum=nad83
The *WHITE-EYED VIREO continues to make sporadic appearances at the
Patagonia Roadside Rest. It has been vocal. The most recent sighting
occurred on the 27th (Matt Brown), about 200 feet south of the picnic table.
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER was noted again in Sycamore Canyon, with the most
recent sighting occurring on the 28th (Rick Wright et al). The bird has been
noted about an 1/8 mile from the parking lot. Walk towards the canyon and
begin listening for its distinctive song around the first stream crossing
and around the adobe ruins of the Hank and Yank homestead. Mosquites are
reportedly a nuisance here
The male *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER continues in the vicinity of the Madera Kubo
Cottages, in Madera Canyon, with the most recent report occurring on the
26th (Mark Stevenson). Madera Kubo is private property within Madera Canyon.
Park a short distance down canyon at the Amphitheatre parking area. Do not
enter the Kubo property. Watch and listen from the road and take care not to
block the road.
A *BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER was observed and probably another heard, at
Proctor Road, Madera canyon, on the 28th (Molloy Pollock et al). “The birds
were in the vicinity of the bat houses. To get there, park at the Proctor
Parking Area. Walk up canyon on the paved trail, crossing the dirt of
Proctor Road and continuing up canyon a short way (ca. 150 feet). The bat
houses are on long metal poles planted on the left side of the trail with a
sign explaining the rich bat life of AZ. The gnatcatcher(s) was/were on the
opposite side of the trail.”
The ROSS’S GOOSE continues at the Green Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant,
with the last reported sighting occurring on the 23rd. Two PECTORAL
SANDPIPERS were observed on the same date (Bev Postmus).
PATAGONIA AREA
The *WHITE-EYED VIREO continues to make sporadic appearances at the
Patagonia Roadside Rest. At times, it has been vocal. The most recent
sighting occurred on the 27th (Matt Brown), about 200 feet south of the
picnic table.
Two *BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS were noted along the Sonoita Creek Trail at
Patagonia Lake State Park on the 26th (Matt Victoria). They are typically
noted in the washes and mesquite bosque.
A fly-by #RUDDY GROUND-DOVE was noted at the Kino Springs Golf Course on the
26th (Matt Victoria).
SIERRA VISTA AREA
An *AZTEC THRUSH was observed in Garden Canyon, Huachuca Mountains, which is
accessed through Fort Huachuca (see note below under announcements) on the
21st (Arvind Panjabi fide Troy Corman). It was feeding in a fruiting shrub
that is adjacent to a tree snag approximately 25 meters (down canyon) before
the pull-out for the pictograph viewing area. It was observed again on the
24th (Deborah Grove et al) in the same general area. Other searches have
been unsuccessful.
*BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD was recorded again at the Ramsey Canyon Preserve’s
feeder, with the most recent report occurring on the 23rd (Clifford Cathers
et al).
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRDS continue at the Beatty’s Guest Ranch, Miller
Canyon, with the most recent report being received on the 23rd (Erika
Wilson). The birds are coming into the Controlled Access Site ($5 fee
required).
A #PAINTED BUNTING was noted at the cottages at the San Pedro River Inn on
the 25th (Michael Marsden).
A male #PAINTED BUNTING was observed at a private residence in Hereford on
the 22nd (Robert A Behrstock).
Another #PAINTED BUNTING was detected at the Kingfisher Pond (accessed from
the San Pedro House) on the 21st (Dave Beaudette). It was in the thickets of
white sweet clover on the west side of the pond.
A GREEN KINGFISHER was observed 10 yards upstream form the Escapule Wash and
the San Pedro River on the 21st (Alan Miller).
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRDS continue to visit the feeders at the Ash Canyon B & B
with the most recent report occurring on the 23rd (Erika Wilson).The yard
is open to the public; donations are appreciated.
A juvenile WHITE-TAILED KITE was observed on the north side of Highway 90
about 400 yards from the highway and 250 yards west of the river (Mike
Guest).
TUCSON
A #PAINTED BUNTING was noted at the Colossal Cave Mountain Park on the 28th
(Moez Ali). It was on the east bank of the narrow channel about 200 yards
upstream from the main parking area with the metal figure.
The BROWN PELICAN continues at the Avra Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant,
with the most recent sighting reported on the 28th (Philip Kline). A MERLIN
was very unusual at this season on the 23rd (John Higgins and David West).
Two MARBLED GODWITS and an early RED-NECKED PHALAROPE were noted here on the
27th (Gavin Bieber).
CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD was noted at the Portal Store on the 23rd (Magill
Weber) and at the Southwest Research Station on the same date (P.D. Hulce).
BISBEE
A #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD was observed at a private residence in Bisbee on the
21st (Michael Trisk).
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.