This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for southeast
Arizona was made on August 7, 2006. The next update will be made August
10th. 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:
*FRIGATEBIRD SP. (Tucson; Marana)
Brown Pelican (Tucson)
#TRICOLORED HERON (Green Valley—two locations)
*SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Chiricahua Mountains)
*PURPLE GALLINULE (Sweetwater Wetlands)
*RED KNOT (Willcox)
Sanderling (Willcox; Green Valley)
#SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER (Willcox)
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Red Rock)
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Miller Canyon)
*BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD (Ramsey Canyon)
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (Several locations)
*WHITE-EYED VIREO (Roadside Rest Stop)
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER (Patagonia Lake State Park)
*AZTEC THRUSH Garden Canyon; Madera Canyon)
#BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Patagonia)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Sycamore Canyon)
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Madera Canyon)
#PAINTED BUNTING (Several locations)
WILLCOX
A *RED KNOT was discovered at Lake Cochise (AKA Twin Lakes) on the 29th
Brennan Mulrooney). It was observed along the edge of the large pond. It was
last reported on the 1st (Diane Touret). A #SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER was last
noted here on the 31st (Garth Riley).
TUCSON
A *FRIGATEBIRD species was observed over Tucson on the 4th (Greer Warren
fide Shawneen Finnegan).
Another, or possibly the same, *FRIGATEBIRD species was photographed over
Marana on the 5th (Dennis Hoffman).
A *PURPLE GALLINULE was discovered at Sweetwater Wetlands on the 30th (Drew
Paulette). The most recent report occurred on the 6th (Andrew Cooper). The
bird has been observed on Pond # 6 (AKA the Keyhole Pond—named for the
viewing platform that resembles and old-fashioned keyhole).
http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/sweetwater.htm
The BROWN PELICAN continued at the Avra Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant,
with the most recent sighting reported on the 3rd (Philip Kline).
To the north of Tucson, in the vicinity of Red Rock, two #RUDDY GROUND-DOVES
were observed on the 2nd (John Hutchinson, Molly Pollock and Mark
Stevenson). The doves were
PATAGONIA AREA
The *WHITE-EYED VIREO continued at the Patagonia Roadside Rest, with the
most recent report occurring on the 5th (Shawneen Finnegan and Molly
Pollock). The bird has been observed most often south of the picnic table. A
#BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was observed here on the 4th (Troy Corman and
Ramsay Koury).
A family of *BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS (adult male, adult female and
juvenile) were observed at Patagonia Lake State Park on the 6th (Matt Brown,
Patrick Santinello, et al). They were between the second and third wash
(accessed from the Sonoita Creek Trail) at the east end of the park) not far
upslope from the mesquite bosque.
A “green” (female or immature) #PAINTED BUNTING was observed at the first
pond (closest to the Highway) at Kino Springs on the 30th (Keith Kamper,
Jake Mohlmann and John Yerger). A male and a “green” bird were observed here
on the 4th (Troy Corman and Ramsay Koury).
NOGALES AREA/I-19
*AZTEC THRUSHS continued in Madera Canyon with the most recent sighting of a
male and a female on the 7th (Bruce Mack). Up to 9 birds have been present
recently. The birds were noted from several locations along the Vault
Mine/Carrie Nation Mine Trails. Most recently the bird have been observed
coming in to a choke cherry shortly before you reach the first stream
crossing on the Vault Mine/Carrie Nation Mine Trail. 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
*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 near 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 6th
(various observers). 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 #TRICOLORED HERON was observed in Green Valley on the 4th (Robin Wolcott).
It was observed in a mud puddle at the southwest corner of Abrego/ Torres
Blancas (across the street from Silver Springs Assisted Living) . It then
flew to the most northerly of the twin ponds directly behind Torres Blancas
Golf Course Clubhouse (east side of the parking lot). It subsequently flew
north.
Possibly the same #TRICOLORED HERON was observed at the Green Valley
Wastewater Treatment Plant on the 7th (Bob Buttery). The ROSS’S GOOSE was
still present. Please sign-in at the office BEFORE you bird here and
sign-out after you are finished. A birder was locked in here recently.
Please comply with any other requests the operators ask of you so that we
can continue to have access to this site.
SIERRA VISTA AREA
An *AZTEC THRUSH was observed at the Ramsey Canyon Inn, which is just before
the Ramsey Canyon Preserve, on the 3rd (Chris Saunders fide Tom Beatty).
There is no public access to this property, but observers can watch from the
road. The only parking available is at the preserve, for which a fee is
required.
*BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD was recorded again at the Ramsey Canyon Preserve’s
feeder, with the most recent report occurring on the 6th (various
observers).
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRDS continue at the Beatty’s Guest Ranch, Miller
Canyon, with the most recent report being received on the 4th (various
observers). The birds are coming into the Controlled Access Site ($5 fee
required).
A #PAINTED BUNTING was noted at the San Pedro River Inn’s east pond on the
27th (Michael Marsden).
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRDS continue to visit the feeders at the Ash Canyon B & B
with the most recent report occurring on the 4th (various observers).The
yard is open to the public; donations are appreciated.
CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS
Three *SHORT-TAILED HAWKS including one young bird, were observed in the
vicinity of Barfoot Junction on the 7th (Richard Webster). The birds were
also observed working the whole ridge past Barfoot Lookout toward Barfoot
Peak.
Three #PAINTED BUNTINGS were observed along Stateline Road east of Portal on
the 4th (Carl Lundblad). They were on the Arizona side of the road, opposite
a pecan grove. Included were an adult male and two "green" birds.
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 August 7, 2006. The next update will be made August
10th. 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:
*FRIGATEBIRD SP. (Tucson; Marana)
Brown Pelican (Tucson)
#TRICOLORED HERON (Green Valley—two locations)
*SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Chiricahua Mountains)
*PURPLE GALLINULE (Sweetwater Wetlands)
*RED KNOT (Willcox)
Sanderling (Willcox; Green Valley)
#SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER (Willcox)
#RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Red Rock)
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD (Miller Canyon)
*BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD (Ramsey Canyon)
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (Several locations)
*WHITE-EYED VIREO (Roadside Rest Stop)
*BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER (Patagonia Lake State Park)
*AZTEC THRUSH Garden Canyon; Madera Canyon)
#BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Patagonia)
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Sycamore Canyon)
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (Madera Canyon)
#PAINTED BUNTING (Several locations)
WILLCOX
A *RED KNOT was discovered at Lake Cochise (AKA Twin Lakes) on the 29th
Brennan Mulrooney). It was observed along the edge of the large pond. It was
last reported on the 1st (Diane Touret). A #SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER was last
noted here on the 31st (Garth Riley).
TUCSON
A *FRIGATEBIRD species was observed over Tucson on the 4th (Greer Warren
fide Shawneen Finnegan).
Another, or possibly the same, *FRIGATEBIRD species was photographed over
Marana on the 5th (Dennis Hoffman).
A *PURPLE GALLINULE was discovered at Sweetwater Wetlands on the 30th (Drew
Paulette). The most recent report occurred on the 6th (Andrew Cooper). The
bird has been observed on Pond # 6 (AKA the Keyhole Pond—named for the
viewing platform that resembles and old-fashioned keyhole).
http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/sweetwater.htm
The BROWN PELICAN continued at the Avra Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant,
with the most recent sighting reported on the 3rd (Philip Kline).
To the north of Tucson, in the vicinity of Red Rock, two #RUDDY GROUND-DOVES
were observed on the 2nd (John Hutchinson, Molly Pollock and Mark
Stevenson). The doves were
PATAGONIA AREA
The *WHITE-EYED VIREO continued at the Patagonia Roadside Rest, with the
most recent report occurring on the 5th (Shawneen Finnegan and Molly
Pollock). The bird has been observed most often south of the picnic table. A
#BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was observed here on the 4th (Troy Corman and
Ramsay Koury).
A family of *BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS (adult male, adult female and
juvenile) were observed at Patagonia Lake State Park on the 6th (Matt Brown,
Patrick Santinello, et al). They were between the second and third wash
(accessed from the Sonoita Creek Trail) at the east end of the park) not far
upslope from the mesquite bosque.
A “green” (female or immature) #PAINTED BUNTING was observed at the first
pond (closest to the Highway) at Kino Springs on the 30th (Keith Kamper,
Jake Mohlmann and John Yerger). A male and a “green” bird were observed here
on the 4th (Troy Corman and Ramsay Koury).
NOGALES AREA/I-19
*AZTEC THRUSHS continued in Madera Canyon with the most recent sighting of a
male and a female on the 7th (Bruce Mack). Up to 9 birds have been present
recently. The birds were noted from several locations along the Vault
Mine/Carrie Nation Mine Trails. Most recently the bird have been observed
coming in to a choke cherry shortly before you reach the first stream
crossing on the Vault Mine/Carrie Nation Mine Trail. 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
*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 near 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 6th
(various observers). 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 #TRICOLORED HERON was observed in Green Valley on the 4th (Robin Wolcott).
It was observed in a mud puddle at the southwest corner of Abrego/ Torres
Blancas (across the street from Silver Springs Assisted Living) . It then
flew to the most northerly of the twin ponds directly behind Torres Blancas
Golf Course Clubhouse (east side of the parking lot). It subsequently flew
north.
Possibly the same #TRICOLORED HERON was observed at the Green Valley
Wastewater Treatment Plant on the 7th (Bob Buttery). The ROSS’S GOOSE was
still present. Please sign-in at the office BEFORE you bird here and
sign-out after you are finished. A birder was locked in here recently.
Please comply with any other requests the operators ask of you so that we
can continue to have access to this site.
SIERRA VISTA AREA
An *AZTEC THRUSH was observed at the Ramsey Canyon Inn, which is just before
the Ramsey Canyon Preserve, on the 3rd (Chris Saunders fide Tom Beatty).
There is no public access to this property, but observers can watch from the
road. The only parking available is at the preserve, for which a fee is
required.
*BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD was recorded again at the Ramsey Canyon Preserve’s
feeder, with the most recent report occurring on the 6th (various
observers).
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRDS continue at the Beatty’s Guest Ranch, Miller
Canyon, with the most recent report being received on the 4th (various
observers). The birds are coming into the Controlled Access Site ($5 fee
required).
A #PAINTED BUNTING was noted at the San Pedro River Inn’s east pond on the
27th (Michael Marsden).
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRDS continue to visit the feeders at the Ash Canyon B & B
with the most recent report occurring on the 4th (various observers).The
yard is open to the public; donations are appreciated.
CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS
Three *SHORT-TAILED HAWKS including one young bird, were observed in the
vicinity of Barfoot Junction on the 7th (Richard Webster). The birds were
also observed working the whole ridge past Barfoot Lookout toward Barfoot
Peak.
Three #PAINTED BUNTINGS were observed along Stateline Road east of Portal on
the 4th (Carl Lundblad). They were on the Arizona side of the road, opposite
a pecan grove. Included were an adult male and two "green" birds.
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.