Date: 5/9/25 9:56 pm From: Andrew Core <tucsonrba...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 9 May 2025
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on May 9, 2025; the next update will be made on May 16. Email your
reports to rarebirdalert AT tucsonbirds.org
SEVERAL IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS follow the sightings, including information
on temporary closures and rules for access to other important birding
areas. Abbreviation "m.ob." = multiple observers. An asterisk (*)
preceding a species name in the list indicates that it merits careful, full
documentation. A pound sign (#) indicates that brief corroborating details
are warranted. Documentation and photos of review species may be submitted
at https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/eJATCM7nRPIx7Km4xHwfWf8J_or?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/J6z8CN7oVgIVzKymVC4hZfyLp8w?<domain...>
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
A #BROAD-WINGED HAWK was reported from Miller Canyon on 5/7 and 5/9
(m.ob.). *FLAME-COLORED TANAGERS continued near the old mill site on 5/9
(m.ob.). GPS: (31.41219, -110.27986).
A #HOODED WARBLER was photographed in Ramsey Canyon Preserve on 5/8
(anonymous). A *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER was reported on 5/9 (Bill Carpenter).
#RUDDY GROUND DOVES were reported from the Hereford Bridge on 5/3 (Ron
Beck) and the Sierra Vista EOP on 5/7 (Ezekiel Dobson).
A #GRAY CATBIRD was reported from Veterans Memorial Park on 5/8 (William &
Beth Clark).
A #PROTHONOTARY WARBLER was photographed in a Hereford yard on 5/9 (Chris
Harbard).
WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY
An #AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER continued at Lake Cochise by the Twin Lakes Golf
Course through 5/9 (m.ob.). A #SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER was photographed on
5/6 (Dave Stejskal); two *WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS were reported on 5/7
(m.ob.).
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/mAYrCR8vZmtnx9ZqnUouqf17RId?<domain...>)
A *WOOD THRUSH was reported from South Fork on 5/4 (Patrick Brewer et al).
A #BROWN THRASHER was photographed in Whitetail Canyon on 5/5 (Rick Taylor)
and continued through 5/9 (m.ob.). An #OVENBIRD was photographed on 5/8.
A #GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW continued in a Portal yard on 5/3, and a
#TENNESSEE WARBLER was photographed on 5/7 (Steve Wolfe).
A different #TENNESSEE WARBLER was photographed in a Portal yard on 5/3
(Rose Ann Rowlett) and continued on 5/4 (Richard Webster). A #HOODED
WARBLER continued through 5/9 (Rose Ann Rowlett).
A #GRAY CATBIRD was photographed on 5/3 and 5/7 in a yard near Horseshoe
Canyon (Dawn Zappone).
A #HOODED WARBLER was reported in a private yard on 5/4 (David
Steingraeber).
TUCSON area
A #SHORT-TAILED HAWK continued over the Bear Wallow/Mt Bigelow area on Mt
Lemmon this week (m.ob.). A #BROAD-WINGED HAWK was photographed in Marshall
Gulch on 5/7 (Patricia Bacchetti).
A #WHITE-EYED VIREO was reported from an east Tucson yard on 5/6 (Brian
Gibbons).
A #TENNESSEE WARBLER was recorded at Sweetwater Wetlands on 5/8 (Charles
Wood).
AMADO
Two #LEAST TERNS were reported at the Amado STP on 5/5 (Caroline Gerlach)
and three were photographed later in the day (m.ob.).
ARIVACA & BUENOS AIRES NWR
A #BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR was reported in the Brown Canyon section of
Buenos Aires NWR (https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/-N6qCWWA5rTzV7omziLFVfoh1gz?<domain...>) on 5/5
(Observer:Jason Hedlund) on the unrestricted (east) side of the access
gate. There are three cattle guards on Brown Canyon Rd (#102) leading up to
the security gate, which is 3.5 miles from Hwy 286. In past years, the best
location for hearing a nightjar is between the third cattle guard and the
gate but they have been heard at all three cattle guards.
Photo opportunities may be limited as the better habitat is not adjacent to
public access along Rd 102 (see map here
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/W5VvCXYBgvfBWvroBcrHwfWNF6P?<domain...> ).
Another area is along BANWR Rd 148 (high clearance recommended) – the
turnoff is just before the first cattle guard.
DO NOT ACCESS BY FOOT OR BY VEHICLE- the private land holding north of Rd
102 as shown on the map (between cattle guards #1 and #2). DO NOT ENTER the
roads leading to the corral and watering facility. Faded signs indicating
“Stay Out” are posted but could be easily missed. Access to State Trust
Land must be done with proper state permits.
For details regarding access to the restricted area (west of the gate)
contact the refuge headquarters (520.823.4251 ext 101).
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
In Madera Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/FhhGCYVDjwfkwRB2khwIPfxRU_s?<domain...>), a #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD
continued at the Santa Rita Lodge and Madera Kubo B&B this week (m.ob.),
but note that a very similar hybrid BROAD-BILLED x BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD
has been seen this week as well (m.ob.). Note the rust-colored bars in the
wing coverts and white flecking on the chin of the female Berylline, and
the solid dark gray wings (including coverts) of the hybrid. In flight,
look for the presence of rusty color in the wings for the Berylline.
AJO
A #PALM WARBLER and three SANDERLINGS were photographed at the Ajo STP on
5/5 (Greg Gillson).
GREENLEE COUNTY
A #HOODED WARBLER was photographed along the San Francisco River about 8
miles upstream from Clifton on 5/3 (Brian Harper). GPS: (33.142, -109.278).
BENSON area
An #ORCHARD ORIOLE was photographed along the San Pedro about 20 miles
north of Benson on 5/7 (Kathleen Kleinschmidt).
TUCSON - Mosquito control operations are scheduled at Sweetwater Wetlands
from 6:30-9:00am on Mondays during the warmer months (usually March -
November). The gate will open when operations are finished. Due to
long-term construction, Roger Road WRF is closed. See the Sweetwater page (
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/8eSLC2GljPcKgqyzKImUKf5COas?<domain...> for details.
RAMSEY CANYON - Ramsey Canyon Preserve is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
ASH CANYON BIRD SANCTUARY: open dawn to dusk EXCEPT Thursday, when open
noon to dusk. Parking is limited; please carpool whenever possible. No need
to call ahead.
FORT HUACHUCA - access requirements are posted on its official webpage at
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/2pz7C4WnljTYqNkKYT8fJf4f09U?<domain...> The Visitor Control Center is located at the Van Deman Gate on Hwy 90. The
fort is an active military installation and will suspend your driving
privileges on Post for 30 days on your first offense for talking or using a
cell phone while driving. You MUST use a hands free device. Current entry
requirements (subject to change without notice): US citizens must pass a
background check and should be prepared to show photo ID for everyone in
the vehicle at the entrance, and possibly your vehicle registration and
insurance as well. Sometimes, foreign nationals are required to have an
approved military escort; contact the base (520.533.7111), or possibly the
Sierra Vista Visitor's Bureau (520.417.6960) well in advance. ACCESS NOTE:
a REAL ID is required for entry; some state driver's licenses qualify; see
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/zlaDC5Aomkfg2mNLgs3h3fkkdLj?<domain...> for details.
SANTA CRUZ FLATS: Management at the Evergreen Turf Sod Farm has asked
birders not to drive into the property (i.e., the 2750 road); birding from
perimeter roads (i.e., Tweedy or Pretzer) is still fine.
AVRA VALLEY WRF: Gates open at 8AM and close PROMPTLY at 2PM (do not
linger, you will be locked inside). Access subject to change without notice.
GREEN VALLEY WRF: Open 7 AM - 2 PM. Use the call box at the gate, follow
the signs for parking, and stay away from buildings and construction
equipment. Access subject to change without notice.
CORONA DE TUCSON WRF and NOGALES STP: Closed to entry; some facilities may
be viewed from outside the fence.
