Date: 8/8/25 10:29 pm From: Andrew Core <tucsonrba...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 8 August 2025
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on August 8, 2025; the next update will be made on August 15.
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/VcsAC4WnljT7KZJjJhOf8s4FWd_?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Dlm-C5AomkfWLy0n0sOhXskCFiP?<domain...>
TUCSON area
At least one of the *PURPLE GALLINULES continued at Sweetwater Wetlands
through 8/5 (m.ob.) at the west end of the park, often just west of the
platform.
A #LEAST GREBE continued at El Rio Open Space Preserve in Marana this week
(m.ob.). Annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/nOafC93vqouYEJmZmF1uzsqBQbS?<domain...> A #COMMON TERN was photographed in a flock of Forster’s Terns at Danny
Lopez Park on 8/3 (Alex Patia).
BENSON area
A *PURPLE GALLINULE was photographed at the San Pedro golf course (visible
from the patio overlook) on 8/7 (Kadynn Hatfield) and continued on 8/8
(m.ob.).
WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY
A *CAVE SWALLOW and an # AMERICAN HERRING GULL were reported at Lake
Cochise by the Twin Lakes Golf Course on 8/2 (Ken Blankenship). The swallow
was reported on 8/6 (m.ob.). Two #SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS were photographed
on 8/2 (Ron Beck) and one continued through 8/8 (m.ob.).
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
In Miller Canyon a pair of *FLAME-COLORED TANAGERS continued near the old
mill site this week, as well as closer to the trailhead (m.ob.). GPS:
(31.4112, -110.28177). A #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD continued on 7/26 (m.ob.).
A #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD continued in Ramsey Canyon this week (m.ob.) at
various feeders, including Ramsey Canyon Cabin, Ramsey Canyon Inn and
Ramsey Canyon Preserve.
A #SHORT-TAILED HAWK was reported in Miller Canyon on 8/8 (Peter Siminski).
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
In Box Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/7itHC0Aj5Nfrwn2E2FLC1s9QHrX?<domain...>), a #BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR
continued near the bridge in the lower canyon through 8/7 (m.ob.), although
it has not been vocalizing as much.
In Madera Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/fKfXCg7WAOIYZvlglFKFxs4bvVU?<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.
A Sanderling was photographed at the Green Valley WWTP on 8/7 and continued
on 8/8 (m.ob.).
ARIVACA & BUENOS AIRES NWR
An #EASTERN KINGBIRD was photographed at Arivaca Lake on 8/8 (Brian
Nicholas).
PATAGONIA
A pair of #ROSE-THROATED BECARDS continued along Harshaw Creek Road this
week (m.ob.). GPS: (31.51621, -110.69293). ACCESS NOTE: please stay on the
road – the creek is private property.
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/4lOCCl8WJltzNWo9oHLSvszHAow?<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/xBttCnGWL0c6N4GyGU4U6sJz-wJ?<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/T24LCoAWMofK3AXoXsJcMsp_08h?<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.
