Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Audubon Society’s Rare Bird Alert for Southeast
Arizona was made on October 18, 2013; the next update will be made on
October 25. Phone your reports to 520-629-0510 X 3, or email to
rarebirdalert AT tucsonaudubon.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 http://www.azfo.org/gallery/1main/whatIsABC.html.
Where directions are not given, they can be found in the most recent
edition of Tucson Audubon’s “Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona”. More
information including updates may be found here:
http://tucsonaudubon.org/what-we-do/publications/fbi.html. For additional
sightings in the region, please see the The Arizona-New Mexico Birding
ListServ (https://list.arizona.edu/sympa/arc/aznmbirds).
For more information about Tucson Audubon field trips, lectures and
educational opportunities, please see www.tucsonaudubon.org.
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT INCLUDE:
#Red-shouldered Hawk
#Ruddy Ground-Dove
*PLAIN-CAPPED STARTHROAT
#”Yellow-shafted” Northern Flicker
Clark’s Nutcracker
*SINALOA WREN
#Black-capped Gnatcatcher
#Louisiana Waterthrush
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER
#Clay-colored Sparrow
#Painted Bunting
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
In Huachuca Canyon , the *SINALOA WREN continued through 10/16 (Gil Ewing).
It has been seen near the lower picnic area and has been seen most often
downstream (north) of the bridge. A Northern Parula was also reported. This
is about 0.2 miles past the yellow gate; remember to sign in AND out at the
military police station at the intersection of Christy Ave and Boyd Ave. At
last check, no food was allowed in Huachuca Canyon due to bear activity –
in the car or on your person. Further up the canyon about 200 yards past
the 1.7 mile parking area, a Northern Parula, American Redstart and a
Black-and-White Warbler were reported on 10/15 (Laurens Halsey).
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLERS continued in Hunter Canyon (between Miller and Ash
Canyons) through 10/6 (Tom Hildebrandt). The birds (3+) were about 3/4 mile
up the trail from the end of Hunter Canyon Road in the pine/oak canyon that
has a bit of running water.
In Miller Canyon, a pair of *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLERS was reported on 10/17
(Ron Beck), but no further details were available. CLARK’S NUTCRACKERS were
reported from Miller Peak on 10/15 (Michael Foster fide Robert Weissler)
and continued on 10/17 (Ron Beck).
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
In Florida Canyon (annotated map: http://goo.gl/AAzD6), *RUFOUS-CAPPED
WARBLERS continued on 10/17 (Jim Ripley) near the East Bend. A
#BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER continued on 10/15 (Graham Langley) – last week
it was about 200 yards from the parking lot.
Directions: About 400 yards from parking lot is a metal gate – just past
the gate the canyon forks. The main trail follows the East Fork, but most
sightings have been in the West Fork to the right. A short distance up the
rough trail in the West Fork is a large water tank and a low dam. Some
sightings have been in this area. Another location is further up the West
Fork from the dam near the “East Bend”, where the canyon bends sharply to
the east. The birds have been reported here and occasionally even further
up the canyon. Note: The trail for the West Fork can be difficult to find,
and is steep and rough in places. It is not necessary, recommended or
permissible to enter the research station to see these birds.
PATAGONIA & the SAN RAFAEL VALLEY
The *PLAIN-CAPPED STARTHROAT was reported again from the Patons’ yard; as
was a #CLAY-COLORED SPARROW on 10/15 (Graham Langley). You can help
preserve the property at http://www.abcbirds.org/paton/.
A #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER was photographed at the Sonoita Creek State
Natural Area on 10/15 (Alan Schmierer). A free pass is required for this
area; available at the Patagonia Lake State Park entrance station. See
Alan’s detailed map here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/10299294854/
TUCSON area
At the Randolph Golf Course, a #RED-SHOULDERED HAWK continued behind the
Hardesty Building (Alvernon & 22nd) on 10/17 (Betty Bengtson). It has been
seen near the pond and along the southern boundary of the driving range.
On Mt. Lemmon, CLARK’S NUTCRACKERS continued with reports from the very top
near Steward Observatory through 10/17 (m.ob.) and the Palisades Visitor
Center on 10/12 (John Saba)
WHITEWATER DRAW
A #RUDDY GROUND-DOVE was reported from Whitewater Draw on 10/14 (Richard
Webster). It was in the willows in the SE corner of the pond system.
SANTA CRUZ FLATS
A #”YELLOW-SHAFTED” NORTHERN FLICKER was reported from Pretzer Rd between
Picacho Highway and Sunshine Blvd on 10/16 (Richard Fray). A single
MOUNTAIN PLOVER was reported from the south side of Ellis Rd between Tweedy
Rd and Curry Rd on 10/18 (Dennis & Patricia Braddy).
NOGALES and the ATASCOSA HIGHLANDS
A #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER was photographed in California Gulch on 10/16
(Laurens Halsey).
TUBAC area (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/yDqi0)
In Tubac, the #LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH continued along the Anza Trail just
south of the Tubac Bridge, and a female-type #PAINTED BUNTING near the
bridge on 10/18 (Dave Stejskal).
COOLIDGE
A COMMON TERN was reported at the Coolidge WTP on 10/13 (John Saba). This
is at the corner of Coolidge Ave and Kenworthy Rd, with the best viewing
from the south side – see a map here: http://goo.gl/maps/84kqj
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The 8th edition of Tucson Audubon’s Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona is
now available (http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/what-we-do/publications/fbi.html).
Updates to the 8th edition can be found here:
http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/what-we-do/publications/359-fbiaddendum8th.html
.
TUCSON – Due to long-term construction, access to Sweetwater and Roger Road
WRF has changed. See our Sweetwater page (
http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/what-we-do/visit/planning/locations/212.html)
or http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/water/sweetwater for details. Mosquito control
operations are scheduled at Sweetwater Wetlands from 6:30-8:30am on
Mondays. The gate will open when operations are finished.
PATAGONIA – The Paton’s yard remains open to birders. You can help preserve
the property at http://www.abcbirds.org/paton/.
MILLER CANYON – fire and floods have changed Beatty’s Guest Ranch; see
http://seazhummingbirds.com for more information.
RAMSEY CANYON – Ramsey Canyon Preserve is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
ASH CANYON B&B: Parking is limited; please carpool whenever possible. No
need to call ahead.
BENSON – the Benson Birding Trail is no longer accessible as the property
is under new ownership.
FORT HUACHUCA – 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 should
be prepared to show photo ID for everyone in the vehicle at the entrance,
and possibly your vehicle registration and insurance as well. Foreign
nationals must be accompanied by an approved military escort; contact the
base (520.533.7111), or possibly the Sierra Vista Visitor’s Bureau
(520.417.6960) well in advance.
SANTA CRUZ FLATS: Managers at the Evergreen Turf Farm (vicinity of Tweedy
and Pretzer Rds) have requested that anyone birding there on the weekends
please leave by 5:00 PM. This is due to security issues experienced by the
Sod Farm. Birders are still welcome here at other times.
BAIRD’S SPARROW HILL AND THE VACA RANCH CORRAL in the San Rafael Valley is
off limits to birders due to the thoughtless actions of a few birders. DO
NOT ENTER THE PROPERTY. A sign has been posted previously stating that
“stopping within 0.25 mile of the corral is prohibited.”
The Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department is currently revising
security procedures and these rules are subject to change any time. Please
see this link for important information regarding access:
http://www.pima.gov/wwm/about/pdf/birdwatching.pdf. Your cooperation is
greatly appreciated.
GREEN VALLEY WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT: closed until 2014.
AVRA VALLEY WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT: Gates open at 6AM and close
PROMPTLY at 2PM (do not linger, you will be locked inside).
CORONA DE TUCSON WASTEWATER RECLAMATION FACILITY: Access to the ponds here,
about 1.5 miles west of Houghton Rd on Sahuarita Rd, is available from 6:00
A.M to 2:00 P.M daily. List of attendees and group affiliation must be sent
in advance by fax (762-0591) or phone (762-0593). Bring identification with
you.
NOGALES SEWAGE PONDS: Remain closed to birders.
Good birding!
Andrew Core
SEAZ RBA Compiler – Tucson, AZ
Home Page: https://list.arizona.edu/sympa/info/aznmbirds
To unsubscribe use the Unsubscribe button on that page.
To view archive: click “Archive” on that page.
