Tucson Audubon Society

Hello Birders,

This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona was made on August 27, 2010. The next update will be made on September 3.

The RBA number is 520-629-0510 ext 3; press 1 to hear the RBA or press 2 to report a rare bird, OR email rarebirdalert.

Where directions are not given, they can be found in the most recent edition of Tucson Audubon's "Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona". More infomation 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 (or Archive and sign-up).

SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT INCLUDE:

Greater White-fronted Goose

#GREATER SCAUP

*LEAST GREBE

*SHORT-TAILED HAWK

*UPLAND SANDPIPER

#SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER

#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD

#BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD

Violet-crowned Hummingbird

#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD

#GREEN KINGFISHER

*SINALOA WREN

#BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER

American Redstart

*WORM-EATING WARBLER

Northern Waterthrush

Clay-colored Sparrow

#PAINTED BUNTING

#DICKCISSEL

*ORCHARD ORIOLE

 

PATAGONIA

After a long absence a silent *SINALOA WREN was seen from Blue Haven Rd in Patagonia on 8/15 (Will Russell), the only report since late fall 2009. The best areas to attempt for this bird, which can be exceedingly difficult to find, would be: 1) from Blue Haven Road about 0.3 to 0.4 miles west of Paton's Hummingbird Haven; or 2) 0.2 miles southwest of the last picnic tables in the town of Patagonia, accessed by parking at the tables and walking to the paths worn into the grass from the shoulder of Hwy 82 to the fence of the Preserve property. DO NOT cross the fence, and watch for chiggers and other wildlife. On 8/27 a NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen along Blue Haven Rd (David Dunford, Peter Salomon).

A female #PAINTED BUNTING was seen along Harshaw Road just before reaching the grasslands on 8/25 (Cliff Cathers).

DOUGLAS area

On 8/21 an *UPLAND SANDPIPER was seen and heard on its way south at San Bernardino NWR, and a one-year-old male *ORCHARD ORIOLE was at Oasis Pond. Other interesting birds seen were a Dickcissel a juvenile #PAINTED BUNTING and a Clay-colored Sparrow, but all were in remote areas (Richard Webster). Last report of any #GREEN KINGFISHER was at San Bernardino NWR on 8/14 at the Twin Ponds (Jay Keller).

TUCSON area

At Sweetwater Wetlands a *WORM-EATING WARBLER was seen early on 8/26 (Jerry Bock), but was not refound. Many other warbler species were seen in the area, though, including a Northern Waterthrush on 8/27 (Mark Stevenson) at Roger Road WRF.

The very early GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE continued at Lakeside Park in SE Tucson this week (m.ob.).

NOGALES & PENA BLANCA LAKE area

The last report of the *LEAST GREBES at Pena Blanca Lake was on 8/13 (Jay Keller). Check in the northwest corner of the lake – look carefully under all the overhanging willows.

A male PAINTED BUNTING was reported from Arivaca Cienega on 8/22 (Chris McCreedy).

PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS

At least one *SHORT-TAILED HAWK continued through 8/20 in the Barfoot area (Melody Kehl). Reports in recent weeks have come from Barfoot Lookout and Barfoot Park. One suggested method is to scan from Barfoot Lookout, particularly the ridge to the northwest; be aware that thunderstorms can develop quickly, however, and allow enough time to get down.

A female #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD continued to be seen southwest of the bridge near the Stewart Campground in Cave Creek Canyon through 8/21 (Richard Webster).

WILLCOX

At Lake Cochise, the female #GREATER SCAUP continued through 8/23; also present was a juvenile #SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. Other species present include Red-necked Phalarope, Semipalmated Plover, Lesser Yellowlegs, Baird’s and Pectoral Sandpiper and Willet (Richard Webster). Daily turnover is high.

SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS

In Miller Canyon #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRDS and #WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRDS continued this week at Beatty’s Guest Ranch (Tom Beatty, Sr) though the Berylline is irregular and long waits are possible.

In Ash Canyon #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRDS are being seen at Ash Canyon Bed & Breakfast (Mary Jo Ballator); evening appears to be the best time.

SANTA RITA MOUNTAINS

In Madera Canyon the #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD and the VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD continued at the Madera Kubo feeders this week, though long waits are possible. There is no public parking at Madera Kubo; park below at the Amphitheater parking area and walk 0.1 mile uphill.

In Montosa Canyon at least two #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS continued on 8/22 near the concrete-lined wash (Stuart Healy).

BENSON and ST. DAVID area

A male #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD visited a feeder in the foothills of Dragoon Mountains east of Benson on 8/24 (Arlene Ripley).

In French Joe Canyon a male AMERICAN REDSTART was found near the upper spring on 8/21 (John Yerger, et. al.)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

TUCSON - Mosquito control operations are scheduled at Sweetwater Wetlands from 6:30-8:30am on Mondays.  The gate will open when operations are finished.

BENSON - the Benson Birding Trail is no longer accessible as the property is under new ownership.

PATAGONIA - The Paton's yard remains open to birders.

MADERA CANYON - Road work is ongoing at multiple areas in Madera Canyon and some spots may be inaccessible.

FORT HUACHUCA - will suspend your driving privileges on Post for 30 days on your first offense for talking or using a cell phone/Blackberry while driving. You MUST use a hands free device.  Check here for current entry requirements: http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/what-we-do/publications/133.html.

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."

GREEN VALLEY WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT:  Closed for construction, probably until August 2010.

AVRA VALLEY WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT: Gates open at 6AM and close PROMPTLY at 2PM (do not linger, you will be locked inside). Please see this link for important information regarding access: http://www.pima.gov/wwm/about/pdf/birdwatching.pdf.

NOGALES SEWAGE PONDS: Remain closed to birders.

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.

The Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department is currently revising security procedures and these rules are subject to change any time. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Andrew Core
Tucson, AZ