Tucson Audubon Society

Hello Birders,

This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona was made on May 11, 2012. The next update will be made on May 18.

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.

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 BRAND NEW EIGHTH 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 (or Archive and sign-up).

SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT INCLUDE:

*LEAST GREBE

#White-eared Hummingbird

#Lucifer Hummingbird

*RED-EYED VIREO

#Black-capped Gnatcatcher

#Rufous-backed Robin

*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER

*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER

 

SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS

An unconfirmed report of a pair of *FLAME-COLORED TANAGERS came on 5/7 from Carr Canyon (John Ebner); they were just past the entrance to the Reef Townsite campground. Documentation and further reports are requested.

An unconfirmed *RED-EYED VIREO was reported from Ramsey Canyon Preserve on 5/11 (Greg Massey); documentation and further reports are requested.

A #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN was reported from the pond at the Brown Canyon Ranch on 5/6 (Nathan Kohler fide John Broz). Brown Canyon Ranch is located on Ramsey Canyon Rd (map: http://g.co/maps/57rgr; website: http://www.browncanyonranch.org/index.html)

At Ash Canyon B&B a Rose-breasted Grosbeak was reported on 5/11 (Greg Massey). #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRDS have been sporadically seen but not reliably (Mary Jo Ballator). Parking is limited.

GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS

*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLERS continued in lower Florida Canyon (annotated map: http://g.co/maps/eg29k) on 4/23 (Laurens Halsey). One or two birds have been seen occasionally near the metal gate, about 400 yards from parking lot. Past the gate the canyon forks, and the main trail follows the East Fork; most sightings have been in the West Fork. A short distance up the rough trail in the West Fork is a large water tank and a low dam. Many 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. Birds have been reported here and even further up the canyon. Note: These locations are within 1/2 mile of the Florida Canyon trailhead at the end of the Forest Road 62A. It is not necessary, allowed or recommended to enter the research station to see any of these birds.

In Madera Canyon a female #WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD was seen at the Chuparosa Inn on 5/7 (Luis Calvo) and continued through 5/10 (Dave Stejskal). Public parking is about 100 yards up the canyon at the Mt. Wrightson Picnic Area. Visiting birders are welcome, but please check with the staff when you arrive. A male Rose-breasted Grosbeak continued at the Madera Kubo feeders through 5/10 (Dave Stejskal).

NOGALES area

At Pena Blanca Lake (annotated map: http://g.co/maps/9zm4m), *LEAST GREBES continued on the lake through 5/8 (m.ob.).

A #CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was banded along the Santa Cruz River on the Anza Trail on 5/10 (Michael Lester); access from the Guy Tobin Trailhead on Rio Rico Dr (map: http://g.co/maps/nhb34).

PATAGONIA & the SAN RAFAEL VALLEY

At Patagonia Lake State Park (annotated map: http://g.co/maps/e5pd9), a #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER continued through 4/27 (m.ob.) along the Birding Trail at the 5th wash; see Alan Schmierer’s excellent map here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan/6857867102/in/set-72157624419725101.

TUCSON area

Up to four BUFF-BREASTED FLYCATCHERS continued from Rose Canyon on Mt. Lemmon this week (m.ob.) near the amphitheater and the Bobcat Group Site.

Another Buff-breasted Flycatcher was reported on 5/5 (Susan Birky) on the Wilderness of Rocks Trail about 1/2 mile down from Marshall Saddle.

PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS

Two Rose-breasted Grosbeaks visited the George Walker House in Paradise on 5/9 (Jackie Lewis).

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

TUCSON - Due to long-term construction, access to Sweetwater and Roger Road WRF has changed. See our Sweetwater page 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.

CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST - The Santa Catalina and Safford Ranger Districts of the Coronado National Forest are open, and portions of the Douglas, Nogales and Sierra Vista Ranger Districts are open. See details and updates here: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/.

PATAGONIA - The Birding Trail at Patagonia Lake State Park has reopened.

MILLER CANYON - fire and floods have changed access to Beatty's Guest Ranch; check www.beattysguestranch.com for information on how to visit.

RAMSEY CANYON - Ramsey Canyon Preserve is open again; it will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

ASH CANYON - Ash Canyon B&B is open; call ahead (520-378-0773) and remember parking is limited to six spots.

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

PATAGONIA - The Patons' yard remains open to birders.

FORT HUACHUCA - 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.  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."

The Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department is currently revising security procedures and the following 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:  presumably open again; ALL birders in a party must sign in, not just one representative of said party. Also, please DO NOT park on the grass, due to fire danger from hot catalytic converters. Approach the gate and follow the directions on the call box there to contact the operators to open the gate for you.

AVRA VALLEY WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT: Gates open at 6AM and close PROMPTLY at 2PM (do not linger, you will be locked inside).

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.

Good birding!

Andrew Core
SEAZ RBA Compiler - Tucson, AZ