This update was made November 15, 2024. The next update will be November 22.
REPORT A RARE BIRD: rarebirdalert@tucsonaudubon.org
The sequence of sightings in this report is not random. Species are listed by order of overall rarity within locality. The first locality mentioned contains the rarest species seen during the reporting period. Within that locality, species are mentioned in relative-rarity order or in taxonomic order, if relative rarity is the same, within sub-locality. When the sightings for a locality are complete, the rarest remaining species dictates which locality is mentioned next, and so forth. At any point when 2 or more species are of the same relative rarity, taxonomic order then determines the sequence in which the localities are covered. Consequently, the order in which localities are mentioned will vary from one report to the next.
Contributors are listed in the text. The spelling of names given over the phone is not guaranteed to be accurate. Any errors or omissions are unintentional.
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.
See here for a list of review species in Arizona, i.e., species that the ABC considers “rare”.
WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY
A #EURASIAN WIGEON continued at the Faria Dairy pond (https://ebird.org/hotspot/L616368) on 11/10 (Ted Wolff). View from the road only.
A #RED PHALAROPE was photographed at Lake Cochise by the Twin Lakes Golf Course on 11/11 (Susan Pellegrini).
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
A #RUDDY GROUND DOVE was photographed in a private yard on 11/11 (David, Ronda, and Rilee Mills).
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
In Madera Canyon (map: http://goo.gl/dXBYP), a #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD continued at the Santa Rita Lodge through 11/15 (m.ob.). A #LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH and a #YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER continued between the Whitehouse Picnic Area and Madera Picnic Area on 11/14 (Doug Bond).
A #YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was photographed at the McGee Ranch Cemetery on 11/10 (Cathy Beck) and continued on 11/14 (m.ob.).
TUCSON area
#YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS were photographed in NE Tucson on 11/13 (Nate Peterson) and Catalina SP on 11/11 (Tim DeJonghe).
A #CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER was photographed at Sweetwater Wetlands on 11/11 (Keith Alderman) and continued on 11/15 (Will Russell). A #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN continued through 11/11 (Joshua Sugandhi), and a #YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER continued through 11/14 (Alex Patia).
A #GRAY CATBIRD continued at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum through 11/15 (m.ob.) and a #YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER continued through 11/11 (m.ob.).
An #EASTERN PHOEBE was photographed at Catalina Regional Park on 11/11 (Nate Peterson).
A #TENNESSEE WARBLER was photographed at El Rio Open Space Preserve in Marana on 11/14 (Andrew Core). Annotated map: http://goo.gl/5vIQSb
A #GRAY CATBIRD was photographed at Arthur Pack Park on 11/12 (Marc Passmann) and continued on 11/14 (John Williams), when it was unfortunately predated by a Loggerhead Shrike.
A #LAPLAND LONGSPUR was photographed at the Avra Valley WWTP on 11/11 (Steve Nord) and a #THICK-BILLED LONGSPUR was recorded on 11/12 (John Amoroso). If the gate is locked, try the call box; gate is locked for the day at 2pm.
AJO
An #EASTERN PHOEBE continued at the Ajo STP through 11/14 (Greta Schmidt).
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/XfXfX)
A #ROSE-THROATED BECARD continued at the Southwestern Research Station on 11/0 (m.ob.).
A #GRAY CATBIRD continued at Cave Creek Ranch through 11/15 (m.ob.).
A #EASTERN PHOEBE was photographed in a Whitetail Canyon yard on 11/15 (Rick Taylor).
Two #GRAY CATBIRDS and a HARRIS’S SPARROW were reported from a Portal yard on 11/13 (David Steingraeber); they continued on 11/14, when a #BROWN THRASHER was also reported.
DOUGLAS area
A #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER continued in Guadalupe Canyon on 11/10 (m.ob.); a #YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was reported as well.
PATAGONIA
A #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN continued along Blue Haven Road between the Patons and the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve and at the Preserve on 11/14 (Bruce Wayne).
A #LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH was reported along Blue Haven Rd on 11/13 (Jake Thompson) at Temporal Gulch just past the entrance to the Patagonia- Sonoita Creek Preserve.
A #YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was reported along Lower Sonoita Creek about 3 miles below Patagonia Lake on 11/12 (Jake Thompson).
A #YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was reported at the Arizona Birding Guides feeders (https://ebird.org/hotspot/L12371210) on 11/14 (Jake Thompson).
TUBAC area (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/yDqi0)
A #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN was photographed at Ron Morriss Park on 11/9 (Sharon Goldwasser) and continued through 11/15 (m.ob.).
A #YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was photographed along the Anza Trail at Santa Gertrudis Lane on 11/11 (Patricia Isaacson).
ST. DAVID
A #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN was photographed at the Holy Trinity Monastery in St. David on 11/14 (David Palmer) and continued on 11/15 (m.ob.).
NOGALES area
At Pena Blanca Lake (annotated map: http://goo.gl/zBbzl), a #GRAY CATCBIRD was reported on 11/15 (Rob Rutledge).
A #RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER was photographed in Sycamore Canyon on 11/11 (Rich Schwab, Mary Backus).
SONOITA & LAS CIENEGAS NCA
A #LAPLAND LONGSPUR was reported from the Davis Pasture section of Las Cienegas NCA. Map: https://goo.gl/Pj9itL on 11/14 (Cathy Beck) and continued on 11/15 (JC Curd). #THICK-BILLED LONGSPURS were reported this week as well (m.ob.).
TUCSON – Mosquito control operations are scheduled at Sweetwater Wetlands from 6:30-9:00 am on Mondays. The gate will open when operations are finished. Roger Road WRF was closed as of 1/10/2014 and it is uncertain when access will be allowed again. See https://www.tucsonaz.gov/water/sweetwater-wetlands
The gravel pit at the south end of Renaissance Ave may be viewed from outside the fence, but do not enter the pit. Similarly, the fields at the intersection of nearby Indian Agency Rd/Los Reales Rd. may be viewed from the road, but the pit is posted “No Trespassing”.
GREEN VALLEY WRF – hours are variable, either 7am-2pm or 7am-3:30pm and it is open daily instead of only weekends as before. Protocol for visiting when open: use the call box at the gate, follow the signs for parking, and stay away from buildings and construction equipment. If you’d like to call ahead, you can try at 520-625-0025. Map
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.
PATAGONIA – Patagonia Ranch Estates has posted signs that say “No Hunting – No Camping – No Parking” but birders may continue to look along Circulo Montana for grassland sparrows according to Alan Schmierer (July 2017). This is the neighborhood on the west side of the Patagonia Lake State Park entrance road.
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 (REAL ID compliant; see https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs for details) for everyone in the vehicle at the entrance, and possibly your vehicle registration and insurance as well. In the past, foreign nationals needed an approved military escort; if this policy is reinstated, contact the base (520.533.7111), or possibly the Sierra Vista Visitor’s Bureau (520.417.6960) well in advance.
IMPORTANT: Ft. Huachuca has posted information on access requirements on its official webpage at https://home.army.mil/huachuca/ – look for the “Gate Information” tab on the left side of the homepage. Read the information at the “Visitors Access” button. If you click the “Installation Access Forms” button, you can see the information you’ll have to provide to get access. The Visitor Control Center is located at the Van Deman Gate on Hwy 90 and opens at 5:00 am. https://home.army.mil/huachuca/index.php/about/Garrison/DES/physical-security/access-control
ACCESS NOTE: Despite the signage, as of March 2016 Garden Canyon was indeed now open to vehicles up to the upper picnic area and foot traffic beyond this. As of late July 2016, it was reported that it was open all the way to the top.
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.
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’s security procedures and 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.
- AVRA VALLEY WRF: Gates open at 6AM and close PROMPTLY at 2PM (do not linger, you will be locked inside). UPDATE: under construction; if the gate is locked, use the call box to request access (not guaranteed). Due to ongoing construction, birders are advised to call ahead at 520-577-7341 to check on access.
- NOGALES STP: closed
- CORONA DE TUCSON WRF: closed
NOGALES area
California Gulch annotated map: http://goo.gl/wSr0mi
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
Ramsey Canyon: https://goo.gl/aMh1ke
Hunter Canyon https://goo.gl/CR4YXm
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS
Portal annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/XfXfX
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
Madera Canyon annotated map: http://goo.gl/dXBYP
Florida Canyon annotated map: http://goo.gl/AAzD6
Green Valley WRF: https://goo.gl/FA2TVJ
PATAGONIA
Patagonia Lake annotated map: http://goo.gl/GgNvs
Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/0pXsd
TUBAC area
Tubac annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/yDqi0
Puerto Canyon map: http://goo.gl/fRAa4A
DOUGLAS area
Slaughter Ranch and San Bernardino NWR annotated map: https://goo.gl/uX96Pw
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT
#Eurasian Wigeon
#Red Phalarope
#Ruddy Ground Dove
#Berylline Hummingbird
#Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
#Eastern Phoebe
#Rose-throated Becard
#Black-capped Gnatcatcher
#Rufous-backed Robin
#Gray Catbird
#Brown Thrasher
#Tennessee Warbler
#Chestnut-sided Warbler
#Louisiana Waterthrush
#Rufous-capped Warbler
#Clay-colored Sparrow
#Harris’s Sparrow
#Thick-billed Longspur
#Lapland Longspur