Date: 5/28/26 1:51 pm From: Diane Drobka (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Update on Access to Reay Lane WTP in Thatcher
My inquiry has gotten nowhere so far. The Town Clerk said that Administration has made the decision that it is now permanently closed to the public. She cited guys with trucks going in and causing problems. I tried to explain to her that we would just want walk-through access at the pedestrian gate which could have a double lock with a code on ours that the public wouldn't know. She kept telling me to just use the birding tower, which is pretty worthless unless you want to view blackbirds. I refuse to take no for an answer and have asked her to have the manager call me next week so that I can sit down with him and talk in person. Cross your fingers.
Date: 5/27/26 1:29 pm From: Steven Tracey (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: San Pedro House Birding Walk
HI Birders,
Fourteen birders battled constant winds this morning while finding 38
species on the trails around San Pedro House. Conditions made the birding
a bit tough and mostly we found the expected species. We saw recently
fledged Lucy's and Northern Yellow Warbler youngsters while one of our
participants found a Vermilion Flycatcher on a nest. Plenty of Blue
Grosbeaks and Yellow-breasted Chats were heard and seen and we started out
the walk with nice views of a Brown-crested Flycatcher.
Important note: This morning was the last walk with a spring starting time
and for the next walk we will be switching to our summer start of 6:00AM to
beat the heat while the birds are most active.
The Friends of the San Pedro River leads birding walks on the second and
fourth Wednesday of each month. For the month of June, the walks leave at
6:00a
from the BLM’s San Pedro House south of State Route 90 just west of the San
Pedro River. We walk about 4km, and we are out for about three to three and
one half hours. Bring your own binoculars, a hat and water.
The next San Pedro River birding walk is on Wednesday, 10 June, at 6:00a
Date: 5/25/26 1:03 pm From: Olga Harbour (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ Lake Cochise Godwits
Hi folks,
Bob and I headed out a little after 6 this morning, hoping to see the Hudsonian Godwit that has been seen at Lake Cochise for the past week. It was the second bird we ID'd when we got there! Birder Ron Beck was there, pointed it out and confirmed the ID. We also spotted the Marbled Godwit to the west of the Hudsonian.
There were lots of White-faced Ibis, Killdeer, and Western Kingbirds. We also saw a Snowy Egret, several Cattle Egrets, and four Black-crowned Night-Herons together in the tall grass along the lake shore. A single Scaled Quail near the golf course was a nice addition for the morning.
NM 93, which runs east from Watrous, has become one of my favorite birding
spots. It's a 10-mile dead-end road that follows the Mora River through
ranching country. All the land on both sides of the road is private
property, but birding from the road is easy. I had 63 species in 3 hours
of birding. Bird of the day was definitely Lewis's Woodpecker -- I saw 6
total actively flying out to catch insects. Other birds of note were a
Red-headed Woodpecker, a Ferruginous Hawk, a Gray Catbird, many Cassin's
Kingbirds and a few Western, 4 Wrens (Rock, Canyon, Bewick's and N. House),
and a lifetime supply of N. Yellow Warblers (at least 20). The road ends
at Cherry Valley Lake, where a scope (which I do not have) is really
necessary, but I did see some Avocets and a W. Grebe among the many Canada
Geese and Mallards.
I drove north on NM 161 toward the new Rio Mora NWR north of Watrous, and
at a small marshy pond near MM9 on 161 found 2 Long-billed Curlews. They
reportedly nest in the vast grasslands up there, so I was lucky to see them.
Date: 5/22/26 9:05 pm From: Andrew Core (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 22 May 2026
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on May 22, 2026; the next update will be made on May 29. 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/ErICC93vqouxEA8P2IofnUqTEIh?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/nqWFC0Aj5Nf4wQjlmiDhBU9TWly?<domain...>
WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY
A *HUDSONIAN GODWIT continued at Lake Cochise by the Twin Lakes Golf Course
in Willcox on 5/22 (m.ob.).
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
In Miller Canyon a pair of *FLAME-COLORED TANAGERS continued this week
(m.ob.) near the old mill. GPS: (31.4112, -110.28177).
A *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER was reported on the Bledsoe Loop in Ramsey Canyon
Preserve on 5/21 (Dan Hoobler).
TUCSON area
On Mt Lemmon, a #SHORT-TAILED HAWK continued over the Bear Wallow/Mt
Bigelow area this week (m.ob.). A #HOODED WARBLER was photographed in Bear
Canyon on 5/16 and 5/17 (m.ob.).
A #RED-EYED VIREO continued at El Rio Preserve in Marana on 5/17 (Trip
Thienemann) on the west side. Annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/VIi9Cl8WJltkNmLDXcYuzUz2R8r?<domain...>
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
In Box Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/4PJFCm7WKmI6N8vGWuNCkURYtOV?<domain...>), a #BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR
continued near the bridge in the lower canyon this week (m.ob.).
In Madera Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Mo9xCnGWL0cxNgnQmI0FRUJVq8M?<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
#HOODED WARBLER was photographed on the Carrie Nation Trail on 5/17
(m.ob.). GPS: (31.7067621, -110.8762215), as was a #PROTHONOTARY WARBLER:
GPS: (31.6992575, -110.8756224)
NOGALES area
#BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJARS continued at the south end of California Gulch at
the confluence with Warsaw Canyon this week (m.ob.). Annotated map:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/9OIVCoAWMof835kJvT2HJUp1do1?<domain...> #RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLERS continued this week in Sycamore Canyon (m.ob.). GPS
(31.417354, -111.196266).
PATAGONIA
A #ROSE-THROATED BECARD continued along Harshaw Creek Road this week
(m.ob.) in the same place as last year. GPS: (31.51621, -110.69293). ACCESS
NOTE: please stay on the road – the creek is private property.
At Patagonia Lake State Park (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/deo5Cp9WNpfy3q5PAcvI8UGHyZL?<domain...>)
#BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS continued below the spillway this week (m.ob.).
GPS: (31.493574, -110.874411).
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/TQHkCqAWOqfRjn9GXiYSRUEy1bU?<domain...>)
A #WHITE-EYED VIREO was photographed between the Portal bridge and the
Myrtle Kraft cottage on 5/17 (Scott Huber) and continued on 5/19 (m.ob.).
GPS: (31.914149, -109.139443)
A #GRAY CATBIRD was photographed in a Whitetail Canyon yard on 5/22 (Rick
Taylor).
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/6Q7QCvm6WyF4zqvoAiYUoUQTguQ?<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/o6h6CxoWYAIBoDZKxuXfVUysVTp?<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/QqI2CypWZBtJ5KYELfzhvUxKg4E?<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. Park outside the fence and use the
pedestrian gate; 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.
Date: 5/20/26 7:00 pm From: Betsy Checchia (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Central NM -- Up the Pecos River from Pecos to Cowles -- 15 May
Sorry for the late post. I worked my way up the Pecos River from Pecos to
Cowles. There's plenty of water in the river, but not as much as my photos
from 3 years ago show. Enough to support a large number of trout
fishermen, anyway. Good birding in a variety of spots. I started at the
Benedictine Monastery in Pecos -- long river frontage, lots of trees, a
fishing lake and a reedy swamp made for a good mix of birds. Highlights
there were White-throated Swift, Violet-Green Swallow and Gray Catbird.
Next stop was the Windy Bridge picnic area, where I was hoping for an Am.
Dipper without success, but I did find Grace's and Black-throated Gray
Warblers.
I found my Dipper (definitely my bird of the day) at the bridge at the Holy
Ghost Canyon turnoff -- saw one bird fly up from the river to somewhere
under the bridge, back to the river, and back up under the bridge. It gave
a great burst of song while under the bridge -- the echos were amazing! I
suspect there's a nest there somewhere, but you'd have to wade into the
river to find it. Also had a Black-billed Magpie there, which was a
surprise.
Last stop of the day was Winsor Road, which runs from Cowles to the west
following a creek. Lots of cabins up there, and an interesting mix of
birds, including Green-tailed Towhee, a Turkey Vulture and a light morph
Red-tailed Hawk having a short airborne dispute, Hammond's Flycatcher,
Cassin's Finch, a Hepatic Tanager, and 6 warblers (Orange-crowned,
Virginia's, Yellow-rumped, Northern Yellow, Grace's and Black-throated
Gray). Links to eBird checklists below.
Date: 5/18/26 9:09 am From: Olga Harbour (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ Middle Bear this morning
Hi folks,
Despite the wind in the forecast for this morning, I did not forego my birthday tradition of birding Mt. Lemmon.
We got to Middle Bear before 7, but the wind was already going strong and cold! We didn't stay very long, being the wimps that we are, but had a nice selection of birds anyway.
Date: 5/16/26 8:54 am From: Doug Jenness (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Global Big Day--Pinal County Results
5/16/26
Participants in the Global Big Day spring migration count on May 9 in Pinal
County tallied their third highest number of species in 23 years of the
count, with a total of 179. The highest was 191 last year. The total number
of birds (8,544) was more than 200 greater than last year. Amazingly, we
added five new species to the Pinal County total for the annual migration
count—VAUX’S SWIFT, BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, MARBLED GODWIT, LAUGHING GULL at
San Carlos Lake, and RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD in Saddlebrooke.
Including the five new species, we registered our highest 23-year totals
for 18 species: Blue-winged Teal (13), Green-winged Teal (17), Western
Grebe (355), Lesser Nighthawk (69), Costa’s Hummingbird (27), Broad-tailed
Hummingbird (13), Calliope Hummingbird (3), American Avocet (65), Least
Sandpiper (110), Wilson’s Phalarope (120), American White Pelican (253)
White-faced Ibis (186), Harris’s Hawk (17), Gray Flycatcher (12), European
Starling (236), Bullock’s Oriole (53), Orange-crowned Warbler (18), and
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2), Species not reported that we typically get
were Pied-billed Grebe, Bald Eagle, Tropical Kingbird, Black-chinned
Sparrow, and Hepatic Tanager. We had 33 volunteers organized in teams of
one or more, and an additional 35 individuals submitted eBird lists.
Date: 5/15/26 6:57 am From: greentailedtowhee (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Locked Gate at Reay Lane WTP
Thank you Diane for communicating with the authorities on this matter. I
love birding here as do many others I know. You may want to cite the Green
Valley WFR in Pima county as a reference in which birders currently have
permission to enter a walk through gate during a set schedule. It seems to
be working well so far.
Yes, fingers crossed.
Janine McCabe
On Fri, May 15, 2026, 12:00 AM Diane Drobka <aznmbirds...>
wrote:
> For those of you who bird in Graham County, be aware that the Town of
> Thatcher has just started locking their new gate into the Reay Lane
> Wastewater Treatment Plant. Unfortunately this occurred a couple days
> before GBD, limiting our access to SORA, VIRA, WISN, et al. that we often
> see or hear there. Luckily the WFIB in the NE basin were visible through
> the fence.
>
> I am going to talk to the plant manager and see if we can arrange to have
> a double lock on the walk-through gate. If allowed, I will purchase one and
> share the access numbers with you all.
>
> With three ponds, several cattail marshes, two ephemeral basins, and 195
> species documented, Reay Lane is #7 of Graham County's 83 eBird Hotspots.
>
> Sure hope we can continue to enjoy it. Cross your fingers.
>
> Diane Drobka
> Pima, AZ
>
Date: 5/15/26 12:00 am From: Diane Drobka (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Locked Gate at Reay Lane WTP
For those of you who bird in Graham County, be aware that the Town of Thatcher has just started locking their new gate into the Reay Lane Wastewater Treatment Plant. Unfortunately this occurred a couple days before GBD, limiting our access to SORA, VIRA, WISN, et al. that we often see or hear there. Luckily the WFIB in the NE basin were visible through the fence.
I am going to talk to the plant manager and see if we can arrange to have a double lock on the walk-through gate. If allowed, I will purchase one and share the access numbers with you all.
With three ponds, several cattail marshes, two ephemeral basins, and 195 species documented, Reay Lane is #7 of Graham County's 83 eBird Hotspots.
Sure hope we can continue to enjoy it. Cross your fingers.
Diane DrobkaPima, AZ
Date: 5/14/26 4:18 pm From: trochetj (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Zuni Mountains region birds the last few days
Dear Birders,
Highlights of the last three days of birding these New Mexican mountains and their perimeter lowlands (McKinley and Cibola Counties) include a few things of note.
Today:
golf course in Grants- yellow-throated warbler (albilora), common (bronzed) grackle, American barn owl
lower Bluewater Canyon (aka the gorge)- two northern waterthrush
Bluewater Lake- a male blue-winged teal, three common goldeneye and a common loon in basic plumage; no shorebirds aside from American avocet
Yesterday:
Ramah Lake- Canada goose pair (this is the site of the only regional breeding record of a couple of years ago), successful osprey nest
Pasture Hollow, north of Ramah- two American goshawks
Bluewater Lake- male blue-winged teal, American wigeon pair; disappointing shorebirds
At Zuni Pueblo on Tuesday and yesterday morning I turned up some decent shorebirds: one each of marbled godwit, stilt sandpiper and red-necked phalarope. The best passerine find was a Swainson’s thrush in Nutria Canyon.
Date: 5/14/26 5:36 am From: trochetj (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Cibola County yellow-throated warbler now
Dear Birders,
There is right now a singing yellow throated warbler at the parking lot of the Paseo del Coyote Golf Course in Grants, New Mexico. It is singing almost incessantly in the largest cottonwood next to the paved lot.
Best,
John Trochet
Sacramento, California (now visiting the Zuni Mountains region)
Date: 5/13/26 2:26 pm From: dpsiminski (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] San Pedro River Birding Walk
This morning, 14 birders participated in The Friends of the San Pedro River’s
Birding Walk. From the San Pedro House, we birded the river, Garden Wash, old
farm fields, Chihuahuan desert scrub, a flooded abandoned gravel pit, and an
old oxbow pond along the San Pedro House trail system. This is all within the
BLM’s San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. We saw 49 species of
birds, 45 of which are site breeders with many showing us some level of
breeding season behaviors.
Our bird of the day was a Lesser Nighthawk. It was our first-of-the-season for
the walks. The nighthawk gave us spectacular views from below eye-level at
Black Phoebe Pond and at a mere 20m away. We observed it made a couple of low
flybys of the pond before dipping its beak in the water for a drink then
departing.
For some of our out-of-town guests, we took studied observation of Mexican
Ducks on the ponds, the river, and in the air. All the ducks that we got good
looks at were males. The females were presumably on nests with eggs or
shepherding ducklings around out of our sight. We also saw one Mexican Duck
with a good dose of some Mallard genes or maybe it was a Mallard with a good
dose of Mexican Duck genes. We took the time to carefully study our local
subspecies of Song Sparrow with its dramatic rusty and pale gray plumage and
wren-like behavior as the sparrows foraged at the river edge.
The one occupied Great Blue Heron nest on this stretch of river now has
noticeable nestlings with beaks as big as their parent’s beaks. One parent was
standing on the edge of the now crowded nest. We could also hear the yakking
begging calls of the nestlings from quite some distance away.
The Friends of the San Pedro River leads birding walks on the second and
fourth Wednesday of each month. For the month of May, the walks leave at 7:00a
from the BLM’s San Pedro House south of State Route 90 just west of the San
Pedro River. We walk about 4km, and we are out for about three to three and
one half hours. Bring your own binoculars, a hat and water.
The next San Pedro River birding walk is on Wednesday, 27 May, at 7:00a.
See you there.
Pete Siminski
Friends of the San Pedro River
Sierra Vista AZ
Date: 5/9/26 5:58 pm From: Betsy Checchia (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Red-faced Warblers in Water Canyon, Cibola NF in New Mexico Today
Water Canyon is south and west of Socorro in the Magdalena Mountains. A
reasonably good forest road runs up from US Rte 60 to the Langmuir
Observatory at about 10,000 feet. These mountains are identified as the
northern limit of the Red-faced Warbler's range -- I found 4 there last
year, and was lucky enough to find two today. They were in about the same
spot as those last year, about 50 yards below the 19th culvert (they're all
numbered on the way up the road) and right beside the road. I saw them
carrying nesting material, so I assume they were a pair.
A very good day of birding, with 55 species total, including 7 Warblers
(Red-faced, Virginia's, Northern Yellow, Yellow-rumped, Grace's,
Black-throated Gray and Painted Redstart), Red Crossbill, a couple of Acorn
Woodpeckers (much harder to find here than in AZ), many Plumbeous Vireos
plus Cassin's and Western Warbling, Swainson's Hawk and Scaled Quail.
Date: 5/8/26 10:35 pm From: Andrew Core (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 8 May 2026
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on May 8, 2026; the next update will be made on May 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/akt-CLAmQOfX33J2RTBfkUyn2xQ?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/dzLxCM7nRPI9JJQYqikh8U85WjO?<domain...>
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
A *WESTERN GULL was photographed at the Green Valley WRF on 5/5 (Lucas
Pittman). ACCESS NOTE: access is now through a pedestrian gate east of the
vehicle gate. Please park outside the fence and walk in.
In Box Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/mFfKCQArYlf9RR5LkiAuOUGr0qM?<domain...>), a #BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR
continued near the bridge in the lower canyon through 5/1 (m.ob.).
At Canoa Ranch a #HOODED WARBLER was photographed on 5/5 (Michael Roper).
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
In Miller Canyon a pair of *FLAME-COLORED TANAGERS continued this week
(m.ob.) near the old mill. GPS: (31.4112, -110.28177).
A #BROAD-WINGED HAWK was reported from the San Pedro House on 5/7 (John
Carey).
A #TENNESSEE WARBLER was recorded in Lower Carr Canyon on 5/6 (Steve
Tracey).
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/XQ8BCR8vZmtQOOAXvUQCGU118R1?<domain...>)
A #BROAD-WINGED HAWK was reported in Portal on 5/2 (Rose Ann Rowlett). A
#BROWN THRASHER continued in a private yard in Portal on 5/6 (Richard
Webster).
A #YELLOW-THROATED VIREO was recorded on 5/2 (Scott Boone) at the Sea
Captain Rock Formation in Chiricahua National Monument.
A #TENNESSEE WARBLER was photographed in the South Fork of Cave Creek
Canyon on 5/3 (Lane Theander).
A #YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER was reported in a Whitetail Canyon yard on 5/2
(Rick Taylor).
A #CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER was reported from the Southwestern Research
Station on 5/2 (Tucker Davidson, Steven Munoz).
TUCSON area
On Mt Lemmon, a #SHORT-TAILED HAWK continued over the Bear Wallow/Mt
Bigelow area on 4/26 (m.ob.).
A #TENNESSEE WARBLER was photographed at Danny Lopez Park on 5/5 (Steve
Nord).
A #WORM-EATING WARBLER was reported on 5/4 (Nate Peterson) from private
property along Sabino Creek just outside the Sabino Canyon park boundary
and continued on 5/7. A #YELLOW-THROATED VIREO was reported on 5/5 (Nate
Peterson) and was photographed later in the day (Joe Aliperti). A
#PROTHONOTARY WARBLER was reported on 5/8 (Marc Passmann).
A #PROTHONOTARY WARBLER was reported at Agua Nueva Park on 5/8 (Alex Patia)
and continued throughout the day.
A #HOODED WARBLER was reported from Bonita Park (Congress St. and the Santa
Cruz River) on 5/7 (Emily Barrick).
PATAGONIA
At Patagonia Lake State Park (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/8t4HCVJz4qfXZZD8xTEFBUERm_7?<domain...>) a #LEAST
TERN was reported along the Birding Trail on 5/2 (Layton Pickard, Ezekiel
Dobson) and continued through 5/5 (m.ob.).
A #ROSE-THROATED BECARD was photographed along Harshaw Creek Road on 5/3
(Marc Faucher) in the same place as last year. GPS: (31.51621, -110.69293).
ACCESS NOTE: please stay on the road – the creek is private property.
A #TENNESSEE WARBLER was reported along Blue Haven Rd on 5/4 (Jake
Thompson) at Temporal Gulch just past the entrance to the Patagonia-
Sonoita Creek Preserve.
WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY
A #LEAST TERN was reported at Lake Cochise by the Twin Lakes Golf Course in
Willcox on 5/7 and continued on 5/8 (m.ob.). A #HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL
continued through 5/6 (m.ob.). A #SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER was reported on
5/8 (Ryan Hood).
NOGALES area
#BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJARS continued at the south end of California Gulch at
the confluence with Warsaw Canyon this week (m.ob.). Annotated map:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/RsdLCWWA5rTx44A85tOHYUobAA8?<domain...> #RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLERS continued this week in Sycamore Canyon (m.ob.). GPS
(31.417354, -111.196266).
AJO
An #OVENBIRD was photographed at the Ajo Plaza on 5/8 (Craig Fischer).
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/RK58CXYBgvfG99xZXSQIDUWe9tM?<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/_GOnCZZEkxixjj3Y5tRTgUBxUxh?<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/6vsGC1VkgOfOZZ7XMC4UMUVBqrX?<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. Park outside the fence and use the
pedestrian gate; 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.
Date: 5/5/26 2:01 pm From: Doug Jenness (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Global Big Day May 9
5 May 2026
A reminder!!
Saturday, May 9 is the annual Global Big Day spring migration count.
Hundreds of us in Arizona will be in the field that day counting birds and
having a great time.
If you aren't sure where you will be birding that day, you may want to
check with one of the county coordinators to see where your efforts will
make the most difference in getting the most species and birds in your
county. The list of county coordinators is on the Arizona Field
Ornithologists website here <https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/2N2rC7DqomiyOjkPmI8fAUo5YPu?<domain...>. The final results for
the state will be compiled and posted on the AZFO website. The results will
have a county by county comparison.
Date: 5/4/26 2:48 pm From: John Williams (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Arthur Pack Reg. Park, NW Tucson
This morning I saw three first of the year Purple Martins on the west edge of the golf course at Arthur Pack.
Migrant sparrows have mostly left with only one White-crowned found. Resident rufous-winged were also singing.
Once again I heard the Red-shouldered Hawk call coming from the SW corner of the park. I was over 1/4 mile away so didn’t try to chase it. Previous chases to that corner have been fruitless. I have now heard that call at least 16 times without catching sight of it. I has NEMESIS status for me.
Yesterday on Wilds Road in Catalina, one Lewis’s Woodpecker was still in the area, perched on the third pole north of the road.
Also present were Cassin’s and Western Kingbirds, foraging from the utility wires along the road.
The pond in the Catalina Regional park did have a couple Leopard Frogs croaking; birds were sparse. Zero sparrows.
Warble Bird Songs, an ear-birding app, is requesting your help. Our small
team is looking for beta testers to try out this nearly completed app and
provide feedback. Tired of automatic app-generated identifications? Ever
struggled with terminology to describe a sound? Warble Bird Songs will
help! It builds ear-birding skills by developing your pattern recognition
skills. It contains tutorials and provides a new and interactive approach
to learning bird sound.
Warble Bird Songs contains accessibility features that make it an effective
tool for blind and visually impaired users to learn ear-birding. In fact,
that is the primary goal of the app. Yet sighted users will find it useful
without even realizing these underlying features.
We’re a not-for-profit endeavor. Please help us improve the app that will
allow the blind and sighted to become better ear-birders independently. All
skill levels from beginner to advanced are welcomed. For more information
or to sign up as a beta-tester, please visit
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/A5-_C4WnljT6y8P20COf7U4WWpe?<domain...>
Date: 5/1/26 10:11 pm From: Andrew Core (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 1 May 2026
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on May 1, 2026; the next update will be made on May 8. 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/wo9KCA8EBztVY7OP9uGfAUGpdwk?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/BMn8CB1GDATAoEKkVI6h5U2wwwl?<domain...>
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
#Broad-winged Hawk
#Short-tailed Hawk
#Hudsonian Whimbrel
#Buff-collared Nightjar
#Rufous-backed Robin
#Gray Catbird
#Tennessee Warbler
#Chestnut-sided Warbler
#Kentucky Warbler
#Rufous-capped Warbler
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER
#Purple Finch
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
In Miller Canyon a pair of *FLAME-COLORED TANAGERS continued this week
(m.ob.) near the old mill. GPS: (31.4112, -110.28177).
A #BROAD-WINGED HAWK was reported from the San Pedro House on 4/29 (m.ob.).
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/gkkGCLAmQOfXvE9gPSKFkUyacxt?<domain...>)
A #BROAD-WINGED HAWK was photographed in Portal on 4/27 and in Cave Creek
Canyon on 4/29 (m.ob.).
A #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN continued in a Whitetail Canyon yard on 5/1 (Rick
Taylor).
A #GRAY CATBIRD was photographed in Portal at Bob Rodrigues’s yard on 4/25
(Bob Rodrigues) and continued through 5/1 (m.ob.). A #TENNESSEE WARBLER was
reported on 4/29 (Avery Fish).
TUCSON area
On Mt Lemmon, a #SHORT-TAILED HAWK continued over the Bear Wallow/Mt
Bigelow area on 4/26 (m.ob.).
A #TENNESSEE WARBLER was reported at Sweetwater Wetlands on 4/25 (Michael
Welch).
A #CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER was reported at Lakeside Park on 4/28
(Anonymous).
WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY
A #HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL was photographed at Lake Cochise by the Twin Lakes
Golf Course in Willcox on 4/27 (Steven Tracey) and continued through 5/1
(m.ob.).
NOGALES area
#BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJARS continued at the south end of California Gulch at
the confluence with Warsaw Canyon this week (m.ob.). Annotated map:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/waFYCOJpWjfwGqxgAhYSrUGszTF?<domain...> #RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLERS continued this week in Sycamore Canyon (m.ob.). GPS
(31.417354, -111.196266).
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/rj3rCP6q0kCZlyX24fRTgUxcCvf?<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/fXdhCR8vZmtQV7WprTycGU1F7UP?<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/pwU-CVJz4qfXvOyElS5fBUERknr?<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. Park outside the fence and use the
pedestrian gate; 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.
Date: 4/30/26 2:33 pm From: Doug Jenness (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] May "Species of the Month'
30 April 2026
The avian family Icteridae includes blackbirds, orioles, cowbirds, and
meadowlarks, and is only found in the Americas. Many of the species are
confined to the tropics. But only one species, the RUSTY BLACKBIRD, breeds
north to the tree line in wet forests of Alaska, Canada, and the
northeastern United States. Arizona has more than 30 records, mostly in
winter from 14 of the state’s 15 counties. *Arizona Birds, *the
online journal of the Arizona Field Ornithologists, is featuring this
species for its May 'Species of the Month'
<https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/0F9pCYVDjwfg18oNQF0fYTxiIXK?<domain...>.
We appreciate the use of a photo by Shawn Cooper.
Date: 4/29/26 4:06 pm From: Richard Bansberg (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] San Pedro House Birding Walk
Hello Birders,
This morning 15 participants birded the trails at the San Pedro House and tallied 54 species. There seemed to be more migrants moving through the area on this Wednesday walk compared with previous walks this month. We saw 7 warbler species along with good numbers of Bullock’s Orioles, Western Tanagers and Black-headed Grosbeaks. We identified 9 flycatcher species including a FOS Western Wood-Pewee. Brown-crested Flycatchers were very vocal and appeared to be pairing up. We counted 15 Yellow-breasted Chats and had brief views of a couple of them. Sparrow species were down as expected this time of the year, although we did log a few lingering White-crowned Sparrows along with a Chipping Sparrow and a Green-tailed Towhee.
The Friends of the San Pedro River leads birding walks every Wednesday of May. For the month of May, the walks leave at 7:00a from the BLM’s San Pedro House south of State Route 90 just west of the San Pedro River. We walk about 4km and are out for about three hours. Bring your own binoculars, a hat and water.
The next San Pedro River birding walk is on Wednesday, May 13 at 7:00a.
