Date: 2/22/26 11:02 am From: Nick Whelan (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ: Early Hepatic Tanager in Hereford this morning
This morning, 22 February 2026, a very early Hepatic Tanager, a female, was present briefly in my Hereford, AZ, yard. A medium-sized yellow bird with a tanager bill with a small hook easily seen; and dark auricular patches. Very surprising.
Also in the yard this morning, my continuing out of habitat Abert's Towhee, and 2 White-throated Sparrows.
Date: 2/20/26 9:29 pm From: John Williams (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Arthur Pack Regional Park Snow Geese, +
This afternoon I found three Snow Geese on the 13th hole pond at Arthur Pack Regional Park, in NW Tucson.
Saw my first of the year in the park White-winged Dove. Interesting to me is that it was in the same location as my first one in 2025…. Same bird?
Then, I found a perched Merlin. Got a nice photo sequence as it lifted off and flew by me. (Posted on ebird.) Second one in two days, with the first being at Fort Lowell Park. I also saw the continuing Northern Parula on the east side of the pond.
Speaking of Fort Lowell Park, this morning I found the pair of Wood Ducks, roosting in the branches hanging over the water on the east side.
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/rYJsCA8EBztnYzB47t8hRIGMZbv?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/p2JICB1GDATMoO0jEhNiKI2ktmY?<domain...>
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
In Chino Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/zaCRCKAlPNfBJGPO3InFRI532ec?<domain...>), a #NUTTING’S FLYCATCHER
continued through 2/17 (m.ob.). GPS: (31.7224011, -110.9483565). Two
#BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS continued through 2/15 (m.ob.). GPS: 31.7167829,
-110.9467711. High clearance is recommended for the very rough road in.
A #RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER continued at the San Martin de Porres Catholic
Church at 15440 S Santa Rita Rd in Sahuarita this week (m.ob.) in the pecan
trees across the street and in the mesquite tree by the entrance; please be
aware of any services in session and do not enter the orchards.
WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY
A #EURASIAN WIGEON was reported at the Faria Dairy pond (
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/aQrICLAmQOfmvZVKEh1H7IyQpju?<domain...> on 2/16 (David Pearson) and continued on
2/19 (m.ob.). View from the road only.
At Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area, a #ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK and a #RUSTY
BLACKBIRD continued this week (m.ob.).
A #HEERMANN’S GULL was photographed at Lake Cochise by the Twin Lakes Golf
Course on 2/17 (Jerald Britten).
ARIVACA & BUENOS AIRES NWR
At Arivaca Lake a #RED-SHOULDERED HAWK and an #EASTERN PHOEBE continued
this week (m.ob.).
AMADO
A #HEERMANN’S GULL was photographed at the Amado STP on 2/18 (Eric Kallen).
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
A #RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER was photographed in Huachuca Canyon on 2/16
(Kordeen Kor).
At the San Pedro House, a #LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH continued this week
(m.ob.).
SONOITA & LAS CIENEGAS NCA
An #EASTERN PHOEBE continued in Empire Gulch in Las Cienegas NCA on 2/19
(m.ob.).
PATAGONIA
A #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN continued along Harshaw Creek Rd across from the
Spirit Tree Inn through 2/16 (Jake Thompson). GPS: (31.5223217,
-110.7016439)
SANTA CRUZ FLATS
A #HOODED WARBLER was photographed again along the Santa Cruz River at
Sasco Rd on 2/17 (Tristan McKnight). GPS: (32.5377, -111.3974)
NOGALES area
Two #RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLERS continued this week in Sycamore Canyon (m.ob.).
GPS (31.417354, -111.196266)
DOUGLAS area
A # GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW was reported in Guadalupe Canyon on 2/16 (Philip
Kline).
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/bybzCM7nRPIRlADXECRI6I8KJTa?<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/Xe6yCOJpWjf0GylnqHJTQIG7SVC?<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/xm6tCP6q0kColk9WyhVUJIx3AR-?<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.
Much information is available on rarities and unusual seasonal developments
on eBird and other online resources. This article, however, like the
previous ones on fall highlights, puts together in a compact form notable
species and abundance for the entire fall season. For example, in the fall
of 2025 there was significant irruption of corvids and woodpeckers, which
is described in the article. If you are interested in preparing such
articles for other seasons, let me know.
While you are at the *Arizona Birds* site you may want to check out other
recent articles. Particularly interesting is the article, The Role of the
Arizona Bird Committee in the Age of eBird
<https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/CaiZCk6WGkCrWEJzOuVhlIGTior?<domain...>,
which describes the important role of the Arizona Bird Committee in
maintaining the bird records for the state and how you can report the
rarities that you find.
Date: 2/16/26 10:30 am From: John Williams (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Catalina, Wilds Rd, Lewis's Woodpeckers
This morning about 10 AM I found three Lewis’s Woodpeckers on the poles near the school. Tough photos in overcast light but took all three. One two poles south of the road, one two poles north of the road, one two poles east which allowed a closer photo.
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/ryUUCQArYlf3D1pW8TPhLIG0JHW?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/-nF3CR8vZmtRKD1LJfPivI1XrDW?<domain...>
AJO
Three *MANGROVE SWALLOWS were reported Quitobaquito Springs in Organ Pipe
Cactus National Monument on 2/8 (Alis Yoder, Sarah Marcum). There are no
documented records in Arizona.
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
In Chino Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/qDfmCYVDjwfN0WqxQS3C9IxgrQc?<domain...>), a #NUTTING’S FLYCATCHER
continued through 2/13 (m.ob.). GPS: (31.7224011, -110.9483565). Two
#BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS continued through 2/12 (m.ob.). GPS: 31.7167829,
-110.9467711. High clearance is recommended for the very rough road in.
A #RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER continued at the San Martin de Porres Catholic
Church at 15440 S Santa Rita Rd in Sahuarita this week (m.ob.) in the pecan
trees across the street and in the mesquite tree by the entrance; please be
aware of any services in session and do not enter the orchards.
ARIVACA & BUENOS AIRES NWR
At Arivaca Lake a #RED-SHOULDERED HAWK continued on 2/13 (Brian Nicholas).
WHITEWATER DRAW
At Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area, a #ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, #WINTER WREN and
#RUSTY BLACKBIRD continued this week (m.ob.).
PATAGONIA
At Patagonia Lake State Park (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/EyZmCZZEkxiDmqLNEcNFrIBX-fN?<domain...>) a #WINTER
WREN was reported along the Birding Trail on 2/8 (Preston Ballard, Mia
Keriazes).
A #YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER was reported along Blue Haven Rd on 2/11 (Jake
Thompson) at Temporal Gulch just past the entrance to the Patagonia-
Sonoita Creek Preserve.
TUCSON area
A #WINTER WREN was reported again at Cienega Creek Preserve (permit
required) in southeast Tucson on 2/11 (Taber Allison). NOTE: This area is
accessible from Colossal Cave Rd or the Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon
Trailhead. A special advance permit is required to visit this preserve;
see: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Qgs5C1VkgOfkjAoY1ImHrIVTB_f?<domain...> and
annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/xdeZC2GljPcRx2XwvfvIoI5tE0X?<domain...> A #MAGNOLIA WARBLER continued along the Santa Cruz River through 2/8
(m.ob.). It has been seen on the east side of Danny Lopez Park along the
river, near the outflow from Agua Nueva WWTP. GPS: (32.286839, -111.030545).
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/8J0vC4WnljTmj2O1yczTNI472ul?<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/v6y4C6Ypnlf136vKETDcyI5TCFC?<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/ltmZC7DqomiQPXKkvF4f7IotvJk?<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: 2/11/26 4:44 pm From: John Williams (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Arthur Pack NW Tucson
A hen Common Goldeneye was on the 9th hole pond (Visible from the road with a scope.) this afternoon about 3:10. There was also a hen Canvasback, Ring-neckked Ducks, 2 Bufflehead, a drake Cinnamon Teal, usual Ruddies and a single Northern Shoveler. At the 7th hole pond 71 shovelers, 7 Bufflehead, Green-winged Teal, a drake Lesser Scaup, Mallard, Ring-necks and a possible Mexican Duck.
Date: 2/11/26 2:50 pm From: Olga Harbour (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ Agua Caliente Saw-whet owl
Hi folks,
While walking at Agua Caliente this afternoon, another birder told me about a Saw-whet owl being seen in palm trees in front of the ranch house. There are reports from yesterday on eBird, but no one I spoke to today had seen the owl and no reports today (so far) on eBird.
Date: 2/11/26 1:41 pm From: dpsiminski (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] San Pedro River Birding Walk
This morning, 23 birders participated in The Friends of the San Pedro River’s
Birding Walk from the San Pedro House. We broke up into two groups, and we
birded the river, Garden wash, old farm fields, Chihuahuan desert scrub, a
flooded abandoned gravel pit, and an old oxbow pond all along the San Pedro
House Trail system. This is within the San Pedro Riparian National
Conservation Area. We saw 47 species of birds.
A beautiful morning. The rarity of the day was the continuing Greater Pewee
seen by all members of one group. We even had brief scopes views of the pewee
flycatching high in the cottonwoods near Marker #7 along the river. This bird
has been seen off-and-on at this spot since last October. This species is a
local summer highland breeder in the Huachuca Mountains. However, it usually
recedes into its main range in Mexico for the winter season, and almost never
on the San Pedro River. It is hard to figure what it has been eating in the
cottonwood canopy during this winter, there seem to be few high-flying
insects.
Another thing we noted was the abundance of Bewick’s Wrens and White-breasted
Nuthatches along the river. The two groups saw 17 Bewick’s wrens and 19
nuthatches! It is amazing what a surge of hormones with the coming breeding
season can do for bird conspicuousness. Bird hormones, that is.
We saw a few birds not commonly seen on the walks. They were a brilliant male
Ring-necked Duck on Kingfisher Pond, a Crissal Thrasher prominently perched-up
for our viewing pleasure, and a Gray Flycatcher.
The Friends of the San Pedro River leads birding walks on the second and
fourth Wednesday of each month. For the month of February, the walks leave at
8:00a 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 hours.
Bring your own binoculars, a hat and water.
The next San Pedro River birding walk is on Wednesday, 25 February, at 8:00a.
See you there.
Pete Siminski
Friends of the San Pedro River
Sierra Vista AZ
Date: 2/7/26 10:37 am From: David Griffin (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] unknown Bird call
Great-tailed grackle is correct
On Sat, Jan 31, 2026 at 2:27 PM Jeff Miner <aznmbirds...>
wrote:
> Hi,
>
> We were birding along Patagonia Lake State park several days ago and
> encountered and recorded a bird call we could not identify. It was
> consistently at 2.8 kHz with 2-9 flat, ear, ear, ear calls. We chased it
> from
> trees along the edge of the southeast side of the large steep rounded
> bridge
> up the hill into the campground where we lost it unfortunately. We never
> saw
> it. Merlin called it a Black-crested Titmouse, and the sonogram matches
> quite
> well, but that is not an AZ bird, so likely something else. I am
> considering
> Great tailed grackle, but have not found a sonogram that matches very
> well. I
> have uploaded three of the wav files we have:
>
> Unk bird 1 - Bewick's first then the target bird
> Unk bird 2
> Unk bird 3
>
>
> https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/NyqzCl8WJltAmjq6BCGfgIzWyTf?<domain...> >
> would love any thoughts on what it could be.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Jeff
>
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/YWq4C4WnljTmE6Wp1CxhNI4TXZi?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/50ckC5Aomkfx3RKVGsyiYIki8To?<domain...>
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
#Red-shouldered Hawk
#Rough-legged Hawk
#Red-breasted Sapsucker
#Eastern Phoebe
*NUTTING'S FLYCATCHER
#Black-capped Gnatcatcher
#Rufous-backed Robin
#Gray Catbird
#Magnolia Warbler
#Louisiana Waterthrush
#Hooded Warbler
#Rufous-capped Warbler
#Rusty Blackbird
#Purple Finch
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
In Chino Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/WZisC93vqouMAxK5BS0C7IqXo3B?<domain...>), a #NUTTING’S FLYCATCHER was
photographed and recorded on 2/1 (Shawn Miller). GPS: (31.7224011,
-110.9483565). A #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER was photographed and recorded as
well; GPS: 31.7167829, -110.9467711. Both continued through 2/6 (m.ob.).
High clearance is recommended for the very rough road in.
A #RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER continued at the San Martin de Porres Catholic
Church at 15440 S Santa Rita Rd in Sahuarita this week (m.ob.) in the pecan
trees across the street and in the mesquite tree by the entrance; please be
aware of any services in session.
ARIVACA & BUENOS AIRES NWR
At Arivaca Lake a #RED-SHOULDERED HAWK and an #EASTERN PHOEBE continued on
2/5 (Brian Nicholas).
WHITEWATER DRAW
At Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area, a #ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK and RUSTY BLACKBIRD
continued this week (m.ob.).
NOGALES area
A #RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER was photographed in Alamo Canyon on 1/24 (Tristan
Yoo).
GREENLEE COUNTY
An #EASTERN PHOEBE was photographed along the Apache Grove Birding Trail on
1/31 (Rafee Memon). GPS: (32.873256, -109.196703)
PATAGONIA
At Patagonia Lake State Park (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/SG2SC0Aj5NfMQ4WR3SrFlI9WCsm?<domain...>) an
#EASTERN PHOEBE continued along the Birding Trail on 2/6 (m.ob.).
A #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN continued along Harshaw Creek Rd across from the
Spirit Tree Inn through 2/2 (m.ob.). GPS: (31.52151, -110.70094)
SONOITA & LAS CIENEGAS NCA
An #EASTERN PHOEBE continued in Empire Gulch in Las Cienegas NCA on 2/4
(Ted Wolff).
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
At the Hereford Bridge over the San Pedro River, an #EASTERN PHOEBE
continued south of the bridge on 2/4 (Steven Tracey).
In Ramsey Canyon Preserve, a #GRAY CATBIRD continued on 2/2 (Steven Tracey).
At the San Pedro House, a #LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH continued this week
(m.ob.).
A #PURPLE FINCH continued at Cochise College (Sierra Vista campus) near the
Rose Garden on 1/31 (m.ob.).
TUCSON area
A #MAGNOLIA WARBLER was reported along the Santa Cruz River on 1/31 (Mark
Stevenson) and continued through 2/6 (m.ob.). It has been seen on the east
side of Danny Lopez Park along the river, near the outflow from Agua Nueva
WWTP. GPS: (32.286839, -111.030545).
SANTA CRUZ FLATS
A #HOODED WARBLER was reported again along the Santa Cruz River at Sasco Rd
on 1/31 (Nate Peterson) and was photographed on 2/1 (C. Hippenmeyer).
NOGALES area
A #RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER continued this week in Sycamore Canyon (m.ob.).
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/dUjGCjAWEjf3DAJ7qSYImImB_7w?<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/gCaqCl8WJltAmkKBZSDTgIzT4L0?<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/nXoACm7WKmIA86YmnSEUpIRvVDs?<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: 2/5/26 2:08 pm From: John Williams (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Question about the Magnolia Warbler Location
Is the bird being seen by the outlet pipe from the water treatment plant?
Many of the alerts only list “Agua Nuevo” as the location. The outlet is outside the park.
Also, some of us don’t use four decimal point GPS coordinates either.
Date: 2/2/26 7:35 am From: Doug Jenness (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] February 'Species of the Month'
2 February 2026
Arizona has no ocean coasts and is not located near any of the Great
Lakes, so it may be surprising to learn that 18 gull species have been
confirmed in the state. The largest, and one of the rarer species, is the
Glaucous Gull. *Arizona Birds, *the online journal of the Arizona Field
Ornithologists, is featuring this species for its February 'Species of the
Month'
<https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/tY7yC5AomkfxxZk2nfzfYIkx7zl?<domain...>.
We were birding along Patagonia Lake State park several days ago and encountered and recorded a bird call we could not identify. It was consistently at 2.8 kHz with 2-9 flat, ear, ear, ear calls. We chased it from trees along the edge of the southeast side of the large steep rounded bridge up the hill into the campground where we lost it unfortunately. We never saw it. Merlin called it a Black-crested Titmouse, and the sonogram matches quite well, but that is not an AZ bird, so likely something else. I am considering Great tailed grackle, but have not found a sonogram that matches very well. I have uploaded three of the wav files we have:
Unk bird 1 - Bewick's first then the target bird Unk bird 2 Unk bird 3
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/EP-TCLAmQOfmwpw3KCqhYHyMjfw?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/VAKHCM7nRPIRk0kJXIJi4H8800c?<domain...>
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
#Red-shouldered Hawk
#Rough-legged Hawk
*AMERICAN WOODCOCK
#Red-breasted Sapsucker
#Eastern Phoebe
#Winter Wren
#Rufous-backed Robin
#Gray Catbird
#Louisiana Waterthrush
#Golden-crowned Sparrow
#Purple Finch
TUBAC area (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/T-hMCQArYlf3lElROU9CVHGXO2X?<domain...>)
An *AMERICAN WOODCOCK was photographed along the Anza Trail north of the
Tubac bridge on 1/25 (Zael Lutz). It was at the intersection of two trails,
one going north toward the golf course and the other to the river.
ARIVACA & BUENOS AIRES NWR
At Arivaca Lake a #RED-SHOULDERED HAWK continued on 1/27 (Cathy Beck). An
#EASTERN PHOEBE was photographed on 1/26 (JC Curd).
WHITEWATER DRAW
At Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area, a #ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK continued this week
(m.ob.). A #WINTER WREN was reported on 1/28 (Jake Thompson).
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
A #RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER continued at the San Martin de Porres Catholic
Church at 15440 S Santa Rita Rd in Sahuarita this week (m.ob.) in the pecan
trees across the street and in the mesquite tree by the entrance; please be
aware of any services in session.
NOGALES area
A #RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER was photographed in Alamo Canyon on 1/24 (Tristan
Yoo).
PATAGONIA
At Patagonia Lake State Park (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/itRPCR8vZmtR0k0OEI0FKH1CxkC?<domain...>) an
#EASTERN PHOEBE continued along the Birding Trail on 1/22 (m.ob.).
A #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN was photographed along Harshaw Creek Rd across from
the Spirit Tree Inn on 1/27 and continued on 1/30 (m.ob.). GPS: (31.52151,
-110.70094)
SONOITA & LAS CIENEGAS NCA
An #EASTERN PHOEBE continued in Empire Gulch in Las Cienegas NCA on 1/29
(m.ob.).
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
In Ramsey Canyon Preserve, a #GRAY CATBIRD continued on 1/29 (m.ob.).
At the San Pedro House, a #LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH continued this week
(m.ob.). An #EASTERN PHOEBE was photographed on 1/17 (Arthur Gonzales).
A #PURPLE FINCH continued at Cochise College (Sierra Vista campus) near the
Rose Garden on 1/28 (m.ob.).
A # GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW was photographed at Ft Huachuca at the Officer’s
Pond on 1/25 (Diana Doyle) and continued on 1/26 (Ken Tracey).
IMPORTANT: Ft. Huachuca has posted information on access requirements on
its official webpage at
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/A9zjCVJz4qf5kLkZ3SrHvHEH26x?<domain...>
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/H0kJCWWA5rTPXgX4OIBI2HoMQ3c?<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/uw05CYVDjwfNpJp9MurTQHxYAwU?<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/WyjnCZZEkxiD8V8jlHVU3HBs8z7?<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: 1/30/26 1:37 pm From: Richard Bansberg (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Fwd: San Pedro House Birding Walk
CORRECTION:
Please note that SPH birding walks start at 8:00a during February, not 7:00a.
> Begin forwarded message:
>
> From: Richard Bansberg <rbansberg...>
> Subject: San Pedro House Birding Walk
> Date: January 28, 2026 at 3:16:24 PM MST
> To: "<aznmbirds...>" <aznmbirds...>
>
> Hi Birders,
>
> Ten participants walked the San Pedro trails this morning and recorded 33 species. The recent rains in the San Pedro River watershed resulted in the river trail being closed due to mud. The walk started with cool temperatures and an overcast sky which initially kept bird activity down. Things picked up near Black Phoebe Pond where we heard a singing Crissal Thrasher and saw a Belted Kingfisher on the pond. Kingfisher Pond, after filling with water during the fall, has some good marsh habitat. Although no rails were revealed, multiple Marsh Wrens, Common Yellowthroats and Song Sparrows were seen and heard. The walk ended at the San Pedro House with sightings of a couple of Northern Cardinals.
>
> The Friends of the San Pedro River lead birding walks every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from the San Pedro House located south of Highway 90 just west of the San Pedro River. The walks last about three hours. During February the walks start at 7:00a. Bring your own binoculars, a hat and water.
>
> The next San Pedro House birding walk will be Wednesday, February 11 at 7:00a.
>
> Richard Bansberg
> Friends of the San Pedro River
> Hereford, Arizona
Date: 1/30/26 11:15 am From: Richard Bansberg (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] San Pedro House Birding Walk
Hi Birders,
Ten participants walked the San Pedro trails on Wednesday and recorded 33 species. The recent rains in the San Pedro River watershed resulted in the river trail being closed due to mud. The walk started with cool temperatures and an overcast sky which initially kept bird activity down. Things picked up near Black Phoebe Pond where we heard a singing Crissal Thrasher and saw a Belted Kingfisher on the pond. Kingfisher Pond, after filling with water during the fall, has some good marsh habitat. Although no rails were revealed, multiple Marsh Wrens, Common Yellowthroats and Song Sparrows were seen and heard. The walk ended at the San Pedro House with sightings of a couple of Northern Cardinals.
The Friends of the San Pedro River lead birding walks every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from the San Pedro House located south of Highway 90 just west of the San Pedro River. The walks last about three hours. During February the walks start at 7:00a. Bring your own binoculars, a hat and water.
The next San Pedro House birding walk will be Wednesday, February 11 at 7:00a.
Richard Bansberg
Friends of the San Pedro River
Hereford, Arizona
Date: 1/30/26 11:01 am From: Deanna Mac Phail (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RTHA Little Cat Mtn.
Resident pair of Red-tailed Hawks are rebuilding a cliff-side nest last
used four years ago. Both birds carrying mid-sized sticks to repair old
nest. They briefly went through this exercise last year with a near-by nest
but did not use it for breeding. Hope is for breeding success this year.
Date: 1/28/26 7:57 pm From: rkaiserinaz (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: RE: [AZNMbirds] Central NM Bosque del Apache NWR Bald eagles
Yes, send me that picture of the five Bald Eagles at Bosque National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico. I have not been to this refuge for many years, but remember it as a wonderful birdwatching location, especially for the many Sandhill Cranes.Richard KaiserPayson, <ArizonaRkaiserinaz...>!Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device -------- Original message --------From: "Olga Harbour(via aznmbirds Mailing List)" <aznmbirds...> Date: 1/28/26 5:11 PM (GMT-07:00) To: <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Central NM Bosque del Apache NWR Bald eagles Hi folks, My apologies for the late post, but other stuff got in the way. Bob and I spent Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning this week at Bosque NWR. The highlight of the day was five juvenile BALD EAGLES on the ground together, harassing each other and flapping their wings, while a sixth eagle kept an eye on things from a nearby tree. As an extra treat, an adult BALD EAGLE flew by early Tuesday morning, making for a 7 eagle trip! Haven't seen that many eagles at Bosque in a long time! If anyone would like to see a photo, Bob got quite a nice shot of the five on the ground. Just let me know and I'll email the photo. We saw a fair number of SANDHILL CRANES, very spread out in small groups, with a couple of larger groups in the fields. Lots of ducks anyplace that had water. Good birding! Olga Harbour Tucson, AZ
Date: 1/28/26 4:11 pm From: Olga Harbour (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Central NM Bosque del Apache NWR Bald eagles
Hi folks,
My apologies for the late post, but other stuff got in the way.
Bob and I spent Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning this week at Bosque NWR.
The highlight of the day was five juvenile BALD EAGLES on the ground together, harassing each other and flapping their wings, while a sixth eagle kept an eye on things from a nearby tree. As an extra treat, an adult BALD EAGLE flew by early Tuesday morning, making for a 7 eagle trip! Haven't seen that many eagles at Bosque in a long time!
If anyone would like to see a photo, Bob got quite a nice shot of the five on the ground. Just let me know and I'll email the photo.
We saw a fair number of SANDHILL CRANES, very spread out in small groups, with a couple of larger groups in the fields. Lots of ducks anyplace that had water.
