Date: 6/18/26 3:46 pm From: trochetj (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] CWNM: lower Bluewater Canyon near Bluewater Village, Cibola County
Dear Birders,
This morning I walked the BLM parcel signed lower Bluewater Canyon. This is accessed off Interstate 40 at exit 72 for Bluewater Village. Take the frontage road to the north, going against the east-bound interstate traffic, for about two miles. Turn left on Plano Road and go west about two miles. The road becomes a good gravel surface and shortly you’ll find a fenced parking lot on the outside of a right-hand turn. The trail to the canyon begins here. Often it’s useful to have rubber knee boots but they’re unnecessary currently. I walked up to the 11th creek crossing today.
The highlights were eastern phoebe, summer tanager and at least three gray catbirds.
The eastern phoebe was singing nonstop at 05:50, and still singing intermittently 150 minutes later. Its location is near the end of the first “S” turn in the canyon (as you’re going up), where vertical rock runs right to the creek. There are two nests on the rock wall there, one old and one possibly in use. It was just a bit too high on the rock wall for me to see into it. A 74”-tall birder should easily be able to. There was no obvious mate at hand- black phoebes have territories elsewhere in the canyon, and that’s a possibility here, too.
The summer tanager was singing regularly both on ascent and descent this morning between creek crossings three and four. Two of the catbirds were in this reach, too, the other just above the sixth crossing.
At least two ladder-backed woodpeckers are currently in the canyon as well.
Best,
John Trochet
Sacramento, California
currently visiting the Zuni Mountains
Date: 6/18/26 1:25 pm From: Doug Jenness (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] AZFO Field Expedition, Aug 22
6/18/2026
*Help Look for Purple Martins, Cassins’s Sparrows, and Crested Caracaras!*
Arizona Field Ornithologists is conducting a field expedition in the Cactus
Forest area, Pinal County, on Saturday, August 22. This is one of our
eBirds Gaps underbirded areas and includes a lush saguaro forest and an
upland grasslands. Located near Coolidge and Florence, there are three
species that we particularly want to learn more about: Desert Purple
Martin, Crested Caracara, and Cassin’s Sparrow.
If you like, you can meet participants at The Boulders along the
Florence-Kelvin Highway (16 mi. east of AZ 79) and camp out on Friday
night. The rustic campsite is on BLM land. Others can meet there Saturday
morning at 6:00 am. We’ll likely get together mid-afternoon at a restaurant
in Florence to share the results and experiences. Most of the birding will
be along roads and at earthen cattle tanks and will not involve long
walking. More details will be coming. If you would like to participate,
contact Doug Jenness <dougjenness...>. Check the AZFO website
<https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/MK-ICwn6XzHgGjG08uVfycJK7Kp?<domain...> for updates and a map of the Cactus
Forest Area.
Date: 6/12/26 9:19 am From: Doug Jenness (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Global Big Day--AZ results
June 12, 2026
Hundreds of birders were in the field throughout Arizona on May 9 for the
Global Big Day spring migration count. We tallied 304 species, which was a
good showing.
One new species was added to the 23-year cumulative state list for the
migration count: TRICOLORED HERON, amazingly two of them, one each in Gila
and Maricopa counties. For only the second year we tallied American
Golden-plover (Coconino), Black-bellied Plover (Coconino, Pinal), and
Laughing Gull (Pinal). Forty species from 10 counties were reported from
only one county. No county reported their highest number of species in 23
years, but Pima County scored its second highest (208). The totals by
county were: Cochise (218), Pima (208), Coconino (185), Maricopa (184),
Pinal (179), Santa Cruz (171), Yavapai (170), Gila (155), Graham (154),
Navajo (122), Apache (116), Mohave (85), Greenlee (58), Yuma (58), and La
Paz (18).
Only five species were reported from all 15 counties, which was mainly due
to the small totals from a couple of counties. As in most previous years,
Arizona had the third highest number of species in the United States after
Texas (399) and California (376). New Mexico (289) was fourth.
Figures tallied for four wood-warblers that migrate through but are not
known to nest in Arizona were the highest in five years for Townsend’s
Warbler (122), but were lower for Wilson’s Warbler (262), Nashville Warbler
(5), and Hermit Warbler (7). Both Rufous and Calliope hummingbirds were
reported in seven counties compared to their previous high of four counties
each. Forty-four Calliope Hummingbirds and 20 Rufous Hummingbirds were
reported.
The final tallies will be posted on the AZFO website where they will appear
with the results of previous years.
Date: 6/10/26 3:41 pm From: Richard Bansberg (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] San Pedro House Birding Walk
Hello Birders,
This morning 10 participants birded the trails at the San Pedro House and tallied 45 species. A Cactus Wren and a Phainopepla were seen at the house prior to heading out on the trails. While common in the general area these two species are seldom seen on the birding walks, maybe once or twice a year. There were lots of singing birds everywhere we walked and lots of fledgings were noted, especially Lucy’s and Yellow Warblers, Verdins, Towhees and Vermillion Flycatchers. We saw three Great Blue Herons at Black Phoebe Pond and suspected that the herons at the nesting site had fledged, but two large nestlings were still present at the nest when we walked by. Other sighting included several Lesser Nighthawks and a FOS Varied Bunting.
The Friends of the San Pedro River leads birding walks every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. For the months of June, July and August 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 2.5 miles 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, June 24 at 6:00a.
Date: 6/9/26 3:19 pm From: John Williams (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Morning chorus
One of the great pleasures I have is waking up with the birds.
4:25 two or three Great Horned Owls are having a conversation. They nest nearby and are quite vocal.
The dawn call of the Brown-crested Flycatcher begins with soft churring. A rooster is warming up.
4:35. A Curved-billed Thrasher starts with two note calls. Loud! White-winged and Mourning Doves start up, soon making a solid background tone that blends together.
4:40 A glimmer of dawn… I’m in the shadow of Pusch Ridge so at 15 to sunrise…. Northern Cardinal or Pyrrhuloxia starts up…. I have both, can’t tell them apart by sound.
4:45 House Finch and House Sparrow start, a Cactus Wren ratchets up, Quail in the wash.
4:50-5:00 the first Lesser Goldfinches arrive for water from the fountain. Gila Woodpeckers chatter.
It was better Sunday with less traffic noise, but it is still a nice way to accompany a mug of coffee.
Date: 6/2/26 6:48 pm From: Olga Harbour (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ San Pedro House area
Hi folks,
Bob and I spent a couple of hours this morning along the San Pedro. It's mostly dry, with a couple of large mudholes to attract a few birds.
There were many birds around, heard if not always seen. I stopped counting the Blue Grosbeak when I hit five. Northern Yellow Warblers seemed to be everywhere, along with Yellow-breasted Chats that were heard and not seen. Bob did see two, my total, zero! We did see and hear several Summer Tanagers, male and female.
Also seen: Common Yellowthroat, Abert's Towhee, Brown-headed Cowbird, Lucy's Warbler, Song Sparrow, and Cooper's Hawk.
Date: 6/1/26 9:16 am From: John Williams (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Arthur Pack Reg Park- Tricolored Heron this morning at 6:30
There was an adult non-breeding plumage Tricolored Heron at the 6th-7th holes pond. I observed and photographed it for at least 20 minutes. Then I lost it in the cattails and reeds at the east end.
The pond is in the SW corner of the golf course. It can be reached via trails from the Maveen Behan trailhead parking lot by following the trails that skirt the golf course. A trail map is at the parking lot.
Also observed the two Ruddy Ducklings, two American Coot half grown chicks, and half a dozen Neotropic Cormorants that have become regulars.
21 Vermillion Flycatchers were mostly this year’s fledglings. A pair of Purple Martins were together on a saguaro where there had been a successful nest last year.
Wilson’s Warblers left, last seen a week ago.
The hen Lesser Scaup was sunning on one of the 9th hole floats. I have to check but it may be a first record for June at the park.
Date: 6/1/26 9:02 am From: Doug Jenness (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] June "Species of the Month"
1 June 2026
In high-elevation pine forests of Arizona, a low frequency hooting during
the spring often suggests the presence of a large owl. It may be surprising
then to find one of the state’s smallest owls, the Flammulated Owl, is
sounding off. To learn why and more about this owl check out the *Arizona
Birds* June 'Species of the Month'
<https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/y02ACKAlPNf9o4oqJCMfXc5Jsr4?<domain...>.
We appreciate the use of a photo by Andrew Core. *Arizona Birds* is
the online journal of the Arizona Field Ornithologists.
Date: 5/30/26 12:10 pm From: Andrew Core (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 30 May 2026
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on May 30, 2026; the next update will be made on June 5. 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/oQ4xCKAlPNf9NEyzPtMf4U5miJd?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/tqyJCLAmQOfXrjDyVcqhkUymiH9?<domain...>
WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY
A *HUDSONIAN GODWIT continued at Lake Cochise by the Twin Lakes Golf Course
in Willcox on 5/26 (Jim Landrum). An #AMERICAN HERRING GULL was reported on
5/23 (Peter Andrews) and was photographed on 5/24 (Sara Busch). A
#TENNESSEE WARBLER was reported on 5/24 (m.ob.) and photographed on 5/25
(Steven Tracey).
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
In Miller Canyon a *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER continued this week (m.ob.) near
the old mill. GPS: (31.4112, -110.28177).
A #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD was photographed in Ramsey Canyon Preserve on 5/24
(Jamie A Sylvan).
A #HOODED WARBLER was photographed in Hunter Canyon on 5/26 (Linda Zeller).
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/_2K8CP6q0kCZRG189FrugUxNwrN?<domain...>)
A #KENTUCKY WARBLER was reported in the South Fork of Cave Creek Canyon on
5/24 (Christine Jenkins). A *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER was recorded on 5/24
(Rose Ann Rowlett, Richard Webster) and was photographed on 5/29 (Scott
Roxbrough). GPS: (31.8741937, -109.1822892)
A #WHITE-EYED VIREO was reported from a private yard on 5/27 (Rose Ann
Rowlett).
TUCSON area
#SHORT-TAILED HAWKS continued over the upper areas of Mt Lemmon this week,
being reported over Bear Wallow and Mt Bigelow Rd (m.ob.).
A #BROWN THRASHER was photographed at WOW Arizona B&B in Catalina on 5/28
(Christopher Vincent).
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
In Box Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/hssrCQArYlf9pA1Mgt9COUGqmaT?<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/TtXGCR8vZmtQ1mDjof0FGU1hg02?<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
#RED-EYED VIREO was reported on the Carrie Nation Trail on 5/29 (m.ob.).
GPS: (31.70461, -110.87691).
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/dGoRCVJz4qfX6wnNmcrHBUE2TI9?<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.
A #ROSE-THROATED BECARD was photographed at the Paton Center for
Hummingbirds on 5/30 (Cassidy Gilmore).
At Patagonia Lake State Park (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/0PZ6CWWA5rTxK9LRZtBIYUovMyG?<domain...>)
#BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS continued below the spillway this week (m.ob.).
GPS: (31.493574, -110.874411).
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/nEBrCYVDjwfgq1WEmSrTRUxGlcC?<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/-4SJC1VkgOfOozA2xUKcMUVCGRw?<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/eJT-C2GljPc6Xl2PWFWfjU5CBaR?<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: 5/28/26 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.
