Date: 10/6/26 3:06 pm From: David Griffin (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Green Valley WRF RFI ( no sightings)
I heard of the new signage and hours, so on my most recent visit (Oct 5) I
waited until after 8am (I posted some photos).
The eBird "about" page is not an official reporting of how things are....we
can update that to reflect the new hours (I believe I submitted the change
to the reviewer).
I'd say we accept, adopt, and adhere to the hours stated on the sign as
well as the new signage inside of the facility -- we don't want to lose
access to this site! Technically you could get there earlier than 8am and
walk the entrance road outside of the fence and scan into the facility. BUT
if you want to go inside the gate to view the ponds, then you should plan
for 8am or later.
David
On Tue, Oct 6, 2026 at 12:20 PM bncthay <aznmbirds...> wrote:
> Based on an eBird report from 10/5 apparently entry to this facility is
> now allowed only after 8 AM but "about this hotspot" states it is open for
> birding at 6:30 AM . Can someone please clarify
>
> Thanks
>
> Craig Thayer
> Tucson
>
Date: 10/6/26 12:32 pm From: Scott R (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] New free tool for exploring your personal eBird history by county
I’ve developed a new free web app called *My County Birds* for birders who
enjoy county listing or simply want a different way to explore their eBird
history.
After importing your personal eBird data export, the app maps your birding
by county and lets you drill down into individual states, counties, and
species. It also identifies potential county *Targets* based on species
you’ve recorded elsewhere in the state, maps where you have and haven’t
recorded individual species, and tracks county-listing progress and goals.
The app requires no account and is designed with privacy in mind: *your
eBird records are processed and stored entirely on your own device and are
not uploaded to a server.* It can also work offline once installed.
If you’d like to see how it works before using your own data, there is a
full Sample Data mode.
This is a new release, and I’d welcome feedback—particularly about anything
that is unclear, cumbersome, or doesn’t behave the way you expected.
Scott Ray
Catron Co, NM
Date: 10/6/26 12:20 pm From: bncthay (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Green Valley WRF RFI ( no sightings)
Based on an eBird report from 10/5 apparently entry to this facility is now allowed only after 8 AM but "about this hotspot" states it is open for birding at 6:30 AM . Can someone please clarify
Thanks
Craig Thayer Tucson
Over the weekend, I heard a tiny snippet of what I thought was WCSP, both
Saturday and Sunday morning. But only once, and not even a full song.
Yesterday, October 5, Jim saw on in the yard - hoping to see more soon.
And really hoping for some of the montane/foothills wandering birds to show
up in our yard - especially Pinyon Jays. In Colorado, we were fortunate to
have them as regular feeders in both Colorado Springs, and in Penrose (that
was decades ago). A flyover would be close enough here. :-) I can
dream.
If you haven't read it yet, you should also take a look at the article on
the important role the Arizona Bird Committee plays as the keeper of the
records of Arizona birds, and why it's important to submit reports of
rarities to the committee. It is here
<https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/0Z7VCEKLJEtOP7Xv7uwhG9s7PYY8?<domain...> .
Date: 10/5/26 7:36 am From: ewinter (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Blue Jay in Taos County
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) was seen yesterday in Arroyo Hondo, Taos
County. Seen by a friend who has lived in the East & has been birding
for over a decade. Familiar species to her, and not at all a difficult
ID. Came to her feeders. Two years of drought have kept the wild food
supply limited. It's migration season, so it may not be around that
exact location any more.
Date: 10/4/26 8:27 pm From: CRAIG FISCHER (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Global Big Day
More on October Bird Day from Baicich & Peterson's Birding Community E-bulletin for October:
October Big Day, that participatory day of birds and birding, will be on Saturday 10 October. This annual event is becoming for many a bird-watching highlight of the fall, marking a day of community birding around the world. Wherever you are on 10 October, you can simply take a few minutes to enjoy birds and share what you find. You can participate from anywhere, even from home!
Last October, participants from 196 nations around the world reported seeing a record 7,990 species of birds during a single day of observing. There were 900,000 observers united for a single day of activity. Can that number be surpassed, making this year the first October Big Day with more than a million people engaged?
Wherever you are that day, you can plan to enjoy a bit of birding for 20 minutes or 20 hours to identify and count all the birds you find. Then share your results on eBird.
On Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 02:48:59 PM MST, Doug Jenness (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> wrote:
4 Oct 2026
Along the line of Mark's comments. When eBird's spring Global Big Day began a decade ago, the Arizona Field Ornithologists merged its statewide coordination of the North American Migration Count into the spring GBD count. It coordinates the annual count on a county-wide basis. The reports and data from both the NAMC and GBD counts since 2004 are posted on the AZFO's website. The next count is May 8, 2027. Arizona is one of the few states where there is organized participation in the spring GBD. The AZFO has not coordinated any fall migration counts.
Best,Doug JennessArizona state coordinator of GBD count
On Sun, Oct 4, 2026 at 2:27 PM Mark Stevenson <aznmbirds...> wrote:
The spring Global Big Day and the October Big Day are different not just in the season of occurrence but in the amount of organization. O.B.D. isn't organized like G.B.D. It's a more free form event without assignments.
Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZ
On Sun, Oct 4, 2026, 2:15 PM pgoltz <aznmbirds...> wrote:
Thank you. I also made the determination that Big Day is this coming
Saturday. But in the past, the mailing list has contained messages
helping to organize people, and put them in touch with local leaders.
There has been total silence. Maybe some people are planning in other
venues. Not all of us have access to these. I almost missed this coming
Big Day because of this. I would like to bird in the place I usually do,
but I didn't remember enough to get in touch until just now.
People need to continue to use this list for the purpose of informing
other people of events. Please, folks! Please provide information for
those of us who only access this list. Thank you.
Pat Goltz
On 2026-10-04 11:46, Kenneth Werner wrote:
> I looked it up and found the following:
>
> Global Big Day 2026 took place on May 9, 2026, setting a new all-time
> record with 8,023 bird species recorded worldwide in a single 24-hour
> period through eBird [1]. [1 [2]]
>
> Event Results and Highlights
>
> *
>
> * Total Species: 8,023 species documented globally.
>
> * Participants: 80,245 eBirders from 203 countries.
>
> * Checklists Submitted: 197,640 checklists.
>
> * Top Species Regions: Colombia led with 1,571 species, followed by
> Peru (1,447) and Brazil (1,208). [1 [3], 2 [2]]
>
> Next Birding Events
>
> *
>
> * October Big Day: Scheduled for October 10, 2026.
>
> * Next Global Big Day: Scheduled for May 9, 2027. [1 [2]]
>
> Ken
>
> On Sat, Oct 3, 2026, 23:01 pgoltz <aznmbirds...> wrote:
>
>> Why is nobody talking about Global Big Day? I found out it's this
>> coming
>> Saturday!
>>
>> Pat Goltz
>> Pima County
>
>
> Links:
> ------
> [1]
> https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/ghGsCrgWPrT79RBzVh4i6Os4pXA8?<domain...> > [2] https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/nyPVCvm6WyFqXnkPNTAslqsQiwOp?<domain...> > [3] https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/sReSCwn6XzHkpEw48s1tGpsJMkEZ?<domain...>
Date: 10/4/26 7:38 pm From: Scott R (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Free Review List bird alerts from Chase Report (NM, AZ)
Hi all,
Chase Report (chasereport.com), which scores eBird rarity reports by how
likely the bird is still present, now offers free alerts for state Review
List birds in New Mexico, Arizona and Washington.
How it works:
Each state has a Telegram channel. Chase Report posts there once per bird,
when it first rates a new Review List bird Likely Present.
Each post gives the location, when the bird was first reported and how many
reports there are, with links to the Chase Report page and the latest eBird
checklist.
Chase Report checks eBird hourly, every 15 minutes on weekends. Posts
between 9 PM and 6 AM arrive silently.
It's free, with no Chase Report account. You need the free Telegram app,
and you can leave the channel at any time.
Date: 10/4/26 4:17 pm From: Olga Harbour (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] South Polar Skua
Hi folks,
For anyone who hasn't seen the skua, it was still at Grindstone Lake near Ruidoso, NM, today, sitting on the solar equipment. That's the good news. The bad news is Grindstone Lake will be closed from Oct. 5 through Oct. 12. We got lucky and went for it today instead of waiting. We didn't know about the closure.
Date: 10/4/26 2:49 pm From: Doug Jenness (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Global Big Day
4 Oct 2026
Along the line of Mark's comments. When eBird's spring Global Big Day began
a decade ago, the Arizona Field Ornithologists merged its statewide
coordination of the North American Migration Count into the spring GBD
count. It coordinates the annual count on a county-wide basis. The reports
and data from both the NAMC and GBD counts since 2004 are posted on the
AZFO's website
<https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/o5jmCg7WAOIKkDRwOcNfkLs46DBF?<domain...>.
The next count is May 8, 2027. Arizona is one of the few states where there
is organized participation in the spring GBD. The AZFO has not coordinated
any fall migration counts.
Best,
Doug Jenness
Arizona state coordinator of GBD count
On Sun, Oct 4, 2026 at 2:27 PM Mark Stevenson <aznmbirds...>
wrote:
> The spring Global Big Day and the October Big Day are different not just
> in the season of occurrence but in the amount of organization. O.B.D. isn't
> organized like G.B.D. It's a more free form event without assignments.
>
> Mark Stevenson
> Tucson, AZ
>
> On Sun, Oct 4, 2026, 2:15 PM pgoltz <aznmbirds...> wrote:
>
>> Thank you. I also made the determination that Big Day is this coming
>> Saturday. But in the past, the mailing list has contained messages
>> helping to organize people, and put them in touch with local leaders.
>> There has been total silence. Maybe some people are planning in other
>> venues. Not all of us have access to these. I almost missed this coming
>> Big Day because of this. I would like to bird in the place I usually do,
>> but I didn't remember enough to get in touch until just now.
>>
>> People need to continue to use this list for the purpose of informing
>> other people of events. Please, folks! Please provide information for
>> those of us who only access this list. Thank you.
>>
>> Pat Goltz
>>
>> On 2026-10-04 11:46, Kenneth Werner wrote:
>> > I looked it up and found the following:
>> >
>> > Global Big Day 2026 took place on May 9, 2026, setting a new all-time
>> > record with 8,023 bird species recorded worldwide in a single 24-hour
>> > period through eBird [1]. [1 [2]]
>> >
>> > Event Results and Highlights
>> >
>> > *
>> >
>> > * Total Species: 8,023 species documented globally.
>> >
>> > * Participants: 80,245 eBirders from 203 countries.
>> >
>> > * Checklists Submitted: 197,640 checklists.
>> >
>> > * Top Species Regions: Colombia led with 1,571 species, followed by
>> > Peru (1,447) and Brazil (1,208). [1 [3], 2 [2]]
>> >
>> > Next Birding Events
>> >
>> > *
>> >
>> > * October Big Day: Scheduled for October 10, 2026.
>> >
>> > * Next Global Big Day: Scheduled for May 9, 2027. [1 [2]]
>> >
>> > Ken
>> >
>> > On Sat, Oct 3, 2026, 23:01 pgoltz <aznmbirds...> wrote:
>> >
>> >> Why is nobody talking about Global Big Day? I found out it's this
>> >> coming
>> >> Saturday!
>> >>
>> >> Pat Goltz
>> >> Pima County
>> >
>> >
>> > Links:
>> > ------
>> > [1]
>> >
>> https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/oi8ZCjAWEjfD9VXGKiRhA5smLvGe?<domain...> >> <https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/oi8ZCjAWEjfD9VXGKiRhA5smLvGe?<domain...> >> > [2] https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/s7EbCk6WGkCANPjX8uQinpsGOim4?<domain...> >> <https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/s7EbCk6WGkCANPjX8uQinpsGOim4?<domain...> >> > [3] https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/BokXCl8WJltm7j8P0hqsMlszc2SF?<domain...> >> <https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/BokXCl8WJltm7j8P0hqsMlszc2SF?<domain...> >>
>
Date: 10/4/26 2:27 pm From: Mark Stevenson (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Global Big Day
The spring Global Big Day and the October Big Day are different not just in
the season of occurrence but in the amount of organization. O.B.D. isn't
organized like G.B.D. It's a more free form event without assignments.
Mark Stevenson
Tucson, AZ
On Sun, Oct 4, 2026, 2:15 PM pgoltz <aznmbirds...> wrote:
> Thank you. I also made the determination that Big Day is this coming
> Saturday. But in the past, the mailing list has contained messages
> helping to organize people, and put them in touch with local leaders.
> There has been total silence. Maybe some people are planning in other
> venues. Not all of us have access to these. I almost missed this coming
> Big Day because of this. I would like to bird in the place I usually do,
> but I didn't remember enough to get in touch until just now.
>
> People need to continue to use this list for the purpose of informing
> other people of events. Please, folks! Please provide information for
> those of us who only access this list. Thank you.
>
> Pat Goltz
>
> On 2026-10-04 11:46, Kenneth Werner wrote:
> > I looked it up and found the following:
> >
> > Global Big Day 2026 took place on May 9, 2026, setting a new all-time
> > record with 8,023 bird species recorded worldwide in a single 24-hour
> > period through eBird [1]. [1 [2]]
> >
> > Event Results and Highlights
> >
> > *
> >
> > * Total Species: 8,023 species documented globally.
> >
> > * Participants: 80,245 eBirders from 203 countries.
> >
> > * Checklists Submitted: 197,640 checklists.
> >
> > * Top Species Regions: Colombia led with 1,571 species, followed by
> > Peru (1,447) and Brazil (1,208). [1 [3], 2 [2]]
> >
> > Next Birding Events
> >
> > *
> >
> > * October Big Day: Scheduled for October 10, 2026.
> >
> > * Next Global Big Day: Scheduled for May 9, 2027. [1 [2]]
> >
> > Ken
> >
> > On Sat, Oct 3, 2026, 23:01 pgoltz <aznmbirds...> wrote:
> >
> >> Why is nobody talking about Global Big Day? I found out it's this
> >> coming
> >> Saturday!
> >>
> >> Pat Goltz
> >> Pima County
> >
> >
> > Links:
> > ------
> > [1]
> >
> https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/23UCC2GljPcWjgNWQTnf3ws5HdJ-?<domain...> > <https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/23UCC2GljPcWjgNWQTnf3ws5HdJ-?<domain...> > > [2] https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/1znAC3YmkgfoBO5ovIqhZEsQatRF?<domain...> > <https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/1znAC3YmkgfoBO5ovIqhZEsQatRF?<domain...> > > [3] https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/l6OeC4WnljTEoqpExIBiGXs4Rqpv?<domain...> > <https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/l6OeC4WnljTEoqpExIBiGXs4Rqpv?<domain...> >
Date: 10/4/26 2:15 pm From: pgoltz (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Global Big Day
Thank you. I also made the determination that Big Day is this coming
Saturday. But in the past, the mailing list has contained messages
helping to organize people, and put them in touch with local leaders.
There has been total silence. Maybe some people are planning in other
venues. Not all of us have access to these. I almost missed this coming
Big Day because of this. I would like to bird in the place I usually do,
but I didn't remember enough to get in touch until just now.
People need to continue to use this list for the purpose of informing
other people of events. Please, folks! Please provide information for
those of us who only access this list. Thank you.
Pat Goltz
On 2026-10-04 11:46, Kenneth Werner wrote:
> I looked it up and found the following:
>
> Global Big Day 2026 took place on May 9, 2026, setting a new all-time
> record with 8,023 bird species recorded worldwide in a single 24-hour
> period through eBird [1]. [1 [2]]
>
> Event Results and Highlights
>
> *
>
> * Total Species: 8,023 species documented globally.
>
> * Participants: 80,245 eBirders from 203 countries.
>
> * Checklists Submitted: 197,640 checklists.
>
> * Top Species Regions: Colombia led with 1,571 species, followed by
> Peru (1,447) and Brazil (1,208). [1 [3], 2 [2]]
>
> Next Birding Events
>
> *
>
> * October Big Day: Scheduled for October 10, 2026.
>
> * Next Global Big Day: Scheduled for May 9, 2027. [1 [2]]
>
> Ken
>
> On Sat, Oct 3, 2026, 23:01 pgoltz <aznmbirds...> wrote:
>
>> Why is nobody talking about Global Big Day? I found out it's this
>> coming
>> Saturday!
>>
>> Pat Goltz
>> Pima County
>
>
> Links:
> ------
> [1]
> https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/o05jCoAWMof54QJ40c1fqVspMxL7?<domain...> > [2] https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/X-oQCp9WNpfqD7PDBTDh2WsGWenB?<domain...> > [3] https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/gUNACqAWOqfnWVGWofQiK2sEFbQ9?<domain...>
Date: 10/2/26 9:34 pm From: Andrew Core (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 2 October 2026
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on October 2, 2026; the next update will be made on October 9.
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/OjZ7Cwn6XzHk8xA5LIVfGpsJb2Jb?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/m8K3CxoWYAIDMv9pJHvhErsyElhp?<domain...>
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
#Red-shouldered Hawk
#Broad-winged Hawk
#Semipalmated Sandpiper
#Short-billed Dowitcher
#Sabine's Gull
#Common Tern
*LEAST FLYCATCHER
#Rufous-backed Robin
#Blackburnian Warbler
#Hooded Warbler
#Rufous-capped Warbler
#Streak-backed Oriole
There continued to be a large scale irruption of Clark’s Nutcrackers,
Pinyon Jays, Cassin’s Finches, and Evening Grosbeaks - mostly from the
upper forest but some foothill and lowland locations too.
GREENLEE COUNTY
A #LEAST FLYCATCHER was reported along the Apache Grove Birding Trail on
9/30 (Ezekiel Dobson). GPS: (32.87341, -109.19653)
ARIVACA & BUENOS AIRES NWR
At Arivaca Lake a #RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was photographed on 10/2 (Brian
Nicholas).
TUCSON area
#BROAD-WINGED HAWKS were reported from NW Tucson (Donna Memon) and
photographed at El Rio Preserve (Scott Boone) on 10/2. Another was reported
from Danny Lopez Park on 9/26 (Scott Shaum).
On Mt Lemmon, a #BROAD-WINGED HAWK was photographed at the Sunset Trailhead
(lower Bear Wallow) on 9/28 (Dominic DeLaca-Wauer).
A #HOODED WARBLER was photographed on campus at the University of Arizona
on 10/1 (AJ Vasquez). GPS: (32.23131, -110.95590)
PATAGONIA
#BROAD-WINGED HAWKS were reported at the Paton Center on 9/28 (Sean
Caufield) and Temporal Gulch on 9/30 (Jake Thompson).
At Patagonia Lake State Park (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/iOYxCDwKGDTwvAn7BFRCG6sjrDfo?<domain...>) a #COMMON
TERN was photographed at the spillway on 9/30 (Jim Krakowski).
WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY
At Lake Cochise and the Twin Lakes Golf Course in Willcox, a #SEMIPALMATED
SANDPIPER and #SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER were reported on 9/29; the sandpiper
continued on 9/30 (m.ob.).
At Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area, a #SABINE'S GULL was reported on 9/27
(m.ob.).
NOGALES area
At Pena Blanca Lake (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/RCrQCEKLJEtO9xgwWIxFG9s7jIaI?<domain...>), a #BLACKBURNIAN
WARBLER was p on 9/27 (Henrey Deese, Cameron Tescher) and continued through
9/29 (Tony Shrimpton).
A #RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER continued this week in Sycamore Canyon (m.ob.).
GPS (31.4231, -111.1949).
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/gBWdCJEkOMflrw1k8IKI3psy-sNv?<domain...> for details.
RAMSEY CANYON - Ramsey Canyon Preserve is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
ASH CANYON BIRD SANCTUARY: open 7am 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/YXGbCLAmQOfVj9m0PcYTDzsyBZUu?<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/3ZoLCM7nRPIDO3Rp5HqUZJs8U84m?<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: 9/25/26 7:51 pm From: Andrew Core (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 25 September 2026
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on September 25, 2026; the next update will be made on October 2.
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/G0gQCqAWOqfnGMrLVSZfKKiE8vmk?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/qk1CCrgWPrT7XBjwWhzh66i42BOp?<domain...>
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
#Least Grebe
#Broad-winged Hawk
#Sabine's Gull
#Buff-collared Nightjar
*BLACK SWIFT
*RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD
*TUFTED FLYCATCHER
#Rose-throated Becard
Pinyon Jay
Clark's Nutcracker
#Magnolia Warbler
#Baltimore Oriole
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/QJy7CypWZBtKEBW6psAummixwnBz?<domain...>)
A *TUFTED FLYCATCHER continued at Barfoot Park on 9/19 (Leonard
Santisteban). GPS: (31.91686, -109.28076). Several Clark’s Nutcrackers were
reported on 9/22 (m.ob.), part of an ongoing irruption.
A #MAGNOLIA WARBLER was photographed at San Simon Cienega on 9/20 (Rose Ann
Rowlett).
TUCSON area
Single *BLACK SWIFTS were reported from Saguaro NP (East),Pantano River
Park, and Castle Rock on 9/22 and 9/23 (Brian Nicholas, John Amoroso, Scott
Crabtree). Black Swift is a review species and documentation can be
submitted to the Arizona Bird Committee.
A possible #LEAST GREBE was recorded at Sweetwater Wetlands on 9/24
(Rebecca Oseid).
#BROAD-WINGED HAWKS were reported from an east Tucson yard on 9/23 and 3 on
9/24 (Brian Gibbons). Eight Pinyon Jays were reported on 9/20. Six Pinyon
Jays were reported along the Tanque Verde Wash on 9/21 (Adam Dudley).
On Mt Lemmon, three #BROAD-WINGED HAWKS were reported in Bear Canyon on
9/25 (David Griffin). Several Clark’s Nutcrackers were reported on
Incinerator Ridge on 9/25 (m.ob.).
A #BROAD-WINGED HAWK was photographed at Cienega Creek Preserve (permit
required) in southeast Tucson on 9/25 (Nate Peterson). 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/puQzCzqg1DiEvjB87hBC77i9eTHW?<domain...> and
annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/-IrACA8EBztBMDor8COF99iG0lJ-?<domain...> A #BROAD-WINGED HAWK was photographed in Tanque Verde Wash at Tanque Verde
Loop Rd on 9/24 (Brian Gibbons).
BISBEE
A *RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD was reported at a private residence in Bisbee
on 9/19 (Ken Lamberton).
SANTA CRUZ FLATS
A #SABINE’S GULL was photographed at Arizona City Lake on 9/25 (Julie
Furgason).
WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY
At Lake Cochise and the Twin Lakes Golf Course in Willcox, a #SABINE’S GULL
was reported on 9/23 (Steve Svedeman).
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
In Box Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/8b7TCB1GDAT03LmPyH7Hyyi2O5oy?<domain...>), a #BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR
continued near the bridge in the lower canyon through 9/22 (m.ob.).
A #BALTIMORE ORIOLE was photographed in Sahuarita at North Santa Cruz Park
on 9/19 (Layton Pickard).
PATAGONIA
A #ROSE-THROATED BECARD continued along Harshaw Creek Road on 9/22 (Jake
Thompson) in the same place as last year. GPS: (31.51621, -110.69293).
ACCESS NOTE: please stay on the road – the creek is private property.
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/sU9LCDwKGDTwQ8mjycnIGGijgU37?<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/WN0eCGwNLJTEozlW6hBTmmiBB00r?<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/UzBxCJEkOMflPjzpVu8U33iyhSqu?<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: 9/24/26 4:38 pm From: Christopher Vincent (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Common Ground Dove - E. of Catalina, AZ
Date: 9/24/26 4:19 pm From: John Williams (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Catalina SP today
Mid-day (I know doldrums and all that) but overcast so cool, I walked the bird loop…. Starting at the wash, I first noticed that the recent hatch of Red-spotted Toad led to spots in front of my eyes…. At least a dozen thumbnail sized toads were hopping around. A pair of Blue Grosbeaks were briefly together on the same branch. The air was full of Northern Snouts; they are all over the valley right now. Rounding the first turn, three female Varied Buntings were foraging and fighting…. It appeared one was an adult female with two immatures. A Summer Tanager was also foraging nearby. Butterflies continued to be my focus in the absence of birds. By the second wash, left hand fork, I heard a far off bird call…Huh, sounded like a Mexican Jay…. Up the staircase then toward the ridge…. Look at that! The Mexican Jay was not my imagination… but I was too slow with the camera.
Tried to look to the north, down the slope. It stayed hidden.
Just a bit later I met a park ranger who asked how it was going…. Then he mentioned that the gigantic saguaro on the slope to the south…. (If you ever walked that trail, it was an immense presence; largest in the park) had collapsed last weekend. Another iconic feature passes…. I will miss seeing it.
Down the steps to the wash…. Last birds: a Canyon Towhee, a Rufous-winged Sparrow and two Orange-crowned Warblers. Water the dog at the bench, wander out.
Date: 9/23/26 6:32 pm From: Steven Tracey (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: San Pedro House Birding Walk
Hi Birders,
The weather was threatening this morning but the forecast promised
improving conditions and that's exactly what we got for the San Pedro House
birding walk. I suspect the threat of rain kept folks away as we had just
4 locals on the walk, but while the birders didn't show up, the birds did.
It was the best fall migration day we have had this year as we found
several mixed flocks of migrants. Highlights included 7 warbler species
(Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's, Black-throated Gray, Nashville,
Orange-crowned, MacGillivray's, Lucy's) which surprisingly didn't include
Northern Yellow Warbler for the first time since they arrived in spring.
Also of note were 4 vireo species (Cassin's, Plumbeous, Western Warbling
and Bell's). Especially unusual for the walk were four species of swallows
(NRW, Tree, VG, and Barn). At almost any point in the walk you could look
up and see swallows moving through. Just a really nice, birdy fall
migration morning.
The Friends of the San Pedro River leads birding walks every 2nd and 4th
Wednesday of the month. For the next several months the walks start at
7:00a. The walks leave 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, October 14 at 7:00a.
Date: 9/19/26 5:59 am From: Scott R (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Maricopa PIRATIC FLYCATCHER continues through at least Friday 4pm
Field Summary
The Piratic Flycatcher continues at Base and Meridian WA, Arizona's first
state record, found near the eastern end of a pine grove around 33.3876,
-112.3034. It feeds actively on fruits at a small water pool along the
grove's eastern edge and shows regularly between 4:20 PM and 5:45 PM,
though views are often brief and can be obstructed by pine foliage. Park at
the smaller lot north of the bridge to minimize walking in extreme heat,
and be prepared for quick sightings—scan lower and mid-canopy branches of
pines, especially early morning and late afternoon when the bird is most
active. Multiple observers have had success with scopes, and recent photos
document the bird's distinctive features.
Date: 9/18/26 7:46 pm From: T.G. Miko (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Piratic or Variegated Flycatcher at Base & Meridian (Maricopa)
I would like to thank those folks who posted the GPS coordinates of where
the bird actually is— as opposed to where one should park. This made sure
that I parked in the right spot and walked to the right spot. Thank you!
Thomas Geza Miko
Claremont CA 91711
909.241.3300
On Thu, Sep 17, 2026 at 1:38 PM Mark Larson <larsonwarren...> wrote:
> This is interesting! I have observed Piratic Flycatchers many times in the
> Neotropics and the first photo gave me flashbacks of some of those moments,
> with the bird almost always perched on treetops.
>
> I do not have experience with Variegated Flycatchers, so I have no basis
> to compare them.
>
> Mark
>
> Mark W. Larson
> (Retired) President
> MARICOPA AUDUBON SOCIETY
> Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe, Arizona
>
>
> On Thu, Sep 17, 2026 at 1:11 PM T.G. Miko <aznmbirds...>
> wrote:
>
>> Thanks for cross posting this from Discord!
>>
>>
>> Thomas Geza Miko
>> Claremont CA 91711
>> 909.241.3300 <(909)%20241-3300>
>>
>> On Thu, Sep 17, 2026 at 11:49 AM David Wright <aznmbirds...>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Bird reported this AM on AZ Discord. Here is a checklist with photos of
>>> the bird:
>>>
>>> https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/yc7kCR8vZmtoQV3MYi9f66i1dFf8?<domain...> >>> <https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/yc7kCR8vZmtoQV3MYi9f66i1dFf8?<domain...> >>>
>>> Coordinates from this AM below. Bird last reported on discord about 10
>>> AM
>>>
>>> 33.387265,-112.301940
>>>
>>> (I am just relaying info here)
>>>
>>
We were excited to have a beautiful summer tanager visit our birdbath/pond
this afternoon. Female or young male, with beautiful saffron coloring in
the vent and a very rich yellow/orange/gold plumage. Didn't stay long,
but cooperative for my rusty camera skills.
We're only a few blocks from Fort Lowell Park, so it could possibly be
visiting there as well?
Date: 9/17/26 7:10 pm From: Mark Stevenson (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Warning regarding the Piratic Flycatcher location
A birder reported that a Sherrif (likely a deputy) was there this evening
telling birders that it was not ok to pass by the No Trespassing signs to
get to where they were looking for the Piratic Flycatcher. It was also not
ok to park in the little lot nearest the flycatcher.
I wasn't there, so I don't know any subtleties of the situation.
Date: 9/17/26 1:40 pm From: Mark Larson (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Piratic or Variegated Flycatcher at Base & Meridian (Maricopa)
This is interesting! I have observed Piratic Flycatchers many times in the
Neotropics and the first photo gave me flashbacks of some of those moments,
with the bird almost always perched on treetops.
I do not have experience with Variegated Flycatchers, so I have no basis to
compare them.
Mark
Mark W. Larson
(Retired) President
MARICOPA AUDUBON SOCIETY
Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe, Arizona
On Thu, Sep 17, 2026 at 1:11 PM T.G. Miko <aznmbirds...>
wrote:
Date: 9/17/26 11:49 am From: David Wright (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Piratic or Variegated Flycatcher at Base & Meridian (Maricopa)
Bird reported this AM on AZ Discord. Here is a checklist with photos of the bird:
Dodging rain everywhere, I nonetheless had a really good morning on the eastern part of the Zuni region. I started at the Bluewater Canyon BLM area west of Bluewater Village off I-40. Access to this site (worth a visit at all seasons) is at exit 72. Head toward Bluewater Village but take the frontage road against eastbound interstate traffic about two miles. Turn left on Plano Road (if the sign is gone again look for sheet metal sculptures of Sasquatch and a mounted Native American). Go another roughly two miles-the road will turn to good gravel about half way) to the parking lot for the site on the outside of a right hand turn. Here’s what may be of wider interest:
crissal thrasher- one calling from near the canyon mouth and audible from parking area when I arrived about 06:35
Lucy’s warbler- one in willows and tamarisk just inside canyon mouth; the seems late
northern waterthrush- one between first and second crossings just before trail goes beneath an overhang, where there is one large cottonwood and several smaller ones; a second near third crossing
HOODED WARBLER- immediately before second crossing there is a weak trail that goes upstream for about 30 feet and the bird, in a female plumage, was first heard calling, a rather piercing high chip. There is a noisy tumble of water there so the loud call was helpful to me
I got chase out of the canyon by rain after crossing the creek for the fifth time (rubber knee boots might help for those unwilling to risk the crossings on mobile rocks).
The second stop was Paseo del Coyote golf course in Grants. This visit was abruptly terminated when lightning struck close from a cloud that didn’t seem to have much to it, though lightning and rain were widely visible in the middle distance. In the brief time there, by far the most interesting thing was an “oriole” rattle call coming from willows near the 7th green. It wasn’t a Bullock’s oriole- that call I heard all breeding season. Not yet in the habit of carrying electronics at all times, I had to wait until back in the car (just beating the deluge by a couple of minutes) to check recordings on my phone. The best match is Baltimore oriole. We have, to my knowledge, only one regional record for that species, a male paired with a female Bullock’s oriole that successfully fledged at least one young bird in spring 1981. But I didn’t see anything except moving vegetation.
I’m still camped at Ojo Redondo, and the drive back on Forest Road 180 was entertaining for reasons of the thunderstorm and a couple of bird encounters. A Steller’s jay was in juniper savanna between the 2nd and 3rd cattle guards after the road becomes gravel. And very close to the intersection of FR180 and FR425 I encountered a small “tornado” of swifts foraging low to the road between rain squalls. There were 5-6 Vaux’s swifts in a tight, spiraling flock about 50 feet wide and 25 to 60 feet in the air. That was the topper to a fine, wet morning.
My last stop was Bluewater Lake, which I hastily covered lest the dirt roads get too muddy to get away. The imm. common tern is still present with two Forster’s terns about three eighths of a mile up the northwestern arm from where it Ts into the north-south part of the lake.
Best,
John Trochet
Sacramento, California
currently in the Zuni Mountains area.
Date: 9/12/26 11:06 am From: Nick Whelan (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE Arizona: Painted Buntings in Hereford, AZ, Yard
For the past several days, a juvenile Painted Bunting has been hanging around my Hereford, AZ, yard. This morning, an adult female has been visiting the yard as well.
Date: 9/10/26 9:47 am From: trochetj (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] CWNM: Zuni Mountains area birds
Dear Birders,
This morning early there was an eastern phoebe in the parking lot of Paseo del Coyote golf course in Grants, Cibola County. It was in the perimeter of the largest cottonwood in the lot and on the adjacent electric wire that runs through the tree. Unfortunately, when the waste management truck collected the refuse from the receptacle beneath the tree at 7AM the bird flew off to the south. It did not seem to have returned when I check the trees in the lot 45 minutes ago.
At the 4th Street park in Grants just now was a female-plumaged phainopepla, plus two woodpeckers clearly transient at the site, a Lewis’s woodpecker and an acorn woodpecker. These were all at the north end of the park, over the watercourse. Common western migrant perching birds were in fair numbers this morning, in contrast to the paucity encountered the three previous days.
On Monday evening about 400 meters east of Ojo Redondo campground in the high Zunis, I found a female American three-toed woodpecker. And at midday on Monday at Ramah Lake (McKinley County) there was an interesting cormorant. Lots of features suggested neotropic cormorant (small size, smaller & finer bill, disproportionately longer tail, a strong olive cast to the back, all compared to seven adjacent double-crested cormorants; the shape of the rear of the gular pouch was ambiguous at 500 meters distance) but the bird had a small area of yellow above the lores. A runt double-crested? A hybrid? I don’t know what to make of it.
Best,
John Trochet
Sacramento, California
presently visiting the Zuni Mountains
