Date: 6/24/26 1:39 pm From: dpsiminski (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] San Pedro River Birding Walk
This morning, 10 birders participated in The Friends of the San Pedro River’s
Birding Walk. From the San Pedro House, we birded the river, Garden Wash, old
farm fields, Chihuahuan desert scrub, a flooded abandoned gravel pit, and an
old oxbow pond along the San Pedro House trail system. This is all within the
BLM’s San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. We saw 45 species of
birds.
Our bird of the day was a juvenile Peregrine falcon. We saw it perched on one
of the Soaptree Yuccas south of the San Pedro House. Peregrines are highly
unusual in the Conservation Area during the summer. We speculated that it
might be a dispersing juvenile from one of the eyries in the Huachuca
Mountains. We had a distant view, but still an exciting sighting.
Some other highlights were a Lesser Nighthawk making as few passes at Black
Phoebe Pond before dipping its beak in the pond for a drink, Barn Swallows
nesting again on the San Pedro House for the first time in many years, and
lots of Blue Grosbeaks.
The one occupied Great Blue Heron nest on this stretch of the river still has
nestlings, but very large nestlings, seemingly as big as the adults but with
black foreheads, not the white foreheads of the adults. With the river
reduced to just puddles on this stretch of river, the puddles are packed with
invasive American Bullfrogs. Easy prey for the adult herons, and tasty meals
for the nestlings.
A non-bird highlight of the walk was three species of velvet ants. The
Magnificent (it is) Velvet Ant, the Thistledown (it resembles a downy creosote
bush seed tumbling along the ground) Velvet Ant, and the Fox’s Velvet Ant.
The Friends of the San Pedro River leads birding walks on the second and
fourth Wednesday of each 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 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, 8 July, at 6:00a.
See you there.
Pete Siminski
Friends of the San Pedro River
Sierra Vista AZ
Date: 6/24/26 9:41 am From: Bob Eiermann (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Can you please unsubscribe me from this mailing list...
....I don't use this email for personal business anymore.
Early this afternoon (it’s hard for me to leave the Zunis) I found a broad-wing hawk adult in the central Zuni Mountains. It was northwest of Sawyer, at the mouth of what is sometimes called Granite Canyon but is unnamed on topo maps. The location is approximately here: 35.18484, -108.22869. Access is off Forest Road 50 to an unmarked dirt track east of Sawyer called FR 50P on some maps. If you go over a yellow cattle guard and past a big pile of large white rocks, you’ve found the right “road.” It is unsuitable for low-slung vehicles.
Equally exciting (for me anyway) was a singing Lincoln’s sparrow at Red Wall Canyon this morning. This is about and hour’s hike from the hawk location. Red Wall Canyon is a relatively short, wet canyon that is worth visiting just for the scenery, but it is the best place known in these mountains for summering Lincoln’s sparrows. The canyon access is about here: 35.19142, -108.25346. Five large bull elk with substantial antlers in the velvet were at the canyon when I visited. The few other places with water were also heavily attended by all sorts of wildlife from insects to elk when I visited.
Best,
John Trochet
Sacramento, California (now heading home- really)
Date: 6/21/26 6:00 am From: trochetj (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] CWNM: Cibola County eastern phoebe- no
Dear Birders,
En route home this morning I made a check for the eastern phoebe in lower Bluewater Canyon (aka the gorge). I didn’t find it. Playing the recorded song from a few days ago elicited no reply. I hiked no farther up the canyon, so I don’t know the status of the other birds recently reported there.
Best,
John Trochet
Sacramento, California
currently in the Zunis
Date: 6/19/26 8:05 pm From: Andrew Core (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 19 June 2026
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on June 19, 2026; the next update will be made on June 26. 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/v4dYCqAWOqfJOWYgGfZfkcEnhwV?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/M6j6CrgWPrT4A9QyXczhXc4MCSL?<domain...>
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/cibECypWZBtANnOGECAu9cx1_b0?<domain...>)
A *WOOD THRUSH was recorded in a Whitetail Canyon yard on 6/16 (Rick
Taylor) and continued through 6/18. A #HOODED WARBLER was photographed on
6/13.
A #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD was reported at the Southwestern Research Station
on 6/13 (Abbie Brozich) and continued through 6/18 (m.ob.).
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 #HOODED WARBLER was reported on
6/15 and 6/19 (m.ob.).
A #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD continued in Ramsey Canyon Preserve this week
(m.ob.).
A #HOODED WARBLER was reported at the San Pedro House on 6/17 (Erika M
Wilson).
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
A #LEAST GREBE continued at the Green Valley WRF on 6/14 (m.ob.). A #LEAST
TERN was photographed on 6/14 (Parker Davis, Nell Smith). ACCESS NOTE:
access is through a pedestrian gate east of the vehicle gate. Please park
outside the fence and walk in.
In Box Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/x5Q4Czqg1DiORLWXvCBCVc9ZVM7?<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/cC1hCA8EBztG9YpxMHOFOcGLSbd?<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
#SHORT-TAILED HAWK was photographed in the upper canyon on 6/13 (Michael
Hochstetler).
WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY
A #COMMON TERN was photographed at Lake Cochise by the Twin Lakes Golf
Course in Willcox on 6/18 (Dave Stejskal).
TUCSON area
A #WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD was reported on Mt Lemmon at the Palisades
Visitor Center on 6/14 (Scott Olmstead, Jennie Duberstein) and continued
briefly on 6/16 (Henry Detwiler).
SANTA CRUZ FLATS
A #SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was photographed at the corner of Nutt &
Barrett Rds on 6/15 (Paul Heveran).
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/9HeMCB1GDATzVoWx3u7Hwc28Q8A?<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/37z2CEKLJEtkWP4wKfKSlc7N4da?<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/VswMCJEkOMfg8X9kPU8UMcyxJv-?<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/7-rECKAlPNfZqJ7Q0UXcXc5AtDS?<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: 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
