Date: 11/22/24 10:30 pm From: Andrew Core <tucsonrba...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 22 November 2024
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast
Arizona was made on November 22, 2024; the next update will be made on
November 29. Email your reports to rarebirdalert AT tucsonaudubon.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/kNLECZZEkxiMAJM45tzfyHBEr0_?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/DCMWC1VkgOfpxVpzMfGhEHVKTCf?<domain...>
TUCSON area
A #HEERMANN’S GULL was photographed at Reid Park on 11/21 (Sarah Marcum).
#YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS were photographed in NE Tucson on 11/13 (Nate
Peterson) and Catalina SP on 11/11 (Tim DeJonghe).
A#YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, #CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER and a #TENNESSEE
WARBLER continued at Sweetwater Wetlands through 11/22 (m.ob.).
A #CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER was reported at Castle Rock Lake on 11/18 (Brian
Nicholas) and continued through 11/22 (m.ob.).
A #YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER continued at Columbus Park through 11/22 (Steve
Nord).
A #YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was photographed in an Oro Valley yard on 11/18
(Joan K).
A #TENNESSEE WARBLER continued at El Rio Open Space Preserve in Marana on
11/18 (Andrew Core). Annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/3vCcC7Dqomim2DmpAH2FJHoFZho?<domain...>
AMADO
A #HEERMANN’S GULL was photographed at the Amado STP on 11/21 (Eric Kallen).
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Sb8uC8XrpnfjWojv6CEHyHym4p2?<domain...>)
A #COMMON GRACKLE was photographed in a Whitetail Canyon yard on 11/16 and
a *BLACK SWIFT was reported on 11/17 (Rick Taylor).
A #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN and a #ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK were reported along Portal
Road just west of the state line on 11/18 and 11/19, respectively (Antony
John).
An #EASTERN PHOEBE was recorded along the Bonita Creek Loop Trail in
Chiricahua NM on 11/18 (anonymous).
Two #GRAY CATBIRDS, a HARRIS’S SPARROW and a #BROWN THRASHER continued from
a Portal yard on 11/16 (m.ob.).
A #GRAY CATBIRD continued at Cave Creek Ranch through 11/21 (m.ob.).
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
In Madera Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/xYi3C93vqoumAGm3kHQI6Hq2BYJ?<domain...>), a #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD
continued at the Santa Rita Lodge through 11/22 (m.ob.). A #YELLOW-BELLIED
SAPSUCKER continued in the lower canyon on 11/22 (Caitlyn Schuchhardt).
A #YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was photographed at the McGee Ranch Cemetery on
11/10 (Cathy Beck) and continued on 11/14 (m.ob.).
In Florida Canyon (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/_iP5C0Aj5Nf2Q12oGSpSmH9il0k?<domain...>), a #RUFOUS-CAPPED
WARBLER was reported again on 11/16 (Nate Peterson) and continued through
11/21 (m.ob.). A #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN was reported on 11/16 (Cathy Beck)
and continued through 11/21 (Ken Cooper).
Directions: About 400 yards from parking lot is a metal gate, and just past
the gate the canyon forks. The main trail follows the East Fork, but almost
sightings have been in the West Fork to the right. About 125 yards up the
rough trail in the West Fork is a large water tank and a low dam. The oak
grove is about 1/3 mile past the dam. Note: The trail for the West Fork can
be difficult to find, and is steep and rough in places. If you see the sign
with distances to Florida Saddle, Madera Canyon, etc you've missed the
turn. Do not enter the research station.
PARKER CANYON LAKE
A #YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER continued at Parker Canyon Lake on 11/18 (Steve
Nord).
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
An #EASTERN PHOEBE was reported at the Hereford Bridge on 11/19 (Neil
Leeman).
At the San Pedro House, a #BROWN THRASHER was photographed north of the
bridge on 11/17 (Robb Welch). A #LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH was photographed
along the river under the Hwy 90 bridge on 11/22 (Steven Tracey). One often
winters between markers #6 and #7 south of the bridge, but can range up and
down the river.
A #GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW was reported at the Battiste Bed & Breakfast on
11/19 and 11/21 (Tony Battiste).
AJO
An #EASTERN PHOEBE continued at the Ajo STP through 11/22 (m.ob.). A
#VARIED THRUSH was photographed on 11/21 (Doug Backlund) and continued on
11/22 (m.ob.).
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/V7e5CoAWMofX5OXqrC0sOHpCQ1y?<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/2IQYCp9WNpfzqYzMnU6tEHGpwdx?<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 7AM 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. Use the call box at the gate, follow
the signs for parking, and 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.
