Date: 1/24/25 8:32 pm From: Andrew Core <tucsonrba...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 24 January 2025
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast
Arizona was made on January 24, 2025; the next update will be made on
January 31. 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/yHHUCQArYlfXBxPR8cxfMSGd1L0?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/-Jo0CR8vZmtGnVWOJcNhQS11jGg?<domain...>
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
A #GREATER SCAUP continued at the Green Valley Country Club Estates this
week (David Griffin).
In Madera Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/xKfLC3YmkgfX7BK4wcpI9SQoyYt?<domain...>), a #LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH
continued in the lower part of the canyon on 1/17 (m.ob.).
In Florida Canyon (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/erTIC4WnljTzYo58yc5SmS4rK97?<domain...>), a #RUFOUS-CAPPED
WARBLER continued this week (m.ob.). 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.
A #VARIED THRUSH continued at the San Martin de Porres Catholic Church at
15440 S Santa Rita Rd in Sahuarita on 1/24 (m.ob.) at the fountain and in
the pecan trees east of the building; please be aware of any services in
session.
TUCSON area
A#YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER and a #CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER continued at
Sweetwater Wetlands this week (m.ob.).
A #YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was reported at Tanque Verde Wash at Wentworth
Rd on 1/24 (Jake Thompson).
A #YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was reported from the Santa Cruz River at
Cortaro Rd on 1/19 (Mark Stevenson) and continued on 1/20 (JC Curd).
A #YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER continued at Columbus Park on 1/23 (Lou
Chauvin).
A #YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER was photographed at the University of Arizona at
the northeast corner of Mountain Ave & Speedway Blvd on 1/23 (Nate
Peterson).
A #TENNESSEE WARBLER was reported along the multi-use path along the Santa
Cruz River about ¼ mile north of Ina Rd on 1/18 (Scott Olmstead) and
continued through 1/24 (Rob Payne). GPS: 32.3388368, -111.0820780
A #THICK-BILLED LONGSPUR continued at the Avra Valley WWTP this week
(m.ob.). If the gate is locked, try the call box; gate is locked for the
day at 2pm.
#THICK-BILLED LONGSPURS were reported at the Marana WTP on Stingray Rd on
1/20 (Nicholas Ilka).
TUBAC area (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/HtDpC5AomkfMgv9locVTvSkAKqC?<domain...>)
A #YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was reported along the Anza Trail at Tumacacori
on 1/22 (Tim Murphy).
Two #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBINS were photographed along the Anza Trail at Tubac
on 1/19 (Sharon Goldwasser) and continued through 1/24 (m.ob.). .
A #BROWN THRASHER was photographed along the Anza Trail at Santa Gertrudis
Lane on 1/18 (Matt Sim).
A #PURPLE FINCH continued in a yard south of the Tubac bridge on 1/24 (Seth
Ausubel).
NOGALES area
A #YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER and a #TENNESSEE WARBLER continued at the
Nogales Cemetery on 1/24 (Josh Engel).
A #RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER was reported in Sycamore Canyon on 1/11 (Ethan
Beasley).
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
A #YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER continued in a Hereford yard on 1/21 (Mike
Baker).
A #YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER continued along 3 Canyons Blvd on 1/21 (Diana
Doyle).
An #EASTERN PHOEBE continued at the Hereford Bridge on 1/24 (Peg Abbott).
An #EASTERN PHOEBE was reported from Ramsey Canyon Preserve on 1/18 (Susan
Allerton).
At the San Pedro House, a #HARRIS’S SPARROW continued through 1/20 (m.ob.).
AJO
An #EASTERN PHOEBE continued at the Ajo STP this week (m.ob.).
PINAL COUNTY
#THICK-BILLED LONGSPURS continued at Evergreen Turf Sod Farm at Tweedy &
Pretzer on 1/23 (m.ob.). Friendly reminder: 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.
A #STREAK-BACKED ORIOLE was photographed on 1/20 (Holly Sweeney) in pecan
trees on Fast Track Rd, halfway between Green Reservoir & Curtis Rds.
An #ORCHARD ORIOLE continued in SaddleBrooke through 1/22 (m.ob.) but was
not reported subsequently.
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/yKdfCjAWEjfYl9mO2cqtlSmS5We?<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/buzdCk6WGkCkYNBw7FjujSGt3mQ?<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.
