Date: 3/28/25 10:17 pm From: Andrew Core <tucsonrba...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 28 March 2025
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on March 28, 2025; the next update will be made on April 4. 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/o9ZUC93vqouzlVnvxhofOUq2CCS?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/HSGNC0Aj5Nfk70vK4CDhgU9Gh5q?<domain...>
TUCSON area
A *SHORT-TAILED HAWK was reported on 3/22 (Chris Rohrer, Celeste Troon) at
Paige Creek near the concrete tank at mile 14. This is on the east side of
the Rincon Mountains in Happy Valley, east of Tucson.
A #YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER continued this week (m.ob.) near the University
of Arizona in the Community Garden at 1400 E Mabel St.
A #WHIMBREL was photographed reported at the Marana WTP on Stingray Rd on
1/20 (Matthew Igleski).
A #BROWN THRASHER was reported in a Catalina foothills yard on 3/22 (Rowena
Matthews).
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
In Madera Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/p_ScCm7WKmIpgLXZ6fNC1UR3DuS?<domain...>), a #LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH
continued in the lower part of the canyon this week (m.ob.). The #BERYLLINE
HUMMINGBIRD continued at the Santa Rita Lodge and Madera Kubo B&B this week
(m.ob.).
In Florida Canyon (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/1aiUCnGWL0cXPpwzxi0FrUJF64t?<domain...>), a #RUFOUS-CAPPED
WARBLER and a #GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW continued this week near the dam
(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 all 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.
ARIVACA & BUENOS AIRES NWR
A #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER continued at Arivaca Lake on 3/24 (m.ob.) in
Cedar Canyon below the dam.
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
At the San Pedro House, a #LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH continued through 3/27
(m.ob.).
A #GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW continued at the Battiste Bed & Breakfast on 3/28
(Tony Battiste).
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/hno0CqAWOqf1E6BDRfYSEUEwPIA?<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/kTzfCvm6WyFEY01G4UYUvUQC9hG?<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/OUznCwn6XzHvqZ67PU3clUJViNR?<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.
