Date: 5/16/25 10:48 pm From: Andrew Core <tucsonrba...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 16 May 2025
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on May 16, 2025; the next update will be made on May 23. 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/11GxCQArYlfBnMRX6HxfxfGlzBU?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/uQPpCR8vZmtnwjOGrTNhqf1yOUt?<domain...>
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
A *BLACK SWIFT was reported from Madera Canyon Rd near Florida Wash on 5/10
(Skye Haas).
In Madera Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/De-bC1VkgOfnr2Z6pTOFgfVTC1H?<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.
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
In Miller Canyon a pair of *FLAME-COLORED TANAGERS continued near the old
mill site this week (m.ob.). GPS: (31.4112, -110.28177). A different
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER was photographed in the lower canyon on 5/14
(Benjamin Olsen). A #BROAD-WINGED HAWK continued in Miller Canyon on 5/10
(m.ob.).
In Ramsey Canyon, a #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD was reported at the Ramsey
Canyon Preserve on 5/10 and 5/11 (m.ob.).
A #PURPLE FINCH was photographed at the Casa de San Pedro B&B on 5/16
(Peter Siminski). A GRAY CATBIRD was reported on 5/11 (Matthew O’Brien).
An #OVENBIRD was photographed along the San Pedro River in Escapule Wash on
5/13 (Peter Siminski) and continued through 5/15 (m.ob.).
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Ec6TC2GljPcKLPmVkcLHKf51H4E?<domain...>)
A *CRESCENT-CHESTED WARBLER was reported from John Hands CG in Cave Creek
Canyon on 5/10 (Alice Wakefield).
A #BROWN THRASHER continued and a BROAD-WINGED HAWK was reported in
Whitetail Canyon on 5/10 (Rick Taylor).
A #GRAY CATBIRD continued in a yard east of town on 5/13 (Peg Abbott).
A #HOODED WARBLER continued in a private yard through 5/14 (Rose Ann
Rowlett).
A #HOODED WARBLER was reported from Cave Creek Ranch on 5/12 (m.ob.).
NOGALES area
A #LEAST GREBE was photographed at Eagle Dam on 5/10 (Reder Daughenbaugh).
GPS: (31.461, -111.224)
A #RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER continued in Sycamore Canyon on 5/11 (m.ob.).
PINAL COUNTY
A #BROAD-WINGED HAWK was photographed at the Winkelman pedestrian bridge on
5/10 (Paul Heveran).
TUCSON area
A #SHORT-TAILED HAWK continued over the Bear Wallow/Mt Bigelow area on Mt
Lemmon this week (m.ob.).
An #EASTERN KINGBIRD was reported at Sweetwater Wetlands on 5/12 (Mark
Stevenson) and continued through 5/16 (m.ob.).
WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY
An #AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER continued at Lake Cochise by the Twin Lakes Golf
Course through 5/16 (m.ob.). A #RED PHALAROPE was photographed on 5/14
(Sharon Goldwasser) and continued through 5/16 (m.ob.). A #SEMIPALMATED
SANDPIPER continued on 5/10 (m.ob.). A #LAUGHING GULL was reported on 5/11
(m.ob.). and continued through 5/15 (m.ob.).
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/qjf5C3Ymkgf7j64XmhpIjfQYjuD?<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/YpYvC5Aomkfgy5lM0cVT3fkM7Hr?<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/rCRIC6YpnlfVRjWPouQUzf5Y_HS?<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. 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.
