Date: 11/21/25 8:45 pm From: Andrew Core (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 21 November 2025
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on November 21, 2025; the next update will be made on November 28.
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/pyyWCB1GDATRRY5nPfzf9C2GT0J?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/CkD-CDwKGDTJJ4lxjh5hDCj8VfQ?<domain...>
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
#Surf Scoter
#Red-shouldered Hawk
#Eastern Phoebe
*CAVE SWALLOW
#Winter Wren
#Rufous-backed Robin
#Varied Thrush
#Gray Catbird
#Chestnut-sided Warbler
#Black-throated Blue Warbler
#Purple Finch
TUCSON area
At Danny Lopez (formerly Columbus) Park, a *CAVE SWALLOW was photographed
on 11/21 (Steve Nord).
A #BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER continued in Summerhaven on E Turkey Run Rd
on 11/19 (Malcolm Mark Swan). It has been seen along the creek both
upstream and downstream of the bridge. GPS: 32.4444, -110.7605
ARIVACA & BUENOS AIRES NWR
At Arivaca Lake a #SURF SCOTER was photographed on 11/16 (Janine McCabe)
and continued on 11/16 (m.ob.). An #EASTERN PHOEBE continued through 11/20
and a #RED-SHOULDERED HAWK through 11/21 (m.ob.).
SONOITA & LAS CIENEGAS NCA
An #EASTERN PHOEBE was reported along Cienega Creek in Las Cienegas NCA on
11/18 (Jake Thompson) at the confluence with Gardner Canyon. GPS
(31.795342, -110.589350).
An #EASTERN PHOEBE was reported at the Babacomari Ranch on 11/16 (Kent
Jensen).
DUDLEYVILLE & ARAVAIPA CANYON
A #WINTER WREN was recorded in the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness on 11/17 ().
GPS: (32.9017251, -110.5669035); BLM permit is required for this location.
WHITEWATER DRAW
At Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area, a #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN was photographed
on 11/17 (Rhonda Votino).
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/sPd-COJpWjfZZWmO5TwIGCGOcEd?<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/m3J5CQArYlfll0jRBC5TlCGn4Yn?<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/GTMoCR8vZmt002qOnTrULC13cn3?<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 pedestrian gate, 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.
