Date: 12/5/25 8:09 pm From: Andrew Core (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 5 December 2025
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on December 5, 2025; the next update will be made on December 12.
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/XfT8Cg7WAOIw0q30qiNfyF4H3NZ?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/vawQCjAWEjfG5Yr5YSRhqFmrHgb?<domain...>
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
#Black Scoter
#Red-shouldered Hawk
#Rough-legged Hawk
#Eastern Phoebe
#Winter Wren
#Brown Thrasher
#Tennessee Warbler
#Louisiana Waterthrush
#Orchard Oriole
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
A #BLACK SCOTER was reported at the Green Valley WRF on 12/1 (Luke Seitz)
and seen by many throughout the day. ACCESS NOTE: access is through a
pedestrian gate east of the vehicle gate. Please park outside the fence and
walk in.
In Madera Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/IbIfCnGWL0c3OXEOXfEuxFJUSob?<domain...>), a #WINTER WREN was reported at
the Santa Rita Lodge on 12/1 (Timothy White).
TUCSON area
A #RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was photographed at the Tucson Audubon Mason Center
in Marana on 12/4 (Matt Griffiths).
A #TENNESSEE WARBLER was reported in the Tanque Verde Wash 0.4 miles west
of Wentworth Rd. on 12/2 (Will Russell).
An #ORCHARD ORIOLE continued along the river south of Starr Pass Blvd on
12/5 (m.ob.). GPS (32.205158, -110.988782)
SAN RAFAEL VALLEY A
A #ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was photographed in the San Rafael Valley on 11/30
(Terri Williams) and continued on 12/2 (Cathy Beck). GPS: (31.39754,
-110.59213)
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
At the Hereford Bridge over the San Pedro River, an #EASTERN PHOEBE was
photographed south of the bridge on 12/4 (Ron Beck).
At the San Pedro House, a #LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH continued this week
(m.ob.).
ARIVACA & BUENOS AIRES NWR
At Arivaca Lake an #EASTERN PHOEBE continued through 12/4 (Janelle Willis).
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/q4VwCqAWOqfk01Q01SMHyFER3_e?<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/5Hn_Cvm6WyFLNE9NEtWSMFQ28XA?<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/zWt3Cwn6XzHV8vj8vu4TLFJz5lL?<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. Access is through a pedestrian gate
east of the vehicle gate. Please park outside the fence and walk in, 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.
