Date: 2/27/26 9:06 pm From: Andrew Core (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 27 February 2026
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on February 27, 2026; the next update will be made on March 6.
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/QWq_CoAWMofBmp974c1f1Ipa3mH?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/6e-5Cp9WNpfvZEkjDhDhkIG_pLn?<domain...>
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
#Eurasian Wigeon
#Red-shouldered Hawk
*AMERICAN WOODCOCK
#Red-breasted Sapsucker
#Eastern Phoebe
*NUTTING'S FLYCATCHER
#Winter Wren
#Rufous-backed Robin
#Magnolia Warbler
#Louisiana Waterthrush
#Rufous-capped Warbler
#Rusty Blackbird
TUBAC area (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/671fCwn6XzHAnZ6Dpt8uqIJEUtq?<domain...>)
An *AMERICAN WOODCOCK continued along the Anza Trail north of the Tubac
bridge on 2/27 (m.ob.). GPS: (31.6175,-111.0423)
An #EASTERN PHOEBE was reported from a private residence in Salero Ranch on
2/22 (Sue Carnahan, Curtis Smith).
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
In Chino Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/KZ6kCxoWYAI9jq82OC2CmIyFOuA?<domain...>), a #NUTTING’S FLYCATCHER
continued through 2/24 (m.ob.). GPS: (31.7224011, -110.9483565).. High
clearance is recommended for the very rough road in.
A #RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER continued at the San Martin de Porres Catholic
Church at 15440 S Santa Rita Rd in Sahuarita this week (m.ob.) in the pecan
trees across the street and in the mesquite tree by the entrance; please be
aware of any services in session and do not enter the orchards.
ARIVACA & BUENOS AIRES NWR
At Arivaca Lake a #RED-SHOULDERED HAWK and an #EASTERN PHOEBE continued
this week (m.ob.).
SONOITA & LAS CIENEGAS NCA
An #EASTERN PHOEBE continued in Empire Gulch in Las Cienegas NCA on 2/21
(Fred Forssell).
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
At the San Pedro House, a #LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH continued this week
(m.ob.).
PATAGONIA
A #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN continued along Harshaw Creek Rd across from the
Spirit Tree Inn this week (m.ob.). GPS: (31.5223217, -110.7016439)
At Patagonia Lake State Park (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/0ogMCzqg1DixzND0LTVHXI9mug9?<domain...>) a #WINTER
WREN was reported again along the Birding Trail on 2/24 (Jake Thompson).
NOGALES area
Two #RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLERS continued this week in Sycamore Canyon (m.ob.).
GPS (31.417354, -111.196266)
TUCSON area
A #MAGNOLIA WARBLER continued along the Santa Cruz River through 2/21 (Mark
Stevenson). It has been seen on the east side of Danny Lopez Park along the
river, near the outflow from Agua Nueva WWTP. GPS: (32.286839, -111.030545).
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/UPmkCA8EBztn5J0vYUXIRIG6tTp?<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/Ni67CDwKGDTnZrpRPULT8IjHluG?<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/Xpx2CEKLJEtgjoyQPULUQI7hSxR?<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 fence and use the
pedestrian gate; 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.
