Date: 3/13/26 9:19 pm From: Andrew Core (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 13 March 2026
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on March 13, 2026; the next update will be made on March 20. 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/6hjBC1VkgOfkGQXL7ULfwSVD00F?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/C86dC2GljPcR3DQ0Ns1hXS5R1I6?<domain...>
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
#Red-shouldered Hawk
#Broad-winged Hawk
#Eastern Phoebe
#Winter Wren
#Pacific Wren
#Rufous-backed Robin
#Brown Thrasher
#Magnolia Warbler
#Louisiana Waterthrush
#Rufous-capped Warbler
#Golden-crowned Sparrow
#Purple Finch
ARIVACA & BUENOS AIRES NWR
At Arivaca Lake a #RED-SHOULDERED HAWK continued this week (m.ob.).
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
A #BROAD-WINGED HAWK was reported at Desert Meadows Park on 3/11 (David
Griffin, Stephen Ley).
PATAGONIA
At Patagonia Lake State Park (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/p-9dC6Ypnlf1m4JZnfLuqS5Nowg?<domain...>) a #WINTER
WREN was reported again along the Birding Trail on 3/12 (Tommy
DeBardeleben), and an #EASTERN PHOEBE was photographed on 3/10 (Jim
Krakowski).
A #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN continued along Harshaw Creek Rd across from the
Spirit Tree Inn this week (m.ob.). GPS: (31.5223217, -110.7016439)
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
At the San Pedro House, a #LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH continued this week
(m.ob.). An #EASTERN PHOEBE was reported on 3/8 (Steve Svedeman) and was
photographed on 3/9 (James Moodie). A #GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW was
photographed on 3/11 (Henrey Deese).
In upper Ramsey Canyon, a #PACIFIC WREN was recorded on 3/11 (Theresa
Lawson) between the 1st and 2nd stream crossings after the overlook. It was
reported again on 3/13 (James Moodie).
TUCSON area
A #MAGNOLIA WARBLER continued along the Santa Cruz River through 3/12 and
3/13 (John Williams, Andrea Serrano). 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).
NOGALES area
#RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLERS continued this week in Sycamore Canyon (m.ob.). GPS
(31.417354, -111.196266)
BISBEE
A #PURPLE FINCH was photographed at a private residence in Bisbee on 3/8
and continued through 3/12 (Ken Lamberton).
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/c8gLC93vqouMqwjr5iGHRSqd-DW?<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/8F22Cg7WAOImyzJ4LCJS2S4UPLU?<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/LVDZCjAWEjf3mx0Z7C2T0SmVSKQ?<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.
