Date: 5/1/26 10:11 pm From: Andrew Core (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 1 May 2026
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on May 1, 2026; the next update will be made on May 8. 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/wo9KCA8EBztVY7OP9uGfAUGpdwk?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/BMn8CB1GDATAoEKkVI6h5U2wwwl?<domain...>
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
#Broad-winged Hawk
#Short-tailed Hawk
#Hudsonian Whimbrel
#Buff-collared Nightjar
#Rufous-backed Robin
#Gray Catbird
#Tennessee Warbler
#Chestnut-sided Warbler
#Kentucky Warbler
#Rufous-capped Warbler
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER
#Purple Finch
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
In Miller Canyon a pair of *FLAME-COLORED TANAGERS continued this week
(m.ob.) near the old mill. GPS: (31.4112, -110.28177).
A #BROAD-WINGED HAWK was reported from the San Pedro House on 4/29 (m.ob.).
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/gkkGCLAmQOfXvE9gPSKFkUyacxt?<domain...>)
A #BROAD-WINGED HAWK was photographed in Portal on 4/27 and in Cave Creek
Canyon on 4/29 (m.ob.).
A #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN continued in a Whitetail Canyon yard on 5/1 (Rick
Taylor).
A #GRAY CATBIRD was photographed in Portal at Bob Rodrigues’s yard on 4/25
(Bob Rodrigues) and continued through 5/1 (m.ob.). A #TENNESSEE WARBLER was
reported on 4/29 (Avery Fish).
TUCSON area
On Mt Lemmon, a #SHORT-TAILED HAWK continued over the Bear Wallow/Mt
Bigelow area on 4/26 (m.ob.).
A #TENNESSEE WARBLER was reported at Sweetwater Wetlands on 4/25 (Michael
Welch).
A #CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER was reported at Lakeside Park on 4/28
(Anonymous).
WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY
A #HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL was photographed at Lake Cochise by the Twin Lakes
Golf Course in Willcox on 4/27 (Steven Tracey) and continued through 5/1
(m.ob.).
NOGALES area
#BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJARS continued at the south end of California Gulch at
the confluence with Warsaw Canyon this week (m.ob.). Annotated map:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/waFYCOJpWjfwGqxgAhYSrUGszTF?<domain...> #RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLERS continued this week in Sycamore Canyon (m.ob.). GPS
(31.417354, -111.196266).
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/rj3rCP6q0kCZlyX24fRTgUxcCvf?<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/fXdhCR8vZmtQV7WprTycGU1F7UP?<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/pwU-CVJz4qfXvOyElS5fBUERknr?<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.
