Date: 5/30/26 12:10 pm From: Andrew Core (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 30 May 2026
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on May 30, 2026; the next update will be made on June 5. 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/oQ4xCKAlPNf9NEyzPtMf4U5miJd?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/tqyJCLAmQOfXrjDyVcqhkUymiH9?<domain...>
WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY
A *HUDSONIAN GODWIT continued at Lake Cochise by the Twin Lakes Golf Course
in Willcox on 5/26 (Jim Landrum). An #AMERICAN HERRING GULL was reported on
5/23 (Peter Andrews) and was photographed on 5/24 (Sara Busch). A
#TENNESSEE WARBLER was reported on 5/24 (m.ob.) and photographed on 5/25
(Steven Tracey).
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
In Miller Canyon a *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER continued this week (m.ob.) near
the old mill. GPS: (31.4112, -110.28177).
A #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD was photographed in Ramsey Canyon Preserve on 5/24
(Jamie A Sylvan).
A #HOODED WARBLER was photographed in Hunter Canyon on 5/26 (Linda Zeller).
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/_2K8CP6q0kCZRG189FrugUxNwrN?<domain...>)
A #KENTUCKY WARBLER was reported in the South Fork of Cave Creek Canyon on
5/24 (Christine Jenkins). A *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER was recorded on 5/24
(Rose Ann Rowlett, Richard Webster) and was photographed on 5/29 (Scott
Roxbrough). GPS: (31.8741937, -109.1822892)
A #WHITE-EYED VIREO was reported from a private yard on 5/27 (Rose Ann
Rowlett).
TUCSON area
#SHORT-TAILED HAWKS continued over the upper areas of Mt Lemmon this week,
being reported over Bear Wallow and Mt Bigelow Rd (m.ob.).
A #BROWN THRASHER was photographed at WOW Arizona B&B in Catalina on 5/28
(Christopher Vincent).
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
In Box Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/hssrCQArYlf9pA1Mgt9COUGqmaT?<domain...>), a #BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR
continued near the bridge in the lower canyon this week (m.ob.).
In Madera Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/TtXGCR8vZmtQ1mDjof0FGU1hg02?<domain...>), a #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD
continued at the Santa Rita Lodge and Madera Kubo B&B this week (m.ob.),
but note that a very similar hybrid BROAD-BILLED x BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD
has been seen this week as well (m.ob.). Note the rust-colored bars in the
wing coverts and white flecking on the chin of the female Berylline, and
the solid dark gray wings (including coverts) of the hybrid. In flight,
look for the presence of rusty color in the wings for the Berylline. A
#RED-EYED VIREO was reported on the Carrie Nation Trail on 5/29 (m.ob.).
GPS: (31.70461, -110.87691).
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/dGoRCVJz4qfX6wnNmcrHBUE2TI9?<domain...> #RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLERS continued this week in Sycamore Canyon (m.ob.). GPS
(31.417354, -111.196266).
PATAGONIA
A #ROSE-THROATED BECARD continued along Harshaw Creek Road this week
(m.ob.) in the same place as last year. GPS: (31.51621, -110.69293). ACCESS
NOTE: please stay on the road – the creek is private property.
A #ROSE-THROATED BECARD was photographed at the Paton Center for
Hummingbirds on 5/30 (Cassidy Gilmore).
At Patagonia Lake State Park (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/0PZ6CWWA5rTxK9LRZtBIYUovMyG?<domain...>)
#BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS continued below the spillway this week (m.ob.).
GPS: (31.493574, -110.874411).
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/nEBrCYVDjwfgq1WEmSrTRUxGlcC?<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/-4SJC1VkgOfOozA2xUKcMUVCGRw?<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/eJT-C2GljPc6Xl2PWFWfjU5CBaR?<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.
