Date: 8/7/26 10:04 pm From: Andrew Core (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 7 August 2026
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on August 7, 2026; the next update will be made on August 13.
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/Hb8PCWWA5rTNR5Z9PF6fkEhoEPc7?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Dgo2CXYBgvfkVXj5qhVhL4hWykY6?<domain...>
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
#Reddish Egret
*YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON
#Roseate Spoonbill
#Short-tailed Hawk
*PURPLE GALLINULE
#Semipalmated Sandpiper
#Buff-collared Nightjar
#Berylline Hummingbird
*EARED QUETZAL
*TUFTED FLYCATCHER
#Rose-throated Becard
#Gray Catbird
#Hooded Warbler
#Rufous-capped Warbler
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/jPQaC2GljPc0PpWlRIMu3zh58R2H?<domain...>)
An *EARED QUETZAL was reported again on 8/6 and 87 (m.ob.) in the South
Fork of Cave Creek Canyon at the 4th (dry) stream crossing. A *TUFTED
FLYCATCHER was recorded on 8/1 (Ryan Hood).
Another *TUFTED FLYCATCHER was reported (and later photographed) at Barfoot
Park on 8/6 (James Petersen) and continued on 8/7 (m.ob.). GPS: (31.91686,
-109.28076).
A #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD continued at the Southwestern Research Station
this week (m.ob.).
TUCSON area
A *PURPLE GALLINULE was photographed at El Rio Preserve in Marana on 8/3
(Andrew Core) on the west side and continued through 8/7 (m.ob.).
On Mt Lemmon, a #SHORT-TAILED HAWK continued over the Bear Wallow/Mt
Bigelow area this week (m.ob.). A #HOODED WARBLER continued at Sunset
Trailhead in lower Bear Wallow through 8/7 (m.ob.).
WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY
A *YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON continued in the pond between Lake Cochise
and the Twin Lakes Golf Course in Willcox through 8/7 (m.ob.). A
#SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER was reported on 8/4 and 8/5 (m.ob.).
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 continued in Ramsey Canyon Preserve through 8/6
and was seen at the Ramsey Canyon Inn on 8/3 (m.ob.).
SANTA CRUZ FLATS
A #REDDISH EGRET was photographed at Evergreen Turf Sod Farm at Tweedy &
Pretzer on 8/2 (Paul Heveran). Friendly reminder: 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.
A #ROSEATE SPOONBILL was photographed along Harmon Road east of Sunshine Rd
on 8/2 (Muriel Neddermeyer).
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
In Box Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/u2jPC3YmkgfW6poAGFYCZNhQOCjM?<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/HTxXC4WnljTRMBE0miNFGlh4oWQc?<domain...>), a #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD
continued at the Santa Rita Lodge 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.
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.
GREENLEE COUNTY
#GRAY CATBIRDS were reported at two different spots along the Black River
on 8/2 and 8/3 (Michael Behnke)
NOGALES area
A #RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER continued this week in Sycamore Canyon (m.ob.).
GPS (31.4231, -111.1949).
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/onxbC5Aomkfw5Z3jxu4Hq4hkiGg8?<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/_YzXC7Dqomin4A2pQUrS3jhoiKAb?<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/wXjcC8XrpnfBD6WvziKTgwhyO3S6?<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.
