Date: 9/25/26 7:51 pm From: Andrew Core (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 25 September 2026
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on September 25, 2026; the next update will be made on October 2.
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/G0gQCqAWOqfnGMrLVSZfKKiE8vmk?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/qk1CCrgWPrT7XBjwWhzh66i42BOp?<domain...>
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
#Least Grebe
#Broad-winged Hawk
#Sabine's Gull
#Buff-collared Nightjar
*BLACK SWIFT
*RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD
*TUFTED FLYCATCHER
#Rose-throated Becard
Pinyon Jay
Clark's Nutcracker
#Magnolia Warbler
#Baltimore Oriole
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/QJy7CypWZBtKEBW6psAummixwnBz?<domain...>)
A *TUFTED FLYCATCHER continued at Barfoot Park on 9/19 (Leonard
Santisteban). GPS: (31.91686, -109.28076). Several Clark’s Nutcrackers were
reported on 9/22 (m.ob.), part of an ongoing irruption.
A #MAGNOLIA WARBLER was photographed at San Simon Cienega on 9/20 (Rose Ann
Rowlett).
TUCSON area
Single *BLACK SWIFTS were reported from Saguaro NP (East),Pantano River
Park, and Castle Rock on 9/22 and 9/23 (Brian Nicholas, John Amoroso, Scott
Crabtree). Black Swift is a review species and documentation can be
submitted to the Arizona Bird Committee.
A possible #LEAST GREBE was recorded at Sweetwater Wetlands on 9/24
(Rebecca Oseid).
#BROAD-WINGED HAWKS were reported from an east Tucson yard on 9/23 and 3 on
9/24 (Brian Gibbons). Eight Pinyon Jays were reported on 9/20. Six Pinyon
Jays were reported along the Tanque Verde Wash on 9/21 (Adam Dudley).
On Mt Lemmon, three #BROAD-WINGED HAWKS were reported in Bear Canyon on
9/25 (David Griffin). Several Clark’s Nutcrackers were reported on
Incinerator Ridge on 9/25 (m.ob.).
A #BROAD-WINGED HAWK was photographed at Cienega Creek Preserve (permit
required) in southeast Tucson on 9/25 (Nate Peterson). NOTE: This area is
accessible from Colossal Cave Rd or the Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon
Trailhead. A special advance permit is required to visit this preserve;
see: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/puQzCzqg1DiEvjB87hBC77i9eTHW?<domain...> and
annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/-IrACA8EBztBMDor8COF99iG0lJ-?<domain...> A #BROAD-WINGED HAWK was photographed in Tanque Verde Wash at Tanque Verde
Loop Rd on 9/24 (Brian Gibbons).
BISBEE
A *RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD was reported at a private residence in Bisbee
on 9/19 (Ken Lamberton).
SANTA CRUZ FLATS
A #SABINE’S GULL was photographed at Arizona City Lake on 9/25 (Julie
Furgason).
WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY
At Lake Cochise and the Twin Lakes Golf Course in Willcox, a #SABINE’S GULL
was reported on 9/23 (Steve Svedeman).
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
In Box Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/8b7TCB1GDAT03LmPyH7Hyyi2O5oy?<domain...>), a #BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR
continued near the bridge in the lower canyon through 9/22 (m.ob.).
A #BALTIMORE ORIOLE was photographed in Sahuarita at North Santa Cruz Park
on 9/19 (Layton Pickard).
PATAGONIA
A #ROSE-THROATED BECARD continued along Harshaw Creek Road on 9/22 (Jake
Thompson) in the same place as last year. GPS: (31.51621, -110.69293).
ACCESS NOTE: please stay on the road – the creek is private property.
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/sU9LCDwKGDTwQ8mjycnIGGijgU37?<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/WN0eCGwNLJTEozlW6hBTmmiBB00r?<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/UzBxCJEkOMflPjzpVu8U33iyhSqu?<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.
