Date: 10/16/26 8:17 pm From: Andrew Core (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 16 October 2026
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on October 16, 2026; the next update will be made on October 23.
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/-uNfCWWA5rTZ1M2Bpt6fkZsozno1?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/3kwACXYBgvfjl81Y6CVhLGsWXFrQ?<domain...>
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
#Tricolored Heron
#Broad-winged Hawk
#Heermann's Gull
#Berylline Hummingbird
#Red-breasted Sapsucker
#Rose-throated Becard
#Yellow-throated Vireo
#Gray Catbird
#Brown Thrasher
A large-scale irruption of Clark’s Nutcrackers, Pinyon Jays, Cassin’s
Finches, and Evening Grosbeaks continued in the region - mostly from the
upper forest but some foothill and lowland locations too.
AMADO
A #TRICOLORED HERON was photographed at a small basin off Amado-Montosa Rd
on 10/13 (Eric Kallen) and continued on 10/16 (m.ob.). It was later seen at
Amado STP on 10/16 (m.ob.).
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/EBYTC2GljPcWLBvwxiMu3ws5EPJy?<domain...>)
A #BROAD-WINGED HAWK was recorded in South Fork on 10/10 (Troy Hibbitts).
A #ROSE-THROATED BECARD was reported in a private yard in Portal on 10/13,
and a #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD on 10/15 and 10/16 (Rose Ann Rowlett, Richard
Webster).
#BROWN THRASHERS were photographed in Bob Rodrigues’s yard on 10/12 and
10/13 (Bob Rodrigues) and another in a Whitetail Canyon yard on 10/16 (Rick
Taylor).
AJO
A #HEERMANN’S GULL was photographed at the Ajo STP on 10/11 (Doug
Backlund). It was absent the next morning, but another one was reported in
the afternoon on 10/12 (Greg Gillson) and then two were photographed at
dusk (Doug Backlund).
TUCSON area
A #RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER was photographed on 10/10 and 10/14 (Nate
Peterson) from private property along Sabino Creek just outside the Sabino
Canyon park boundary
A #YELLOW-THROATED VIREO was photographed at Arthur Pack Park on 10/13
(Elle Davio).
PATAGONIA
A #ROSE-THROATED BECARD continued along Harshaw Creek Road on 10/14 (Jake
Thompson). 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/THNDC4WnljTEZDy1jtNFGXs4HV4p?<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/ps5iC6Ypnlf7RpEK3tjI71s5vUqP?<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/dFzkC7Dqomi2r8vkPSrS3Yso723R?<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: 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.
