Date: 10/23/26 9:49 pm From: Andrew Core (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 23 October 2026
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on October 23, 2026; the next update will be made on October 30.
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/M199CM7nRPID3B9R2uwfZJs8SjQW?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/qwkACN7oVgIJ3k9EZf4h2Lsy6pce?<domain...>
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
#Surf Scoter
#Tricolored Heron
#Reddish Egret
#American Herring Gull
#Berylline Hummingbird
#Eastern Phoebe
#White-eyed Vireo
#Rufous-backed Robin
#Gray Catbird
#Brown Thrasher
#Chestnut-sided Warbler
#Rufous-capped Warbler
#Purple Finch
A large scale irruption of Clark’s Nutcrackers, Pinyon Jays, Purple &
Cassin’s Finches, and Evening Grosbeaks continued in the region - mostly
from the upper forest but some foothill and lowland locations too.
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
A #SURF SCOTER was reported at the Green Valley WRF on 10/17 (Molly
Pollock) and continued through 10/19 (Joanne Kimura).
AMADO
A #TRICOLORED HERON continued at Amado STP through 10/23 (m.ob.).
SANTA CRUZ FLATS
A #REDDISH EGRET was photographed on tweedy Rd south of Pretzer Rd on 10/17
(JoAnn Potter Riggle) and continued on 10/19 (Tristan McKnight).
TUCSON area
An #AMERICAN HERRING GULL was photographed at Danny Lopez Park on 10/20
(Francis Morgan).
A #GRAY CATBIRD was photographed in an Oro Valley yard on 10/22 and 10/23
(Linda Matson).
A #BROWN THRASHER was photographed in a Vail yard on 10/21 (Shannon Hobson).
A #WHITE-EYED VIREO was recorded in a northeast Tucson yard on 10/20
(Tristan McKnight).
A #PURPLE FINCH was reported at Sweetwater Wetlands on 10/23 (Alex Patia).
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/-96ECR8vZmtoW4QRGUou67s1NKfu?<domain...>)
A #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD continued in a private yard in Portal on
10/23(Rose Ann Rowlett).
A #BROWN THRASHER continued in Bob Rodrigues’s yard on 10/23 (Catherine
Sandell). Two #PURPLE FINCHES were reported on 10/21 (Rose Ann Rowlett ,
Richard Webster).
A #BROWN THRASHER continued in a Whitetail Canyon yard through 10/23, and a
#GRAY CATBIRD was photographed on 10/18 through 10/22 (Rick Taylor).
ARIVACA & BUENOS AIRES NWR
At Arivaca Lake an #EASTERN PHOEBE was reported on 10/21 (Brian Nicholas).
AJO
Two #PURPLE FINCHES were photographed at the Ajo Golf Course on 10/17 (Doug
Backlund). A #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN was photographed on 10/21 (Greg Gillson).
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
A #GRAY CATBIRD was photographed in a Hereford yard on 10/18 (Nick Whelan).
A #CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER was photographed at the Battiste Bed & Breakfast
on 10/20 (Tony Battiste).
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/HDh3CWWA5rTZqrxP6uLFkZsowE-9?<domain...> for details.
RAMSEY CANYON - Ramsey Canyon Preserve is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
ASH CANYON BIRD SANCTUARY: 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/8H-DCYVDjwfmlVgNDSwIJgsxFZ5n?<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/Ent6CZZEkxiAgKxD7imSVAsBWSfA?<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.
