Date: 5/3/24 9:33 pm From: Andrew Core <tucsonrba...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] [EXT]RBA Tucson, AZ - 3 May 2024
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Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona was made on May 3, 2024; the next update will be made on May 10. Email your reports to rarebirdalert AT tucsonaudubon.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 http://www.azfo.org/gallery/1main/whatIsABC.html and recent rarity photos can be seen at http://www.azfo.net/gallery/1main/photos_recent.html. A list of review species can be found here: http://www.azfo.org/gallery/1main/ReviewList.html
For more information about Tucson Audubon field trips, lectures and educational opportunities, please see www.tucsonaudubon.org.
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT: #Little Blue Heron *SWALLOW-TAILED KITE #Broad-winged Hawk #Short-tailed Hawk #Least Tern #Berylline Hummingbird *TUFTED FLYCATCHER *LEAST FLYCATCHER #Rufous-backed Robin #Brown Thrasher #Tennessee Warbler *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER #Baltimore Oriole
TUBAC area (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/yDqi0) A *SWALLOW-TAILED KITE was reported on 4/27 and a #SHORT-TAILED HAWK continued at the Tubac Hawk Watch at Ron Morriss Park on 4/28 (Peter Collins). A *LEAST FLYCATCHER was reported along the Anza Trail in Tubac on 5/1 (Manuel Grosselet).
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS In Ramsey Canyon, a *TUFTED FLYCATCHER was photographed in Ramsey Canyon Preserve on 4/26 (m.ob.) along the Bledsoe Loop (one was seen last week in the upper canyon). A #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD was reported at the Ramsey Canyon Cabins on 5/1 (Rob Bonner). In Miller Canyon, a *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER was reported on 4/28 (Curtis Smith) above Split Rock near the mine shaft (about a mile from the parking area). GPS: 31.40595, -110.28948
WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY A #LITTLE BLUE HERON was photographed at Lake Cochise by the Twin Lakes Golf Course on 4/29 (Margie Amato).
TUCSON area A #BROAD-WINGED HAWK was photographed in Catalina SP on 5/3 (Tim DeJonghe). A #LEAST TERN was photographed at the Cemex Cement Plant Pond on Tangerine Rd on 4/29 (Jennifer Hansen). Viewing of this deep pit is difficult, as management has since asked birders not to climb the berms or enter the facility.
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS In Madera Canyon (map: http://goo.gl/dXBYP), a #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD continued at the Madera Kubo Lodge this week (m.ob.).
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/XfXfX) A #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN was photographed in a private Portal yard on 4/30 (Lori Conrad) Two #BALTIMORE ORIOLES (male and female) were photographed 4/30 in a Whitetail Canyon yard; both orioles and a #BROWN THRASHER continued through 5/3 (Rick Taylor). A #BROWN THRASHER continued at Cave Creek Ranch through 4/29 (m.ob.). A male #BALTIMORE ORIOLE was photographed at the Jasper/Moisan feeders on 5/1 and 5/2 (m.ob.).
NOGALES area A #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN continued in a Rio Rico yard on 5/1 (Donna Bazzo).
PATAGONIA #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBINS continued along Blue Haven Road between the Patons and the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve and at the Preserve this week (m.ob.). A #BROAD-WINGED HAWK was photographed at the Paton Center on 4/29 (Brian Gibbons).
BENSON area A #TENNESSEE WARBLER was reported at the Benson STP on 5/1 (Nate Peterson) and continued on 5/3 (m.ob.).
The Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department security procedures are subject to change any time. Please see the "bird watching" link on this page for important information regarding access: http://webcms.pima.gov/government/wastewaterreclamation/
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://home.army.mil/huachuca/index.php/about/Garrison/DES/physical-security/visitor-access. 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://www.dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs 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 7AM 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. Use the call box at the gate, follow the signs for parking, and 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.
