New Mexico Rare Bird Report
June 26, 2017
Compiler: Matt Baumann
Phone: 505-264-1052
E-mail address: <mbaumann22...>
This is the New Mexico Rare Bird Report for June 26, 2017 sponsored by the
New Mexico Ornithological Society. When phone numbers are given for private
property, please call before going to ask for permission. In ranch country,
do not stray off the roads. Places mentioned in the report, a checklist of
N.M. birds, and more locations on uncommon and specialty species can be
found in the N.M. Bird Finding Guide. You can purchase the NM Bird Finding
Guide at http://www.nmbirds.org/?page_id=83. A more complete, updated
version of the checklist can be found at
http://www.nmbirds.org/?page_id=1666 for prior records of species in New
Mexico, search the online archive of the NMOS Field Notes at
http://nhnm.unm.edu/partners/nmos/index.html.
For photos of rarities and directions to some birding sites, check
http://sites.google.com/site/oldenettelspage or the New Mexico Rarities
Group on Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/groups/nmrarities/. NMOS is now on
Facebook, search for New Mexico Ornithological Society. All individuals are
encouraged to submit their observations to NMOS. This includes not only
records of Review List species and species potentially new to the state,
but also records of uncommon species, species of conservation concern,
records documenting breeding, and early, late, or out-of-season/range
birds. Details and photos should be sent to Sandy Williams, 1819 Meadowview
Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, or (preferred) to <sunbittern...>
Details will be used for NMOS Field Notes, North American Birds, and the
New Mexico Bird Records Committee.
NOTE: Additional reports of unseasonal birds or county rarities can be seen
on the eBird New Mexico Rare Bird Alert:
http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/summary?sid=SN35650. You do not need an eBird
account to view this.
Birds Mentioned and Counties (NMBRC review species are in CAPITAL letters):
BERNALILLO County:
--Jim Joseph reported a WHITE-EYED VIREO in Albuquerque June 24 near aurora
borealis arroyo east of McKinney. It continued in the area to June 26.
Email him for more details (<jpj9425...>).
--Dern and Jackson reported a female PHAINOPEPLA near Durand Open Space May
30. It was seen along the main diversion channel near the end of Sunnyslope
St SW. A male was reported in that area by Melhman June 4.
EDDY County:
--Nieman reports that to two BROWN PELICAS are now present at Brantly Lake
as of June 16.
GRANT County:
--Swackhamer reported a BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER along Bill Evans Lake Rd
June 23. It was seen and heard singing approximately .7 miles south of hwy
180 and the intersection of Bill Evans Rd.
--Swackhamer reported up to three BUFF-BREASTED FLYCATCHERS in the Burro
Mountains to June 10. They were seen along Dead Man’s Canyon Trail west of
the parking area.
HIDALGO County:
--Webster and Rowlett reported a RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROW in Guadalupe Canyon
May 13. It was near the upper end of the canyon.
SAN JUAN County:
--Charlie Black reported a CASPIAN TERN at Morgan Lake June 7. Two CASPIAN
TERNS were present to June 11.
SANTA FE County:
--Clark photographed a male VERMILION FLYCATCHER in Lamy May 4. It
continued to June 4 for many.
SIERRA County:
--Cleary reported the continuing BROWN PELICAN at Elephant Butte Lake SP
December 6. THREE are now present to April 29. Rock Canyon will likely be a
good place to check with the rising lake level.
SOCORRO County:
--CAROLINA WRENS are currently at various locations at Bosque del Apache
NWR; the 90 degree turn on the Seasonal Rd and most recently near the
Boardwalk Lagoon.
Date: 6/26/17 4:35 pm From: Joy Bockius <jbockius...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Color at Santa Gertrudis Lane
Cardinals, summer tanager, blue grosbeaks, varied bunting, lesser goldfinches, yellow warbler, all in one binocular view--great for color lovers--taking a bath where the road crosses the river. Plus grey hawk, great blue herons, Cassin's kingbird, ash-throated flycatcher, black and turkey vultures, song sparrow, chats, vermillion flycatchers, phainopeplas, Bewicks wrens, verdins, Lucy's warblers, Inca doves, mourning doves, ww doves. It was a great hour and a half before it got too hot.
For those looking for Red-faced Warblers, I recommend you drive up to the Mt. Lemmon ski area, park and walk down the highway opposite the Iron Door Restaurant onto the path that runs behind the guardrail and down to Turkey Run. I had 4 along that path yesterday, including 2 apparently feeding nestlings. Total of 10 Red-faced from the parking area at the top of Turkey Run Rd. (runs uphill from the Summerhaven post office) to the ski area, and another 4 at the Sunset Trailhead. Also many Warbling Vireos, Yellow-eyed Juncoes, House Wrens and Hermit Thrushes. Complete lists on eBird.
Tom Sr was out early, 7 am today and then about noon with no white-eared; finally at 3:40 pm White-eared showed, it could have been earlier, this was after a very light rain shower and thunder over Carr and Miller peaks.
In the am at the CAS Tom saw spotted towhee, young Painted redstart and cuckoo probably juvenile, he couldn't see any yellow on the bill.
Date: 6/25/17 4:02 pm From: Erika Wilson <terika88...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Sierra Vista EOP--25 June 2017
Hi, birders,
Another hot and muggy morning, with five people walking the Sierra Vista EOP dikes. Many impoundments were empty of water, even some that held water last week, so we had a modest tally of 46 species at the end of the walk.
Best bird of the morning was a single adult Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, for which there are only a few records at the EOP.
Two Green Herons were the extent of the long-legged waders today--no bitterns of either species. In fact, one of the ponds that had Least Bittern last Sunday had only tiny puddles in the bottom today. This is the same impoundment that has had a calling Virginia Rail for the past month--not a single call today. Summer doldrums.
Date: 6/25/17 1:54 pm From: DAVE KRUEL <dkruel300...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RFI - Fort Huachuca Access status ?
Hi,
I wanted to ask about current access to Fort Huachuca........I see from eBird that there havent been reports since June 12. Is the fort not open to birders at this time ?
Date: 6/25/17 10:09 am From: matt V. <fickity...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Yuma County Weekend birds
Good morning! I was able to enjoy a three-day weekend in Yuma County, and here are the highlights:
Friday, June 23
I birded the desert vegetation along the entrance to Kofa Queen Canyon. I went in only about 2 miles, and never got near the canyon mouth itself. The highlight was one VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW. Here again, another sighting well away from migration may mean the species in fact nests in the Kofas?
I next drove to Mittry lake, and relocated one of Henry's immature brown pelicans. On my way home, I stopped to scan some flooded fields along the CR7E entrance road where the pavement ends and wasn't thinking that I would actually find anything. I was amazed to find shorebirds! Five Greater Yellowlegs and one American Avocet are first of season migrants (Avocet may be nesting nearby?).
Saturday, June 24
I returned to Mittry lake hoping for a better photos of the pelican. I could not find it, but when I returned to the shorebird spot on 7E I found five Greater Yellowlegs, one Long-billed Curlew, two American Avocet and a bunch of white faced ibis. Spurred on by the diversity, I checked the Dome Valley Feedlot. Highlights: two Wilsons Phalarope (First Of Autumn), one Lesser Yellowlegs (FOA), one Western Sandpiper (FOA), among the usual Black-necked Stilts and Killdeer. In the evening, a Western Tanager showed up at my pond in my yard.
Sunday, June 25
This morning I headed to Martinez lake. I had a host of amazing sightings: one BLACK RAIL calling at Meers Point. One wild Donkey in the vicinity of the military campground. One immature Brown Pelican seen from the overlook of Mesquite Lake. Also here, two Scaup species and to drake Blue-winged Teal (FOA)! I also found an Orange-crowned Warbler foraging in the area. Palo Verde overlook had a calling Great Horned Owl, and Willow Flycatcher. The overlook by the police station had a Brown-crested Flycatcher calling distantly.
I returned yet again to Mittry lake, and was delighted to find a family a Bighorn Sheep had come to drink from the Gila gravity canal! The shorebird spot near Betty's kitchen/7E held the following: two Long-billed Curlew, one Western Willet (FOA), three Wilson's Phalaropes, two Lesser Yellowlegs, four Greater Yellowlegs, two American Avocet and the ubiquitous Black-necked Stilts and Killdeer.
I just got word from Justin Jones that while out oding along the Gila River at Kelvin Bridge he found a Red-shouldered Hawk. It was actively calling and seen flying around the river on a few different occasions. Apparently they are building a new bridge but Justin had the hawk on both the north and south sides of the river (originally on the north near the ponds near mineral creek).
There are no previous records of RSHA for Pinal County on eBird so congrats on the eBird county record Justin, and thanks for letting us know!!!
Just got back from a morning down at Kino Springs. I walked around the pond and found a female AMERICAN REDSTART while standing on the berm.
Back in Nogales, the Las Lagunas Wetlands were very active but nothing rare. Elderberries are beginning to ripen and birds noticeably favored these fruits.
On my way home I stopped at Santa Gertrudis Lake, Tumacacori to walk the road to the river and back. Here I heard the introductory buzzy insect-like notes of a Thick-billed or Tropical Kingbird. It got silent right away and I failed to see it visually in the mid canopy of a hackberry tree. I guess, keep your ears open here.
Date: 6/24/17 7:45 am From: Melody Kehl <outdoor1...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: California Gulch, 06/23/2017
Aw, the birding gods were smiling last night. Thank fully!!
We saw 3 Five-striped Sparrows in the gulch, with two of them dancing the gig right in front of us for almost 10 minutes. What a delight!! No tapes, no pishing, no tooting, just quiet observations.
We had almost the same experience with the Buff-collared Nightjars at the confluence. We had two dancing around us for 15 minutes. Not calling much, but doing their little contact calls. Landing on the ground in front of us. . . at one point I really thought one was going to land on Christie's feet. Again, we did nothing except let the birds come to us. We did not chase them or harass them in any way. What a treasure.
Date: 6/24/17 12:19 am From: Andrew Core <tucsonrba...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 23 June 2017
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast
Arizona was made on June 23, 2017; the next update will be made on June 30.
Phone your reports to 520-629-0510 X 3, or email 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.
For more information about Tucson Audubon field trips, lectures and
educational opportunities, please see www.tucsonaudubon.org.
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT INCLUDE:
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR
#White-eared Hummingbird
#Lucifer Hummingbird
#Green Kingfisher
American Three-toed Woodpecker
*TUFTED FLYCATCHER
*ROSE-THROATED BECARD
#Yellow-throated Vireo
*RED-EYED VIREO
#Black-capped Gnatcatcher
*SLATE-THROATED REDSTART
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER
#Orchard Oriole
NOGALES area
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJARS continued on 6/23 (Jim Kuehlke) at the south end
of California Gulch at the confluence with Warsaw Canyon. Annotated map:
http://goo.gl/wSr0mi
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
In upper Ramsey Canyon, a *TUFTED FLYCATCHER continued this week (m.ob)
about 2 miles up the Hamburg Trail from the Ramsey Canyon Preserve Visitor
Center, about 1/3 mile past the junction with the Brown Canyon Trail. This
is an occasionally steep 4 mile round trip hike at 6,000 ft elevation to
reach this location; take plenty of water (several quarts) and be prepared
for very hot dry days or sudden monsoon storm activity. A *FLAME-COLORED
TANAGER continued on the Hamburg Trail between the overlook and the first
stream crossing this week (m.ob.). The map here shows the location:
https://goo.gl/aMh1ke In Carr Canyon, at least one *TUFTED FLYCATCHER continued on 6/10 (Janine
McCabe) at the Reef Townsite CG near the campsite 13.
In Hunter Canyon (https://goo.gl/CR4YXm), *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLERS continued
this week (m.ob.) in the upper canyon about 0.7 miles up the trail from the
end of Hunter Canyon Road just as the trail enters the grove of trees.
A #WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD continued in Miller Canyon this week (m.ob.).
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRDS continued at Ash Canyon B&B this week (m.ob.) – dusk
is the best time to see them.
A #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD was reported in a yard in lower Carr Canyon on 6/22
(Priscilla Brodkin).
An AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER was photographed again at Barfoot Park on
6/19 (Gabriel & Jesse Ray), two months after the first report. It was along
the southern edge of the meadow. There may be a pair in the area. This (and
the one in April, presumably the same bird) represents perhaps the first
confirmed report from southeastern Arizona - and possibly anywhere south of
the Mogollon Rim. If you go searching for this bird, please use common
sense and be respectful of the birds - especially if they are attempting to
nest - please keep your distance.
TUBAC area (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/yDqi0)
Two*ROSE-THROATED BECARDS continued along the De Anza Trail at Tumacacori
on 6/22 (m.ob.); from the trailhead just north of the mission, head east to
the kiosk. There is a short spur to the river just east of here, and they
have been seen in this area (occasionally high in the cottonwoods). There
is an old nest over the river just north of here they occasionally visit to
gather material. A *RED-EYED VIREO was reported along the Anza Trail at the
spur on 6/16 (Larry Norris).
A #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER continued from Puerto Canyon northwest of Tubac
on 6/22 (Keith Kamper). From I-19, take the Chaves Siding exit (#40) and
turn right/west and then immediately right/north onto the frontage road.
In about 0.2 miles, turn left/west onto the good dirt road. This takes you
along Puerto Canyon and in 5.2 miles to Puerto Spring. There are no signs
along the way to Puerto Spring, but staying on the main road should get you
there. Map: http://goo.gl/fRAa4A
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/XfXfX)
A *SLATE-THROATED REDSTART continued in Pinery Canyon just downhill from
the campground this week (m.ob.). This is the same place as 2016 and is
about 2.4 miles west of Onion Saddle (and, from the west, 9.4 miles east of
the turnoff) where a small, mostly dry creek crosses the road. Best views
have been from the road.
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
In Florida Canyon (annotated map: http://goo.gl/AAzD6), *RUFOUS-CAPPED
WARBLERS continued this week (m.ob.) in the West Fork past the dam.
Directions: About 400 yards from parking lot is a metal gate, and just past
the gate the canyon forks. The main trail follows the East Fork, but most
sightings have been in the West Fork to the right. About 125 yards up the
rough trail in the West Fork is a large water tank and a low dam. The oak
grove is about 1/3 mile past the dam. Note: The trail for the West Fork can
be difficult to find, and is steep and rough in places. If you see the sign
with distances to Florida Saddle, Madera Canyon, etc you've missed the
turn. It is not necessary, recommended or permissible to enter the research
station to see these birds.
In Madera Canyon (map: http://goo.gl/dXBYP) #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS
continued along Proctor Rd this week (m.ob.).
PATAGONIA
At Patagonia Lake (annotated map: http://goo.gl/GgNvs), a #GREEN KINGFISHER
and #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS continued on 6/23 (m.ob.) at the east end
along the Birding Trail.
A #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER was reported at the Patagonia Roadside Rest
Area on 6/19 (Janine McCabe).
DOUGLAS area
A #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD and an #ORCHARD ORIOLE were reported from Leslie
Canyon NWR on 6/22 (Larry Norris).
TUCSON area
An #YELLOW-THROATED VIREO was photographed on 6/21 (Keith Kamper) at Paige
Creek near where the creek crosses the road. This is on the east side of
the Rincon Mountains, east of Tucson.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The revised 8th edition of Tucson Audubon's "Finding Birds in Southeast
Arizona" is available here: http://tucsonaudubon.org/go- birding/finding-birds-in-southeast-arizona/
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/
EL RIO OPEN SPACE PRESERVE/COACHLINE GRAVEL PIT - park in the paved lot in
the southwest corner or along the south edge near the berm. Annotated map:
http://goo.gl/5vIQSb
RAMSEY CANYON - Ramsey Canyon Preserve is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
ASH CANYON B&B: open dawn to dusk EXCEPT Wednesday, when open noon to dusk.
Parking is limited; please carpool whenever possible. No need to call ahead.
BENSON - the Benson Birding Trail is no longer accessible as the property
is under new ownership. The Holy Trinity Monastery in St. David is slated
for closure and access is uncertain.
FORT HUACHUCA - access requirements are posted on its official webpage at
http://www.huachuca.army.mil/pages/des/accesscontrol.html. 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. Foreign nationals must be accompanied by 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: apparently some states
driver's licenses do not meet federal requirements for base entry (KY, ME,
MT, PA, SC, MN, MO, and WA); see https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs or
http://huachuca-www.army.mil/pages/des/visitoraccess.html 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.
BAIRD'S SPARROW HILL AND THE VACA RANCH CORRAL in the San Rafael Valley is
off limits to birders due to the thoughtless actions of a few birders. DO
NOT ENTER THE PROPERTY. A sign has been posted previously stating that
"stopping within 0.25 mile of the corral is prohibited."
AVRA VALLEY WRF: Gates open 7AM and close PROMPTLY at 2PM (do not linger,
you will be locked inside). Closed until July 1 for construction.
GREEN VALLEY WRF: under construction, access uncertain. When open, use the
call box at the gate, sign in and out at the office, and stay away from
buildings and construction equipment.
Early this morning I checked out a few places at the Santa Cruz Flats. The high points were an unexpected adult EARED GREBE at a pond along Greene Reservoir Rd. This is the first report of this species at the Flats in June or July. A very strange-looking bird turned out to be a first summer immature male AMERICAN REDSTART in a unique plumage. It was in the pecan trees along Wheeler. See photo with checklist at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37764762 A single 2nd-year CRESTED CARACARA was along the Baumgartner dogleg just east of Baumgartner and Wheeler. Four SWAINSON'S HAWKS, at least three of which were adults, joined other Swainson's Hawk reports of both adults and 2nd-year birds this month at the Flats. Adult Swainson's in this area at this date suggest possible breeding. A singing WESTERN MEADOWLARK along Wheeler, along with previous reports this month of meadowlarks singing along Tweedy east of the Evergreen Turf sod farm, suggests breeding of this species.
Date: 6/23/17 5:30 pm From: Damon Pritchett <gone_birding...> Subject: RE: [AZNMbirds] SE AS Tucson reid park Cuckoo + Oro Valley
The cuckoo hung out for over an hour this afternoon staying in the shade of our Sago Palm at the top of our waterfall.
Damon Pritchett
From: <aznmbirds-request...> [mailto:<aznmbirds-request...>] On Behalf Of Damon Pritchett
Sent: Thursday, June 22, 2017 7:51 PM
To: 'AZNMBirds' <AZNMBirds...>
Subject: RE: [AZNMbirds] SE AS Tucson reid park Cuckoo
My wife and daughter observed a Yellow-billed Cuckoo drinking from our waterfall in Oro Valley this morning about 10:30am. They said that it was a very, very thirsty bird.
Date: 6/23/17 11:19 am From: Damon Pritchett <gone_birding...> Subject: RE: [AZNMbirds] SE AS Tucson reid park Cuckoo
The Yellow-billed Cuckoo returned this morning at approximately the same time (I actually got to see it this time!). It stayed for 15 to 20 minutes drinking from our waterfall. It flew up into the mesquite nearby and may have disappeared into the thicket of mistletoe. I was able to get the binoculars on it and it appears to have a swollen left eye or eyelid.
Damon
From: <aznmbirds-request...> [mailto:<aznmbirds-request...>] On Behalf Of Damon Pritchett
Sent: Thursday, June 22, 2017 7:51 PM
To: 'AZNMBirds' <AZNMBirds...>
Subject: RE: [AZNMbirds] SE AS Tucson reid park Cuckoo
My wife and daughter observed a Yellow-billed Cuckoo drinking from our waterfall in Oro Valley this morning about 10:30am. They said that it was a very, very thirsty bird.
Date: 6/23/17 10:13 am From: Tim Helentjaris <tnhelentjaris...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] De Anza Trail in Tubac
Gee, seems like not a lot of postings here the last couple of weeks, can’t figure out why! Wimps - hahahaha. Just got back myself earlier this week from Alaska and the shock of doubling temperatures from there has really taken it out of me, haven’t wanted to even leave the house. But with cuckoo surveys starting up next week, felt I needed to get out and start adjusting, not to mention trying to remember what Arizona birds sound like. So, I headed down to Tubac to walk the riparian area there.
Got down there early, just as the Crematorian sun came up over the Santa Rita’s, but it was surprisingly comfortable then, only ~75F. Very noisy with a lot of singing along the trail, a perfect place to work on bird songs, especially since most of the trail is shaded. First problem - all of the YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS. Now it’s hard not to love them for their enthusiasm, but there are so many down there, I don’t know how you would ever get an accurate count and more importantly it’s almost impossible to tune them out to try to listen for the other birds that are nearby. Still, all of the expected species for an Arizona riparian habitat seem to be found here along the trail, SUMMER TANAGERS, both TROPICAL and CASSIN’S KINGBIRDS, GRAY HAWKS, BELL’S VIREOS, LUCY’S WARBLERS, etc. It’s just a little bit harder to parse them out with all of those Chat song fragments continually assaulting your ears. Did pick up both COMMON GROUND-DOVES and INCA DOVES, although both seem to stay more in the cover here, with the COOPER’S HAWK lurking nearby. Went down also hoping to get a refresher experience with YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO and was able to find two territories, one at the trailhead near the bridge, the other near the end of my walk at the benches just before Clark’s Crossing. No Painted Buntings yet, but I did pick up some VARIED BUNTINGS,
Nice walk, no mosquitoes or chiggers yet, but the flies were abundant and annoying.
Tim Helentjaris
Tucson, AZ
"When you have seen one ant, one bird, one tree, you have not seen them all.”
- E. O. Wilson
Date: 6/22/17 10:57 pm From: Steve Hosmer <sjhosmer...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] NAZ: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Twin Arrows Casino (Coconino Co.)
This afternoon my wife Joan and I headed north to the Flagstaff area to escape the heat and look for birds. In the evening, just before sunset, we went to the Twin Arrows Casino, off Hwy I-40 east of Flagstaff. We parked at the northeast end of the casino parking lot next to a small pond to watch the Common Nighthawks come in at sunset. Joan spotted a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher flying over the pond and land on a rock along the east shore. I was able to get some good diagnostic photos of it (posted in my eBird checklist). We first saw the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at 7:07 PM. It stayed on the rock along the east shore of the pond for a few minutes before flying over to the west shore. We lost track of it at 7:15 PM. We do not know if it was simply flying through or if it will be staying a while.
The Common Nighthawks put on quite a show this evening. There were at least 24 of them, flying overhead and swooping down to skim the surface of the pond.
Date: 6/22/17 7:51 pm From: Damon Pritchett <gone_birding...> Subject: RE: [AZNMbirds] SE AS Tucson reid park Cuckoo
My wife and daughter observed a Yellow-billed Cuckoo drinking from our waterfall in Oro Valley this morning about 10:30am. They said that it was a very, very thirsty bird.
Damon Pritchett
Oro Valley, AZ
From: <aznmbirds-request...> [mailto:<aznmbirds-request...>] On Behalf Of JOHN HIGGINS
Sent: Thursday, June 22, 2017 9:49 AM
To: AZNMBirds <AZNMBirds...>
Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AS Tucson reid park Cuckoo
Thursday 9 am Yellow-billed Cuckoo seen in pines above bridge and waterfall at the north pond west of zoo at Reid Park. John Higgins, tucson, az
Today, June 22, a female Orchard Oriole was seen and heard in the riparian habitat of Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). Also, a hatching-year female Lucifer Hummingbird was encountered.
The riparian habitat in Leslie Canyon NWR is a closed area due to the presence of endangered species, but the riparian strip can be birded from the road which puts the birder about mid-way up to view into the canopy. Listen for Black-capped Gnatcatchers, too.
There is a male Lucifer Hummingbird at the garden feeder in Lower Carr Canyon. Also, a nesting pair of Blue Grosbecks in the young sycamore in Carr Creek. -- Priscilla Brodkin 3050 E Carr Canyon RD, Hereford, AZ 85615 <azbutterflies...> http://members.cox.net/hbrodkin
This afternoon (22 June 2017) I saw a BROWN THRASHER at Chavez Pass Rd south of Meteor Crater, Coconino County. It was in junipers around a small creek/trough/? where the road intersects a forest road leading east to Lute Hart Tank (not "the" Lute Hart, a different one) and west to Lockwood tank, not far north of Chavez Pass. See eBird for exact location and details, link below.
Date: 6/22/17 10:46 am From: Liz Harrison <lizandrickedwards...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ NE Tucson Blue Grosbeak
A Blue Grosbeak stopped by yesterday afternoon for a drink then flew off. I'm just north of Agua Caliente Park.Liz Harrison
Home Page: https://list.arizona.edu/sympa/info/aznmbirds To unsubscribe use the Unsubscribe button on that page. To view archive: click "Archive" on that page.
Date: 6/22/17 10:17 am From: Robert A. Behrstock, Naturewide Images <rbehrstock...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] American Redstart, lower Ash Canyon, Hereford: 22 June 2017
Dear Birdsters,
At 8:40 this morning, Karen was behind the house moving a small sprinkler when a female/immature-type American Redstart dropped down to the ground for a bath. She was able to get me on it as it visited the pond for about three seconds, during which time I was able to get one abysmal but identifiable photo. During the next hour, the bird did not reappear. This was the second record for the property.
Best to all, RAB
Bob Behrstock Hereford, AZ www.naturewideimages.com
Date: 6/22/17 10:08 am From: Keith Kamper <keithkamper...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ: Black-capped Gnatcatchers at Puerto Canyon
Dylan Radin, Noah Horsley and I had a pair of Black-capped Gnatcatchers at the spring at Puerto Canyon. Also present were a pair of Thick-billed Kingbirds and many Varied Buntings. Directions are in the current edition of the TAS bird finding guide.
Date: 6/21/17 7:56 pm From: Keith Kamper <keithkamper...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ: Yellow-throated Vireo at Paige Creek, Pima County June 21
Patty Tersey and found a worn Yellow-throated Vireo this morning at Paige Creek, Pima County near where the creek crosses the road. This is about 17.3 miles from the Mescal Road and I-10 freeway overpass. Wingbar and "spectacle" details nearly lost due to wear. There is parking on both sides of the road just before the river. After going through the gate, we noted the bird about 10 yards to the right of the road.
Date: 6/21/17 7:33 am From: MARK <markochs9207...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] AZ - Pinal County American Redstart
Birders - Even recent high temperatures have not ceased the bird activity in my area. An immature/female type American Redstart has been cavorting in my water feature this morning in Gold Canyon.
Sorry for the tardy post, but on Saturday I led the Tucson Audubon Society field trip to Carr Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains near Sierra Vista, AZ. It was a gorgeous morning until somebody turned up the heat, but we had a great morning of birding in the range.
Unfortunately we had no sounds or sightings of the Tufted Flycatcher though we trudged through every place it has been seen this spring. Ironically, practically the only occupied campsite was, you guessed it, #13.
BUFF-BREASTED FLYCATCHERs made up for the lack of effort on their cousin's part and we estimated maybe 22-25 or so including a juvenile in a nest. GREATER PEWEEs, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEEs and DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHERs rounded out the family.
At the orange and yellow ribbon Tufted Flycatcher grove, we were treated to a prolonged aerial display by a pair of screaming ZONE-TAILED HAWKs. GRACE'S WARBLERs were vocal but playing hide and seek high in the pines until we found one feeding young or a nest in an alligator juniper, making repeated trips. A few OLIVE WARBLERs helped the list.
Other birds of note included ARIZONA WOODPECKER, lots of RED-SHAFTED FLICKERs, PLUMBEOUS and HUTTON'S VIREOs, BROWN CREEPERs, EASTERN and WESTERN BLUEBIRD, PAINTED REDSTART, WESTERN TANAGERs and of course the common stuff. A BEWICK'S WREN seemed to be at a high elevation in the campground.
The highlight of the morning was an obliging pair of MONTEZUMA QUAIL that casually strolled across the dirt road between Carr and Ramsey Vista campgrounds. A lot of folks were able to get a decent look.
New Mexico Rare Bird Report
June 19, 2017
Compiler: Matt Baumann
Phone: 505-264-1052
E-mail address: <mbaumann22...>
This is the New Mexico Rare Bird Report for June 19, 2017 sponsored by the
New Mexico Ornithological Society. When phone numbers are given for private
property, please call before going to ask for permission. In ranch country,
do not stray off the roads. Places mentioned in the report, a checklist of
N.M. birds, and more locations on uncommon and specialty species can be
found in the N.M. Bird Finding Guide. You can purchase the NM Bird Finding
Guide at http://www.nmbirds.org/?page_id=83. A more complete, updated
version of the checklist can be found at
http://www.nmbirds.org/?page_id=1666 for prior records of species in New
Mexico, search the online archive of the NMOS Field Notes at
http://nhnm.unm.edu/partners/nmos/index.html.
For photos of rarities and directions to some birding sites, check
http://sites.google.com/site/oldenettelspage or the New Mexico Rarities
Group on Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/groups/nmrarities/. NMOS is now on
Facebook, search for New Mexico Ornithological Society. All individuals are
encouraged to submit their observations to NMOS. This includes not only
records of Review List species and species potentially new to the state,
but also records of uncommon species, species of conservation concern,
records documenting breeding, and early, late, or out-of-season/range
birds. Details and photos should be sent to Sandy Williams, 1819 Meadowview
Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, or (preferred) to <sunbittern...>
Details will be used for NMOS Field Notes, North American Birds, and the
New Mexico Bird Records Committee.
NOTE: Additional reports of unseasonal birds or county rarities can be seen
on the eBird New Mexico Rare Bird Alert:
http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/summary?sid=SN35650. You do not need an eBird
account to view this.
Birds Mentioned and Counties (NMBRC review species are in CAPITAL letters):
Caspian Tern (San Juan)
Brown Pelican (Eddy, Sierra)
YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (San Miguel)
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (San Miguel)
EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Bernalillo)
Buff-breasted Flycatcher (Grant)
Vermilion Flycatcher (Santa Fe)
WHITE-EYED VIREO (McKinley)
CAROLINA WREN (Socorro)
Phainopepla (Bernalillo)
American Redstart (Bernalillo)
RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROW (Hidalgo)
BERNALILLO County:
--Unusual for June, Dolly reported an AMERICAN REDSTART near his home close
to Rinconada Canyon. Email him for more information (<idolly84...>)
--Dolly recorded and photographed an EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE in the Albuquerque
bosque June 7 near the following coordinates (35.13057, -106.68735).
Directions: “The pewee was on the east side of the river along the foot
path within the Albuquerque Open Space near the Rio Grande Nature Center.
If you park at the nature center, walk west across the bridge that is
closest to the water fowl observation ponds, cross the paved bike path, and
follow the unpaved foot path south for .11 miles. The bird was seen and
heard singing approximately 200 feet west of the unpaved trail in a
cottonwood grove.” It continued to June 10 for Parmeter and Oldenettel.
--Dern and Jackson reported a female PHAINOPEPLA near Durand Open Space May
30. It was seen along the main diversion channel near the end of Sunnyslope
St SW. A male was reported in that area by Melhman June 4.
EDDY County:
--Nieman reports that to two BROWN PELICAS are now present at Brantly Lake
as of June 16.
GRANT County:
--Swackhamer reported up to three BUFF-BREASTED FLYCATCHERS in the Burro
Mountains to June 10. They were seen along Dead Man’s Canyon Trail west of
the parking area.
HIDALGO County:
--Webster and Rowlett reported a RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROW in Guadalupe Canyon
May 13. It was near the upper end of the canyon.
MCKINLEY County:
--Goldberg photographed a WHITE-EYED VIREO at a private residence in
Cottonwood Gulch. Email him to arrange access (<nrg29...>).
SAN JUAN County:
--Charlie Black reported a CASPIAN TERN at Morgan Lake June 7. Two CASPIAN
TERNS were present to June 11.
SAN MIGUEL County:
--Jaremko-Wright photographed a WHITE-TAILED HAWK near Rowe June 9.
Directions: “Take Hwy 34 from Rowe up to top of Rowe Mesa, then continue
south 3 miles until road goes from semi-paved to graded dirt/gravel. This
is a large Valle that had been treated in the past. The bird was appx 800m
west of the road perched in some junipers.”
SANTA FE County:
--Clark photographed a male VERMILION FLYCATCHER in Lamy May 4. It
continued to June 4 for many.
SIERRA County:
--Cleary reported the continuing BROWN PELICAN at Elephant Butte Lake SP
December 6. THREE are now present to April 29. Rock Canyon will likely be a
good place to check with the rising lake level.
SOCORRO County:
--CAROLINA WRENS are currently at various locations at Bosque del Apache
NWR; the 90 degree turn on the Seasonal Rd and most recently near the
Boardwalk Lagoon.
Date: 6/19/17 6:23 pm From: Betsy Checchia <betsy.checchia...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ -- Rose Canyon Lake campground Sunday evening
I took the dog up to Rose Canyon Lake for a cool walk yesterday, from 7 to 8 p.m. I was hoping for some early owls, with no success. However, I had an astonishing 6 Hermit Thrushes calling in about a mile along the road from the entrance station toward the lake. Also W. Bluebirds, Yellow-eyed Junco (including one fledgling), House Wren (another fledgling), Spotted Towhee, Acorn Woodpecker, N. Flicker, and White-breasted and Pygmy Nuthatches.
Date: 6/19/17 6:07 pm From: greentailedtowhee . <skua33...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Hot Birding in SE AZ
Hi birders,
With an early start I got down to Patagonia just before 7 am. I walked Blue Haven Road from the Patton Home to the wooded entrance to Sonoita Creek (Closed today). It was very active and I noted 44 species, some of the highlights include massive numbers of PHAINOPEPLA, 1 THICK-BILLED KINGBIRD gave a hint of a call note, a fairly high density of YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS. VARRIED BUNTING adult males were seen briefly, and a very close encounter with a NORTHERN BEARDLESS TYRRANULET.
Keeping with my strategy of birding very close to water, I checked out the pool at the Patton home which has a bubbler. First I sat on a bench in the shade near it, but I discovered this bench is just a bit close to the water and birds seemed nervous to approach it (even with triple digit temps). Once I backed off, the birds dropped in as though delivered by a conveyor belt. Nothing rare. The only rare bird was the one without it's gape wide open. It was starting to get pretty warm by 9:30 am.
Off to the Patagonia Roadside Rest. Here I noted 31 species. The rare bird here was a more than likely BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER. Detected by call and a look under it's tail was all I got. You can see my notes in eBird if you like. Other hot birds here were the GRAY HAWK, a slightly more vocal THICK-BILLED KINGBIRD, and a male VARRIED BUNTING.
Last stop on the trip was Kino Springs. I had a very short look at a Vireo which was not a Bell's. It was down by the pond in the willows as you walk the upper berm. Another Hot spot at Kino Springs was up by the clubhouse where you park. There is a seep coming out of the ground and many birds were coming into the shade trees around it for a drink. Cooper's hawk, Summer Tanagers, Song Sparrows, Lucy's Warblers, Broad-billed Hummingbirds all drinking.
I realize that I am only posting one rare bird, and this post is rather long and drawn out. Seeing as how the temperatures will be triple digits all week long, I thought this might be good information to share. It was a great strategy to seek water holes and let the birds come to you.
Date: 6/19/17 5:04 pm From: Betsy Checchia <betsy.checchia...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Fwd: Change in Fire Condition Status
For your situational awareness. Good birding!
Betsy Checchia Tucson, AZ ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: US Army Enterprise Alerts < <80a2eaaf-0005-3000-80c0-fceb55463ffe...> Date: Mon, Jun 19, 2017 at 4:08 PM Subject: Change in Fire Condition Status To: <betsy.checchia...>
ELIZABETH CHECCHIA, Change in Fire Condition Status.
This is an update to the Fire Condition and change in Fire Condition status. The Fort Huachuca fire danger condition changed to VERY HIGH (Orange) -No open fires and no smoking outside vehicles in the Huachuca Mountain Recreation Areas -Do not park vehicles in grassy areas due to catalytic converters -The use, sale or possession of fireworks on Fort Huachuca is prohibited -In accordance with Garrison Policy 019: all smoking material will be extinguished & discarded in an enclosed receptacle
If you are recreating in the Huachuca mountains/canyons, the Directorate of Emergency Services asks that you sign out/in at the MP Station. This will assist us with accountability in the event of an emergency. We are in fire season and fast approaching monsoon season, which increases the potential for our Law Enforcement teams to evacuate areas. Please help us keep the community safe. The points of contact is the Provost Marshal, MAJ William Owens, 533-1320 or Fire Protection/Prevention Officer Keith Read, 533-1887.
Date: 6/19/17 4:43 pm From: <gaowings...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RFI: Continuation/Absence of AZ Common Crane
Have seen no reports on this listserv or eBird since June 12 re: Common Crane at Mormon Lake and would appreciate knowing results of any tries for it since then.
Date: 6/19/17 9:12 am From: <beattysguestranch...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] White-eared continues!!
Tom SR out early today, siting White-eared at 7:02,7:29, 7:42, 8:11, he is still at the CAS so maybe he will call again. Also seen yesterday morning and around 5:00 pm. No-one out there mid day. It is actually not so hot if you can stay in the shade.
Don't forget to drink lots of water!!!
Broad-billed, Broad-tail, Black-chinned, Magnificent are abundant.
Rock wrens in the creek and Redstarts across the creek on the slopes. Bridled titmouse near the CAS, Acorn Woodpeckers on the feeders!!
Spotted owls have not been found for about a two weeks, perhaps some other birders have seen them. Tom SR & JR have been looking in the usual places.
Also buff-breasted Flycatcher, Red faced warbler, Pigmy owl uphill.
Below, along the creek, Goshawk and Grey Hawk nesting, fledglings in both nests, probably one in each.
Date: 6/18/17 11:24 pm From: John V ONeill <warbler500...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ Rose-throated becard nest, Tumacacori
I've been to the becard-viewing spot on the Santa Cruz River several times in the past two weeks and each time there were people trying to find the nest, some having been lost along the way to the spot. To get to the viewing spot, go to the Tumacacori National Historical Park. There is a wall around the old mission church. From the northernmost wall, about three-wood distance north along Frontage Road, there is a large tree and a fence that is well marked as the Tumacacori Trailhead of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. Open fence, enter. After about 0.125 miles there is a T, with a gate to the right. Turn LEFT there. Go about a block till you see a large sign with one arrow saying "TO RIVER." Go toward the river on the river-access trail, ignoring a trail that heads to the right. On the river-access trail you will soon see a surveyor-type orangish ribbon. Turn left at the ribbon and you will soon see other ribbons. Follow them until you can see the river immediately in front of you. Then the hard work begins. Across the river there is a large tree that leans slightly to the left. Not too far above eye level there is a branch that forks off to the right and climbs toward 1:30 o'clock. That branch forks again horizontally to the right, then climbs toward 2:30 o'clock. BELOW this branch, where it turns upward, there is a "window." Look through this opening in the vegetation and back about 100 years and the brown nest can be seen. The nest is perhaps 20 feet above eye level, not high in the cottonwoods. The birds can be observed going to and from the nest. The looks aren't great but with a bit of patience the female can be seen entering and exiting the bottom of the nest and the male will perch on a nearby limb. Birders have been asked not to cross the river to create a disturbance near the nest for photos. If left unmolested the becards may return for many years to come. Most people looking for the nest err by looking high up in the cottonwoods and other trees not very far across the river. Remember, the nest is perhaps 115 yards on the east side of the river. The area is super birdy. Try not to get pecked to death by blue grosbeak, phainopeplas, yellow-breasted chats, varied buntings and a couple of vicious tyrannulets.
Date: 6/18/17 8:16 pm From: Erika Wilson <terika88...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Sierra Vista EOP--18 June 2017
Hi, birders,
High summer, with plenty of sun and heat, didn't stop ten people from walking the Sierra Vista EOP dikes. The group tally at the end of the morning walk was 54 species.
Top birds were:
Least Bittern: at least three, probably four birds, in the same thick cattail impoundments where they occurred last summer. One was seen through scopes as it perched at the edge of the cattails; two were flushed in rapid succession in the next impoundment, and then another bird was seen flying up and over into yet a third impoundment.
Cattle Egret: a single with orange breeding plumes was the first seen here this year.
Virginia Rail: a bird heard giving its "tick-et" call repeatedly was in the same area of cattails from which it has been heard calling throughout May, and now into June.
Lesser Nighthawk: birders arriving extra early had up to 30 birds in the air over the impoundments, with 1-2 birds still flying by, sometimes quite close, throughout the morning.
Date: 6/18/17 8:20 am From: <beattysguestranch...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] White-eared continoues
White-eared continues, seen today at 7:20 am, that is when Tom SR, went over to CAS. Our bird may be coming in earlier, Tom JR was putting up the feeders around 5:00 am. It is cooler here than Sierra Vista, 71" this morning but 90" by mid afternoon yesterday, it cools down as soon as the sun goes behind the mountain. Edith
Date: 6/17/17 5:56 am From: Larry <oldbirdbum...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Tumacacori Red-eyed Vireo
On the morning of June 16th, after viewing the Becard nest at Tumacacori National Historical Park, I found a Red-eyed Vireo in THE large Netleaf Hackberry at the junction of the de Anza Trail and the lateral trail that leads to the river. I was almost below it when the bird sang part of its song. That stopped me in my tracks and looking up I could see the bird foraging near the top of the tree.
Date: 6/16/17 10:46 pm From: Andrew Core <tucsonrba...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 16 June 2017
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast
Arizona was made on June 16, 2017; the next update will be made on June 23.
Phone your reports to 520-629-0510 X 3, or email 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.
NOGALES area
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJARS and #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS continued this week
(m.ob.) at the south end of California Gulch at the confluence with Warsaw
Canyon. Annotated map: http://goo.gl/wSr0mi
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
In upper Ramsey Canyon, a *TUFTED FLYCATCHER continued this week (m.ob)
about 2 miles up the Hamburg Trail from the Ramsey Canyon Preserve Visitor
Center, about 1/3 mile past the junction with the Brown Canyon Trail. This
is an occasionally steep 4 mile round trip hike at 6,000 ft elevation to
reach this location; take plenty of water (several quarts) and be prepared
for very hot dry days or sudden monsoon storm activity. A *RED-EYED VIREO
was photographed in the same area on 6/12 (John Patten Moss). A
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER continued on the Hamburg Trail between the overlook
and the first stream crossing this week (m.ob.).
The map here shows the location: https://goo.gl/aMh1ke In Carr Canyon, at least one *TUFTED FLYCATCHER continued on 6/10 (Janine
McCabe) at the Reef Townsite CG near the campsite 13.
In Hunter Canyon (https://goo.gl/CR4YXm), *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLERS continued
on 6/15 (m.ob.) in the upper canyon about 0.7 miles up the trail from the
end of Hunter Canyon Road just as the trail enters the grove of trees.
A #WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD continued in Miller Canyon on 6/16 (m.ob.).
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRDS continued at Ash Canyon B&B this week (m.ob.) – dusk
is the best time to see them.
TUBAC area (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/yDqi0)
Two*ROSE-THROATED BECARDS continued along the De Anza Trail at Tumacacori
on 6/16 (m.ob.); from the trailhead just north of the mission, head east to
the kiosk. There is a short spur to the river just east of here, and they
have been seen in this area (occasionally high in the cottonwoods). There
is an old nest over the river just north of here they occasionally visit to
gather material. A #HOODED WARBLER was photographed here on 6/13 (Curtis
Smith).
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/XfXfX)
A *SLATE-THROATED REDSTART continued in Pinery Canyon just downhill from
the campground this week (m.ob.). This is the same place as 2016 and is
about 2.4 miles west of Onion Saddle (and, from the west, 9.4 miles east of
the turnoff) where a small, mostly dry creek crosses the road. Best views
have been from the road.
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
In Florida Canyon (annotated map: http://goo.gl/AAzD6), *RUFOUS-CAPPED
WARBLERS continued this week (m.ob.) in the West Fork past the dam.
Directions: About 400 yards from parking lot is a metal gate, and just past
the gate the canyon forks. The main trail follows the East Fork, but most
sightings have been in the West Fork to the right. About 125 yards up the
rough trail in the West Fork is a large water tank and a low dam. The oak
grove is about 1/3 mile past the dam. Note: The trail for the West Fork can
be difficult to find, and is steep and rough in places. If you see the sign
with distances to Florida Saddle, Madera Canyon, etc you've missed the
turn. It is not necessary, recommended or permissible to enter the research
station to see these birds.
In Madera Canyon (map: http://goo.gl/dXBYP) #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS
continued along Proctor Rd this week (m.ob.).
A #SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was reported at Continental road just east of
I-19 on 6/10 (Richard Fray).
TUCSON area
A probable *PHILADELPHIA VIREO was recorded singing at Sweetwater Wetlands
on 6/11 (Molly Pollock, Mark Stevenson).
PATAGONIA
At Patagonia Lake (annotated map: http://goo.gl/GgNvs), a #GREEN KINGFISHER
continued on 6/10 (Richard Fray) at the east end along the Birding Trail.
DUDLEYVILLE
A #BROWN THRASHER was reported along the San Pedro River just south of
Dudleyville on 6/11 (Cassidy Ruge).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The revised 8th edition of Tucson Audubon's "Finding Birds in Southeast
Arizona" is available here: http://tucsonaudubon.org/go- birding/finding-birds-in-southeast-arizona/
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/
EL RIO OPEN SPACE PRESERVE/COACHLINE GRAVEL PIT - park in the paved lot in
the southwest corner or along the south edge near the berm. Annotated map:
http://goo.gl/5vIQSb
RAMSEY CANYON - Ramsey Canyon Preserve is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
ASH CANYON B&B: open dawn to dusk EXCEPT Wednesday, when open noon to dusk.
Parking is limited; please carpool whenever possible. No need to call ahead.
BENSON - the Benson Birding Trail is no longer accessible as the property
is under new ownership. The Holy Trinity Monastery in St. David is slated
for closure and access is uncertain.
FORT HUACHUCA - access requirements are posted on its official webpage at
http://www.huachuca.army.mil/pages/des/accesscontrol.html. 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. Foreign nationals must be accompanied by 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: apparently some states
driver's licenses do not meet federal requirements for base entry (KY, ME,
MT, PA, SC, MN, MO, and WA); see https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs or
http://huachuca-www.army.mil/pages/des/visitoraccess.html for details.
Please sign in/out at the MP station at the SE corner of Christy and Boyd.
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.
BAIRD'S SPARROW HILL AND THE VACA RANCH CORRAL in the San Rafael Valley is
off limits to birders due to the thoughtless actions of a few birders. DO
NOT ENTER THE PROPERTY. A sign has been posted previously stating that
"stopping within 0.25 mile of the corral is prohibited."
AVRA VALLEY WRF: Gates open 7AM and close PROMPTLY at 2PM (do not linger,
you will be locked inside). UPDATE: closed to birding until July 1 due to
construction.
GREEN VALLEY WRF: under construction, access uncertain. When open, use the
call box at the gate, sign in and out at the office, and stay away from
buildings and construction equipment.
Date: 6/16/17 7:53 am From: Robert A. Behrstock, Naturewide Images <rbehrstock...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Hereford: Ash Canyon, 16 June 2017
Dear Birdsters,
At 6:30 this morning, Karen (LeMay) photographed a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak that was hopping around the fig tree then took a bath in our little pond.
Best to all, Bob Behrstock
Bob Behrstock Hereford, AZ www.naturewideimages.com
Date: 6/15/17 11:40 am From: Arlene Ripley <arleneripley...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] FYI for Visitors to Ft. Huachuca
For those who may not know the location of the MP station, it is at the SE corner of Christy and Boyd. Christy is the street that goes up to the Huachuca Canyon entrance. There is a clipboard on the table where you can sign in and out.
Arlene Ripley
Dragoon Mts Cochise County, AZ
On Jun 15, 2017 11:01 AM, "Betsy Checchia" <betsy.checchia...> wrote:
> From the Ft. Huachuca Garrison: > > > "ALL, > > If you are recreating in the Huachuca mountains/canyons, the > > Directorate of Emergency Services asks that you sign out/in at the MP > > Station. This will assist us with accountability in the event of an > > emergency. > > > > We are in fire season and fast approaching monsoon season, which increases > > the potential for requiring our Law Enforcement teams to evacuate areas. > > As an example, due to a small wildland fire earlier this week, we had to > > locate and evacuate over 20 persons in Garden Canyon. Please help us keep > > the community safe. > > > > As a reminder, Fort Huachuca fire danger condition remains HIGH > > -Fires limited to established pits or BBQs and will not be left unattended > > -Do not park vehicles in grassy areas due to catalytic converters > > -The use, sale or possession of fireworks on Fort Huachuca is prohibited > > -In accordance with Garrison Policy 019: all smoking material will be > > extinguished & discarded in an enclosed receptacle > > > > The points of contact is the Provost Marshal, MAJ William Owens at 533-1320 > > or Fire Protection/Prevention Officer Keith Read, at 533-1887." > > > Be safe out there! > > > Betsy Checchia > > Tucson, AZ > > Home Page: https://list.arizona.edu/sympa/info/aznmbirds > To unsubscribe use the Unsubscribe button on that page. > To view archive: click "Archive" on that page. >
Date: 6/14/17 7:58 pm From: Doug Jenness <d_jenness...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] AZ: San Carlos Lake Terns and Gulls
6/14/17
San Carlos Lake, east of Globe, has had very few June visits, and I was curious what might show up at this date. I spent much of today there and wasn't disappointed. Because of the heavy winter snow in the mountains, the water level at the lake is higher than usual for early summer, and there were quite a few people fishing. I found the most rewarding location for birding was the spits and sandbars at the east end of the lake by the San Carlos Monument, which is on the north side of the lake and overlooks where the San Carlos River flows into the lake. Here I saw 2 CASPIAN TERNS, 1 FORSTER'S TERN, 1 CALIFORNIA GULL, and 26 RING-BILLED GULLS, all unusual for this location in June. I'm not sure whether two female WILSON'S PHALAROPES in alternate plumage were headed north or south, though the latter is most likely. I saw at least a dozen AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS though there were likely more hiding in the weeds and behind islands. Throughout the lake I counted over 300 Aechmophorous grebes from the sections of the lake I visited. I was able to pick out four pair of WESTERN GREBES with downy young. There was also a solitary 2nd-cycle CALIFONIA GULL on the south side of the lake.
New Mexico Rare Bird Report
June 13, 2017
Compiler: Matt Baumann
Phone: 505-264-1052
E-mail address: <mbaumann22...>
This is the New Mexico Rare Bird Report for June 13, 2017 sponsored by the
New Mexico Ornithological Society. When phone numbers are given for private
property, please call before going to ask for permission. In ranch country,
do not stray off the roads. Places mentioned in the report, a checklist of
N.M. birds, and more locations on uncommon and specialty species can be
found in the N.M. Bird Finding Guide. You can purchase the NM Bird Finding
Guide at http://www.nmbirds.org/?page_id=83. A more complete, updated
version of the checklist can be found at
http://www.nmbirds.org/?page_id=1666 for prior records of species in New
Mexico, search the online archive of the NMOS Field Notes at
http://nhnm.unm.edu/partners/nmos/index.html.
For photos of rarities and directions to some birding sites, check
http://sites.google.com/site/oldenettelspage or the New Mexico Rarities
Group on Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/groups/nmrarities/. NMOS is now on
Facebook, search for New Mexico Ornithological Society. All individuals are
encouraged to submit their observations to NMOS. This includes not only
records of Review List species and species potentially new to the state,
but also records of uncommon species, species of conservation concern,
records documenting breeding, and early, late, or out-of-season/range
birds. Details and photos should be sent to Sandy Williams, 1819 Meadowview
Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, or (preferred) to <sunbittern...>
Details will be used for NMOS Field Notes, North American Birds, and the
New Mexico Bird Records Committee.
NOTE: Additional reports of unseasonal birds or county rarities can be seen
on the eBird New Mexico Rare Bird Alert:
http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/summary?sid=SN35650. You do not need an eBird
account to view this.
Birds Mentioned and Counties (NMBRC review species are in CAPITAL letters):
White-rumped Sandpiper (Los Alamos)
Caspian Tern (San Juan)
ARCTIC TERN (San Juan)
Brown Pelican (Sierra)
YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (San Miguel)
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (San Miguel)
EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Bernalillo)
Buff-breasted Flycatcher (Grant)
Vermilion Flycatcher (Santa Fe)
WHITE-EYED VIREO (McKinley)
CAROLINA WREN (Socorro)
Phainopepla (Bernalillo, Sandoval)
Hooded Warbler (Grant)
RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROW (Hidalgo)
BOBOLINK (Bernalillo)
BERNALILLO County:
--Dolly recorded and photographed an EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE in the Albuquerque
bosque June 7 near the following coordinates (35.13057, -106.68735).
Directions: “The pewee was on the east side of the river along the foot
path within the Albuquerque Open Space near the Rio Grande Nature Center.
If you park at the nature center, walk west across the bridge that is
closest to the water fowl observation ponds, cross the paved bike path, and
follow the unpaved foot path south for .11 miles. The bird was seen and
heard singing approximately 200 feet west of the unpaved trail in a
cottonwood grove.” It continued to June 10 for Parmeter and Oldenettel.
--Dern and Jackson reported a female PHAINOPEPLA near Durand Open Space May
30. It was seen along the main diversion channel near the end of Sunnyslope
St SW. A male was reported in that area by Melhman June 4.
--Andersen photographed a BOBOLINK at Valle de Oro NWR May 11. It continued
to June 5.
GRANT County:
--Swackhamer reported up to three BUFF-BREASTED FLYCATCHERS in the Burro
Mountains to June 10. They were seen along Dead Man’s Canyon Trail west of
the parking area.
--Morris photographed a male HOODED WARBLER along Dead Man’s Canyon Trail
in the Burro Mountains June 7. It was seen about a half mile west of the
parking lot.
HIDALGO County:
--Webster and Rowlett reported a RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROW in Guadalupe Canyon
May 13. It was near the upper end of the canyon.
LOS ALAMOS:
--A WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER was photographed in both Sandoval and Los Alamos
Counties at Bandelier sewage lagoons June 8 and continued to the following
day.
MCKINLEY County:
--Goldberg photographed a WHITE-EYED VIREO at a private residence in
Cottonwood Gulch. Email him to arrange access (<nrg29...>).
SANDOVAL County:
--Koehler reported a PHAINOPEPLA in the Corrales bosque June 7. It was seen
one mile south of the parking lot at the northernmost end of the bosque.
SAN JUAN County:
--Charlie Black reported a CASPIAN and two ARCTIC TERNS at Morgan Lake June
7. At least one Arctic Tern continued to June 9 and two CASPIAN TERNS were
present to June 11.
SAN MIGUEL County:
--Jaremko-Wright photographed a WHITE-TAILED HAWK near Rowe June 9.
Directions: “Take Hwy 34 from Rowe up to top of Rowe Mesa, then continue
south 3 miles until road goes from semi-paved to graded dirt/gravel. This
is a large Valle that had been treated in the past. The bird was appx 800m
west of the road perched in some junipers.”
SANTA FE County:
--Clark photographed a male VERMILION FLYCATCHER in Lamy May 4. It
continued to June 4 for many.
SIERRA County:
--Cleary reported the continuing BROWN PELICAN at Elephant Butte Lake SP
December 6. THREE are now present to April 29. Rock Canyon will likely be a
good place to check with the rising lake level.
SOCORRO County:
--CAROLINA WRENS are currently at various locations at Bosque del Apache
NWR; the 90 degree turn on the Seasonal Rd and most recently near the
Boardwalk Lagoon
Date: 6/13/17 7:31 am From: Troy Corman <aplomado...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] N.AZ: Nesting California Condors at Navajo Bridge
Last week I conducted my two annual Breeding Bird Survey routes in northern Arizona which took me through Cameron, the Navajo Bridge, Jacob Lake, near the North Rim area of the Grand Canyon, Fredonia and to the Toroweep Ranger Station. As usual, highlights were many including Coconino Co. only known nesting population of VERMILION FLYCATCHER along Altus Lane in Fredonia. Had a nice male there 6 June. The fountain at Jacob Lake (among the cabins behind the gas station) was not running, but still provided great photo ops for the local birds species coming to the small pool of water that remained. This included CASSIN'S FINCHES, PINE SISKINS, and RED CROSSBILLS. On FR-610 along the border of Kaibab NF and Grand Canyon NP boundary, I had to swerve to miss a tiny chick that was marching across the gravel road. I quickly pulled over and noted a hen DUSKY GROUSE with four chicks that were likely only a few days old. There was a male AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER in sections of fresh burned forests within a mile or so of Saddle Mountain trailhead. Fire had swept through this area last summer.
Not sure if many are aware of this or not, but visitors to the Navajo Bridge have a very rare opportunity to see an active CALIFORNIA CONDOR nest site, and with a scope, can often actually observe, with a little eye straining, the downy, golden nestling that hatched 30 May. On 8 June around noon, the Peregrine Fund staff were on the bridge with a small table and condor information and a spotting scope directed at the nest site. Visitors were encouraged to view through the scope. As I arrived, timing was also good as five condors flew in, circled low over and even below you on the bridge before perching on sections of the Hwy. bridge or nearby ledges. My eBird checklist with some photos can be seen at: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37492258. The nest is on the east side (Navajo Nation side) of Marble Canyon and upstream (north) of Navajo Bridge.
Date: 6/13/17 12:06 am From: Diane Drobka <sunny1az...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Common Crane Continues at Mormon Lake
P.S. I didn't know if we were all supposed to use the Stake-out Location to keep general sightings together so I created my own location. Let me know if it needs to be merged with other list.eBird Checklist – Common Crane Vista Point, Arizona – Mon Jun 12, 2017 – 9 species
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eBird Checklist – Common Crane Vista Point, Arizona – Mon Jun 12, 2017 – 9 species
The premier destination for birding on the Web. | |
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From: Diane Drobka <sunny1az...>
To: <aznmbirds...>
Sent: Monday, June 12, 2017 11:09 PM
Subject: Common Crane Continues at Mormon Lake
A friend and I drove up from Pima (Safford) today and were lucky to get some distant views. First saw it from the Stake-out Point looking toward trailer park/rodeo grounds; it was with four Great Blue Herons. We then drove down there to a get better view but all five birds were gone. Many Canada Geese with the young in the ponds near the road.
On our way north again on Mormon Lake Road we spotted the COCR as we drove between mileposts 2 and 3, closer to 3 where there was a nice pull-out and the fence was down. It was far away as I was looking toward the observation point along Lake Mary Road/Forest Highway 3 but easily ID-able with the scope.
I walked more than a mile through the field and a bit of mud to get closer, which I did, but it was still quite far away when it flew a short distance and landed. I didn't want to alarm it so I turned around and called it a day. Two Osprey chicks on a nest across the road from the rodeo grounds was an added bonus, along with the 34+ elk along the shoreline.
Date: 6/12/17 11:09 pm From: Diane Drobka <sunny1az...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Common Crane Continues at Mormon Lake
A friend and I drove up from Pima (Safford) today and were lucky to get some distant views. First saw it from the Stake-out Point looking toward trailer park/rodeo grounds; it was with four Great Blue Herons. We then drove down there to a get better view but all five birds were gone. Many Canada Geese with the young in the ponds near the road.
On our way north again on Mormon Lake Road we spotted the COCR as we drove between mileposts 2 and 3, closer to 3 where there was a nice pull-out and the fence was down. It was far away as I was looking toward the observation point along Lake Mary Road/Forest Highway 3 but easily ID-able with the scope.
I walked more than a mile through the field and a bit of mud to get closer, which I did, but it was still quite far away when it flew a short distance and landed. I didn't want to alarm it so I turned around and called it a day. Two Osprey chicks on a nest across the road from the rodeo grounds was an added bonus, along with the 34+ elk along the shoreline.
Home Page: https://list.arizona.edu/sympa/info/aznmbirds To unsubscribe use the Unsubscribe button on that page. To view archive: click "Archive" on that page.
Recent sightings from the Arlington WMA were 2 least bitterns, ridgeway's rails, Long billed curlews, white faced ibis, cattle egrets, and an alternate plumaged eared grebe. I suspect the least bitterns are nesting because one or two have flushed from the same stand of cattails, over the last few weeks. One of the ridgeway's rail was mesmerized by me fighting off the swarm of mosquitos that came out of nowhere to blacken my arms at just after 7:10 pm. It watched me from the water's edge, 15 feet away as I fought the blood thirsty swarm trying to bleed me dry. Mammal sightings included a foraging raccoon, which are always entertaining.
Stops at the Glendale Recharge ponds on the way home included blue winged teal, shoveler, ruddy ducks, bald eagle, osprey and peregrine falcon.
Although Sweetwater was closed for mosquito treatment, I did try for the bird by walking outside the fence on the east side from about 7-7:30 am- I did not see or hear any vireos aside from a Bell's Vireo that was singing very occasionally.
Sharon Goldwasser.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jun 12, 2017, at 11:39 AM, MOLLY POLLOCK <mollymp...> wrote:
>
> Hello birders,
>
> Thanks to all who provided their thoughts on the vireo song Mark S. recorded yesterday (Sunday) at Sweetwater Wetlands.
>
> Thus far responses all agreed it was one of the following:
>
> 1. Red-eyed Vireo
> 2. Philadelphia Vireo
> 3. Either Red-eyed Vireo or Philadelphia Vireo that their songs are all but inseparable given the variation in Red-eyed particularly.
>
>
> That said, on Sunday the bird sang early - between 6 and 7 am. It was heard and seen (brief glimpses of parts of the bird) near the entrance bridge early and then near where the path that leads from the eastern ponds to the western ponds. It has not been detected since early Sunday am. However, due to Monday spraying, no one could try for the vireo early this morning.
>
> Good birding,
>
> Molly Pollock
> Tucson, AZ
> --------------------------------------------
> On Mon, 6/12/17, trose <trose...> wrote:
>
> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Mystery Vireo at Sweetwater
> To: <aznmbirds...>
> Date: Monday, June 12, 2017, 9:58 AM
>
>
> On 6/11/17 5:11 PM, MOLLY POLLOCK wrote:
>
>
> A recording of the Sweetwater
> Wetlands mystery vireo is in Mark's and my eBird
> checklist:
> http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37533830 >
>
>
>
> Well, I am going to be uncharacteristically daring and
> give an
> opinion...When I listened to the recording, my brain
> immediately
> thought "eastern-type vireo". Read: Red-eyed
> or Philadelphia, both
> of which have a similar tonality & cadence, although
> different
> note styles.
>
>
>
> A disclaimer: I'm sure it's been apparent to
> seasoned SEAZ birders
> that my current Arizona birding knowledge (I hate to
> admit) is still
> lacking. I've been here for over 20 years, but
> basically fell off
> the mainstream birding "wagon" for nearly 15
> of those and I am just
> now within the last couple three years jumping back into
> it
> whole-heartedly and learning/re-learning what should
> have already
> been second nature here by now, but isn't. So I have
> somewhat shaky
> confidence in what might be heard HERE.
>
>
>
> ...BUT my knowledge as a Midwest birder is not shaky. I
> was a very
> avid and very active birder for 24 years in Michigan,
> and one of my
> best skills was ear-birding. Granted, I haven't been
> birding in the
> Midwest since those 20 years ago, but that Sweetwater
> vireo song
> recording sure sounds like an eastern song to me!
> Red-eyed Vireo was
> pretty much my favorite summer-singing bird in Michigan.
> There's
> nothing that says
> dreamy-lazy-midwest-summer-days-in-the-woods like
> a Red-eyed Vireo song. Needless to say, I became
> intimately familiar
> with it, and therefore the differences between it and
> Philadelphia.
>
>
>
> I would therefore almost stake my reputation
> (yikes...feels like
> exposed neck) that what you recorded is a Philadelphia,
> despite the
> rarity of it occurring here. (Although we just had one
> at Page Creek
> last year). Red-eyed & Philadelphia sound very
> similar tonally.
> But Red-eyed song is more "well-behaved",
> usually existing of either
> a two-syllable "veer-EEE, VEER-oh" or a
> three-syllable style that
> adds the third syllable also in a
> "well-behaved", rather orderly
> manner: a measured "veer-ee-OH, veer-EE-oh, with
> mild variation and
> some burring at times. Philadelphia, on the other hand,
> though
> having a similar tonal quality/cadence, has a tendency
> to frequently
> add oddball syllables and (often repeating) short
> phrases and notes
> into its generally three-syllabled song. The short
> phrases therefore
> end up sounding slightly "jumbled" and much
> more varied, with "ups"
> and "downs" in unexpected places. I always
> though of Philadelphia as
> being Red-eyed's more musically creative cousin.
>
>
>
> Again, it's been over 20 years, so I could be wrong
> (and would
> naturally be quite embarrassed if it turns out to be
> something
> else), but the bird in your recording sure *seems* to
> have a
> Philadelphia song. I definitely hear some interesting
> "ad libs"
> added to those phrases. The fact that the visual also
> indicated no
> wing bars/spectacles, and a shortish tail, also supports
> Philadelphia. I would have expected a stronger
> impression of an
> eye-line, but...
>
>
>
> Tonya Holland
>
> Three Points AZ
> Home Page: https://list.arizona.edu/sympa/info/aznmbirds > To unsubscribe use the Unsubscribe button on
> that page.
> To view archive: click
> "Archive" on that page.
> Home Page: https://list.arizona.edu/sympa/info/aznmbirds > To unsubscribe use the Unsubscribe button on that page.
> To view archive: click "Archive" on that page.
Date: 6/12/17 12:19 pm From: Mary Jo Ballator <mjballator...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ: Ash Canyon B&B
June is baby month. It’s fun to see all the juveniles, especially the woodpeckers, learning their place in the world.
Male Lucifers are still most reliably seen every evening, say between 6:30 and 7:45. Bring a jacket, as evenings can become cool after the sun drops behind the mountains.
Mary Jo
Mary Jo Ballator
Ash Canyon B&B
5255 E. Spring Road
Hereford, AZ 85615
<mjballator...>
520-378-0773
Hours: Dawn to dusk daily except Wednesday noon to dusk
Date: 6/12/17 11:39 am From: MOLLY POLLOCK <mollymp...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Mystery Vireo at Sweetwater
Hello birders,
Thanks to all who provided their thoughts on the vireo song Mark S. recorded yesterday (Sunday) at Sweetwater Wetlands.
Thus far responses all agreed it was one of the following:
1. Red-eyed Vireo 2. Philadelphia Vireo 3. Either Red-eyed Vireo or Philadelphia Vireo that their songs are all but inseparable given the variation in Red-eyed particularly.
That said, on Sunday the bird sang early - between 6 and 7 am. It was heard and seen (brief glimpses of parts of the bird) near the entrance bridge early and then near where the path that leads from the eastern ponds to the western ponds. It has not been detected since early Sunday am. However, due to Monday spraying, no one could try for the vireo early this morning.
Good birding,
Molly Pollock Tucson, AZ -------------------------------------------- On Mon, 6/12/17, trose <trose...> wrote:
Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Mystery Vireo at Sweetwater To: <aznmbirds...> Date: Monday, June 12, 2017, 9:58 AM
Well, I am going to be uncharacteristically daring and give an opinion...When I listened to the recording, my brain immediately thought "eastern-type vireo". Read: Red-eyed or Philadelphia, both of which have a similar tonality & cadence, although different note styles.
A disclaimer: I'm sure it's been apparent to seasoned SEAZ birders that my current Arizona birding knowledge (I hate to admit) is still lacking. I've been here for over 20 years, but basically fell off the mainstream birding "wagon" for nearly 15 of those and I am just now within the last couple three years jumping back into it whole-heartedly and learning/re-learning what should have already been second nature here by now, but isn't. So I have somewhat shaky confidence in what might be heard HERE.
...BUT my knowledge as a Midwest birder is not shaky. I was a very avid and very active birder for 24 years in Michigan, and one of my best skills was ear-birding. Granted, I haven't been birding in the Midwest since those 20 years ago, but that Sweetwater vireo song recording sure sounds like an eastern song to me! Red-eyed Vireo was pretty much my favorite summer-singing bird in Michigan. There's nothing that says dreamy-lazy-midwest-summer-days-in-the-woods like a Red-eyed Vireo song. Needless to say, I became intimately familiar with it, and therefore the differences between it and Philadelphia.
I would therefore almost stake my reputation (yikes...feels like exposed neck) that what you recorded is a Philadelphia, despite the rarity of it occurring here. (Although we just had one at Page Creek last year). Red-eyed & Philadelphia sound very similar tonally. But Red-eyed song is more "well-behaved", usually existing of either a two-syllable "veer-EEE, VEER-oh" or a three-syllable style that adds the third syllable also in a "well-behaved", rather orderly manner: a measured "veer-ee-OH, veer-EE-oh, with mild variation and some burring at times. Philadelphia, on the other hand, though having a similar tonal quality/cadence, has a tendency to frequently add oddball syllables and (often repeating) short phrases and notes into its generally three-syllabled song. The short phrases therefore end up sounding slightly "jumbled" and much more varied, with "ups" and "downs" in unexpected places. I always though of Philadelphia as being Red-eyed's more musically creative cousin.
Again, it's been over 20 years, so I could be wrong (and would naturally be quite embarrassed if it turns out to be something else), but the bird in your recording sure *seems* to have a Philadelphia song. I definitely hear some interesting "ad libs" added to those phrases. The fact that the visual also indicated no wing bars/spectacles, and a shortish tail, also supports Philadelphia. I would have expected a stronger impression of an eye-line, but...
Well, I am going to be uncharacteristically daring and give an opinion...When I listened to the recording, my brain immediately thought "eastern-type vireo". Read: Red-eyed or Philadelphia, both of which have a similar tonality & cadence, although different note styles.
A disclaimer: I'm sure it's been apparent to seasoned SEAZ birders that my current Arizona birding knowledge (I hate to admit) is still lacking. I've been here for over 20 years, but basically fell off the mainstream birding "wagon" for nearly 15 of those and I am just now within the last couple three years jumping back into it whole-heartedly and learning/re-learning what should have already been second nature here by now, but isn't. So I have somewhat shaky confidence in what might be heard HERE.
...BUT my knowledge as a Midwest birder is not shaky. I was a very avid and very active birder for 24 years in Michigan, and one of my best skills was ear-birding. Granted, I haven't been birding in the Midwest since those 20 years ago, but that Sweetwater vireo song recording sure sounds like an eastern song to me! Red-eyed Vireo was pretty much my favorite summer-singing bird in Michigan. There's nothing that says dreamy-lazy-midwest-summer-days-in-the-woods like a Red-eyed Vireo song. Needless to say, I became intimately familiar with it, and therefore the differences between it and Philadelphia.
I would therefore almost stake my reputation (yikes...feels like exposed neck) that what you recorded is a Philadelphia, despite the rarity of it occurring here. (Although we just had one at Page Creek last year). Red-eyed & Philadelphia sound very similar tonally. But Red-eyed song is more "well-behaved", usually existing of either a two-syllable "veer-EEE, VEER-oh" or a three-syllable style that adds the third syllable also in a "well-behaved", rather orderly manner: a measured "veer-ee-OH, veer-EE-oh, with mild variation and some burring at times. Philadelphia, on the other hand, though having a similar tonal quality/cadence, has a tendency to frequently add oddball syllables and (often repeating) short phrases and notes into its generally three-syllabled song. The short phrases therefore end up sounding slightly "jumbled" and much more varied, with "ups" and "downs" in unexpected places. I always though of Philadelphia as being Red-eyed's more musically creative cousin.
Again, it's been over 20 years, so I could be wrong (and would naturally be quite embarrassed if it turns out to be something else), but the bird in your recording sure *seems* to have a Philadelphia song. I definitely hear some interesting "ad libs" added to those phrases. The fact that the visual also indicated no wing bars/spectacles, and a shortish tail, also supports Philadelphia. I would have expected a stronger impression of an eye-line, but...
Date: 6/11/17 7:11 am From: Chris Rohrer <rohrerbot...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Mystery Vireo at Sweetwater
At Sweetwater now, Mark and Molly have seen and recorded a mysterious vireo here. Trying to locate now. Been heard from the bridge to eastern part of the complex. Seen in mesquites. No wing bars seen. So keep your eyes and ears open if you visit.
Date: 6/11/17 6:03 am From: Rick Bowers <info...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Pima County Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Hi Birders:
To follow up on my 13 May post (copied below) I wanted update the list on the strange Broad-tailed Hummingbird behavior at our home in Catalina. In my 13 May post I speculated about weather we had a single individual or multiple, serial individuals. About four days after that post (17 May) a Broad-tail with only two tail feathers on the left side began visiting our feeders. With an individually identifiable hummer visiting (unless this is a new fashion statement for Broad-tails! ) it was easy to tell that we had one bird that stayed. It continued visiting our feeders and flowers throughout the day every day. Amazingly this individual lingered in our yard until 6 June. So a Broad-tailed (only one ever seen or heard per day) stayed in our yard for approximately a month. In the eight years that we have lived here it is quite a change to have Broad-tails go from maybe one individual visiting the yard for 1 – 3 hours in spring to having one stay for a month and into the 100 degree heat.
Good birding,
Previous post:
We have had a similar influx of Broad-tailed Hummers in our yard in Catalina (Pima County about two miles south of Bob and Prudy Bowers). One (or a succession of individuals) has been here for five days. I’m leaning toward one individual because we see (and hear) it throughout the day. We have never had one at our feeders for more than a few hours on one day in the spring and usually earlier, late March and April. Yesterday morning from our yard we had two fly-over Broad-tails headed north.
Date: 6/10/17 8:32 pm From: Betty Bengtson <bettybengtson...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] NAZ: Common Crane/Mormon Lake
Observed by us 2 times today from the stake-out site previously described by other birders. First at 8:55am we saw it about 2 miles south from the stake-out site in the grass/water well away from the shore. Gusty winds affected our bins and scope and prevented satisfactory looks at the field marks though clearly a crane-sized bird with black on head/neck and black on "bustle". There was at least one blue heron nearby. We tried unsuccessfully for better looks from several spots around the lake, including from the east side and from pull-outs closer to the RV park.
We were back at the stake-out site around 1:50 again looking at the bird in approximately the same location about 2 miles south. Gusty winds and some heat shimmer still affecting our views. After about 10 minutes we were fortunate to see the crane fly for about 100 feet and were able to confirm identity by the extensive black on wings and wingtips and on the head and neck, plus its size in flight.
Date: 6/10/17 4:31 pm From: Barbara Buck <brbrbuck0...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Northern AZ - Mormon Lake
COMMON CRANE was observed by 3 of us from Phoenix East Valley today. We had 3 sightings - hopefully a photo or two. Earliest sighting was 8:30 when we observed it with John from Tucson who showed us where he had seen it….keeping company with two Great Blue Herons.
Date: 6/10/17 7:58 am From: Andrew Core <tucsonrba...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] se AZ: Green Valley - Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
From the Tucson Audubon Society's RBA (520-629-0510 X 3 or rarebirdalert AT tucsonaudubon.org):
Richard Fray called to report that while stopped at the traffic light this morning (6am on 6/10) on Continental Road (Green Valley, exit 63, east side of I-19) a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher flew overhead.
Date: 6/10/17 6:54 am From: Gordon Lewis <ranchogulag...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Mississippi Kite
A bird similar to the one seen by Chris Harabard on Miller Canyon Road was seen last evening about 7 pm in my field while feeding Burrowing owls. With out binoculars I took it to be a immature White Tailed Kite. Folks in the upper San Pedro aka Upper Nowhere might get this bird as it seems to be traveling a bit. Gordon
Date: 6/10/17 12:12 am From: Andrew Core <tucsonrba...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 9 June 2017
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast
Arizona was made on June 9, 2017; the next update will be made on June 16.
Phone your reports to 520-629-0510 X 3, or email 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.
For more information about Tucson Audubon field trips, lectures and
educational opportunities, please see www.tucsonaudubon.org.
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT INCLUDE:
*SHORT-TAILED HAWK
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR
#White-eared Hummingbird
#Lucifer Hummingbird
#Green Kingfisher
*TUFTED FLYCATCHER
*ROSE-THROATED BECARD
#Black-capped Gnatcatcher
#Prothonotary Warbler
*SLATE-THROATED REDSTART
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER
TUCSON area
An apparent immature dark-morph *SHORT-TAILED HAWK was photographed on 6/5
(Keith Kamper) at Paige Creek near where the creek crosses the road. This
is on the east side of the Rincon Mountains, east of Tucson.
NOGALES area
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJARS continued this week (m.ob.) at the south end of
California Gulch at the confluence with Warsaw Canyon. Annotated map:
http://goo.gl/wSr0mi
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
In upper Ramsey Canyon, a *TUFTED FLYCATCHER continued on 6/9 (Phil Dunn)
about 2 miles up the Hamburg Trail from the Ramsey Canyon Preserve Visitor
Center, about 1/3 mile past the junction with the Brown Canyon Trail. This
is an occasionally steep 4 mile round trip hike at 6,000 ft elevation to
reach this location; take plenty of water (several quarts) and be prepared
for very hot dry days or sudden monsoon storm activity. A *FLAME-COLORED
TANAGER continued on the Hamburg Trail between the overlook and the first
stream crossing this week (m.ob.).
The map here shows the location: https://goo.gl/aMh1ke In Carr Canyon, at least one *TUFTED FLYCATCHER continued this week (m.ob.)
both at the Reef Townsite CG near the campsite 13 and about 1/3 mile past
the campground entrance. A #HOODED WARBLER was reported on 6/4 (Art Herman)
at the Ramsey Vista campground and continued 6/8 (Henry Stevens).
In Hunter Canyon (https://goo.gl/CR4YXm), *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLERS continued
on 6/5 (Ron Beck) in the upper canyon about 0.7 miles up the trail from the
end of Hunter Canyon Road just as the trail enters the grove of trees.
A #WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD was reported from Miller Canyon on 6/9 (m.ob.).
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRDS continued at Ash Canyon B&B this week (m.ob.) – dusk
is the best time to see them.
TUBAC area (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/yDqi0)
Two*ROSE-THROATED BECARDS continued along the De Anza Trail at Tumacacori
on 6/9 (m.ob.); from the trailhead just north of the mission, head east to
the kiosk. There is a short spur to the river just east of here, and they
have been seen in this area (occasionally high in the cottonwoods). There
is an old nest over the river just north of here they occasionally visit to
gather material.
A #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER continued from Puerto Canyon northwest of Tubac
on 5/31 (Keith Kamper). From I-19, take the Chaves Siding exit (#40) and
turn right/west and then immediately right/north onto the frontage road.
In about 0.2 miles, turn left/west onto the good dirt road. This takes you
along Puerto Canyon and in 5.2 miles to Puerto Spring. There are no signs
along the way to Puerto Spring, but staying on the main road should get you
there. Map: http://goo.gl/fRAa4A
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/XfXfX)
A *SLATE-THROATED REDSTART continued in Pinery Canyon just downhill from
the campground this week (m.ob.). This is the same place as 2016 and is
about 2.4 miles west of Onion Saddle (and, from the west, 9.4 miles east of
the turnoff) where a small, mostly dry creek crosses the road. Best views
have been from the road.
A male #WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD was reported from the South Fork of Cave
Creek Canyon on 6/7 (Henry Stevens).
A #PROTHONOTARY WARBLER was reported in Whitetail Canyon on 6/9 (Rick
Taylor).
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
In Florida Canyon (annotated map: http://goo.gl/AAzD6), *RUFOUS-CAPPED
WARBLERS continued this week (m.ob.) in the West Fork past the dam.
Directions: About 400 yards from parking lot is a metal gate, and just past
the gate the canyon forks. The main trail follows the East Fork, but most
sightings have been in the West Fork to the right. About 125 yards up the
rough trail in the West Fork is a large water tank and a low dam. The oak
grove is about 1/3 mile past the dam. Note: The trail for the West Fork can
be difficult to find, and is steep and rough in places. If you see the sign
with distances to Florida Saddle, Madera Canyon, etc you've missed the
turn. It is not necessary, recommended or permissible to enter the research
station to see these birds.
In Madera Canyon (map: http://goo.gl/dXBYP) #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS
continued along Proctor Rd this week (m.ob.).
In Montosa Canyon (annotated map: http://goo.gl/8L8tv) #BLACK-CAPPED
GNATCATCHERS continued on 6/6 (John Haire) near the culvert, upstream of
the concrete stream crossing.
PATAGONIA
At Patagonia Lake (annotated map: http://goo.gl/GgNvs), a #GREEN KINGFISHER
continued on 6/4 (Ron Batie) at the east end along the Birding Trail.
DOUGLAS area
Rare in Cochise County, three #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS were reported from
Leslie Canyon NWR on 6/6 (Chrissy Kondrat-Smith).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The revised 8th edition of Tucson Audubon's "Finding Birds in Southeast
Arizona" is available here: http://tucsonaudubon.org/go- birding/finding-birds-in-southeast-arizona/
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/
EL RIO OPEN SPACE PRESERVE/COACHLINE GRAVEL PIT - park in the paved lot in
the southwest corner or along the south edge near the berm. Annotated map:
http://goo.gl/5vIQSb
RAMSEY CANYON - Ramsey Canyon Preserve is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
ASH CANYON B&B: open dawn to dusk EXCEPT Wednesday, when open noon to dusk.
Parking is limited; please carpool whenever possible. No need to call ahead.
BENSON - the Benson Birding Trail is no longer accessible as the property
is under new ownership.
FORT HUACHUCA - access requirements are posted on its official webpage at
http://www.huachuca.army.mil/pages/des/accesscontrol.html. 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. Foreign nationals must be accompanied by 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: apparently some states
driver's licenses do not meet federal requirements for base entry (KY, ME,
MT, PA, SC, MN, MO, and WA); see https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs or
http://huachuca-www.army.mil/pages/des/visitoraccess.html 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.
BAIRD'S SPARROW HILL AND THE VACA RANCH CORRAL in the San Rafael Valley is
off limits to birders due to the thoughtless actions of a few birders. DO
NOT ENTER THE PROPERTY. A sign has been posted previously stating that
"stopping within 0.25 mile of the corral is prohibited."
AVRA VALLEY WRF: Gates open 7AM and close PROMPTLY at 2PM (do not linger,
you will be locked inside).
GREEN VALLEY WRF: under construction, access uncertain. When open, use the
call box at the gate, sign in and out at the office, and stay away from
buildings and construction equipment.
White-eared is still here Friday, 9 June. Tom Beatty Sr.
Six species; White-eared by Tom Sr and Josie Maxwell June 8, verified with a Photo. Also 2 blue-throated reported, not many birders at this time. Broad-billed, Broad-tail, Black-chinned, Magnificent are abundant.
Rock wrens in the creek nesting and Redstarts nesting across the creek on the slopes. Bridled titmouse nesting near the CAS, Acorn Woodpeckers on the feeders!!
Spotted owls have not been found for about a week, perhaps some other birders have seen them.
Also buff-breasted Flycatcher, Red faced warbler, Pigmy owl uphill. Below, along the creek, Goshawk and Grey hawks have returned. We are enjoying the cool weather, Edith Beatty
Date: 6/9/17 12:04 pm From: David Pearson <dpearson...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] AZ, Pinal Co., Santa Cruz Flats_more Tropical Kingbirds
Charlie Babbitt, John Ray, Darrel Wilder and I birded the Arizona City Lake and Santa Cruz Flats area today (9 June) for five hours and found 63 species. We tried to concentrate on as many pecan tree roadside rows as we could find and were able to come up with 44 TROPICAL KINGBIRDS. They were all between Overfield Rd and Wheeler Rd and south of Greene Reservoir Rd. We also counted 54 Western Kingbirds. Details and complete list on eBird.
David L Pearson
School of Life Sciences
Arizona State University
Tempe AZ 85287-4501
Date: 6/9/17 10:22 am From: Gordon Karre <karhop1...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] CEAZ: Boyce Thompson Arboretum - HOODED WARBLER
Spent a couple of hours at Boyce Thompson Arboretum near Superior, AZ, this morning where it was a bit cooler than the metro area around Phoenix. Although it has been a couple of weeks since the last report, I happened to find the male HOODED WARBLER near the herb garden area. It was first reported by Larry Langstaff on 5/16 and last reported on 5/18. And just like the few other Hooded Warblers I have seen in the past, it did not want to pose for any photos. However, I was able to get a recording of it singing and will post it to my eBird report later today. Looks like the year of the Hooded Warbler in AZ!
Date: 6/8/17 12:23 pm From: Jennie Macfarland <jmacfarland...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Arizona Important Bird Areas Needs your eBird Lists
Hello Birders,
If you use eBird please share your lists from any of Arizona's 46 Important
Bird Areas (list below) as well as few areas of interest that are not yet
IBAs but are included on the list.
To help us out please share your eBird lists with the username ArizonaIBA
(no space!) from you My eBird tab within www.eBird.org
This really helps the program begin to monitor these areas of habitat using
all of your help and the power of eBird.
We are not asking that you go out of your way to visit these areas to
survey but rather when you are birding in these areas to use eBird and then
share the lists with our program.
Thanks so much!
Jennie
Arizona's Important Bird Areas
Agua Fria National Monument Riparian Corridors IBA
Anderson Mesa IBA
Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch of the NAS IBA
Arivaca Cienega and Creek IBA
Aubrey Valley IBA
Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge IBA
Blue River Complex IBA
Boyce Thompson Arboretum and Arnett -Queen Creeks IBA
California Gulch IBA
Cave Creek Ecosystem IBA
Chiricahua Mountains IBA
Cibola National Wildlife Refuge IBA
Gilbert Riparian Preserves IBA
Grand Canyon NP- Lipan and Yaki IBA
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge IBA
Huachuca Mountains IBA
Imperial National Wildlife Refuge IBA
Imperial Reservoir IBA
Joshua Tree IBA (Chicken Springs BLM grazing allotment west of Wickieup)
Las Cienegas NCA Proposed IBA (including Empire Gulch)
Lower Colorado River Gadsden Riparian Area IBA
Lower Oak Creek IBA
Lower San Pedro River IBA
Marble Canyon IBA
Mittry Lake State Wildlife Area IBA
Mogollon Rim Snowmelt Draws IBA
Patagonia-Sonoita Creek TNC Preserve IBA
Patagonia Mountains IBA
Pinaleño Mountains IBA (Mount Graham)
Quigley State Wildlife Area IBA
Salt and Verde Riparian Ecosystem IBA
Salt and Lower Gila Riparian Ecosystem IBA
Saguaro National Park Proposed IBA area
San Pedro River National Conservation Area IBA
San Rafael Grasslands IBA
Santa Rita Mountains IBA (including Madera Canyon)
Sonoita Creek State Natural Area/ Patagonia Lake IBA
Sonoran Desert Borderlands IBA (includes Organ Pipe NM and Cabeza Prieta
NWR)
Sycamore Canyon/Pajarito Mountains IBA
Tanque Verde Wash/ Sabino Canyon IBA
Tucson Mountains IBA Area (includes Tucson Mountain Park and Saguaro NP
west)
Tucson Sky Islands IBA (Includes Santa Catalina Mountains, Rincon Mountains
and Saguaro NP east)
Six species; White-eared by Tom Sr and Josie Maxwell June 8, verified with a Photo. Also 2 blue-throated reported, not many birders at this time. Broad-billed, Broad-tail, Black-chinned, Magnificent are abundant.
Rock wrens in the creek nesting and Redstarts nesting across the creek on the slopes. Bridled titmouse nesting near the CAS, Acorn Woodpeckers on the feeders!!
Spotted owls have not been found for about a week, perhaps some other birders have seen them.
Also buff-breasted Flycatcher, Red faced warbler, Pigmy owl uphill. Below, along the creek, Goshawk and Grey hawks have returned. We are enjoying the cool weather, Edith Beatty
Date: 6/8/17 4:56 am From: Doug Jenness <d_jenness...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Arizona Field Organization State meeting
6/8/17
The 11th annual AZFO state meeting is scheduled for Cottonwood, October 20-22. The meeting on Saturday will feature presentations on the status, behavior, and distribution of Arizona birds and a catered dinner Saturday night with a keynote speaker. On Friday and Sunday there will be field expeditions to lesser-known birding locations. For more information go to the AZFO website at: http://www.azfo.net/annual_meetings/annual_meetings.html
AZFO Meetings<http://www.azfo.net/annual_meetings/annual_meetings.html> www.azfo.net
Annual Meetings Feature: Expert presentations on identification, status and distribution of Arizona birds. Presentations on where to go birding in ...
Date: 6/7/17 10:51 am From: JOHN HIGGINS <jghiggins...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ Tucson lakeside park GULL
Wednesday at 9:30 am a gull was out on Lakeside Park lake. It looks like the California Gull that has been at Kennedy park lake but it was not seen at kennedy last evening nor this morning.
Date: 6/7/17 9:03 am From: Robert A. Behrstock, Naturewide Images <rbehrstock...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Hooded Warbler continues: Ramsey Vista Campground, 7 June
07:50. Easily located from moving vehicle. Singing in oaks.
Best,
Bob Behrstock Chris Harbard
Bob Behrstock Hereford, AZ www.naturewideimages.com
Date: 6/7/17 9:03 am From: Robert A. Behrstock, Naturewide Images <rbehrstock...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Tufted Flyc. Carr, 7 June
08:40-0900 hrs. Roadside at previously reported location toward Ramsey Vista Campground from Reef Campground. Note orange ribbons on trees. Vocal. Mostly high in pines on uphill slope but did cross the road.
Obs. Bob Behrstock Chris Harbard (photos)
Best, RAB
Bob Behrstock Hereford, AZ www.naturewideimages.com
Date: 6/7/17 8:43 am From: Sharon Goldwasser <azfiddle...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Tucson Wood Duck Reid Park
Chuck Williamson spotted an immature male Wood Duck at Reid Park (smaller pond) this morning around 7:30 am.
Sharon Goldwasser
Tucson, AZ
Home Page: https://list.arizona.edu/sympa/info/aznmbirds To unsubscribe use the Unsubscribe button on that page. To view archive: click "Archive" on that page.
Date: 6/6/17 8:49 pm From: Keith Kamper <keithkamper...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ: Apparent Short-tailed Hawk at Paige Creek, Pima County
I photographed an apparent immature dark-morph Short-tailed Hawk yesterday 6/5 at Paige Creek near where the creek crosses the road. Directions to this location can be found in the Tucson Audubon Society Birdfinding Guide to southeast Arizona. I'll get a few photos up on ebird tonight. I wouldn't mind seeing this bird again as it was a short encounter and dark birds especially rare in southeast Arizona.
Hahahah I always leave out the crucial thing: the Petrified Forest National Park Visitor Center's visitors' parking lot!
McCreedy Tucson
On Tue, Jun 6, 2017 at 16:12 Chris Mccreedy <cristofolos...> wrote:
> Driving I-40 today east of Flagstaff? There was a male Chestnut-sided > Warbler in the junipers that edge the visitors' parking lot, observed about > two hours ago. > > McCreedy > Tucson >
Driving I-40 today east of Flagstaff? There was a male Chestnut-sided Warbler in the junipers that edge the visitors' parking lot, observed about two hours ago.
New Mexico Rare Bird Report June 5, 2017 Compiler: Matt Baumann Phone: 505-264-1052 E-mail address: <mbaumann22...>
This is the New Mexico Rare Bird Report for June 5, 2017 sponsored by the New Mexico Ornithological Society. When phone numbers are given for private property, please call before going to ask for permission. In ranch country, do not stray off the roads. Places mentioned in the report, a checklist of N.M. birds, and more locations on uncommon and specialty species can be found in the N.M. Bird Finding Guide. You can purchase the NM Bird Finding Guide at http://www.nmbirds.org/?page_id=83. A more complete, updated version of the checklist can be found at http://www.nmbirds.org/?page_id=1666 for prior records of species in New Mexico, search the online archive of the NMOS Field Notes at http://nhnm.unm.edu/partners/nmos/index.html.
For photos of rarities and directions to some birding sites, check http://sites.google.com/site/oldenettelspage or the New Mexico Rarities Group on Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/groups/nmrarities/. NMOS is now on Facebook, search for New Mexico Ornithological Society. All individuals are encouraged to submit their observations to NMOS. This includes not only records of Review List species and species potentially new to the state, but also records of uncommon species, species of conservation concern, records documenting breeding, and early, late, or out-of-season/range birds. Details and photos should be sent to Sandy Williams, 1819 Meadowview Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, or (preferred) to <sunbittern...> Details will be used for NMOS Field Notes, North American Birds, and the New Mexico Bird Records Committee. NOTE: Additional reports of unseasonal birds or county rarities can be seen on the eBird New Mexico Rare Bird Alert: http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/summary?sid=SN35650. You do not need an eBird account to view this.
Birds Mentioned and Counties (NMBRC review species are in CAPITAL letters):
Brown Pelican (Eddy, Sierra) YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (San Miguel) Vermilion Flycatcher (Santa Fe) GREAT KISKADEE (Lea) CAROLINA WREN (Socorro) Phainopepla (Bernalillo) RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROW (Hidalgo) Northern Cardinal (Bernalillo) BOBOLINK (Bernalillo)
BERNALILLO County: --Dern and Jackson reported a female PHAINOPEPLA near Durand Open Space May 30. It was seen along the main diversion channel near the end of Sunnyslope St SW. A male was reported in that area by Melhman June 4.
--Andersen photographed a BOBOLINK at Valle de Oro NWR May 11. It continued to June 5.
--Jon Stewart reports that a NORTHERN CARDINAL is back at the ABQ Bio Park April 13. It was heard and seen in the Botanical Garden and continued to May 6 near the Rose Garden.
EDDY County: --Daniel Leifheit photographed a juvenile BROWN PELICAN at Brantley Lake April 22. It continued to May 20.
HIDALGO County: --Webster and Rowlett reported a RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROW in Guadalupe Canyon May 13. It was near the upper end of the canyon.
LEA County: --Parmeter and Oldenettel reported a GREAT KISKADEE at the Tatum Sewage Ponds April 28. It continued to May 10.
SAN MIGUEL County: --Jaremko-Wright reported two YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS along the Las Vegas Riverwalk May 9. It was seen at the corner of the Riverwalk and San Francisco Ave.
SANTA FE County: --Clark photographed a male VERMILION FLYCATCHER in Lamy May 4. It continued to June 4 for many.
SIERRA County: --Cleary reported the continuing BROWN PELICAN at Elephant Butte Lake SP December 6. THREE are now present to April 29. Rock Canyon will likely be a good place to check with the rising lake level.
SOCORRO County: --CAROLINA WRENS are currently at various locations at Bosque del Apache NWR; the 90 degree turn on the Seasonal Rd and most recently near the Boardwalk Lagoon.
Date: 6/5/17 2:28 pm From: Andrew Core <tucsonrba...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] se AZ: Carr Canyon - Hooded Warbler (yesterday)
From the Tucson Audubon Society's RBA (520-629-0510 X 3 or rarebirdalert AT tucsonaudubon.org):
Art Herman reports (via Tim Helentjaris and Mark Stevenson) that on 4 June at 9:30am "Ronna and I had a male Hooded Warbler, near the rest room at Ramsey Vista campground at Carr Canyon".
It was hot in Tucson. So we ended up taking a nice hike in Ramsey Canyon near Sierra Vista. Lots of great birds but nothing out of the ordinary. We hiked up the steep trail next to the Blesdoe Loop. Flame-colored Tanagers were present, or at least the female was, at the first overlook. We didn't go any further but others reported observing the Tufted Flycatchers around the same area that they've been previously reported. Whiskered Screech Owl is still present near the nest site. For details, speak with the volunteers at the visitor center. Other than that, a beautiful mostly overcast/shaded day in the canyon.
At the San Pedro House, the Western Screech Owl was present as were dozens of Blue Grosbeaks, all 4 dove species(modo, wwdo,indo, cgdo)AND the best sighting of the day.....a male Gambel's Quail escorting a female Scaled Quail! That was awesome. Of course the cottonwoods and fluffy beautiful clouds remind me of a Bob Ross painting.
Date: 6/4/17 5:47 am From: Doug Jenness <d_jenness...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] AZ: Global Big Day Results
4 June 2017
At least 595 birders participated in eBird's Global Big Day in Arizona on 13 May, with the most from Maricopa County (129). This was the second year that the North American Migration Count in Arizona merged more than a decade of experience into the Global Big Day. A large number of the participants were organized by the Arizona Field Ornithologists with the help of coordinators in 11 of the state's 15 counties. The total number of species reported for the state was 287, which is fewer than the 295 reported in 2016 and 303 in 2013 and 2014. Many birders reported that if the count had been held a few days earlier, during a cool front when more birds were moving through, we would have likely had more. Only one new speciesCommon Crane in Coconino Countywas registered for the state on this year's count. Seventeen species were seen in all 15 counties, compared to only six in 2016. Of the 287 species reported, 47 were only observed in one county, comparable to the 45 reported last year. There were 11 counties reporting at least one of these 47, with Cochise again having the most (10). For the second year in a row, no county surpassed 200 species, with Cochise registering the highest number (196). As far as I know, no county registered a 14-year high of species observed, though a valiant effort of only four volunteers in Greenlee County carried them over 100 for the first time since 2009. And Gila County added an exciting new species, Short-tailed Hawk, to its 14-year list! Pinal County added Broad-winged Hawk, Northern Pygmy-Owl, and Calliope Hummingbird to its cumulative list.
Welcome Arizona Field Ornithologists - AZFO<http://www.azfo.net/namc/aznamc.html> www.azfo.net
GLOBAL BIG DAY IN ARIZONA. The results of the Global Big Day in Arizona (formerly North American Migration Count in Arizona) are presented here by Arizona Field ...
During the Global Big Day on May 13 three of us birded the Paradise Memorial Gardens cemetery. We saw one Western Kingbird and what we thought was the Tropical Kingbird. It is nice to have confirmation of the TRKI. We also saw a third kingbird which we were unable to identify. Diana Herron
On Jun 3, 2017 10:50 AM, "Magill Weber" <magillweber...> wrote:
> Of additional local interest, it would appear that the TROPICAL KINGBIRD > that was present at Paradise Memorial Gardens cemetery in Scottsdale (92nd > and Shea) last year is present again this summer. It was in the larger > trees on the west side of the pond and was moving around a lot. There is > also a Western Kingbird in the same general vicinity. > > Magill Weber, Phoenix > tinyurl.com/SouthernMaineOutdoors > > > > Home Page: https://list.arizona.edu/sympa/info/aznmbirds > To unsubscribe use the Unsubscribe button on that page. > To view archive: click "Archive" on that page. >
Chuck Williamson and I were in Madera Canyon from Thursday night through this morning.
We spent a lot of time studying hummingbirds, mainly at the Santa Rita Lodge, and in addition to the three mainstays (Black-chinned, Magnificent and Broad-billed), we had an immature male Costa’s this morning at the lodge.
I had 3 Sulphur Bellied Flycatchers on the Carrie Nation trail, the one that leads through the picnic areas directly from the terraced parking lots. Two were carrying nesting material not far up the trail, where a large downed tree crosses the trail.
Otherwise, we had about 50 species including our sightings from our trip from Green Valley and back. Nothing particularly notable, but the views of Varied Bunting (2 at the Santa Rita Lodge and at least 1 at Kubo) were spectacular. We had Scott’s Orioles in the Bog Springs campground in the early mornings, and a Canyon Wren at Kubo.
Lucy’s Warbler was easily seen at Proctor Road.
Sharon Goldwasser
Tucson, AZ
Home Page: https://list.arizona.edu/sympa/info/aznmbirds To unsubscribe use the Unsubscribe button on that page. To view archive: click "Archive" on that page.
Date: 6/3/17 11:48 am From: David Vander Pluym <scre...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] AZFO: New Photos of Little Bunting, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Streak-backed Oriole and more!
Field Ornithologists,
Inayat McCarthy contributed photos of Streak-backed Oriole, Marvin Smith and Michael Hilchey contributed photos of Rufous-capped Warbler, Chris Benesh and Narca Moore-Craig contributed photos of Little Bunting, Chris Rohrer contributed photos of Bobolink, Jason Wilder contributed photos of American Golden-Plover and Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Thanks Inayat, Marvin, Michael, Chris, Narca, Chris, and Jason!
Thanks to all who use the online form below to submit photos. It makes our job a lot easier and ensures your photos will be posted more quickly.
Of additional local interest, it would appear that the TROPICAL KINGBIRD that was present at Paradise Memorial Gardens cemetery in Scottsdale (92nd and Shea) last year is present again this summer. It was in the larger trees on the west side of the pond and was moving around a lot. There is also a Western Kingbird in the same general vicinity.
I took a run up the Beeline Highway to Sunflower this morning 6/3. Nothing particularly unusual but great looks at local breeders including GRAY VIREO, SUMMER TANAGER, BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER, COMMON BLACK HAWK, ZONE-TAILED HAWK, and HOODED ORIOLE.
Magill Weber, Phoenix
tinyurl.com/SouthernMaineOutdoors
Date: 6/3/17 8:21 am From: Lauren Harter <lbharter...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Western Field Ornithologists Ornithology Conference @ Pueblo, Colorado
Western Field Ornithologists Ornithology Conference @ Pueblo, Colorado
August
16-20, 2017
WFO returns to Colorado for the first time in many years, where there are
many species that don’t occur in the Far West, including many species of
workshop and field trip leaders! Within Colorado, a wide variety of
habitats and species near Pueblo is one of the main reasons this venue was
selected for WFO’s annual conference. Another reason is accommodations at
the Marriott Hotel. It is located by a walkway to the Pueblo Convention
Center, where all activities will be held--workshops, banquet, reception,
and exhibitors.
Dr. Lauryn Benedict, an expert on animal communication and social behavior,
will be our keynote speaker, speaking on “He Sings, She Sings: Female
Songbirds in Your Backyard.” Her main research is of bird song for
understanding how signals evolve in nature. To understand song function,
she examines how individuals use vocal signals within environmental and
social contexts. She also studies larger patterns of song evolution by
measuring how songs vary through time and space, both within and between
species. Some of her current projects examine the function and evolution of
song and duets among Colorado wren species, New World sparrows, and Old
World warblers. Lauryn is Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at the
University of Northern Colorado. Lauryn also will be giving a workshop,
“Birds from the Inside Out,” which will focus on how avian anatomy produces
identifying characteristics.
Furthering our understanding of birdsong, Nathan Pieplow’s workshop is
“Identifying Birds by Their Sounds.” Nathan is the author of the recently
released Peterson Field Guide to Bird Sounds of Eastern North America. He
also will be presenting his annual “Bird Sound Identification: Team
Challenge.” Of course, to learn identification visually, Ed Harper will be
presenting his Bird Photo ID Panel.”
Other workshops will focus on how to find birds by learning “What do Birds
Eat?” by entomologist Dave Leatherman, “How to Make, Edit, Share, and
Publish Bird Vocalizations” by Ted Floyd, “The Ins and Outs of eBird: from
the Basics to Advanced Use and Application,” by Scott Somershoe, and
“Identification of Shorebirds,” by Jon Dunn.
Date: 6/2/17 11:40 pm From: Andrew Core <tucsonrba...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 2 June 2017
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast
Arizona was made on June 2, 2017; the next update will be made on June 9.
Phone your reports to 520-629-0510 X 3, or email 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.
DOUGLAS area
A *LITTLE BUNTING was reported at Slaughter Ranch around the House Pond on
5/27 (Richard Webster) and photographed by several later that day, but has
not been reported since. There are no records of this species in the state
and very few inland records in North America. A female *BOBOLINK was
photographed on 5/28 (m.ob.). Slaughter Ranch is open Wed-Sunday 9:30 am
-3:30 pm. Annotated map: https://goo.gl/uX96Pw A #PROTHONOTARY WARBLER was reported from San Bernardino NWR on 11/26
(Richard Webster) along Black Draw about 75 yards north of the main road.
TUCSON area
A *CANADA WARBLER was reported in Finger Rock Canyon on 6/2 (Luke Safford).
It was about ¾ mile up the canyon from the trailhead.
NOGALES area
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJARS and #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS continued this week
(m.ob.) at the south end of California Gulch at the confluence with Warsaw
Canyon. Annotated map: http://goo.gl/wSr0mi
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
In upper Ramsey Canyon, a *TUFTED FLYCATCHER continued on 6/2 (Edward
Raynor) about 2 miles up the Hamburg Trail from the Ramsey Canyon Preserve
Visitor Center, about 1/3 mile past the junction with the Brown Canyon
Trail. This is an occasionally steep 4 mile round trip hike at 6,000 ft
elevation to reach this location; take plenty of water (several quarts) and
be prepared for very hot dry days or sudden monsoon storm activity. A
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER continued on the Hamburg Trail between the overlook
and the first stream crossing this week (m.ob.).
The map here shows the location: https://goo.gl/aMh1ke In Carr Canyon, at least one *TUFTED FLYCATCHER continued through 6/1 (Rick
Bowers) at the Reef Townsite CG near the campsite 13.
In Hunter Canyon (https://goo.gl/CR4YXm), *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLERS continued
on 5/28 (Scott Reynolds) in the upper canyon about 0.7 miles up the trail
from the end of Hunter Canyon Road just as the trail enters the grove of
trees.
A *SLATE-THROATED REDSTART was reported from Huachuca Canyon on 5/27 (John
Yerger). From the upper parking lot (1.7 miles past the end of the
pavement), walk up the trail past the first large overhanging sycamore
branch to a small clearing. High clearance is recommended for the rough
dirt section of the road.
A #WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD was reported from Miller Canyon on 6/2 (Edith
Beatty).
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRDS continued at Ash Canyon B&B this week (m.ob.) – dusk
is the best time to see them.
A #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD continued in a yard in lower Ash Canyon on 5/29
(Robert Behrstock)
TUBAC area (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/yDqi0)
Two*ROSE-THROATED BECARDS continued along the De Anza Trail at Tumacacori
on 6/2 (m.ob.); from the trailhead just north of the mission, head east to
the kiosk. There is a short spur to the river just east of here, and they
have been seen in this area (occasionally high in the cottonwoods). There
is an old nest over the river just north of here they occasionally visit to
gather material.
A #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER continued from Puerto Canyon northwest of Tubac
on 5/31 (Keith Kamper). From I-19, take the Chaves Siding exit (#40) and
turn right/west and then immediately right/north onto the frontage road.
In about 0.2 miles, turn left/west onto the good dirt road. This takes you
along Puerto Canyon and in 5.2 miles to Puerto Spring. There are no signs
along the way to Puerto Spring, but staying on the main road should get you
there. Map: http://goo.gl/fRAa4A
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/XfXfX)
A *SLATE-THROATED REDSTART continued in Pinery Canyon just downhill from
the campground on 6/1 (m.ob.). This is the same place as 2016 and is about
2.4 miles west of Onion Saddle (and, from the west, 9.4 miles east of the
turnoff) where a small, mostly dry creek crosses the road. Best views have
been from the road.
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
In Florida Canyon (annotated map: http://goo.gl/AAzD6), *RUFOUS-CAPPED
WARBLERS continued this week (m.ob.) in the West Fork past the dam.
Directions: About 400 yards from parking lot is a metal gate, and just past
the gate the canyon forks. The main trail follows the East Fork, but most
sightings have been in the West Fork to the right. About 125 yards up the
rough trail in the West Fork is a large water tank and a low dam. The oak
grove is about 1/3 mile past the dam. Note: The trail for the West Fork can
be difficult to find, and is steep and rough in places. If you see the sign
with distances to Florida Saddle, Madera Canyon, etc you've missed the
turn. It is not necessary, recommended or permissible to enter the research
station to see these birds. #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS continued in Florida
Canyon this week (m.ob.); they've been seen near the Florida Canyon parking
area and a short distance up the trail, and at the old corral at FR488 &
62A.
A #CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER was reported in Madera Canyon (map:
http://goo.gl/dXBYP) on 5/30 (Diane Touret) at the upper end of the Proctor
Loop. #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS continued along Proctor Rd this week
(m.ob.).
PATAGONIA
At Patagonia Lake (annotated map: http://goo.gl/GgNvs), up to three #GREEN
KINGFISHERS continued on 6/1 (Bryan Patrick) at the east end along the
Birding Trail.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The revised 8th edition of Tucson Audubon's "Finding Birds in Southeast
Arizona" is available here: http://tucsonaudubon.org/go- birding/finding-birds-in-southeast-arizona/
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/
EL RIO OPEN SPACE PRESERVE/COACHLINE GRAVEL PIT - park in the paved lot in
the southwest corner or along the south edge near the berm. Annotated map:
http://goo.gl/5vIQSb
RAMSEY CANYON - Ramsey Canyon Preserve is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
ASH CANYON B&B: open dawn to dusk EXCEPT Wednesday, when open noon to dusk.
Parking is limited; please carpool whenever possible. No need to call ahead.
BENSON - the Benson Birding Trail is no longer accessible as the property
is under new ownership. The Holy Trinity Monastery in St. David is slated
for closure and access is uncertain.
FORT HUACHUCA - access requirements are posted on its official webpage at
http://www.huachuca.army.mil/pages/des/accesscontrol.html. 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. Foreign nationals must be accompanied by 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: apparently some states
driver's licenses do not meet federal requirements for base entry (KY, ME,
MT, PA, SC, MN, MO, and WA); see https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs or
http://huachuca-www.army.mil/pages/des/visitoraccess.html 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.
BAIRD'S SPARROW HILL AND THE VACA RANCH CORRAL in the San Rafael Valley is
off limits to birders due to the thoughtless actions of a few birders. DO
NOT ENTER THE PROPERTY. A sign has been posted previously stating that
"stopping within 0.25 mile of the corral is prohibited."
AVRA VALLEY WRF: Gates open 7AM and close PROMPTLY at 2PM (do not linger,
you will be locked inside).
GREEN VALLEY WRF: under construction, access uncertain. When open, use the
call box at the gate, sign in and out at the office, and stay away from
buildings and construction equipment.
Date: 6/2/17 1:08 pm From: David Pearson <dpearson...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] AZ, Pinal Co., Santa Cruz Flats_Tropical Kingbirds
Susan Fishburn, Brian Johnson and I birded Arizona City Lake and the Santa Cruz Flats area this morning for 6 hours and recorded 67 species. The most interesting observations were an extremely late LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER at the Tweedy Pond north of Pretzer, a pair of CRESTED CARACARA in a large tree northeast of the Friendly Corners intersection, a "Western" type Flycatcher, a late Dusky Flycatcher at the Sacsco Rd.-Santa Cruz River intersection, and 31 TROPICAL KINGBIRDS along pecan tree lined roads and at Baumgartner and Wheeler. Along the single rows of roadside pecan trees, we found a pair about every 50 meters or so. We only checked four such areas, but if we had taken the time to check more the number of Tropical Kingbirds could probably have reached fifty. We also saw at least 45 Western Kingbirds throughout the area.
David L Pearson
School of Life Sciences
Arizona State University
Tempe AZ 85287-4501
Hello birders, This Saturday's elegant trogon survey of the Huachuca mountains could really use a few more people. If you are available Saturday morning and interested in a fun morning of birding in one of the Canyons near Sierra Vista please either let Jennie know (call or text 520-36o-2213). We are having an organizational meeting this evening (Friday) at 5pm in Sierra Vista at the Fairfield Inn at 3855 El Mercado Loop. We will have maps, data forms etc at this meeting. Thanks so much! Jennie MacFarland Tucson Audubon Society
Date: 6/2/17 9:20 am From: Luke Safford <saffordluke...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Canada Warbler on Finger Rock Trail
Hey all,
Went for a hike this morning on Finger Rock Trail and got there at 5am. Hiked up about 2 miles and then on the way back down sat on a rock to get a drink about 3/4 miles from the trailhead and while I was drinking a beautiful male CANADA WARBLER came into view and was working its way up the canyon right in front of me. Black necklace on a very yellow throat/breast and all dark gray above. It continued up the canyon and I heard its call as well and then lost it. Tried for a while to re-find but it wouldn't show again. What a great way to end a nice hike. I even made it back in time to get my daughter off to an eye appointment!
Also had a couple Varied Buntings which showed well too.
Date: 6/2/17 7:39 am From: <beattysguestranch...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Hummingbirds at Beatty's Guest Ranch
Six species; white-eared by Tom Sr last week and again 2nd June by birders from Vail, AZ verified with a Photo. Also 2 blue-throated reported, not many birders at this time. Broad-billed, Broad-tail, Black-chinned, Magnificent are abundant.
Rock wrens in the creek nesting and Redstarts nesting across the creek on the slopes. Bridled titmouse nesting near the CAS, Acorn Woodpeckers on the feeders!!
Mexican Spotted owl has been reported up above the orchard, they do not appear to have nested. Also buff-breasted Flycatcher, Red faced warbler, Pigmy owl uphill. Below, along the creek, Goshawk and Grey hawks have returned. We are enjoying the cool weather, Edith Beatty
Date: 5/31/17 9:27 pm From: Matt Griffiths <matt...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: no sightings - camera found in Florida Canyon
HI birders, Passing on a note that a silver point and shoot camera was found in Florida Canyon recently. It's ruined, but the card survived with about 1000 bird photos on it. If it's yours, contact Greg Smith [mailto:<greg...>]
Date: 5/31/17 9:17 pm From: Keith Kamper <keithkamper...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ: Puerto Canyon- American Redstart and Black-capped Gnatcatcher
I observed a female American Redstart near the spring in Puerto Canyon. Also nearby was a female Black-capped Gnatcatcher and the resident pair of Thick-billed Kingbirds. Take the Chavez Siding Road exit off I-19 and head west to the frontage road and go north. You will reach the dirt road (passable with a low-slung car) to Puerto Canyon shortly. It is 5 miles to the spring and easily identified by the large Arizona Sycamores. Parking is available on both sides of the road. The redstart and gnatcatcher were both to the south of the road.
Keith Kamper
Tucson, Az
Home Page: https://list.arizona.edu/sympa/info/aznmbirds To unsubscribe use the Unsubscribe button on that page. To view archive: click "Archive" on that page.
Date: 5/31/17 7:53 pm From: Tim Helentjaris <tnhelentjaris...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Rose-throated Becards at Tumacacori/De Anza Trail
Since Diane Touret’s re-finding of the ROSE-THROATED BECARDS near Tumacacori, seems like it’s been hit-or-miss to see these birds. I thought since they appear to be breeding, if we could find the nest, maybe we could recreate the situation that we had years ago at the Patagonia Rest Stop where the nest was easily visible and yet sheltered from close approach, making it easier for folks to observe this sometimes-hard-to-find species without stressing them out. Struck out on my first attempt last week but was re-energized by notes from an eBird post by Paul/Brendan Galvin.
Started out this morning again with ~1 hour where the River Access Trail meets the river, but no luck for me. Then started working down-river/north and in a short while found the “old” nest reported by Paul/Brendan where they observed a pair cannibalizing this nest for “parts” for a new nest. Suggests to me that in fact these birds nested here last year but went undetected? The old nest is less than 500 ft downriver from the Access Trail, hanging over the river from high up in a cottonwood tree on the west side of the river. Quite obvious over the center of the river, its large size and shape is unmistakeable. Tried waiting there for about an hour to see if the birds would come in, but no luck here as well.
Decided to bite the bullet and cross the creek to look for the “new” nest reported by Brendan/Paul. Took a while of thrashing around before I heard two birds chattering to each other and then quickly got onto the female. The advice from Jay Keller’s eBird post that you should learn the vocalizations of this species is spot-on, finding them requires way more luck without hearing and recognizing them. Otherwise, you will go nuts being continually distracted by the multitude of PHAINPEPLAS that are constantly flying about the canopy. Little bit of searching further and I found the developing nest, again high up in a cottonwood out on the end of a branch.
Retraced my way back across to the west side of the creek and looked for a vantage point where the nest is visible without having to wade across and thrash around in the habitat close to the nest. Difficult, as there is a lot of tall vegetation down there along the river but I eventually found a spot where the nest is visible. This viewpoint is only 250 ft from the Access Trail, so pretty close to where the birds have been seen before. To get there, just before reaching the river on the Access Trail, head north along an animal trail in the opening between cottonwood galleries, the turn-off is marked by orange tape. I flagged the viewpoint area itself with orange tape, including a stake which is convenient to stand near as well as a branch that then forms a sight line to the nest. The new nest is observed from this spot on a 40 degree NE direction and ~130 ft out. As you look in this direction, you will see a long, prominent cottonwood branch undulating upwards towards 2 o’clock. Look directly below this branch and behind and you will note the rusty brown, globular nest taking shape. A little bit of time at this location will probably enhance your chances of seeing these birds as they build and attend to the nest. A scope almost might prove useful. Looking north/downriver, you can also see the old nest hanging out over the river.
Hopefully this will improve everyone’s chances in seeing these birds without others having to cross the river and increasing the disturbance close to the nest. If we’re careful, perhaps we’ll get to enjoy these birds for years to come, much as we did at the Patagonia Rest Stop. Again, very birdy along this section, one can find just about all of the riparian species you expect for this habitat in southern Arizona in very short order.
Tim Helentjaris
Tucson, AZ
"Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity."
- Hanlon’s Razor, an adjunct to Murphy’s Law
Date: 5/30/17 2:33 pm From: david johnson <desertsage88056...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ male Rufous Hummingbird Portal
I am really hesitant about reporting this adult male Rufous for lack of a
definitive identification. Date is all wrong bird just didn’t look correct,
here is my observation of 10 minutes time. Conditions cloudy tropical flow
going north out of Mexico thunderstorms in the south and in the
Chiricahuas. 88 degrees, breeze less than 3 mph. I didn’t see the bird at
the feeders but perched in a flowering Palo Verde about 3 feet from the
feeder. First observation, several Black-Chinned hummingbirds came to the
feeder, with no response from the bird. Perched the whole time with its
back to me, but turned its had side to side. From the back the bird was
fairly typical solid orange back, the bird stretched lts wings and wings
appeared black, no hint of green. What confused me was a lighter collar
front to rear. When the bird turned its head it showed a very long dark
gorget, and either it covered what would be white on the chest, or it
wasn’t white. I never had a facing view of the bird. Typical hunched over
look, and I never heard it call. The bird flew straight up into the sky and
wasn’t seen again. Behavior, date, and other gut feeling just make this a
challenging bird.
Date: 5/30/17 1:25 pm From: Diane Touret <dctouret...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ: Chestnut-sided Warbler (Proctor, Santa Ritas) 5/30/17
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER male at the upper end of the Proctor Loop around 7:45AM. Feeding low in soapberry trees (?) near bench. Observed this co-operative bird forabout 10 min.(bird was feeding within 4-5 feet of me and sometimes dropping to ground practically at my feet to grab a bug).It was occasionally singing. I took a couple of truly terrible cellphone photos and would be able to forward my best photo to anyone who is interested. Diane Touret (Tucson, AZ)
Date: 5/29/17 6:51 pm From: Chris Rohrer <rohrerbot...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Bobolink at Slaughter Ranch Museum
Greetings everyone!
I've recently learned how to post on the listserv. So hopefully this works.
Yesterday, May 28th, the Little Bunting was not seen but some still suspect it might be there. Slaughter Ranch Museum is closed today and tomorrow. It will open again on Wednesday at 9:30 AM. Admission is 5 dollars.
Yesterday, I was with Gordon Karre as we counted birds around the property. We were with Steve Valasek at the time when we noticed an unusual bird in the open horse area directly behind the visitor/pay center. We watched the bird's movement and just raised an eyebrow. It wasn't a meadowlark because it had a pinkish tint to the bill. It was also very upright in movement. So I snapped some shots of the bird in flight. We then proceeded to go get some water and lunch because it was getting to be a little toasty outside. At around 7 or 8 last night, as I filed the ebird reports attaching photos, sound bytes, etc., I got to the mystery bird pics. Then it all kinda snapped together. Bobolink. Just hadn't been expecting THAT bird on the property. The female Bobolink was hanging out in the horse pen directly behind the visitor center feeding/foraging under the mesquite trees there. So one area to check is behind the visitor center towards the chicken/turkey pen under the AZ Cottonwood and scan around the mesquite trees to the left of the Cottonwood. We saw the bird at around the noon hour.
FYI. Most of our AZ Bobolink sightings seem to happen at the end of monsoon in August and September. However there have been a few records from this time of month around Southern Arizona. What's unusual is that there aren't any historical records of this bird in Douglas so we did some verification last night and this morning before posting this message. The bird was again seen that day by Ron Batie, this time in front of the visitor/pay center around 3:45 PM foraging on the grass/lawn. 6 birders were able to get excellent views of the bird as it casually hung out on the lawn. His report is on Ebird.
That's all I know for now. Hopefully both birds will still be on the property this Wednesday! Good luck and happy birding. Chris Rohrer
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Date: 5/29/17 4:57 pm From: Alexander Hamilton <ispidina.picta...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Little Bunting NO, Bobolink YES - Slaughter Ranch, Cochise County (5/28)
Just to make it official... end of day yesterday we (I believe there were 6 of us still left) had a female Bobolink in front of the Slaughter Ranch house / museum (on the grass between the entrance road in and the house).
So... if anyone is heading out to Slaughter Ranch this week to try and re-find the bunting, the Bobolink may still be around.
Date: 5/29/17 3:56 pm From: David Griffin <birdingnm...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] SW NM: Sprague's Pipit at the Lordsburg Playa
Gary
Thanks for pointing that out. I meant to reply to Bernard.
I usually respond to one late May post per year from the Lordsburg Playa
and the bird (always) turns out to be a juvenile horned lark. I forgot to
respond to Bernard's post (sorry Bernard).
Maureen - thanks for sharing that article.
Good birding!
David Griffin
On Mon, May 29, 2017 at 10:52 AM, Gary Rosenberg <ghrosenberg...>
wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> In case anyone is thinking of “chasing” the Sprague’s Pipit reported from
> Lordsburg yesterday, photos of the individual indicate that the bird is in
> fact a juvenile Horned Lark. This is a long-standing pitfall in SE Arizona
> and New Mexico - that juvenile Horned Larks look a bit like Sprague’s
> Pipits - being buffy and having a large eye, and standing like a pipit.
> Horned Larks breed commonly along the sandy edges of the playas -such as at
> Willcox - and juveniles, in the past, have been mistaken for Spragues
> Pipits - which do NOT breed in Arizona (or New Mexico), but WINTER here in
> small numbers. There are no late spring/summer records for Sprague’s Pitits
> for the region - and Horned lark is a common breeding bird. Unfortunately,
> most field guides do NOT cover this common pitfall adequately.
>
> Good Birding,
>
> Gary
>
> Gary H. Rosenberg
>
> Tucson, AZ
>
> <ghrosenberg...>
>
>
> http://www.avianjourneys.com >
> <info...>
>
>
> Home Page: https://list.arizona.edu/sympa/info/aznmbirds > To unsubscribe use the Unsubscribe button on that page.
> To view archive: click "Archive" on that page.
>
Date: 5/29/17 10:43 am From: <mblackford...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] SW NM: Sprague's Pipit at the Lordsburg Playa
Hello,
This same discussion has been going around the Colorado Field Ornithology list-serv. Both Christian Nunes and Joe Roller have referenced an article written in one of their publications.
I enclose the reference below:
Tony Leukering wrote a great photo article explaining the differences.
From: Gary Rosenberg
Sent: Monday, May 29, 2017 8:52 AM
To: AZ-NM Listserve
Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] SW NM: Sprague's Pipit at the Lordsburg Playa
Hi all,
In case anyone is thinking of chasing the Spragues Pipit reported from Lordsburg yesterday, photos of the individual indicate that the bird is in fact a juvenile Horned Lark. This is a long-standing pitfall in SE Arizona and New Mexico - that juvenile Horned Larks look a bit like Spragues Pipits - being buffy and having a large eye, and standing like a pipit. Horned Larks breed commonly along the sandy edges of the playas -such as at Willcox - and juveniles, in the past, have been mistaken for Spragues Pipits - which do NOT breed in Arizona (or New Mexico), but WINTER here in small numbers. There are no late spring/summer records for Spragues Pitits for the region - and Horned lark is a common breeding bird. Unfortunately, most field guides do NOT cover this common pitfall adequately.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Home Page: https://list.arizona.edu/sympa/info/aznmbirds To unsubscribe use the Unsubscribe button on that page.
To view archive: click "Archive" on that page.
Home Page: https://list.arizona.edu/sympa/info/aznmbirds To unsubscribe use the Unsubscribe button on that page. To view archive: click "Archive" on that page.
Date: 5/29/17 8:48 am From: Gary Rosenberg <ghrosenberg...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] SW NM: Sprague's Pipit at the Lordsburg Playa
Hi all,
In case anyone is thinking of chasing the Spragues Pipit reported from Lordsburg yesterday, photos of the individual indicate that the bird is in fact a juvenile Horned Lark. This is a long-standing pitfall in SE Arizona and New Mexico - that juvenile Horned Larks look a bit like Spragues Pipits - being buffy and having a large eye, and standing like a pipit. Horned Larks breed commonly along the sandy edges of the playas -such as at Willcox - and juveniles, in the past, have been mistaken for Spragues Pipits - which do NOT breed in Arizona (or New Mexico), but WINTER here in small numbers. There are no late spring/summer records for Spragues Pitits for the region - and Horned lark is a common breeding bird. Unfortunately, most field guides do NOT cover this common pitfall adequately.
Date: 5/29/17 6:10 am From: Erika Wilson <terika88...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Sierra Vista EOP--28 May 2017
Hi, birders,
Quiet summer morning at the Sierra Vista EOP, with four people walking the dikes. Morning tally was 59 species, with no outstanding finds. First birder on the scene had Lesser Nighthawks, the first report for here this year.
An adult Peregrine Falcon made a few passes at the remaining "Mexican" Ducks. A single Am. Avocet added spice to the single Snowy Egret, Green Heron, and White-faced Ibis seen.
Bell's Vireo, Yellow-breasted Chat, Blue Grosbeak and Botteri's Sparrows were all singing, along with the usual local breeders.
Date: 5/29/17 5:31 am From: Tim Helentjaris <tnhelentjaris...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Cave Canyon - east side of the Santa Rita Mts
As part of the MacFarland-Taylor trogon surveys, Kim Matsushino and I worked a transect up this trail, approximately two miles from the trailhead to the old mine. The road in is in pretty good shape and most sedans could make it in with care. Trail is also in good shape, drier than some times of year but still with some good pools along the way as well as blooming clumps of Yellow Columbines.
Birding in general was quite good along here for the species usually associated with pine-oak-grassland habitats: HEPATIC TANAGERS, ARIZONA and ACORN WOODPECKERS, DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHERS, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, GREATER PEWEE, PAINTED REDSTART, and others. Heard the weird UFO-call of the male MONTEZUMA QUAIL but couldn’t get a look at them, and the wailing of a nearby GRAY HAWK. The odd squeaky toy call of the SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHER gave them away in at least two territories. As far as ELEGANT TROGONS, we felt we had three territories along this stretch, revealed by barking males, the females not in sight and perhaps sitting on the nest? At one point as the higher basin opened up, two males were counter-barking to each other across some invisible boundary, known only to them.
A good place to bird this time of year, birdy, shady and cooler, and without a lot of folks along the trail.
Tim Helentjaris
Tucson, AZ
"Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity."
- Hanlon’s Razor, an adjunct to Murphy’s Law
Date: 5/29/17 4:55 am From: Karen Forcum <tkforcum...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Birding tips for Restart and Tufted Flycatcher
My husband and I from Illinous and we are considering a trip to Arizona this week in hopes of seeing a Slate-throated Redstart and Tufted Flycatcher. Are they still being spotted? My husband has back problems and is unable to hike far. What do you think our chances would be to see those birds? We seen both in Costa Rica in January but we now want to see them in our ABA area. We would appreciate directions and any tips you might offer. My email is enclosed. Thank you for any tips you might offer.
Date: 5/28/17 7:07 pm From: BERNARD MORRIS <mtnbluebird...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SW NM: Sprague's Pipit at the Lordsburg Playa
This morning we had a very unexpected Spragues Pipit at the Lordsburg Playa. Photos are posted on my eBird report.
It was a buffy colored bird with a very noticeable dark eye, two wing bars, a scaly looking back, a long tail with white outer tail feathers, and light legs.
Date: 5/28/17 6:39 pm From: Steve Valasek <botheringbirds...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ Short-Tailed Hawk near Slaughter Ranch
Sorry, It was a Swainson's Hawk and not a Short-Tailed Hawk. I was basing my ID on the chin-patch and dark back-edges of the wings.
-steve
On Sun, May 28, 2017 at 12:46 PM Steve Valasek <botheringbirds...> wrote:
> After dipping on the Little Bunting I saw a hawk circling about 1.5 miles > west of the parking lot. I stopped and noticed dark edges on the back of > the wings and a white chin on a dark head, a SHORT-TAILED HAWK. > I managed some photos that I'll add to eBird tonight. > > If you are coming back from Slaughter Ranch, keep an eye out, it circled > off to the north. I had just crossed a small bridge and there's a tower on > a small hill to the northwest. > > Steve Valasek > www.botheringbirds.com >
Date: 5/28/17 12:46 pm From: Steve Valasek <botheringbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ Short-Tailed Hawk near Slaughter Ranch
After dipping on the Little Bunting I saw a hawk circling about 1.5 miles west of the parking lot. I stopped and noticed dark edges on the back of the wings and a white chin on a dark head, a SHORT-TAILED HAWK. I managed some photos that I'll add to eBird tonight.
If you are coming back from Slaughter Ranch, keep an eye out, it circled off to the north. I had just crossed a small bridge and there's a tower on a small hill to the northwest.
Date: 5/28/17 11:00 am From: Chris Mccreedy <cristofolos...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Cochise/ Little Bunting not yet
At least 40 birders perhaps 50 are still waiting for the Little Bunting. I unfortunately need return home to finish moving, unfortunately because I have a hunch it is still around, and I wish I could stay at that beautiful place.
Date: 5/28/17 2:58 am From: Diane Touret <dctouret...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ: Patagonia Lake SP 5/27/17
A nice (suprisingly cool) morning at Patagonia Lake. The campground was full, but I encountered absolutely nobody on the birding trailbetween 6:30AM - 11:30AM. Diane Touret (Tucson, AZ)
Highlights:
Botteri's Sparrow several along first stretch of the entrance road from AZ82
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck edge of lake near creek mouth (before boat traffic)
Green Kingfisher female perched low along Sonoita Creek near the lake (silent, even when flying)
Varied Bunting 3-4 males in fruiting mulberry along creek upstream from lake
Other birds seen while sitting on a log for one hour watching the fruiting mulberry: Swainson's Thrush (1-2) Western and Summer Tanagers Black-headed Grosbeak Bell's and Warbling Vireos Lucy's and Yellow Warblers Yellow Breasted Chat Phainopepla N. Cardinal Brown-crested Flycatcher West. Wood-Pewee Great Blue Heron (commuting along creek) Gila Woodpecker Lesser Goldfinch Bullock's Oriole
Someday I'll likely regret not chasing the recent uber-rarities around these parts but for tonight I was content to bird Willcox-Cochise Lakes in Willcox, Arizona. It was a gorgeous evening and I had the place to myself. I haven't been here in a while and I was surprised to see that the entire northern portion of the lake is gone to sand and grasses and it feels like it won't be all that many more years before the other half begins to grow in.
Best birds of the evening were a single MARBLED GODWIT, a single LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER and a pair of breeding-plumage RED-NECKED PHALAROPEs.
Remnant ducks were nearly all in pairs and included GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, CINNAMON TEAL, NORTHERN SHOVELOR and RUDDY DUCK. Only "MEXICAN" MALLARDs were in decent numbers.
Because the golf course and ponds were free of human activity, Rex Allen Jr. Drive was peppered with VERMILION FLYCATCHER, LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE, WESTERN KINGBIRDs and NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDs. SCALED QUAIL were everywhere, perhaps as many as 50+, walking around like chickens on the fairway grass.
Other birds observed were WHITE-FACED IBIS, KILLDEER, SPOTTED SANDPIPERs, BLACK-NECKED STILT, lots of AMERICAN AVOCETs and four RING-BILLED GULLs.
Date: 5/27/17 6:45 pm From: John Yerger <jyerger...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] AZ: SLATE-THROATED REDSTART in Huachuca Canyon
Hi all,
While out with some videographers today, I observed a SLATE-THROATED REDSTART in Huachuca Canyon. Unfortunately the bird sang invisibly and then darted across the trail, affording no opportunity for documentation… All that was visible in my brief naked-eye observation was an all-dark redstart with obvious white tail tips and no white in the wings. The song sounded like a sick or lazy Painted Redstart (which are common here).
At the end of the road into Huachuca Canyon (1.7 miles from end of pavement if I recall from previous year’s directions), park and walk just up the trail until you cross beneath the first large overhanging sycamore branch. The vegetation opens up noticeably at this point. The bird sang in the riparian vegetation to the right (west), then flew across to the high oak-laden hillside and sang once before continuing over said hill, disappearing completely. The dirt road is VERY rough at the moment, attempt by low-clearance vehicle only if you are quite comfortable placing your tires appropriately in such conditions (to avoid undesirable oilpan removal from the undercarriage).
Date: 5/27/17 5:45 pm From: Richard Webster <webster.re...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Little Bunting continues at Slaughter Ranch, Cochise Co.; Slaughter Ranch access days and hours
Hi Folks:
The Little Bunting continued until at least 2 p.m., by which time about 15 birders had arrived; I'm sure there will be updates from a little later.
Slaughter Ranch is open Wed-Sun 9:30 to 3:30, a half hour later on both ends than what was posted earlier. It is $5/person, which can be paid in the little white house/office where you park near the barn on driving in. Slaughter Ranch is located about 14 miles east of Douglas on Geronimo Trail, which starts as 15th Street in Douglas (mostly dirt, but easily done in all vehicles at 30-40 mph). In other words, unless this bird stays a long time, tomorrow is it for a while. While Slaughter Ranch is adjacent to San Bernardino NWR, it is a separate entity, an NGO/foundation for the historical purposes that also protects wildlife (and works with FWS in that regard). The managers, Vickie and Fred, are friendly and helpful, and have been for the couple of years that they have been there, and they said they would not throw birders out immediately who had arrived by 3:30, but there are constraints on their ability to be open as long as we might like. In any event, communicate with them when you arrive and honor the hours. See the Slaughter Ranch website if you need more info.
The bunting spent most of its time by itself, not choosing the company of Varied Buntings, House Sparrows, cowbirds, Audubon's Warblers, etc. It was generally on the lawn along the south edge of House Pond, the large and obvious pond at Slaughter Ranch. That south edge has a little wall, and the bird was most often with five meters of that wall, and generally within 10, where there are a number of picnic tables along the south edge. It greatly preferred the west end of the south edge, but also spent time near the east end. It can be somewhat tame when birders are standing still, but I would have overall characterized it as flighty--when it does fly, it may go a ways and may go up in a tree. It perhaps settled down some as the day progressed (10:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Shortly after my initial brief views, it flew all the way across the pond to the north side, and it took me more than an hour to relocate it back where it had started on the south side, and thereafter it stayed somewhere around the south edge. At the time it left, it was spending much time close to a cement-rock-walled, blue board topped, waist high structure in the lawn near the SW corner. It often stayed close to the base of cottonwoods, even going up a meter up the rough barked trunks to take food, but mostly was on the ground.
Mobile communication out there: Verizon is at the edge of coverage; Mexican Telcel is often stronger, but be careful if your plan does not include cheap calls and free data from Mexico (as some T-Mobile plans do).
There was a Prothonotary Warbler at San Bernardino NWR this morning, a female seen for less than a minute and not refound in some looking. It was in Black Draw about 75 yards above the main road crossing of Black Draw. Black Draw is the main N-S riparian belt on the refuge. The refuge is open dawn to dusk on all days for walk in birding (about a 45-minute walk from the main gate); the refuge can also be reached on foot from Slaughter Ranch after it opens.
Thanks to John Coons and his companions, Felipe Guerrero who did the posting, and Micah Riegner, for assisting with my communication challenges this morning, as did Rose Ann Rowlett.
Date: 5/27/17 4:14 pm From: Brian Nicholas <weehawker2...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Pima County- Tucson - California Gull Kennedy Park today
Between 2
Between 2:00 and 3:00 today there was a California Gull sitting on Kennedy Park lake. When I left at about 3:00 it was perched on the west shoreline. I will post pics to Ebird for confirmation. Thank you.
Date: 5/27/17 3:57 pm From: John Broz <johnbroz1944...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ, San Pedro House, Sierra Vista
Best birds on the 4th Saturday Bird Walk were a an adult Gray Hawk soaring with a juvenile near post #8. Sixty species including the Western Screech Owl near the Bookstore.
Date: 5/27/17 2:38 pm From: Chris Benesh <cdbenesh...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Little Bunting at Slaughter Ranch, Cochise Co.
Still present as of 2:37 pm and showing well most of the time.
Chris
Sent from my iPhone
> On May 27, 2017, at 12:24 PM, Andrew Core <andrewcore...> wrote:
>
> here's a map of Slaughter Ranch I made way back in 2009 for the Blue Mocker:
>
> https://goo.gl/uX96Pw >
> I've added an approximate marker for the bunting - I don't know where specifically it is around the pond.
>
> thanks for getting the word out, Richard & Felipe & Micah & John!
>
>
> --
> Andrew Core
> Tucson, AZ
>
>> On Sat, May 27, 2017 at 1:15 PM, Felipe Guerrero <fillieg...> wrote:
>> Richard Webster reports a Little Bunting at Slaughter Ranch, Cochise Co., off Jeronimo Trail 15 miles east of Douglas. The bird is in the area by the big pond. He's going to try to track it down and get photos. The area is open Wed-Sunday 9:30 am -3:00 pm.
>>
>> The messengers,
>>
>> Felipe, Micah, and John
>>
>> Home Page: https://list.arizona.edu/sympa/info/aznmbirds >> To unsubscribe use the Unsubscribe button on that page.
>> To view archive: click "Archive" on that page.
>
> Home Page: https://list.arizona.edu/sympa/info/aznmbirds > To unsubscribe use the Unsubscribe button on that page.
> To view archive: click "Archive" on that page.
Note that there is NOT a Blue Mockingbird there now, as far as I know - that's just the link name from 2009. But keep your eyes open anyway!
-- Andrew Core Tucson, AZ
On Sat, May 27, 2017 at 2:24 PM, Andrew Core <andrewcore...> wrote:
> here's a map of Slaughter Ranch I made way back in 2009 for the Blue > Mocker: > > https://goo.gl/uX96Pw > > I've added an approximate marker for the bunting - I don't know where > specifically it is around the pond. > > thanks for getting the word out, Richard & Felipe & Micah & John! > > > -- > Andrew Core > Tucson, AZ > > On Sat, May 27, 2017 at 1:15 PM, Felipe Guerrero <fillieg...> > wrote: > >> Richard Webster reports a Little Bunting at Slaughter Ranch, Cochise Co., >> off Jeronimo Trail 15 miles east of Douglas. The bird is in the area by the >> big pond. He's going to try to track it down and get photos. The area is >> open Wed-Sunday 9:30 am -3:00 pm. >> >> The messengers, >> >> Felipe, Micah, and John >> >> Home Page: https://list.arizona.edu/sympa/info/aznmbirds >> To unsubscribe use the Unsubscribe button on that page. >> To view archive: click "Archive" on that page. >> > >
I've added an approximate marker for the bunting - I don't know where specifically it is around the pond.
thanks for getting the word out, Richard & Felipe & Micah & John!
-- Andrew Core Tucson, AZ
On Sat, May 27, 2017 at 1:15 PM, Felipe Guerrero <fillieg...> wrote:
> Richard Webster reports a Little Bunting at Slaughter Ranch, Cochise Co., > off Jeronimo Trail 15 miles east of Douglas. The bird is in the area by the > big pond. He's going to try to track it down and get photos. The area is > open Wed-Sunday 9:30 am -3:00 pm. > > The messengers, > > Felipe, Micah, and John > > Home Page: https://list.arizona.edu/sympa/info/aznmbirds > To unsubscribe use the Unsubscribe button on that page. > To view archive: click "Archive" on that page. >
Date: 5/27/17 11:16 am From: Felipe Guerrero <fillieg...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Little Bunting at Slaughter Ranch, Cochise Co.
Richard Webster reports a Little Bunting at Slaughter Ranch, Cochise Co., off Jeronimo Trail 15 miles east of Douglas. The bird is in the area by the big pond. He's going to try to track it down and get photos. The area is open Wed-Sunday 9:30 am -3:00 pm.
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