Date: 8/21/17 10:17 am From: Jeff Ritz <vaiboy777...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] CEAZ Glendale Recharge Ponds 8-21-2017
Sorry, that email got hung up in my outbox I tried to send it at about 6:30 this morning. The Tern hung around for about 45 minutes but disappeared after an SRP truck drove by. Also had Marbled Godwit and Tricolored Heron this morning.
Jeff Ritz Phoenix AZ
On Aug 21, 2017 10:07 AM, "Jeff Ritz" <vaiboy777...> wrote:
> I'm pretty sure that I am looking at a Forster's Tern along the central > canal next to basin #2. > > Jeff Ritz > Phoenix AZ >
Date: 8/20/17 6:57 pm From: Lindsay Story <klstory...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] CEAZ: Coolidge area Semipalmated Plover, Willet
Two dairies were birded this morning in the general area of Coolidge/Florence AZ. Species Keith, Poppa, and I saw appeared in earlier reports (e.g., Friday, 08-18-17) by fellow birders. However, I haven't read any recent listserv reports covering this area so thought I would give it a plug.
We began with CROSS CREEK DAIRY, which is NE of Coolidge. It was thick with birds, including 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 5 WILLETS, 3 White-faced Ibis, 2 Long-billed Dowitchers, and a large assortment of Black-necked Stilts, Sandpipers (Western, Least, 1 Baird's), 1 WILSON'S PHALAROPE, 1 Spotted Sandpiper, and other goodies. A Peregrine was ensconced on a distant utility pole. I am way behind editing photos and doing eBird lists, but will eventually include pictures of the plovers and Willets.
The Christensen Rd crossing of the Gila River is not far from the above dairy. There was plenty of water, but only a few Killdeer, Stilts, Mallards, and Dowitchers. Still, this was considerably more than the Attaway-Gila River connection we checked after lunch. Only two Coots were on hand there. There was no shortage of water if any ducks care to join the Coots.
BLACKWATER DAIRY is W/NW of Coolidge. Red-winged Blackbirds, Brown-headed Cowbirds, and Pigeons were plentiful by the cattle sheds. Of the four sludge ponds just S of the dairy (on the W side of Curry Rd), only the southern pond has water. The other three are nearly filled to the brim with clods of muddy sludge. Not much was happening here today, besides yet more Stilts, Killdeer, 3 Spotted Sandpipers, and a Peregrine sharing the microwave tower with a lone Turkey Vulture.
This is a good time to take a drive in the country. Summer monsoons have turned the landscape green, a visual treat.
Lindsay Story (Mesa AZ)
Directions: Rather than give directions to individual sites, I am showing the route we used today. Just slip in somewhere along the way to enjoy all or part of our dairy run.
Ellsworth Rd goes S from east Mesa AZ. It passes through Queen Creek, before it becomes Hunt Hwy and starts angling SE through San Tan Valley. A bit later, Hunt Hwy makes a hard turn E and heads towards its T-jct with Hwy 79. (The latter is the N-S highway that goes through Florence AZ.) Shortly after Hunt's hard turn E, go S on Attaway Rd. (stop light) for a couple of minutes. Turn W on Palmer and travel a little under a mile to CROSS CREEK DAIRY. The two ponds are at the SW corner of the dairy property.
After Cross Creek, we continued W on Palmer. At the big canal, Palmer angles SW to its T-jct with Christensen Rd. In good weather, Christensen is a nice gravel road that goes S all the way to Hwy 287 and beyond. About halfway between Palmer and 287, CHRISTENSEN CROSSES THE GILA. Do not climb on the No Access dike. Continue a short distance south and there is easy viewing of whatever water is collected in the river bed at the time. Please be aware of monsoonal activity before exploring this area, and do not go through low spots.
At Hwy 287, we went W and drove 5.4 miles before turning S on Curry. BLACKWATER DAIRY is in the SE corner of this junction. The cited ponds are slightly farther S on the W side of Curry. Dairy sheds and ponds are all within a half mile of the 287-Curry junction.
There are several other dairy/farm ponds in the Coolidge area, but today we decided it was time for lunch. We backtracked to Coolidge. On the way home, we took the scenic route through Florence via Hwy 287. Along the way, we went N on Attaway (stop light) for a short detour to check the GILA-ATTAWAY 'pond'. Cross the river bridge and very soon thereafter take a gravel lane E that accesses a sand & gravel operation. At the business gate, turn right and take the sandy lane that runs 0.3 mile along the bermed edge of the riverbed overlook. There are a couple spots that are short enough for viewing access. This lane curves to parallel Attaway and reconnects with the mentioned gravel entrance lane. 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: 8/20/17 5:37 pm From: Brian Jones <ravenwolf121...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Paseo De Las Iglesias Birds
Two Burrowing Owls were observed at the reintroduction site (not by me) at Paseo de las Iglesias about 5 days ago, so there are still at least some there.
For the birds!
Brian Jones Tucson, AZ -------- I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.
On Sun, Aug 20, 2017 at 9:58 AM, Charles Corson <chcorson...> wrote:
> Today, Aug 20th, I revisited Las Iglesias River Park and quite a fun > adventure. Highlights were WILLOW FLYCATCHER, SOLITARY SANDPIPER, the the > heron trifecta: (2) GREAT BLUE, (1) GREEN (being harassed by a female > Cooper's) (3) Black-Crowned Night. Also, a Snowy Egret was present. 22 > species total, not to bad for place and time of year. > > At Circle Pond, follow the power line along Santa Cruz lane to the bend in > the Julian Wash Trail, east side of the Santa Cruz River, the action was > fueled by thousands of amphibians no bigger than a bean and lots of > insects. At least one Roadrunner was having it's fill of them. The WILLOW > FLYCATCHER was seen in the lone mesquite on the north shore of the water, > about middle pond. > > The previous night on the evening dog walk and not really birding much, I > had what I believe were two Yellowlegs, could not confirm the ID, and at > least two singing Botteri's Sparrow in the mesquite along the trail. > Rufous-Winged Sparrows are there as always but not much in the way of other > sparrows (Abert's and House Finch of course). > > This morning, I had no sightings of Gnatcatchers, wrens, Phainopepla, > Curve-Billed Thrashers or woodpeckers though in previous weeks they all > have been seen at one time or the other. > > Zero BURROWING OWLS at the artificial burrows. I don't know if that > introduced population from April moved on, has since crashed or other. > Location is south of Julian Wash towards Ajo way, east side of Santa Cruz > River. I've seen BURROWING OWLS in the area before but not since the > spring. Hopefully, I'm just missing them. > > I'll be looking forward to birding this area this coming winter. > > > > Charles > 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: 8/20/17 5:10 pm From: Justin Lawson <justindlawson...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Upcoming 1st time Trip October 8th-11th Advice
Hello everyone! My wife are doing a road-trip this October. We are starting in LA through Arizona, up through Utah to Las Vegas toward Mammoth Lakes and a few days in SF. We have 144 target species for the whole trip but narrowed down a list for birds more common or only in Arizona. I have done lots of reading and ebird research as well as bought the Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona - 8th Edition. With all that its still a lot to coordinate in 4 days. The breakdown of days are 1 night and day in Tucson, 1 Green Valley, 1 in Portal and 1 in Camp Verde. I am trying to basically weed out birds from my list that most likely I will encounter with little to no effort in this date range so I can focus squarely on the other target birds. I have done that with a handful. Local common knowledge is priceless so I would appreciate it. Lots of books talk mostly of breeding birds or wintering. I am on the fringe of migration it seems. If anyone is interested in helping please email me off list. I also realize that some are pretty local, rare or just sporadic.
Date: 8/20/17 4:56 pm From: Erika Wilson <terika88...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Sierra Vista EOP--20 Aug 2017
Hi, birders,
Ten folk walked the Sierra Vista EOP dikes this late summer morning, tallying 70 species by the end of the walk. Late summer breeders, shorebirds moving through, and some early wintering arrivals contributed to the high count.
Best bird of the morning was Least Bittern, with a single seen three times in flight over the cattails. Luckily, on its third flight heading back to its original position, everyone had a good view of its distinctive warm buff wing patches contrasting with its dark back and flight feathers.
Shorebirds were also quite good this morning, taking advantage of the monsoon rain waters that have partially filled some older, empty holding ponds and shallow puddles. A flight of 9 Am. Avocets coming in from the east, perhaps from Whitewater Draw, was noteworthy. Another good find was a single Willet at Moson Road. Feeding on the sludge were many Killdeer, Baird's Sandpipers (8), Least Sandpipers, and Western Sandpipers. A temporary but large puddle had more sandpipers, as well as Wilson's Snipe, Solitary Sandpiper, and Spotted Sandpiper. At least two Wilson's Phalaropes were spinning in deeper water.
The usual six species of swallow were about, most easily seen when perched on the railings around the Barn Swallow colony. Adults of this latter species were still feeding young in their nests. For the third week in a row we saw large numbers of Lazuli Buntings in every field that had tall weeds and grasses. And Yellow-headed Blackbird numbers reached about 200, along with plenty of Brown-headed Cowbirds.
Still singing away were Blue Grosbeak, Botteri's Sparrow, and Cassin's Sparrow, but only one Yellow-breasted Chat was calling and we missed Bell's Vireo for the first time this summer. Lastly, two N. Harriers were spotted, heralding the approach of fall.
Cheers, Erika Wilson -- Erika Wilson, Sierra Vista, AZ
Date: 8/20/17 4:03 pm From: Rob Woodward <toucanrob...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Western Grebe - Whitewater Draw
There was a Western Grebe close to the dike this morning at Whitewater Draw, Sulphur Springs Valley. This is the first record for this site since Dec 2014. Also of note were 2 Forster's Terns and 4 Black Terns.
Rob Woodward
Sierra Vista, 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: 8/20/17 3:52 pm From: Brian Ison <lwrkenai...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] CEAZ: Scottsdale-possible Anna's X Broad-billed Hummingbird hybrid
Hello Birders,
The subject hummingbird continued yesterday morning at my backyard feeders in Scottsdale/McDowell Mtn. Ranch. I took many photos as the bird preened in a mesquite showing the gorget, notched tail, reddish bill and other plumage details. The bird gave its rapid "chi-dit” call often but I did not hear it sing its “Anna’s-like” song this time. I am including an eBird checklist with photos. Hopefully this bird will stick around! Any more comments on this bird would be great.
Date: 8/20/17 2:05 pm From: Keith Kamper <keithkamper...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ: Pena Blanca Lake- Green Kingfisher, Dickcissels, etc.
Chris McCreedy and I birded Pena Blanca Lake this morning and were treated to a GREEN KINGFISHER shortly after we arrived. Chris spotted it as it flew from a perch near the end of the now very short trail at the old boat launch. This area can be reached from the first parking lot you come to after turning off from Ruby Road. Three or so large cottonwoods in the parking area make this area easy to identify. Upon our return to this area later in the morning we found a NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH and a NORTHERN PARULA; good numbers of migrant Nashville and Wilson's Warblers were present, as were several MacGillivray's and Orange-crowned.
In the weedy cove area of Lower Thumb Rock Picnic Area we had three DICKCISSELS-- two observed together, plus a flyover. Bird activity on our hike to the dam was good, though nothing unexpected was noted. Perhaps the best sighting was that of a Peregrine flying over carrying prey. An ebird checklist will be posted later.
Date: 8/20/17 11:53 am From: Rick Bowers <info...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ: Catalina State Park - Indigo Bunting
Hi Birders:
Sorry for the late post, but I had a female plumaged INDIGO BUNTING in an area of Catalina State Park that is off limits to the public. The bird was coming to a water feature. Field marks included a slightly whitish throat, very indistinct streaking on the breast, just a hint of buffy wing bars. A first for me in Catalina State Park.
Rick Bowers
Catalina, 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: 8/20/17 9:58 am From: Charles Corson <chcorson...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Paseo De Las Iglesias Birds
Today, Aug 20th, I revisited Las Iglesias River Park and quite a fun adventure. Highlights were WILLOW FLYCATCHER, SOLITARY SANDPIPER, the the heron trifecta: (2) GREAT BLUE, (1) GREEN (being harassed by a female Cooper's) (3) Black-Crowned Night. Also, a Snowy Egret was present. 22 species total, not to bad for place and time of year.
At Circle Pond, follow the power line along Santa Cruz lane to the bend in the Julian Wash Trail, east side of the Santa Cruz River, the action was fueled by thousands of amphibians no bigger than a bean and lots of insects. At least one Roadrunner was having it's fill of them. The WILLOW FLYCATCHER was seen in the lone mesquite on the north shore of the water, about middle pond.
The previous night on the evening dog walk and not really birding much, I had what I believe were two Yellowlegs, could not confirm the ID, and at least two singing Botteri's Sparrow in the mesquite along the trail. Rufous-Winged Sparrows are there as always but not much in the way of other sparrows (Abert's and House Finch of course).
This morning, I had no sightings of Gnatcatchers, wrens, Phainopepla, Curve-Billed Thrashers or woodpeckers though in previous weeks they all have been seen at one time or the other.
Zero BURROWING OWLS at the artificial burrows. I don't know if that introduced population from April moved on, has since crashed or other. Location is south of Julian Wash towards Ajo way, east side of Santa Cruz River. I've seen BURROWING OWLS in the area before but not since the spring. Hopefully, I'm just missing them.
I'll be looking forward to birding this area this coming winter.
Date: 8/20/17 9:27 am From: Felipe Guerrero <fillieg...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Cassin's Sparrows near Wikiup and Hackberry, Mohave Co.
I managed to survey stretches of semidesert grassland in Mohave yesterday, from near Wikiup north to Hackberry, and found 10 Cassin's Sparrows in two locations: adjacent to Knight Creek between Cane Springs and Moss Washes (7), seventeen miles north of Wikiup, and along Hackberry Wash seven miles southeast of Hackberry (3). I wasn't able to make it north into the Hualapai Valley where I was overwhelmed by the scale of seemingly suitable habitat as I drove past on my down to Kingman around 1:00.
Date: 8/19/17 4:56 pm From: Patrick Santinello <patrick...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Five Strip Sparrow Santa Ritas.
My wife and I drove the 6.7ish miles east on Box Canyon Rd from the Madera Canyon Road to the yellow sign with agave left by Cliff Cathers earlier this week to see the Five Striped Sparrow. We were joined shortly thereafter by another birder (Kiara). The bird sang on and off the entire time we were there but, did not show at first. After around 30 minutes the singing came VERY close to the road and the bird then popped up in the closest Ocotillo to the road and gave us crushing looks from around ten feet away. Quite an experience. This lasted for around a minute. Lots of birds along this route all the way to Rte 83. Saw Montezuma Quail in our travels along this path as well.
Date: 8/19/17 3:46 pm From: Nick Worth <worthnik...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] White Mountain Apache Reservation permit fee change and Bonito Grasslands birding
Dear Birders,
In the event any of you may be planning to go birding on the White Mountain Apache reservation, I wanted to make everyone aware of a change in the Recreation Permit costs. In the past the charge for a Recreation Permit has been $10 per vehicle, no matter how many occupants. When Connie and I went to buy our permit today on the way to the Bonito Grasslands area, we were told the cost was now $9 per person in the vehicle and we had to buy two permits.
So while this change is good news for the solo birder, who now pays $1 less, it’s bad news for us, because we now pay almost twice what we used to. The guy behind the counter said the change was because some folks were abusing the rules of the Recreation Permit by using it to go into the Black River, which is a special permit area. That’s how the rules stand now. I just wanted to make sure everyone is aware of the change.
As for the Bonito Grasslands, with one notable exception we didn’t see a lot. At Navajo Tank there were two DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS and 16 ducks in flight I have yet to ID from my poorly lit photos. A couple of SAY’S PHOEBES were also added to the list while driving south on 7 Mile Road/Rte. 70.
Then there was the notable exception ... the AMERICAN KESTRELS were holding their Western Division Convention on the Grasslands. We saw at least a dozen while driving two miles of road. We have never encountered that many Kestrels in such a small area before.
We were also entertained by two GREATER ROADRUNNERS and a flock of 14 WILD TURKEYS.
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.
The online journal of the Arizona Field Ornithologists has an interesting new article: "Courtship and territorial Behaviors of Three Hummingbird Species in Arizona" by Richard Simpson. It can be found at the Arizona Birds website at http://arizonabirds.org/journal
After looking at this article, you may want to browse the index for other articles of interest about many birds in Arizona including first or second state records for some species, as well as articles about breeding distribution of Black Vulture, Rosy-faced Lovebird, Lawrence's Goldfinch, Tropical Kingbird, Botteri's Sparrow, Crested Caracara, Neotropic Cormorant, etc.
Journal | Arizona Birds<http://arizonabirds.org/journal> arizonabirds.org
Below is a list of all Arizona Birds journal articles. Click on the menu links to the left to view articles of specific years.
Date: 8/19/17 9:56 am From: Gary Rosenberg <ghrosenberg...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Short-billed Dowitchers st Glendale Recharge Ponds
Hi all,
Kurt and Cindy Radamaker and I had two juvenile Short-billed Dowitchers at Glendale Recharge Ponds - they were moving around, but generally hanging with an injured adult Long-billed (missing a leg). Short-billed are scarce fall migrants, but August is the best time to find one in the state.
Date: 8/19/17 9:23 am From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Fw: AZ: Boyce Thompson Arboretum 14 Aug 2017
Forwarded by Mark Stevenson
Tucson, AZ
--- On Sat, 8/19/17, Wolterbeek, Paul A -
>
>
>
> ___________________________
>
> BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM > WARBLERS &
> FALL MIGRANTS
>
> From: Carl Tomoff
> August 14, Monday
>
> During today’s survey in the gardens,
> permanent and summer resident family groups were evident as
> well as some transients. I noted: Gambel’s Quail, Turkey
> Vulture, an immature Cooper’s Hawk (scolded by a Bell’s
> Vireo in the picnic area), Red-tailed Hawk 1, Eurasian
> Collared-Dove 2, Inca Dove 2, Mourning Dove 15,
> Black-chinned Hummingbird 1, Anna’s Hummingbird 8,
> Broad-billed Hummingbird 6, Gila Woodpecker 15+ (one pair
> fed a nestling in a saguaro on the slope east of the
> Clevenger House), Ladder-backed Woodpecker 5, Gilded Flicker
> 2 (on the saguaro-clad ridge north of the highway),
Black Phoebe 1, Ash-throated Flycatcher 2, Brown-crested
> Flycatcher 3, Western Kingbird 2, Barn Swallow 2, Purple
> Martin (male and female), Bell’s Vireo (12 singing males +
> immature birds), Common Raven 2, Verdin 30+, family groups
> of wrens (Rock, Canyon, Bewick’s, Cactus), Curve-billed
> Thrasher 10, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2, Black-tailed
> Gnatcatcher 8 (one pair fed fledglings), Phainopepla 12,
> House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Common Yellowthroat 3, Yellow
> Warbler 6, Yellow-breasted Chat (6 singing males),
Blue Grosbeak 3 (with short-tailed fledgling in the Demo Garden),
> Northern Cardinal 25+, Rufous-crowned Sparrow (5 singing
> males), Canyon Towhee 2, Abert’s Towhee 25+,
> Black-throated Sparrow 8 (+ immature birds), Song Sparrow 2
> (Ayer Lake), Summer Tanager 3, and Hooded Oriole 15 (some
> immature birds). A pair of Great Horned Owls called before
> sunrise. Transients included: a flock of six White-winged
> Doves, American Kestrel 1, Western Wood-Pewee 1 (in the
> native riparian area), Pacific-slope Flycatcher 1,
> “Western” Flycatcher 1, MacGillivray’s Warbler 1,
> Wilson’s Warbler 2, Lark Sparrow 9, Western Tanager 2,
> Black-headed Grosbeak 8, Lazuli Bunting 15, Yellow-headed
> Blackbird 1 (Ayer Lake marsh), and Bullock’s Oriole 1. A
> male Varied Bunting sang at sunset along Queen Creek west of
> the gardens.
> EDITOR'S NOTE: the next
> Arboretum guided birdwalk is Friday Sept. 1 with Lisa &
> Peggy at 6:30 a.m., and included with $12.50 daily
> admission.
>
Date: 8/18/17 11:59 pm From: Andrew Core <tucsonrba...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 18 August 2017
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona was made on August 18, 2017; the next update will be made on August 25. 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.
LAS CIENEGAS NCA An *UPLAND SANDPIPER was photographed on 8/12 (Willy & Jessica Bettess, m.ob.) at the prairie dog town in Las Cienegas NCA.
WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY Three *FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCKS were reported from Whitewater Draw on 8/18 (Stephen Russell et al). Further reports and/or documentation for this review species is solicited. A flock of 4-9 Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks have also been present this week (m.ob.).
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS In upper Ramsey Canyon, 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 of the *TUFTED FLYCATCHERS continued at the Reef Townsite CG this week (m.ob.) on the north side of the campground. The pair were frequenting the small clearing about 200 yards down the drainage behind the bathrooms (near campsite #9). 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. In Miller Canyon, a *RED-EYED VIREO continued close to the gate near the parking area on 8/15 (Jeremy Nance). An #ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD was reported on 8/16 (Sheri Williamson). #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRDS continued at Ash Canyon B&B this week (m.ob.). An #ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD was reported on 8/16 (Ruth Richards).
TUBAC area (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/yDqi0) Two *ROSE-THROATED BECARDS continued along the De Anza Trail at Tumacacori this week (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) and just to the north. A #GREEN KINGFISHER continued in the area, with reports from Tubac on 8/13 (Bill Lisowsky) and Tumacacori on 8/12 (Richard Fray). A #LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH was reported from along the de Anza Trail at Clark Crossing Rd on 8/13 (Bill Lisowsky) A male #PAINTED BUNTING continued along the Santa Cruz River at Santa Gertrudis Lane on 8/14 (Bill Lisowsky). Remember to park along the frontage road and walk in.
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. 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 this week (m.ob.) near the culvert, upstream of the concrete stream crossing. A singing Five-striped Sparrow continued as well (m.ob.); it was just past the stream crossing near the 20 mph sign. A *RED-EYED VIREO was reported from Box Canyon on 8/12 (Jeremy Nance) and a #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER was reported 8/13 (m.ob.) close to the bridge. Five-striped Sparrows continued along Box Canyon Rd about 6.7 miles east of Madera Canyon Rd this week (m.ob.).
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/XfXfX) An #ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD was reported on 8/14 and a #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD continued on 8/17 (Rick Taylor) in a yard in Whitetail Canyon. Up to six #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRDS continued at a private residence in Portal on 8/13 (David Johnson).
DOUGLAS area A #GREEN KINGFISHER continued at House Pond at Slaughter Ranch on 8/15 (m.ob.). A pair of #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS continued from Leslie Canyon NWR on 8/14 (Stuart Healy et al).
BUENOS AIRES NWR A #HOODED WARBLER was photographed at Arivaca Creek in Buenos Aires NWR on 8/12 (Keith Kamper, Patty Tersey) and continued on 8/16 (Brian Nicholas). A #PAINTED BUNTING was reported just west of Buenos Aires NWR on a private ranch on 8/12 (David Vander Pluym).
NOGALES area A male #PAINTED BUNTING was reported from Pena Blanca Canyon on 8/12 (m.ob.). A #DICKCISSEL was photographed in a Rio Rico yard on 8/13 (Ron Batie).
SANTA CRUZ FLATS A Snowy Plover was reported at the Caballero Dairy on Harmon and Curry Rd. on 8/18 (m.ob.). Management has asked that birders please view these ponds from the main roads (i.e., Curry) only.
AMADO A Brown Pelican continued at the Amado STP this week (m.ob.).
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). UPDATE: under construction, closed.
GREEN VALLEY WRF: under construction, access uncertain. Use the call box at the gate, sign in and out at the office, and stay away from buildings and construction equipment. If the gate is open already, proceed to the office to sign in.
Date: 8/18/17 8:16 pm From: Brian Nicholas <weehawker2...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] (AZNM birds) SEAZ Red-necked Phalaropes at Green Valley WWTP and Gate instructions
At Green Valley WWTP there were 3 Red-necked Phalaropes at the furthest northeast corner pond today, mostly separated from the 133 Wilson's Phalaropes at the other ponds (2 Wilson's were with the Red-necked). In general the ponds are looking great for shorebirds and close views at some of the smaller peeps are at the small cement pond by the palm trees where birders park.
Normally at this location you need to call to be buzzed in (press A then "Call." on the keypad). For the past few days the gates have been open, and a couple people on the staff informed me it the call box is not functioning properly. While it is still absolutely necessary to sign in at the main center I was told it is OK to drive in without using the call box if the gate is already open (indicating the call in box is still not working). This appears to be temporary.
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: 8/18/17 4:20 pm From: Marcia Lincoln <boahiss...> Subject: RE: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ: Tucson Ryan Airfield SWAINSON'S HAWKS
Did you see any Caracaras?
_____
From: <aznmbirds-request...> [mailto:<aznmbirds-request...>] On Behalf Of JOHN HIGGINS Sent: Friday, August 18, 2017 3:13 PM To: AZNMBirds Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ: Tucson Ryan Airfield SWAINSON'S HAWKS
Following up on helpful reports from Jerry Medina about lots of hawks being seen along Ajo Way (SR86) from Tucson to Sells, I checked out Ryan Airfield (west of Tucson on Ajo Way) at noon on Friday. There was a dozen SWAINSON'S HAWKS soaring above the field or feeding on the ground in the freshly mowed grass. At least two appeared to be dark forms. Yellow-Headed Blackbirds at the control tower parking lot were also a surprise.
Date: 8/18/17 3:13 pm From: JOHN HIGGINS <jghiggins...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ: Tucson Ryan Airfield SWAINSON'S HAWKS
Following up on helpful reports from Jerry Medina about lots of hawks being seen along Ajo Way (SR86) from Tucson to Sells, I checked out Ryan Airfield (west of Tucson on Ajo Way) at noon on Friday. There was a dozen SWAINSON'S HAWKS soaring above the field or feeding on the ground in the freshly mowed grass. At least two appeared to be dark forms. Yellow-Headed Blackbirds at the control tower parking lot were also a surprise.
Date: 8/17/17 8:39 pm From: Chris Benesh <cdbenesh...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] CEAZ: Scottsdale possible Anna's x Broad-billed Hummingbird hybrid
Based on the images and vocalizations I’d say that you’ve got a pretty strong case for this being a hybrid (likely ANHUxBBHU). The black central tail feathers and reddish base to the mandible are suggestive of Broad-billed influence, while the gorget development seems unlike what one typically sees in maturing Broad-billeds. The song sounds very Anna’s Hummingbird-like to me too. Those few examples of Broad-billed Hummingbird songs I’ve heard are more percussive and mechanical sounding. I look forward to reading further comments regarding this bird.
Cheers,
Chris
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Chris Benesh
Tucson, Arizona
<cdbenesh...>
Field Guides - Birding Tours Worldwide
www.fieldguides.com
"Minds are like parachutes. They only function when they are open."
James Dewar
-----------------------------------------------------------------
> On Aug 17, 2017, at 6:49 PM, Brian Ison <lwrkenai...> wrote:
>
> Hello Birders,
>
> I submitted an eBird Checklist with the subject hummingbird listed as hummingbird sp. per Caleb’s recommendation. I included photos, calls and many scruffy “Anna’s-like” songs. Any comments on this great bird would be appreciated!
>
> Good Birding,
> Brian Ison
>
> Scottsdale
> <lwrkenai...>
>
Date: 8/17/17 7:04 pm From: Brian Ison <lwrkenai...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] CEAZ: Scottsdale possible Anna's x Broad-billed Hummingbird hybrid
Hello Birders,
I submitted an eBird Checklist with the subject hummingbird listed as hummingbird sp. per Caleb’s recommendation. I included photos, calls and many scruffy “Anna’s-like” songs. Any comments on this great bird would be appreciated!
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S38679570 <http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S38679570>http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S38679570 <http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S38679570> > On Aug 17, 2017, at 12:34 AM, Caleb strand <strandcaleb...> <mailto:<strandcaleb...>> wrote:
>
> Hi Brian,
>
> It is to note that Broad-billed Hummingbirds also have a song which they give which sounds very similar to Anna's (but in my opinion, isn't projected as loudly and sounds scruffier).
>
> Are there any other reasons for you calling this a hybrid? I'd recommend adding this in eBird as "hummingbird sp." and entering your photos in to get opinions on.
>
> Thanks for letting us in on this observation, either way this is a good bird!
>
> God Bless and as I use to say, "BIRD HARD!!!"
>
> Caleb
> Buckeye, AZ
>
>> On Aug 16, 2017, at 9:48 PM, <lwrkenai...> <mailto:<lwrkenai...>> wrote:
>>
>> Hello Birders,
>>
>> This morning at my backyard feeders in McDowell Mtn. Ranch in Scottsdale I
>> noticed a possible Anna's x Broad-billed Hummer hybrid as it aggressively
>> chased other hummer species around the yard. This may be the same individual
>> I reported as a young male Broad-billed Hummingbird a few weeks ago (eBird
>> photos). I watched this hummer for about 15-20 minutes as it visited feeders
>> and perched, constantly chasing off other species, giving a rapid "tek, tek"
>> call like a Broad-billed, and I was amazed to hear it singing a rough Anna's
>> Hummingbird song also! I was able to see the dark notched tail, extensive
>> green breast, reddish bill and iridescent green throat. I made a sound
>> recording of its chase calls and song, and photos and video and will try to
>> enter in eBird, but currently there is not an entry for Anna's X Broad-billed
>> hybrid, so maybe there is another way to enter in the details.
>>
>> Good Birding,
>> Brian Ison
>>
>> Scottsdale
>> <lwrkenai...> <mailto:<lwrkenai...> >> Home Page: https://list.arizona.edu/sympa/info/aznmbirds <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 <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: 8/17/17 4:58 pm From: Joy Bockius <jbockius...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Five-striped sparrows in Box Canyon
I had two five-striped sparrows about noon today in Box Canyon. I pulled off right across from the leaning agave stalk, and the birds came out of the canyon, crossed the road and landed on the white rock above my car before taking off to the east.
Date: 8/17/17 12:34 am From: Caleb strand <strandcaleb...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] CEAZ: Scottsdale possible Anna's x Broad-billed Hummingbird hybrid
Hi Brian,
It is to note that Broad-billed Hummingbirds also have a song which they give which sounds very similar to Anna's (but in my opinion, isn't projected as loudly and sounds scruffier).
Are there any other reasons for you calling this a hybrid? I'd recommend adding this in eBird as "hummingbird sp." and entering your photos in to get opinions on.
Thanks for letting us in on this observation, either way this is a good bird!
God Bless and as I use to say, "BIRD HARD!!!"
Caleb
Buckeye, AZ
> On Aug 16, 2017, at 9:48 PM, <lwrkenai...> wrote:
>
> Hello Birders,
>
> This morning at my backyard feeders in McDowell Mtn. Ranch in Scottsdale I
> noticed a possible Anna's x Broad-billed Hummer hybrid as it aggressively
> chased other hummer species around the yard. This may be the same individual
> I reported as a young male Broad-billed Hummingbird a few weeks ago (eBird
> photos). I watched this hummer for about 15-20 minutes as it visited feeders
> and perched, constantly chasing off other species, giving a rapid "tek, tek"
> call like a Broad-billed, and I was amazed to hear it singing a rough Anna's
> Hummingbird song also! I was able to see the dark notched tail, extensive
> green breast, reddish bill and iridescent green throat. I made a sound
> recording of its chase calls and song, and photos and video and will try to
> enter in eBird, but currently there is not an entry for Anna's X Broad-billed
> hybrid, so maybe there is another way to enter in the details.
>
> Good Birding,
> Brian Ison
>
> Scottsdale
> <lwrkenai...>
> 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: 8/16/17 8:48 pm From: <lwrkenai...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] CEAZ: Scottsdale possible Anna's x Broad-billed Hummingbird hybrid
Hello Birders,
This morning at my backyard feeders in McDowell Mtn. Ranch in Scottsdale I noticed a possible Anna's x Broad-billed Hummer hybrid as it aggressively chased other hummer species around the yard. This may be the same individual I reported as a young male Broad-billed Hummingbird a few weeks ago (eBird photos). I watched this hummer for about 15-20 minutes as it visited feeders and perched, constantly chasing off other species, giving a rapid "tek, tek" call like a Broad-billed, and I was amazed to hear it singing a rough Anna's Hummingbird song also! I was able to see the dark notched tail, extensive green breast, reddish bill and iridescent green throat. I made a sound recording of its chase calls and song, and photos and video and will try to enter in eBird, but currently there is not an entry for Anna's X Broad-billed hybrid, so maybe there is another way to enter in the details.
| Sea Bird Blown into the Desert Late last month a red-billed tropicbird was blown into Tucson from the Pacific Ocean or the Sea of Cortez on strong monsoon storm winds. The bird was brought by a local resident to the Center’s wildlife hospital where it was evaluated. Red-billed tropicbirds weigh about 1.5 pounds, have webbed feet and a mostly white body with black wing tips and some black barring on the upper body. They are pelagic, meaning they spend most of their lives at sea, coming on land only to breed. After several days of treatment at Tucson Wildlife Center, the tropicbird was driven to a rehabilitation center on the Southern California coast that specializes in seabirds. This beautiful and fairly rare bird was released on the ocean near Mexico earlier this week. See the whole story and the release: Tucson News Now: Tucson Wildlife Center takes in seabirds blown off course |
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| WILDLIFE EXPERT ADVICE |
| Wildlife expert offers advice for helping grounded raptors, including owls, falcons, eagles and hawks Story by Lou Rae Whitehead (TWC Animal Care Supervisor) In an urban environment, human encounters can disrupt the growth process of young raptors, birds of prey that include eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls. Late this spring, Tucson Wildlife Center took in several baby owls and hawks, after numeroustelephone calls of children throwing rocks at the babies, adults passing them around while taking selfies and well-meaning residents keeping them in their bedrooms or trying to feed them their dinner leftovers. Feeding and housing young raptors and all wildlife without experience can be fatal to the animal. Raptors have three stages of growth that are critical to their development, and it’s important to a young raptor’s survival that the public to be knowledgeable of these stages of growth. Stage 1: Nestling StageNestlings have no feathers and are covered with a fuzzy, white down. If found on the ground, they should be put back into their nest or a substitute nest. In most cases, a small laundry basket with holes in the bottom for rain drainage can be attached to the same tree. The parents will continue to feed them.Sometimes the help of a licensed wildlife rehabilitator is needed, so please do not hesitate to call Tucson Wildlife Center at 520-290-WILD (9453). Stage 2: “Brancher” StageAt this stage, young raptors still have some fluffy down, but they also have undeveloped feathers. Young raptors are often found on branches or on the ground after unsuccessfully testing out their flight skills, but are still being closely watched and fed by their parents. Stage 3: Fledgling StageFledglings are often seen on the ground, on a fence or even lawn furniture, while they learn how to fly and hunt. They have all their feathers, with very little fuzz left. Fledglings are often not afraid of people, and although you may not see them, their parents are still watching. It is imperative to a young raptors survival in the wild that they learn to hunt while following their parents, so people should never feed them. Instead, leave them a bowl of water when they are distressed from high summer temperatures. (Volunteers in ghillie suits feed two Great Horned Owl fledglings who were returned to their nest.) Per federal and state law it is illegal to harass, harm, pursue, collect, hunt, shoot, kill, wound, sell or attempt to engage in any such contact with wildlife. Anyone with questions or concerns about raptors and other wildlife can call Tucson Wildlife Center at 520-290-WILD (9453). To check out the full story, subscribe to our quarterly newsletters! Email <admin...> for more information. |
| CRITTER COUNT UPDATE |
| Over 2,700 animals already saved this year, thanks to your support!Since the beginning of the year, TWC has administered treatment to over 2,700 different animals! It is impossible to quanitfy the amount of hope that comes out of helping 2,700 lives. Here at Tucson Wildlife Center, each life that comes through our hospital doors is valuable. Thank you for standing with Tucson Wildlife Center and supporting the rescue, rehabilitation and release of Southern Arizona's breathtaking wildlife. From baby quail to adult bobcats, we believe every life is worth helping. |
| NEW VOLUNTEER PROGRAM |
| New volunteer program allows for faster wildlife rescue! Thanks to a grant from the Diane Warren Foundation, Tucson Wildlife Center launched a new program this spring to train a dozen volunteers to conduct in-field rescues of injured, ailing or orphaned wildlife. The grant paid for training, as well as nets, gloves and transport boxes that each certified rescue volunteer can keep in their personal vehicle.Interested in volunteering with Tucson Wildlife Center? Visit our website at TucsonWildlife.com for more information and to get involved! |
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| Recent News Features Arizona Daily Star: Tucson Wildlife Center flooded with calls due to rising heat. Tucson News Now : Tucson Wildlife Center preps for influx of animals after fire at wildlife sanctuary KGUN9-TV: Tucson Wildlife Center inundated with animals due to heat KVOA: 47 new additions at the Tucson Wildlife Center |
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| VCA Animal Hospital sends veterinarians to Tucson Wildlife Center for specialty trainingFor the next year, four new veterinary interns from VCA Valley Animal Hospital will be rotating through Tucson Wildlife Center treating the critters in our care. Thank you VCA for your intern veterinary program! |
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| Shop for a causeTucson Wildlife Center is proud to be selected as a recipient of the Buffalo Exchange Tokens for Bags program from July-December 2017. Skip the bag and donate $.05 every time you shop! Located at Campbell & Speedway. |
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| Thank you for your donations!The response from the news stories asking for in-kind donations of items was a great success! Thank you to everyone who has donated carriers, towels, bowls, etc. We are still in need of large dog kennels and small plastic aquarium "critter carriers."For more items on our "wish list" please visit: tucsonwildlife.com |
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| FEATURED EVENT |
| Mark your calendars for February 25th, 2018, TWC's annual benefit!Tucson Wildlife Center's annual benefit at Skyline Country Club is in the works! With operation costs for the Center being over $1,000 a day for care, feeding, medical treatment and rehabiliation of nearly 3,500 native wild animals a year, the center relies on your support. Tucson Wildlife Center is currently accepting donations for their live and silent auctions, as well as starting to sell tickets for $150 per person for the event on February 25th. To reserve your tickets or for more information, please contact Yvette at <yvillamana...> or call Nicolle at 520-906-2661. |
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| Tucson Wildlife Center is dedicated to the rescue, emergency medical care, rehabilitation and release of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife while promoting habitat protection and coexistence through education. Tucson Wildlife Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and supported 100% by donations. Your donations support Tucson Wildlife Center's Rescue, Rehabiliation and Release services free of charge to the public. |
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At about 9 AM a group of Forsters Terns flew over Amado WTP for about 5 minutes then flew south . Might be worth checking Patagonia Lake SP later today
Craig Thayer Tucson
Sent from AOL Mobile Mail 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: 8/15/17 8:34 pm From: Felipe Guerrero <fillieg...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Dusky-capped Flycatcher along Sycamore Creek, Yavapai Co.
A Dusky-capped Flycatcher along Sycamore Creek in the Santa Maria Mountains on Sunday is the second record for this location. DCFL is rare and local in Yavapai County and this encounter lends support to the idea that breeding is possible at this westernmost outpost.
The Trans-mountain road that crosses the Chiricahuas from Pinery Canyon to Onion Saddle and then down to Portal is passable again. I met a couple this morning who had driven a RAV 4 up from Willcox and down to Portal. The place where East Turkey Creek crosses the road is still wet, but it is now wide-ish and shallow and easily forded. Birds near here were a bit sparse this morning (Aug 15th, 2017) except for Bushtits and two Painted Redstarts.
South Fork has been very quiet, but we did see a lovely male Elegant Trogon a short way downstream from the bridge day before yesterday.
Date: 8/15/17 7:34 pm From: Wyatt Egelhoff <redknot42...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] [NM] Dona Ana county shorebirds
The West Mesa WTP (exit 132 off I-10) has hosted a considerable volume of shorebirds the past 2 days with close to a dozen of both Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs, many Baird's, Western, and Least Sandpipers. Most notable was a STILT SANDPIPER yesterday and this morning (not present this evening), 2 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS (this morning, not this evening), and a SNOWY PLOVER (this evening). A BLACK TERN was also present today. Happy Birding, Wyatt Egelhoff Las Cruces, NM
Date: 8/15/17 4:18 pm From: Eric Hough <thebirdwhisperer22...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] CEAZ: Hassayampa River Preserve temp. closure 8/21-9/1, recent sightings
Aug. 15, 2017
Hi everyone,
The Hassayampa River Preserve near Wickenburg (Maricopa County) will be temporarily closed for building renovations from Monday, Aug. 21 through Friday, Sep. 1, 2017. The preserve is open this week from Wednesday through Sunday (Aug. 16-20) and will open again to the public on Saturday, Sep. 2. The preserve's summer hours are 7:00am-4:00pm and is normally open Wednesdays through Sundays (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). For those who may not have heard, the Hassayampa River Preserve has recently changed hands from The Nature Conservancy to Maricopa County Parks & Recreation Department as part of a conservation easement. Eventually, the preserve will be managed alongside the proposed Vulture Mountains Recreation Area on cooperatively managed Bureau of Land Management land adjacent to the preserve. Altogether, both areas will encompass about 71,000 acres and will be the largest unit of the Maricopa County Parks system. For more information on the preserve, please visit the website at this link:
As for recent sightings, GRAY and RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOOS, and TROPICAL KINGBIRDS continue to be seen at the preserve and a male BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD continued at the visitor center feeders through Aug. 12. It appears the last sighting of the over-summering SWAINSON’S THRUSH was on Aug. 6. Some migrants continue to trickle in, including WARBLING VIREOS, WILSON’S WARBLERS, and WESTERN TANAGERS. Several breeding species are still feeding fledged young of the year. A couple of GREEN HERONS are hanging out at Palm Lake and on Aug. 12 Chrissy Kondrat-Smith reported two SNOWY EGRETS there.
Good birding,
Eric Hough
Interpretive Ranger, Maricopa County Parks & Recreation Department
Hassayampa River Preserve
Wickenburg, 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: 8/15/17 12:18 pm From: stuarthealy <stuarthealy...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ 08/14/17: Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area and Leslie Canyon NWR
Monday, August 14, 2017.
Today, Ron Beck, Erika Wilson and I visited Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area and Leslie Canyon NWR, both in the southern section of Sulphur Springs Valley. It was a productive day with 84 species recorded. It was also a red-letter day as I picked up Black-capped Gnatcatcher for Cochise County in Leslie Canyon.
Lots of water at Whitewater Draw right now and very little shorebird habitat. Best birds were 5 BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCKS and a lone BLACK TERN. Despite the lack of shorebird habitat, we saw 3 BLACK-NECKED STILTS, 26 AMERICAN AVOCETS, lots of KILLDEER, SOLITARY, LEAST & WESTERN SANDPIPERS; GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 4 LONG-BILLED CURLEWS and a handful of WILSON'S PHALAROPES. Also of note were 5 GREAT BLUE HERONS, 7 GREAT, 4 SNOWY & 6 CATTLE EGRETS; BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON and 150 WHITE-FACED IBIS. At least 5 SORAS were heard.
Apart from abundant LAZULI BUNTINGS, passerines were not much in evidence. We noted a few LARK BUNTINGS on roads adjacent to the Wildlife Area.
The habitat along the creek at Leslie Canyon NWR has been scoured by floods from recent rains with lots of mud and debris present along the trail (blocked in some locations). Nevertheless, after about 90 minutes of effort, we heard then saw an immature BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER. This is the only known location for this species in Cochise County and I was able to add it to my county list on this, my third attempt. I got plenty of chigger bites for my trouble.
Date: 8/15/17 10:46 am From: KEITH STORY <klstory...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] CEAZ: Red Mt Park (Mesa AZ) -Snow Goose injury
Since I last photographed Red Mountain Park's resident SNOW GOOSE on 08-08-17, it has acquired a fishhook in its left side and a nasty-looking large gash over the right eye. I don't know how the latter happened. Usually people at the duck pond enjoy the ducks etc., but there may have been foul play. Just as likely, the goose got snagged by a fishhook dangling from an island bush. It is not uncommon to see bobbins, line, and hooks stuck in these bushes. The goose may have injured itself while pulling itself free. Speaking to a Park Ranger today, I learned Fish & Game is keeping an eye on the goose. Although the head injury looks nasty from a distance and the bird is trying to pull out the hook, authorities say the bird is not really injured. Fish & Game will recheck the goose on Thursday (08-17-17) during a scheduled snail harvest…I have included photos of the injured goose in my day's eBird report ("Red Mountain Park, Maricopa County, Arizona").
This now resident bird first appears in an eBird report on 11-06-15. It came in as an immature goose and stayed, almost always hanging out with the local pack of Domestic Mallards. Seasonal Canada Geese don't hold its interest. The little goose, like the ducks, is very used to begging food from humans and has no fear of them.
Red Mountain Park is in Mesa AZ, in the SE corner of Brown & Sunvalley Blvd. Go S on Sunvalley. Take the first left into the site's parking. The pond is immediately SE of parking. I like to go clockwise around the pond loop as I see water almost immediately this way.
Lindsay Story (Mesa 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: 8/14/17 7:22 pm From: Tim Helentjaris <tnhelentjaris...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Santa Rita's and Tumacacori
Marcia et al., road in is fine, I could have driven my Prius in. No erosion or problems at all, getting in there. And after our problems walking into Rock Corral Canyon on Friday, just being swamped by water along the road/trail, the Florida Canyon trail was fine. The vegetation is a little out of control, and I can imagine if you didn’t spray your ankles, which is always recommended this time of year just about any where, I can imagine you would get eaten alive by chiggers.
So, go ahead, have at it, the birding is great and the road in and trail won’t be problems for you at all.
Tim Helentjaris
Tucson, AZ
“...time and space are modes by which we think and not conditions in which we live.”
- Albert Einstein
Date: 8/14/17 7:00 pm From: Marcia Lincoln <boahiss...> Subject: RE: [AZNMbirds] Santa Rita's and Tumacacori
How was the road to Florida Canyon? Passable by a sedan or did it get washed out by the rain the other day? Thinking about giving it another try but we both got eaten alive by chiggers down there a few days ago.
_____
From: <aznmbirds-request...> [mailto:<aznmbirds-request...>] On Behalf Of Tim Helentjaris Sent: Monday, August 14, 2017 6:00 PM To: AZNM Birds Subject: [AZNMbirds] Santa Rita's and Tumacacori
On this last morning of the Tucson Audubon Birding Festival, I guided a group for the Specialty Clean-up Field Trip. We sent one van down towards Patagonia based upon the birds they wanted and I took another van down I19 based upon their wish list.
Since Rufous-capped Warbler was high on the list, along with Black-capped Gnatcatcher and Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, we headed to Florida Canyon first. Oh boy, this one can be trouble, sometimes being difficult to find and get up out of the vegetation in order to see it well. The trail was wet this morning, both with water flowing down it, although not impeding us, and with a lot of dew in the tall grass and vegetation, soaking your legs as we worked through it. Had some early success here, just above the dam and below the sharp "S" turn of the canyon. Thought we heard the RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER just up slope but looking towards the east, the lighting was terrible. Was sure we had it up there, but it was doing its typical ducking and popping up. Finally coaxed it out and downhill for killer views and photos by the group, we were ecstatic. Headed back down, getting a pair of N-B TYRANNULETS to pop right up in front of us, more great views revealing their punk do's. We spent a bit of time around the parking lot and down to the concrete crossing area looking for the gnatcatcher without much success. Just as we were about to leave, someone said they thought they had one just short of the crossing and we went off to confirm. Huh, just couldn't convince ourselves, the vocalizations sounded nothing like the Black-capped, we didn't see any "black caps, all three individuals were pale, no brown on the backs, bill size just didn't jump out. Sigh, we just had to contend ourselves with them being BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS instead of our target bird. We did see quite a number of NASHVILLE WARBLERS this morning, maybe our most common warblers, so there must be a pulse of them coming through just now.
Then headed up to the Mt. Wrightson picnic area and up the trail looking for two more birds. Dipped on the trogon but we did find a group of noisy SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHERS, hard to miss when they're this noisy. Again, with a little patience, eventually a couple popped into close view, perched up high on snags in the sunshine. On our way out, stopped at the White House Ruin picnic area and tried again for the gnatcatcher. No luck, in fact not very birdy at all except for a noisy group of BRIDLED TITMICE.
Now off to Tumacacori to tally the Becards. Short order here, made our way to the nest, and after just a few minutes, the bright male ROSE-THROATED BECARD appeared, tending to some unclear nest chores. Interestingly a little while later, what we first thought was the female, but I now think was one of the fledged juveniles from earlier this season seemed to check out the nest and was noisily attacked by the male, evidently hiding nearby in the upper canopy, and driven off. Is this behavior reflective of the parents trying to start a new brood and not wanting to be burdened by the previous one?
Last stop of the day for our last two target species. Wow, we got the very accommodating FIVE-STRIPED SPARROW here who flew down from up-slope and perched up high, singing, on both sides of the road, very close for some killer views and photos of this otherwise tough species. Kind of hard to complain about some of the great views we had this morning of some species which often leave you wanting. Oh, and we dipped again here for the gnatcatcher. Disappointing but just my strategy to make sure these folks have a reason to come back to the festival again next year.
Tim Helentjaris Tucson, AZ
"...time and space are modes by which we think and not conditions in which we live." - Albert Einstein
Date: 8/14/17 6:29 pm From: Myron L. Scott and Barbara S. Bush <gaia_3...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Glendale Recharge Pond: Reddish Egret; Bald Eagle
Finally made it out to Glendale in the morning. I did not see the recently elusive tricolored heron, but a reddish egret was present in Basin 3. This bird fit Tyler Loomis's description yesterday of an immature (dark morph) bird. Also, a Bald Eagle flew at tree level east above Basins 5 and 6. Myron ScottTempe
____________________________________________________________
Brilliant Trick Melts Belly Fat Overnight (Do This Tonight)
Celebrity Local
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Date: 8/14/17 6:10 pm From: Tim Helentjaris <tnhelentjaris...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Santa Rita's and Tumacacori
On this last morning of the Tucson Audubon Birding Festival, I guided a group for the Specialty Clean-up Field Trip. We sent one van down towards Patagonia based upon the birds they wanted and I took another van down I19 based upon their wish list.
Since Rufous-capped Warbler was high on the list, along with Black-capped Gnatcatcher and Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, we headed to Florida Canyon first. Oh boy, this one can be trouble, sometimes being difficult to find and get up out of the vegetation in order to see it well. The trail was wet this morning, both with water flowing down it, although not impeding us, and with a lot of dew in the tall grass and vegetation, soaking your legs as we worked through it. Had some early success here, just above the dam and below the sharp “S” turn of the canyon. Thought we heard the RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER just up slope but looking towards the east, the lighting was terrible. Was sure we had it up there, but it was doing its typical ducking and popping up. Finally coaxed it out and downhill for killer views and photos by the group, we were ecstatic. Headed back down, getting a pair of N-B TYRANNULETS to pop right up in front of us, more great views revealing their punk do’s. We spent a bit of time around the parking lot and down to the concrete crossing area looking for the gnatcatcher without much success. Just as we were about to leave, someone said they thought they had one just short of the crossing and we went off to confirm. Huh, just couldn’t convince ourselves, the vocalizations sounded nothing like the Black-capped, we didn’t see any “black caps, all three individuals were pale, no brown on the backs, bill size just didn’t jump out. Sigh, we just had to contend ourselves with them being BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS instead of our target bird. We did see quite a number of NASHVILLE WARBLERS this morning, maybe our most common warblers, so there must be a pulse of them coming through just now.
Then headed up to the Mt. Wrightson picnic area and up the trail looking for two more birds. Dipped on the trogon but we did find a group of noisy SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHERS, hard to miss when they’re this noisy. Again, with a little patience, eventually a couple popped into close view, perched up high on snags in the sunshine. On our way out, stopped at the White House Ruin picnic area and tried again for the gnatcatcher. No luck, in fact not very birdy at all except for a noisy group of BRIDLED TITMICE.
Now off to Tumacacori to tally the Becards. Short order here, made our way to the nest, and after just a few minutes, the bright male ROSE-THROATED BECARD appeared, tending to some unclear nest chores. Interestingly a little while later, what we first thought was the female, but I now think was one of the fledged juveniles from earlier this season seemed to check out the nest and was noisily attacked by the male, evidently hiding nearby in the upper canopy, and driven off. Is this behavior reflective of the parents trying to start a new brood and not wanting to be burdened by the previous one?
Last stop of the day for our last two target species. Wow, we got the very accommodating FIVE-STRIPED SPARROW here who flew down from up-slope and perched up high, singing, on both sides of the road, very close for some killer views and photos of this otherwise tough species. Kind of hard to complain about some of the great views we had this morning of some species which often leave you wanting. Oh, and we dipped again here for the gnatcatcher. Disappointing but just my strategy to make sure these folks have a reason to come back to the festival again next year.
Tim Helentjaris
Tucson, AZ
“...time and space are modes by which we think and not conditions in which we live.”
- Albert Einstein
New Mexico Rare Bird Report August 14, 2017 Compiler: Matt Baumann Phone: 505-264-1052 E-mail address: <mbaumann22...>
This is the New Mexico Rare Bird Report for August 14, 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):
COLFAX County: --Mehlman reported a CAROLINA WREN along Middle Ponil Creek near Valle Vidal-Shuree Ponds July 18.
HARDING County: --Rustay and Hetrick photographed an ACORN WOODPECKER in Mills Canyon July 29. It was seen near the top of the canyon.
HIDALGO County: --Webster and Rowlett reported a RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROW in Guadalupe Canyon May 13. Four were present in the canyon for Hetrick and Rustay August 6.
SIERRA County: --Cleary reported an immature REDDISH EGRET at Elephant Butte Lake SP August 13. It was seen near the newly formed pools in the armpit area of Long Point.
--Groves and Kiseda reported a CAROLINA WREN at Percha Dam (Percha Recreation Area) August 4.
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.
TAOS County: --Friedrichs photographed a male WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL about 3.5 miles east of Red River turnoff (FR 597) along FR 134 July 15.
VALENCIA County: --Hawksworth reported a CAROLINA WREN at Whitfield Wildlife Conservation Area July 2016. It was in the bosque at the southwest end of the refuge.
Date: 8/14/17 1:07 pm From: Susan Fishburn <fishbirdess...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Fulvous Whistling-Ducks at Glendale
Steve Hosmer's wife, Joan, just called and asked me to report that Steve Hosmer is currently at Glendale Recharge Ponds in Maricopa County viewing five Fulvous Whistling-Ducks in Pond Five.
Unabashedly Enchanted by All Things Avian
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.
based at the Chiricahua Desert Museum in Rodeo, NM.
Field time for making observations runs from mid-day Friday to mid-day Saturday. See the website for details. Remember that the time in Rodeo is an hour later than in nearby Portal, AZ where time, apparently, passes more slowly.
Friday morning, I will be at a table in the museum's event center to direct birders, butterflies, and other "ers" to areas that require coverage. All life forms are fair game for the Bioblitz.
The area is incredibly green. There will be good talks and good food. Please consider participating.
All the best, Bob Behrstock
Bob Behrstock Hereford, AZ www.naturewideimages.com
Date: 8/14/17 12:04 pm From: David Vander Pluym <scre...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] AZFO: New photos of Ruddy Turnstones, Yellow-green Vireo, Upland Sandpiper, Short-tailed Hawk and Hooded Warbler
Field Ornithologists,
Keith Kamper contributed photos of two different Ruddy Turnstones and a Hooded Warbler, Chris Rohrer contributed photos of one of the Ruddy Turnstones, Chris Benesh contributed photos of Yellow-green Vireo and Upland Sandpiper, Chris Rohrer also contributed photos of the Upland Sandpiper, and Ed Harper contributed photos of a Short-tailed Hawk. Thanks Keith, Chris, Chris, and Ed!
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.
The annual eBird taxonomy update will begin this Tuesday, 15 August. The process will continue for at least a couple days. We do this once a year to reflect the most recent changes in avian taxonomy: splits, lumps, name changes, and changes in the sequence of the species lists. You may notice some unusual behavior with your lists and other tools (see below), but this is nothing to worry about. The 2017 splits and lumps will be published very soon on this page. We will summarize these changes in an eBird story once the taxonomy update is complete. and the rest is at the above link.
Date: 8/14/17 11:39 am From: Matt Baumann <mbaumann22...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] NM: Reddish Egret, Sierra County
Dave Cleary photographed an immature REDDISH EGRET at Elephant Butte Lake SP yesterday (8/13). It was seen along Long Point in the newly formed pools in the armpit area.
Early this morning Rob Bowker, David Pearson and I birded the Glendale Recharge Ponds. Notable birds found included 3 STILT SANDPIPERS, a SNOWY PLOVER, a BAIRD's SANDPIPER, A SEMI-PALMATED PLOVER, and at least one SEMI-PALMATED SANDPIPER. The continuing Reddish Egret, Tricolored Heron, and Caspian Tern were also seen. The birds were found in basins 3 and 4. A complete checklist of birds can be found on eBird under the Glendale Recharge Ponds hotspot.
Date: 8/13/17 9:52 pm From: Anthony Mendoza <Anthony_Mendoza...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] AZ: Lots of Hermit Warblers on Incinerator ridge
Lots of nice stuff on incinerator ridge. Many Hermit Warblers. Apparently we are having a major movement. Then the usual stuff: A greater pewee, redfaced warblers, olive warblers, Cordilleran Flycatcher, etc.
Amid the monsoon-inspired, jungle like vegetation along Pistol Hill Road in Vail, I'm used to hearing lots of BLACK-THROATED and RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROWs, as there are now. However, singing and skylarking CASSIN'S SPARROWs have joined the mix, about 1 every 200 yards. I'm pretty sure I've never detected them along this stretch before so it must be in response to the extra water this year and the resulting lush greenery.
The Wal Mart CASSIN'S SPARROWs have returned this year, to the west of the store at Houghton Road and Old Vail Road.
Date: 8/13/17 5:36 pm From: Mark Krenitsky <mkrenitsky...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Sierra Vista EOP - 13 August 2017
A lucky thirteen observers from two states (AZ and FL) had a fine day at the Environmental Operations Park - with a total of 69 species being seen by the group.
The monsoon rains have had a positive effect - previously dry containment units now have water in them, and shorebirds have taken advantage. At one point we saw six different species using the same puddle. We finished with 8 shorebird species.
The highlight was a Black Tern that was catching small fish in the same pond where we usually see Great Blue Herons! We ended up seeing the tern at the Moson Rd ponds as well.
Highlights included:
The aforementioned cooperative Black Tern.
A White-faced Ibis hanging out in the same pond as the Black Tern.
Some of the group got to see a Sora flying away...we ended up hearing 5 of them.
2 American Avocets
9 Baird's Sandpipers
8 Western Sandpipers
5 Least Sandpipers
Solitary Sandpiper(one of them, naturally)
27 Lesser Nighthawks
5 species of swallows(no Violet Green, and no Purple Martin)
Decent looks at Botteri's and Cassin's Sparrows
And a large flock(45) of Lazuli Buntings, mixed with some Lesser Goldfinches.
Five-striped Sparrow put on quite a show for Barb Meding and myself this afternoon on Box Canyon Road. Thanks to Cliff Cathers for finding it, reporting it, and marking the spot so well with the agave stalk on the yellow sign.
Date: 8/13/17 1:11 pm From: Bill Lisowsky <ykswosil...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Louisiana Waterthrush/Green Kingfisher - de Anza Trail, Tubac
Encouraged by the receding water levels of the Santa Cruz river here in
Tubac, I walked from the Trailhead near the old Sinaloa Wren spot to Clark
Crossing. The
changes to the
stream channels and adjacent habitat
s
are amazing but not surprising, given the monsoon season south of here. It
will be a long time until we can cross the river again
at this location--
the main channel
still has a lot of water in it, i
s much d
eeper and in a new location. The amount of mud is still extensive and
very
slippery.
Th
e
Louisiana
Waterthrush
was discovered
by the distinctive call note, which
I heard near Clark Cr
ossing. I managed to see i
t briefly,
bobbing along
one of the smaller feeder creeks
,
but l
ong enough to see the strong eyebrow, buffy flanks, wide streaks, and
pinkish legs. Even in the bright light the base color of the underparts
appeared whitish rather than greenish.
Later, a female Green Kingfisher popped up and perched for a bit, about
halfway between the benches and Clark
Crossing.
Date: 8/13/17 12:56 pm From: Gordon Karre <karhop1...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Miller Canyon - Red-eyed Vireo
Barb Meding and I were able find the Red-eyed Vireo in Miller Canyon today at 12:10 pm. It was found in the trees on the property, just to the left of the second gate. It was silent and not calling. Also had a nice male Indigo Bunting and 7 species of hummingbirds at the feeders.
Date: 8/13/17 9:42 am From: david johnson <desertsage88056...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ Lucifer Hummingbirds Portal
On the continuing Lucifer Hummingbirds, just today I starting to be able to tell subadult male Lucifer's from female looking types. Tiny dots of color on the throat/neck. Possibly 6 or so Lucifer's coming to the feeders and sages. Lots of other hummers also.
David Johnson 3 miles NW of Willow Tank Portal, Arizona
Date: 8/13/17 9:41 am From: Eric Hough <thebirdwhisperer22...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Glendale Recharge Ponds rarities
Aug. 13, 2017
Jennifer Johnston, Chrissy Kondrat-Smith, and I are currently (9:30am) looking at the TRICOLORED HERON at the north side of Pond 2, the REDDISH EGRET at the north side of Pond 3, and the CASPIAN TERN flying between Ponds 2 and 3, at the Glendale Recharge Ponds (Maricopa County).
Date: 8/13/17 8:53 am From: Tyler Loomis <tylerloomis...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] CEAZ- Possible Reddish Egret at Gilbert Water Ranch 13-Aug
Hi all,
I believe there is a worn juvenile Reddish Egret in pond 7 near the island with the nesting platform. The bird is very worn leading to a confusing plumage, hence the possible Reddish Egret. More details and photos on eBird.
Date: 8/13/17 8:47 am From: Alexander Hamilton <ispidina.picta...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ: Dickcissel - NE Rio Rico, Santa Cruz County
Not chaseable, but I had a female Dickcissel (I believe adult female) come thru my yard this morning (8/13). It moved around, mostly hidden, vocalizing for probably close to 15 minutes before flying off to the north.
-- -- Jack -- ================================== <http://shadeTree-imaging.com/> Wildlife Photography with Emphasis on Birds ================================== 858-442-1907 Poway, California (San Diego Co.) N 32° 57' W 117° 04' At 508' Elevation ==================================
Wednesday Rick and Nora Bowers joined us on a sweep of the Willow Springs area to see just how many Cassin's Sparrows we could find. Between the 77 intersection with Willow Springs Road and Rattlesnake Tank we logged 53 individuals, almost all of which were singing, displaying, skylarking and posing. One was even carrying food. They were the most common bird along the 6 mile stretch of road, and always solitary. And speaking of solitary, Nora found us a beautiful Solitary Sandpiper at water's edge in Rattlesnake Tank (photos in the eBird posting), apparently the first eBird record for this species in the Willow Springs Road area. Other notable sightings included lots of Lark Buntings, a Plumbeous Vireo, a pair of Purple Martins (Patterson Tank), a House Wren, Western Screech Owl and a Lazuli Bunting. 46 species total for the morning.
Date: 8/12/17 3:05 pm From: matt V. <fickity...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Yuma County birds for Saturday… Bizarre!
Good afternoon I surveyed a bunch of locations in Yuma County
today:
Mittry lake and Betty's kitchen area:
3 BLACK TERNS (juv) with 7 Forsters Terns
Mitigation area, across from the entrance to hidden Shores on the
California state line:
4 BLACK TERNS, one adult and 3 juv
A mysterious flock of shorebirds tried to land on the large water
impoundment, photos look like Wilson's phalarope. Once I edit, I will post
if the identification changes.
Black rail, Ridgway's Rail, least bittern
Dome valley feedlot
Swainsons hawk
Western Willet, semipalmated plover, spotted and Solitary Sandpiper and
lesser yellowlegs
2 SEMIPALMATED 3 BAIRDS SANDPIPERS
And for the bizarre sighting of the day… One RED-BREASTED MERGANSER was
found in the irrigation canal on the northwest side of the feedlot! Photos
obtained, I still can't believe it…
Date: 8/12/17 2:19 pm From: Chris Mccreedy <cristofolos...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] se AZ: Miller Canyon - Red-eyed Vireo
The Red-eyed Vireo was continues. It is mellow, moves slowly, and was easy to refind.
McCreedy Tucson
On Sat, Aug 12, 2017 at 10:08 Andrew Core <tucsonrba...> wrote:
> From the Tucson Audubon Society's RBA (520-629-0510 X 3 or rarebirdalert > AT tucsonaudubon.org): > > Larry Schmahl sent a photo of a Red-eyed Vireo from 8/11. One was reported > here on 8/8 as well (see RBA). > > thanks Larry! > > > Andrew Core > SEAZ RBA Compiler - Tucson, AZ > http://tucsonaudubon.org/go-birding/southeast-arizona-rare-bird-alert/ > <http://tucsonaudubon.org/rba.html> > > On Sat, Aug 12, 2017 at 9:58 AM, <larschmahl...> wrote: > >> This bird was seen at the beginning of the Miller Canyon Trail just >> beyond the Beatty's back property fence. It was with a mixed flock of >> Plumbeous, Cassin's and one Hutton's Vireo, the bird was seen between 5 and >> 5:10 PM. >> >> *Sent from my Verizon LG Smartphone* >> > > 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.
A TUFTED FLYCATCHER was showing extremely well this beautiful morning in the normal spots in the Reef Townsite campground atop Carr Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains, from camping spot #9 around to the group camp area. It seemed to be just inside the edge of the vegetation around the clearing there, so knowing it's two-part or repeated note is very helpful. It made a habit of perching in bright sunny spots, showing off it's rusty attire.
Other birds included GRACE'S WARBLER, BUFF-BREASTED FLYCATCHER, ARIZONA WOODPECKER, scads of WESTERN WOOD-PEWEEs, HEPATIC TANAGER, OLIVE WARBLER, PAINTED REDSTARTs, EASTERN BLUEBIRDs, WESTERN TANAGER and a host of other common species.
Date: 8/12/17 1:34 pm From: Keith Kamper <keithkamper...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ: Hooded Warbler and American Redstart at Arivaca Creek August 12
Patty Tersey and I birded Arivaca Creek this morning and were treated to an adult male Hooded Warbler and a 1st summer male American Redstart. Surprisingly, the creek was mostly dry save for a few very small pools until we were about a mile from the parking lot. The Hooded was about 50 meters after where the surface flow and larger pools began; the redstart about another 25 meters past that. We followed the creek trail, and then dropped into the dry creek bed until we hit the water. The Hooded Warbler was detected initially by its distinctive call note. At one point it sang while we were watching it.
Other birds present include both Zone-tailed and Gray Hawks, Thick-billed and Tropical Kingbirds, multiple Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and our FOS Nashville and Orange-Crowned Warblers.
Date: 8/12/17 11:15 am From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] AZ:08/11/17:Another Five-Striped Sparrow Spot
Hi Birders,
Molly and I made the trip this morning to look for the Five-striped Sparrow.
We found the road has been recently graded and is in fine shape
for a sedan, at least until the next big rain storm.
The odometer indicated 7.0 miles from the pavement to where Cliff had
placed the agave stalk against the yellow sign. Obviously, odometers differ.
The Five-striped Sparrow showed multiple times of its own volition, most frequently
in the high point of a dead sycamore tree along the stream. A SPOTTING SCOPE.
made it possible to get good identifying views of the bird at that distance.
Plenty of other birds around, the most unusual being a leucistic hummingbird
of some sort guarding a flowering agove.
THANKS CLIFF!
Mark Stevenson
Tucson, AZ
--------------------------------------------
On Fri, 8/11/17, Clifford Cathers <cacathers...> wrote:
Subject: [AZNMbirds] AZ:08/11/17:Another Five-Striped Sparrow Spot
To: "Arizona - New Mexico Post" <aznmbirds...>
Date: Friday, August 11, 2017, 10:06 PM
From Madera Canyon
Road, at the bend where the dirt road goes east off the
pavement as Box Canyon Road towards Route 83 and also the
Florida Work Center, reset your trip odometer before leaving
the pavement. At exactly 6.7 miles along Box Canyon Road
headed east towards Route 83, I leaned an agave stalk
against one of the small yellow marker signs on the
downslope side of the road (south edge of the road). A
FIVE-STRIPED SPARROW was singing it's head off on the
north facing slope (across the canyon to the south) right
before sunset. For those that know the spot, this is two
curves below (west) of the waterfall spot. By my late
night reckoning, with a weary eye, this appears to be in
Pima County.
The road over to Route 83 was packed with
birds.
Clifford A. CathersVail,
<AZAZCliffy...>
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To view archive: click "Archive" on that page.
-----Inline Attachment Follows-----
On Sat, Aug 12, 2017 at 9:58 AM, <larschmahl...> wrote:
> This bird was seen at the beginning of the Miller Canyon Trail just beyond > the Beatty's back property fence. It was with a mixed flock of Plumbeous, > Cassin's and one Hutton's Vireo, the bird was seen between 5 and 5:10 PM. > > *Sent from my Verizon LG Smartphone* >
Date: 8/12/17 8:15 am From: trose <trose...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ Not Chasable Red-billed Tropicbird on News
Whoops...never mind...I just now saw that this info was posted on the Arizona Birds FaceBook page last night by Brian Johnson. I'm too slow...eh...snooze you lose! LOL.
Tonya Holland Three Points AZ --------------
On 8/12/17 7:56 AM, trose wrote: > Has anyone else heard this? On last night's local news (Tucson, KOLD, > Friday, August 11) a Red-billed Tropicbird had been found within the > last couple of weeks in an east side yard
Date: 8/12/17 7:56 am From: trose <trose...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ Not Chasable Red-billed Tropicbird on News
Has anyone else heard this? On last night's local news (Tucson, KOLD, Friday, August 11) a Red-billed Tropicbird had been found within the last couple of weeks in an east side yard, from where it was taken to the Tucson Wildlife Center, rehabilitated and released in California. What??? Wow - what a trippy bird to show up...
Has this been properly documented in some fashion? Arizona Bird Committe? eBird? Something? If it has, disregard. But if it hasn't, and needs to be, here's a link to the article on Tucson's KOLD news website:
Date: 8/12/17 6:47 am From: Tim Helentjaris <tnhelentjaris...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Rock Corral Canyon and Tumacacori Becards
Finally got a bit of a break from cuckoo surveys this week and was leading one of the field trips for Tucson Audubon’s Birding Festival. Someone had named this “Secluded Canyon Adventure” and by the time we had driven into Rock Corral Canyon, participants understood both the “Secluded” and “Adventure” in the name. Road in isn’t any worse driving than before, at least to the usual parking area at the camp spot near the corral, but it does still clearly require a high clearance vehicle. Right off the bat, got a YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO calling here and folks got a great look at this neat bird. We then got to walking up the old road but quickly ran into a bit more adventure, water across the road/trail. It was tricky getting around it with dry shoes, a problem that was repeated over and over again. At one point, about 3/4’s of a mile in, the road itself is much more severely eroded and I doubt that vehicles will be able to get past this point, a hubcap wedged into the rocks emphasizing this point! I have never seen this much water in this drainage before and it eventually caused us to truncate our expectations about how far up the canyon we could go, as it required a lot of careful stepping and diversions into the mesquite and catclaw. However we did get a number of neat birds along the way. Great views of numerous VARIED BUNTINGS, both in the shadows and then popping up into the light to reveal their colorful plumage. Participants also got a great opportunity to compare three tanagers along this trail. WESTERN TANAGERS were seen a few times, as they seem to be moving through our area in number just recently and at one point, we watched as one engaged a brilliant male SUMMER TANAGER. We also saw a couple of HEPATIC TANAGERS about a mile in where the oaks begin, pointing out the dark bill in particular but also the difference in call notes of the three tanagers in contrast to their similar songs. Had to turn back at about a mile, due to water and folks beginning to run out of gas after all of the tough walking, so we weren’t able to look for the Five-striped Sparrows found this winter a bit farther up. On the way back, though we found both BLACK-TAILED and BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS in proximity, so folks with keen ears might have heard the difference in their calls, noted habitat preferences, and the under tail appearance.
After getting back to the cars and driving out, we headed back across the freeway and over to the Tumacacori Mission area, starting at the trailhead and walking the path towards the river. Birding was starting to slow down a bit and we headed towards the new nest the ROSE-THROATED BECARDS are building. Wow, a lot of flood waters have recently come through here and you have to pick your way through the detritus that has washed into the trail area. As we got closer to the coordinates that Pete Bengtson had provided me, the huge nest became obvious higher up in the canopy, this now third nest is back on the west side of the river. We watched as the female flew out of the nest and later saw the male fly in a couple of times. While there, a couple of park rangers walked up, Bob and Eric, and we talked for a while. I had called them last week, alerted them to the new nest, and they agreed they would flag and sign the area. So, now as you are walking along the path to the river, you will note after getting to the open area just before the river, some red flagging denoting the trail to walk north to the nest. If folks could make an effort to stay on the trail, that will keep too many new trails from being carved into the vegetation. Bob also placed a very nice sign for a great vantage point for the nest, asking folks to quietly observe from this point. It’s still very close to the nest and with the sun behind you, should make for good viewing of these birds and their impressive nest. Hopefully we’ll get so see some more young fledge yet this season!
Tim
Tim Helentjaris
Tucson, AZ
"Why the dinosaurs died out is not known, but it is supposed to be because they had minute brains and devoted themselves to the growth of weapons of offense in the shape of numerous horns.”
- Bertrand Russell
Date: 8/12/17 12:07 am From: Andrew Core <tucsonrba...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 11 August 2017
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast
Arizona was made on August 11, 2017; the next update will be made on
August 18. 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 continued through 8/8 (Peter Kondrashov) 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 *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 of the *TUFTED FLYCATCHERS continued at the
Reef Townsite CG this week (m.ob.) on the north side of the campground. The
pair were frequenting the small clearing about 200 yards down the drainage
behind the bathrooms (near campsite #9). A *SHORT-TAILED HAWK was
photographed overhead on 8/9 (Scott Barnes) between Reef Townsite and
Ramsey Campgrounds.
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.
In Miller Canyon, a *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER was reported again from the
Miller Canyon Trail on 8/5 (Laurens Halsey et al) near Split Rock (which is
about a mile from the parking area). It was reported on 8/8 (Scott Barnes)
past Split Rock and the stream crossing, and a *RED-EYED VIREO was reported
closer to the gate near the parking area.
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRDS continued at Ash Canyon B&B this week (m.ob.) – dusk
is the best time to see them.
In Huachuca Canyon a #BERYLLINE HUMMNGBIRD was reported on 8/5 (John
Kendall, Chris Chappell). It was frequenting a stand of willows near the
first bridge the road crosses in the canyon.
TUBAC area (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/yDqi0)
At least two *ROSE-THROATED BECARDS continued along the De Anza Trail at
Tumacacori this week (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) and just to the north. A *YELLOW-GREEN VIREO was photographed
here on 8/5 (Chris Benesh, et al). A #GREEN KINGFISHER continued here on
8/7 (m.ob.).
#BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS were reported again in Rock Corral Canyon on
8/11 (m.ob.) west of Santa Gertrudis Lane. A high clearance, four-wheel
drive vehicle is recommended; the birds were all within the first mile up
canyon from the corral.
A male #PAINTED BUNTING was reported along the Santa Cruz River at Santa
Gertrudis Lane on 8/10 (Keith Kamper). Remember to park along the frontage
road and walk in.
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.
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 this week (m.ob.) near the culvert, upstream of the
concrete stream crossing. A singing Five-striped Sparrow was reported on
8/5 (Matt Brown) and continued through 8/11 (m.ob.); it was just past the
stream crossing near the 20 mph sign. This is perhaps the only Five-striped
Sparrow next to a paved road in the US!
Another Five-striped Sparrow was reported along Box Canyon Rd 6.7 miles
east of Madera Canyon Rd on 8/11 (Cliff Cathers).
SANTA CRUZ FLATS
Two separate *RUDDY TURNSTONES were photographed on 8/9 – one at the
Anderson Dairy in Stanfield west of Casa Grande (Jake Mohlmann et al; GPS:
32.856,-111.934) and the other at the Caballero Dairy on Harmon and Curry
Rd. (Keith Kamper et al). Management has asked that birders please view
these ponds from the main roads (i.e., Curry) only. This apparently
represents the 2nd and 3rd county records.
TUCSON area
An immature dark-morph *SHORT-TAILED HAWK was reported again on 8/6 (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 about 14 miles from
I-10 and just before the concrete tank. One was photographed here on 6/5.
A #GRAY CATBIRD was reported at Sweetwater Wetlands on 8/5 (Susan Killeen,
ph. Andrew Core).
WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY
Two #SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS continued at Lake Cochise by the Twin Lakes
Golf Course on 8/11 (m.ob.).
PATAGONIA
At Patagonia Lake (annotated map: http://goo.gl/GgNvs), a #GREEN KINGFISHER
and a #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER continued this week (m.ob.) at the east end
along the Birding Trail.
A #GREEN KINGFISHER continued along the Railroad Trail in the
Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve on 8/5 (m.ob.). Patagonia-Sonoita Creek
Preserve annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/0pXsd
DOUGLAS area
A #GREEN KINGFISHER continued at House Pond at Slaughter Ranch on 8/9
(Jerred Seveyka).
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/XfXfX)
A #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD continued on 8/7 (Rick Taylor) in a yard in
Whitetail Canyon.
AMADO
A Brown Pelican continued at the Amado STP this week (m.ob.).
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). UPDATE: Closed for construction; timeline for
reopening uncertain.
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: 8/11/17 11:44 pm From: Eric Hough <thebirdwhisperer22...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] CEAZ: Peeples Valley GRASSHOPPER and CASSIN'S SPARROWS
After looking through photos I took of the Grasshopper Sparrows I previously reported at Peeples Valley in Yavapai County (see below), one is of a juvenile bird (streaky breast, gape still visible). Although the bird was not observed being still dependent on parents, its presence plus that of several singing males is highly suggestive of the bird having been fledged locally. The photo of this bird, plus several of one of the singing males, can be seen on my eBird checklist at this link:
> On Aug 7, 2017, at 6:16 AM, Eric Hough <thebirdwhisperer22...> wrote:
>
> August 7, 2017
> I'm currently listening to several GRASSHOPPER and a few CASSIN'S SPARROWS along Hwy. 89 in Peeples Valley (Yavapai County), 5+ Grasshoppers at pullout at Milepost 282. Had at least one Grasshopper just north of here at a pullout across from "East Fork, a Maughan Ranch" signed entrance. I was able to get recordings, photos, and videos of the Grasshoppers. Most of the Grasshoppers are on the west side of the highway in the taller grassland. I also saw a Barn Owl.
>
> Good birding,
>
> Eric Hough
> Wickenburg, AZ
>
> Sent from my iPhone
From Madera Canyon Road, at the bend where the dirt road goes east off the pavement as Box Canyon Road towards Route 83 and also the Florida Work Center, reset your trip odometer before leaving the pavement. At exactly 6.7 miles along Box Canyon Road headed east towards Route 83, I leaned an agave stalk against one of the small yellow marker signs on the downslope side of the road (south edge of the road). A FIVE-STRIPED SPARROW was singing it's head off on the north facing slope (across the canyon to the south) right before sunset. For those that know the spot, this is two curves below (west) of the waterfall spot. By my late night reckoning, with a weary eye, this appears to be in Pima County.
Reddish egret in basin 3 along the northern edge actively hunting. When I arrived it was in basin one and flew by me to present location. Lots and lots of shorebirds out here and a peregrin flushing them. Also one Caspian tern.Melanie Herring Goodyear, AzCurrent time 0930.
Out and about on my mobile... -------- Original message --------From: Jeff Ritz <vaiboy777...> Date: 8/11/17 6:18 AM (GMT-07:00) To: <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] CEAZ GLENDALE RECHARGE PONDS 8-11-2017 Reddish Egret present in #4Tricolored Heron was in #3 before sunriseCaspian Tern flyover Jeff RitzPhoenix 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: 8/11/17 12:56 am From: Eric Hough <thebirdwhisperer22...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] CEAZ: Yavapai Co. 67+ Cassin's Sparrows (8/7/17)
Sorry for the belated post, but here’s a quick recap of birding around Yavapai County that Felipe Guerrero and I did on Monday, August 7, 2017. After finding the GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS at Peeples Valley that I previously reported to the listserve and Felipe met up with me there, we decided to check other grassland areas in the county that he had not yet checked for Cassin’s Sparrows during this summer’s apparent irruption. Altogether we had a minimum of 67 singing male CASSIN’S SPARROWS, with 49 in the valley west of the Weaver Mountains and north of the Date Creek Mountains (apparently called Sunflower Flat) and smaller numbers around Skull Valley and between Peeples Valley and Kirkland Junction areas. The highest densities were in desertscrub-grassland mixtures with grasses, broom snakeweed, and catclaw acacia being dominant. Of course this is only a minimum number of singing males, so it is unknown how many females might have been present. Previous breeding activity in Yavapai County may also suggest local breeding populations rather than simply occurring from an irruption, although the presence of this species further north in the state suggests that numbers might be inflated at least in the area this summer due to an irruption.
Other highlights included a molting male LARK BUNTING along Hwy. 15 near Hillside, a couple of BARN and WESTERN SCREECH-OWLS throughout the day, ZONE-TAILED and SWAINSON’S HAWKS, and migrant WILLOW and GRAY FLYCATCHERS, WARBLING VIREOS, a lingering LUCY’S WARBLER, a WILSON’S WARBLER, and LAZULI BUNTINGS.
Good birding,
Eric Hough
Wickenburg, 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: 8/10/17 11:38 am From: Andrew Core <tucsonrba...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] se AZ: Pinal County - Ruddy Turnstone clarification (no sightings)
I haven't heard any updates on either turnstone today, but just a point of clarification on access to the slop pond on Curry Rd south of Harmon Rd - the management of the Caballero Dairy has asked that birders stay on Curry Rd to view the ponds and not venture down the dirt road that goes along the ponds (east from Curry).
So in plain English, stay on Curry Rd. - this applies to vehicles and pedestrians. I don't know of anyone who has not, so this isn't directed at anyone in particular. This means you won't have as good a view as you would have otherwise and you may miss some birds, but it also means you won't antagonize the owners or jeopardize what access we do have. Perhaps by building good relationships and respecting their wishes, access could change in the future?
On Wed, Aug 9, 2017 at 3:04 PM, Andrew Core <andrewcore...> wrote:
> Keith Kamper just texted to say they've found ANOTHER Ruddy Turnstone in > Pinal County, this one closer to Tucson. It was at the ponds on Curry Rd > just south of Harmon Rd. This is just north of the Evergreen Turf Sod Farm. > > coordinates: 32.6691531,-111.6030732 > > http://ebird.org/ebird/hotspot/L6163149 > > Access to this spot is limited to the ROADSIDE ONLY. Do not wander in. > There's another pond on Harmon between Curry Rd and Corder Rd worth > checking if the bird moves. > > thanks Keith! > >
Thought these two birds may be of interest for the RBA.
We found a Red-eyed Vireo at the start of the Miller Canyon Trail just past the gate leading out of Beattys Aug 8. I live in NJ and am very familiar with the species. Also, the Rufous-capped Warbler was in the upper canyon past split rocks and the first stream crossing.
Today (9 Aug), we observed and photographed a light-morph Short-tailed Hawk over Carr Canyon Rd between Reef Townsite and Ramsey Campgrounds.
If you have any questions please let me know.
Thanks, Scott Barnes NJ Audubon 732-673-2606 <(732)%20673-2606>
Date: 8/9/17 6:26 pm From: Magill Weber <magillweber...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] AZ: Ruddy Turnstones in Pinal County
A quick update on these birds. Chris Rohrer, Michael Ada and I checked these ponds this afternoon. We searched without success for the Cabellero Dairy bird between 3:30 and 5:15, and then made tracks to Anderson Dairy and had success. Bird was present in the furthest back "deep" pond when we left at 6:15pm. Excellent find(s!) Doug, Keith and Jake!
Magill Weber, Phoenix
> On Aug 9, 2017, at 4:50 PM, Doug Jenness <d_jenness...> wrote:
>
> 8/9/17
>
>
> Today, Keith Kamper, Jake Mohlmann and I birded a few lesser known dairy sludge ponds in the Maricopa and Stanfield area west of Tucson north of I-8. We also stopped at a couple of sites in the Santa Cruz Flats on our way back. At our first location in the morning, the Anderson Dairy Farm sludge ponds, we were pleased and surprised to find a RUDDY TURNSTONE. This is the second record for Pinal County--the first was at Picacho Reservoir on Aug. 30, 1980. The location is at https://www.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=32.8555866,-111.9336677&ll=32.8555866,-111.9336677 This is at the northwest corner of Selma Hwy and Anderson Rd.
>
>
> More surprising, we discovered a second RUDDY TURNSTONE at the Caballero Dairy Farm sludge ponds in the Santa Cruz Flats, making it the third county record. The dairy is south of Harmon Rd. between Curry and Tweedy roads. The ponds can be reached from Harmon Rd. by going south on Curry for 0.5 miles and turning left east) on a dirt farm road to the ponds. This location is nearer for those from the Tucson area looking to see this state rarity.
>
>
> We also saw a lot of other shorebirds, including about 200 CURVE-BILLED CURLEWS at a farm near the Anderson Dairy.
>
>
> Doug Jenness
>
>
>
>
>
>
> 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: 8/9/17 5:54 pm From: Steve Valasek <botheringbirds...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] AZ: Looking for someone for Eclipse trip
Hi Anthony. I'm going to Wyoming with my family. But I'm interested in this project. Can I volunteer?
Thanks,
Steve
On Wed, Aug 9, 2017, 17:37 Anthony Mendoza <Anthony_Mendoza...> wrote:
> I apologize since this isn't about Arizona birds but it is directed toward > Arizona birders. > > I am driving up to observe the eclipse in Idaho. I would enjoy having > another birder (Male) come with me. I will be participating in an Academy > of Sciences citizen science project observing the change in bird calls > during the eclipse and could use another birder to help. If you live along > the I10-I17 corridor, I will pick you up. Of course we will also bird all > the way up and all the way back. Aug 18-23. > > > Thanks > > > Anthony Mendoza > > 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: 8/9/17 5:37 pm From: Anthony Mendoza <Anthony_Mendoza...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] AZ: Looking for someone for Eclipse trip
I apologize since this isn't about Arizona birds but it is directed toward Arizona birders.
I am driving up to observe the eclipse in Idaho. I would enjoy having another birder (Male) come with me. I will be participating in an Academy of Sciences citizen science project observing the change in bird calls during the eclipse and could use another birder to help. If you live along the I10-I17 corridor, I will pick you up. Of course we will also bird all the way up and all the way back. Aug 18-23.
Date: 8/9/17 5:01 pm From: John Broz <johnbroz1944...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ, San Pedro House, Sierra Vista
Fifty-nine species for the 2nd Wednesday bird walk. Most of the time was spent along del Valle Road west of the Bookstore where both Varied and Lazuli Buntings, and Cassin's, Botteri's, and Rufous-wing Sparrows were seen. The mud had dried enough to approach the River near the Highway Bridge. The area was pretty productive and produced a Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher to our surprise.
The next monsoon bird walk will be next Wednesday at 7. Free.
Date: 8/9/17 5:01 pm From: Doug Jenness <d_jenness...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] AZ: Ruddy Turnstones in Pinal County
8/9/17
Today, Keith Kamper, Jake Mohlmann and I birded a few lesser known dairy sludge ponds in the Maricopa and Stanfield area west of Tucson north of I-8. We also stopped at a couple of sites in the Santa Cruz Flats on our way back. At our first location in the morning, the Anderson Dairy Farm sludge ponds, we were pleased and surprised to find a RUDDY TURNSTONE. This is the second record for Pinal County--the first was at Picacho Reservoir on Aug. 30, 1980. The location is at https://www.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=32.8555866,-111.9336677&ll=32.8555866,-111.9336677 This is at the northwest corner of Selma Hwy and Anderson Rd.
More surprising, we discovered a second RUDDY TURNSTONE at the Caballero Dairy Farm sludge ponds in the Santa Cruz Flats, making it the third county record. The dairy is south of Harmon Rd. between Curry and Tweedy roads. The ponds can be reached from Harmon Rd. by going south on Curry for 0.5 miles and turning left east) on a dirt farm road to the ponds. This location is nearer for those from the Tucson area looking to see this state rarity.
We also saw a lot of other shorebirds, including about 200 CURVE-BILLED CURLEWS at a farm near the Anderson Dairy.
Date: 8/9/17 3:05 pm From: Andrew Core <andrewcore...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] se AZ: Pinal County - Ruddy Turnstone
Keith Kamper just texted to say they've found ANOTHER Ruddy Turnstone in Pinal County, this one closer to Tucson. It was at the ponds on Curry Rd just south of Harmon Rd. This is just north of the Evergreen Turf Sod Farm.
Access to this spot is limited to the ROADSIDE ONLY. Do not wander in. There's another pond on Harmon between Curry Rd and Corder Rd worth checking if the bird moves.
thanks Keith!
-- Andrew Core Tucson, AZ
On Wed, Aug 9, 2017 at 8:44 AM, Andrew Core <andrewcore...> wrote:
> Jake Mohlmann just sent a picture of a Ruddy Turnstone with the following > > > Ruddy Turnstone just seen here (3210 Anderson Rd, Maricopa US-AZ > (32.8562,-111.9338) with keith kamper and doug jenness > > > I believe this is north of Interstate 8 near Stanfield. Plugging the > coordinates into google maps should bring it up. > > I don't know of many Pinal County records - maybe Doug can fill us in > later! > > - > Andrew Core > Tucson, AZ
Date: 8/9/17 10:46 am From: Gordon Karre <karhop1...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] CEAZ: Glendale Recharge Ponds - Rarities
The 2 special rarities were present at the Glendale Recharge Ponds this morning. REDDISH EGRET was originally in basin 4 but moved to basin 2 as well. The TRICOLORED HERON was a no show at first, but eventually came into basin 4. Several people were there to see both birds in scope views and with binoculars.
Basin 4 is great for shorebirds right now. Other birds that were viewed were SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, PECTORAL SANDPIPER, and many of the regulars as well.
If I tried to list all the birders that were in attendance, I know I would inadvertently forgot a name. Thanks to all that shared in the fund and enjoyment!
Date: 8/9/17 8:45 am From: Andrew Core <andrewcore...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] se AZ: Pinal County - Ruddy Turnstone
Jake Mohlmann just sent a picture of a Ruddy Turnstone with the following
Ruddy Turnstone just seen here (3210 Anderson Rd, Maricopa US-AZ (32.8562,-111.9338) with keith kamper and doug jenness
I believe this is north of Interstate 8 near Stanfield. Plugging the coordinates into google maps should bring it up.
I don't know of many Pinal County records - maybe Doug can fill us in later!
-
Andrew Core
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: 8/8/17 6:26 pm From: Lori Conrad <lconrad6853...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Five-striped Sparrows in Montosa Canyon.
Hi all, Since we are in Patagonia doing the butterfly count, we decided to go look for a few good birds, too. Monday we saw the pair of Rose-throated Becard near Tubac. Then this morning we made the trek to Montosa Canyon and heard a Five-striped Sparrow as soon we got out of the car! It was very vocal and cooperative exactly where Matt reported it, just past the concrete crossing. On an interesting butterfly note, I also saw an Elf right after getting out of the car! They seem to be everywhere now!
Date: 8/8/17 2:43 pm From: JOHN HIGGINS <jghiggins...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] East central AZ Coronado Trail Highway 191 Roadrunners
The Tucson Audubon field trip to Kitt Peak last April also had a Greater Roadrunner at 6000 feet plus. Big surprise for me.
John Higgins, Tucson AZ
> On August 8, 2017 at 10:23 AM Ralph Poulsen <ktm690dog...> wrote: > > My wife and I saw a pair of Roadrunners crossing the road on the Coronado Trail scenic highway (191) at 6400 ft elevation 30 miles north of the Morenci mine. Very strange area for a Roadrunner as the area is a large high mountain grass meadow with almost no shrubbery cover. > Not any time to bird, but the Coronado Trail is an absolutely beautiful drive up to Alpine with lush grasses and wild flowers everywhere. > > Ralph Poulsen > Vail, 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: 8/8/17 10:24 am From: Ralph Poulsen <ktm690dog...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] East central AZ Coronado Trail Highway 191 Roadrunners
My wife and I saw a pair of Roadrunners crossing the road on the Coronado Trail scenic highway (191) at 6400 ft elevation 30 miles north of the Morenci mine. Very strange area for a Roadrunner as the area is a large high mountain grass meadow with almost no shrubbery cover. Not any time to bird, but the Coronado Trail is an absolutely beautiful drive up to Alpine with lush grasses and wild flowers everywhere.
Date: 8/8/17 9:38 am From: Jeff Ritz <vaiboy777...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Maricopa/ Glendale
The Reddish Egret was still in basin #4 when I left at 8:30, but the Tricolored Heron had disappeared. Also had Pectoral Sandpiper and Semipalmated Plover in #4 this morning.
Jeff Ritz
On 8/8/2017 7:51 AM, Chris Mccreedy wrote: > Correction- cell 4. > > On Tue, Aug 8, 2017 at 06:08 Chris Mccreedy <cristofolos...> > <mailto:<cristofolos...>> wrote: > > I have what I believe to be a Reddish Egret in the same photo > frame as the Tricolored Heron in Cell 1 at Glendale. > > McCreedy > Tucson > > > > 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.
The Reddish Egret which was found earlier in the morning by McCreedy, continues in the northeast corner of basin 4 (northwest basin). Nice find McCreedy, this is 350 for Maricopa for me!
New Mexico Rare Bird Report
August 7, 2017
Compiler: Matt Baumann
Phone: 505-264-1052
E-mail address: <mbaumann22...>
This is the New Mexico Rare Bird Report for August 7, 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:
--Morris reported a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK in the Albuquerque bosque July 4.
It was seen along the Calabacillas Arroyo west of the ditch trail about
100-200 yards south of Alameda.
--Morris reported an EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE in the Albuquerque bosque July 2.
It was seen south of Montano on the west side of the river near these
coordinates (31.13817, -106.6875). “This spot is slightly north of the path
that goes toward the river from the Pumping Station next to the ditch path.
Walk down the ditch path about 0.7 miles from Montano to get to this spot.”
It continued to July 19 in the area.
COLFAX County:
--Mehlman reported a CAROLINA WREN along Middle Ponil Creek near Valle
Vidal-Shuree Ponds July 18.
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.
HARDING County:
--Rustay and Hetrick photographed an ACORN WOODPECKER in Mills Canyon July
29. It was seen near the top of the canyon.
HIDALGO County:
--Webster and Rowlett reported a RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROW in Guadalupe Canyon
May 13. Four were present in the canyon for Hetrick and Rustay August 6.
SIERRA County:
--Groves and Kiseda reported a CAROLINA WREN at Percha Dam (Percha
Recreation Area) August 4.
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.
TAOS County:
--Friedrichs photographed a male WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL about 3.5 miles
east of Red River turnoff (FR 597) along FR 134 July 15.
VALENCIA County:
--Hawksworth reported a CAROLINA WREN at Whitfield Wildlife Conservation
Area July 2016. It was in the bosque at the southwest end of the refuge.
Date: 8/7/17 7:29 pm From: <vernieaikins...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Green Kingfisher San Bernardino NWR
Sorry for the late post. Got home late and then at work all day.
Had a Green Kingfisher yesterday 8/6/17 at San Bernardino NWR around 9am. I am not sure of the name of the pond. I came in at the main entrance went down the road past the restrooms and its that first pond you come to.
It made one lap around the pond, so I staked out a spot under the brush to wait for it to come around again for a picture, but it never came back. Could not refind it anywhere.
Date: 8/7/17 12:39 pm From: Erika Wilson <terika88...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Sierra Vista EOP--06 Aug 2017
Second try on sending:
Hi, birders,
Thirteen folks trudged around the Sierra Vista EOP dikes in the bright sun and heat this morning, including visitors from Alaska, Germany, and New Mexico. The group tally was 66 species at morning's end.
No bitterns were seen today, but not for lacking of looking. Heavy rain over the past week created some new shallow habitat where we found the expected Killdeer joined by Least Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, and Wilson's Phalarope.
A good mix of swallows of six species were seen throughout the morning. A Lesser Nighthawk cruised through. Cassin's Sparrows were particularly vocal, declaring the monsoon breeding season. The most abundant migrants were 40 + Lazuli Buntings, mostly males. Two different impoundments with grasses and weeds hosted these birds, along with Lesser Goldfinches, House Finches, and a mixture of blackbirds.
Sup peeps,
This morning I did a thorough scanning of the Glendale Recharge Ponds. Basin 1 (northeast basin) was full of water and grass holding a few calling Soras and dabblers, Basin 2 (north-central) is currently being filled and is starting to hold some good shorebird habitat. In this basin there were a heck of a lot of peeps and a Long-billed Curlew but nothing of real interest. Basin 3 (northwestern basin) is starting to fill up and lose it's shorebird habitat but nonetheless it still holds numbers of both yellowlegs, some Solitary Sandpipers, etc... For the first half hour after sunrise the continuing Tricolored (sexy) Heron hunted before taking off to the river. Basin 4 (southwest) is slowly loosing water and is now providing some good shorebird habitat along the edges of the basin, before long this basin will likely be full of shorbs! Today, however, of some note it held both a Semipalmated Sandpiper and Plover, along with good numbers of other shorbs and dabbling ducks (including all three species of teal). Basin 5 (south-central) is full and holds some numbers of dabblers but today it had a basic-plumaged Black Tern feeding over it throughout most of the morning. And last, and certainly least, basin 6 (I'm sure by now you can guess where this basin is) had no water.
This certainly is an exciting time of year and in the next couple weeks some good shorbs should be rolling in! Can't wait!
Here's my list from the morning: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S38525739 God Bless you all and as the boy once said, BIRD HARD!!!!
CalebBuckeye, 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: 8/7/17 8:25 am From: Andrew Core <andrewcore...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] se AZ: Marana - Long-billed Curlews
> I'm out at the El Rio Preserve off Coachline Blvd in Marana and just (8:20am) had three Long-billed Curlews fly by. I don't think they stopped but Sweetwater Wetlands may tempt them.
>
> Andrew
> -
> Andrew Core
> Tucson, AZ
Date: 8/7/17 6:16 am From: Eric Hough <thebirdwhisperer22...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] CEAZ: Peeples Valley GRASSHOPPER and CASSIN'S SPARROWS
August 7, 2017
I'm currently listening to several GRASSHOPPER and a few CASSIN'S SPARROWS along Hwy. 89 in Peeples Valley (Yavapai County), 5+ Grasshoppers at pullout at Milepost 282. Had at least one Grasshopper just north of here at a pullout across from "East Fork, a Maughan Ranch" signed entrance. I was able to get recordings, photos, and videos of the Grasshoppers. Most of the Grasshoppers are on the west side of the highway in the taller grassland. I also saw a Barn Owl.
Date: 8/6/17 6:50 pm From: Matthew Brown <mattbrownbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Montosa Canyon Five-striped Sparrow again/still
Sorry for the day-lateness of this: while doing the second day of the Santa Cruz River Valley overnight trip for the Southwest Wings festival yesterday, August 5, at about 6:00 a.m., Myron Smith and I had a lone, singing male FIVE-STRIPED SPARROW just past the cement stream crossing in Montosa Canyon on the road past the Whipple Observatory Visitor Center. His territory seems to comprise the area around the 20 mph sign and rocky two-track that starts on the right, including the close little wall above it and the roadside mesquites on the left. I wasn't sure if this recently near-perennial loner had been reported this summer or not, but he's currently present and obviously territorial.
Of even less timelines, Myron and I also had the female GREEN KINGFISHER reported recently from the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve on Friday morning, August 4, at around 8:45 a.m., on the opposite bank of the downstream end of the small section of creek visible from Blue Haven Road about 250 yards beyond (southwest of) the Preserve entrance. Since the Preserve is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, this cut-bank and the bigger one about a third of a mile southwest of the Paton Center for Hummingbirds in Patagonia would be good places to look for this potentially continuing rarity.
Matt Brown The Patagonia Birding and Butterfly Co. 520-604-6300 mattbrownbirds AT gmail.com lifebirds.com Flickr: https://flic.kr/ps/zUTe8
"Oddities appear in the oddest of places." ---Lord Varys
Date: 8/6/17 10:21 am From: Keith Kamper <keithkamper...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ: Short-tailed Hawk N. Mescal Road/Paige Creek
Patty Tersey and I observed a dark-morph juvenile Short-tailed Hawk in flight about 14 miles north from the I-10 Mescal Road overpass. This is before the concrete tank (and small pond set back from the road). This is presumably the same bird (or one very similar?) that I photographed along Paige Creek on June 5th. More info on this area can be found in the TAS Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona under "Happy Valley, Ash and Paige Creek.
Afterwards we birded Paige Creek, parking just before the gate, and walked both directions. Two pairs of Zone-tailed Hawks, four Yellow-Billed Cuckoos, and our FOS Pacific-Slope Flycatcher. Paige Creek is flowing strongly, and Happy Valley is greener than I have ever seen. There are a few washes that are flowing across the road, so high clearance would be advisable.
We (party of 2) heard the bird singing between 4pm and 5pm today, Saturday, in the same location previously mentioned--where the spur off the Anza Trail at Tumacacori first enters the riparian cottonwood gallery. No visual.
-Nat Whitman, Green Valley
On Aug 5, 2017 2:40 PM, "greentailedtowhee ." <skua33...> wrote:
Hi Birders,
I got to the area within the first hour of the sighting; however, I failed to relocate the bird. I worked the area until noon. Birders were still hiking in as I was leaving so maybe it will turn up again.
Chris Benesh posted his eBird checklist with good photos of the bird, and a great recording of the song. Congrats on this excellent find, and thanks for getting the word out quick.
I hope to try again tomorrow, Janine
On Sat, Aug 5, 2017 at 8:03 AM, Chris Benesh <cdbenesh...> wrote:
> Sorry y'all, > > Not sure why the links aren't working, but the spot is close to the becard > spot in Tumacacori. The bird has been where the trail first meets the big > cottonwoods. > > Chris > Sent from my iPhone > > On Aug 5, 2017, at 7:52 AM, Andrew Core <andrewcore...> wrote: > > Hey Chris, > > congrats! > > The maps aren't pulling up the correct location on either my phone or my > computer - I either get somewhere in Arivaca or Temporal Gulch. I don't > know if it's me or what. > > Are you in Tumacacori? > > -- > Andrew Core > Tucson, AZ > > On Sat, Aug 5, 2017 at 7:48 AM, Chris Benesh <cdbenesh...> wrote: > >> Hi All, >> >> Just relocated the Yellow-green Vireo closer to the river singing a >> lot. >> >> Here: Dropped Pin >> near Santa Cruz County, AZ >> https://goo.gl/maps/DzL2ZzFdXsy >> >> Chris >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> >> > On Aug 5, 2017, at 7:21 AM, Chris Benesh <cdbenesh...> wrote: >> > >> > Hi All, >> > >> > Quick note that there was a singing Yellow-green Vireo moving along the >> De Anna trail just now. It went unseen but I got a bit of it song recorded. >> Moving north to south from this spot.Dropped Pin >> > near Santa Cruz County, AZ >> > https://goo.gl/maps/wnwZ1DUqWZQ2 >> > >> > Chris Benesh >> > Tucson. >> > >> > Sent from my iPhone >> > 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. >> > > > 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 led the Tucson Audubon Society field trip into the Santa Catalina Mountains this warmish morning, though the temperature at the top of the range was south of 60 F and quite pleasant. Incinerator Ridge was the star location but we stopped at the top above Ski Valley, Sykes Knob, Loma Linda, Bear Canyon and a few other quickie spots. Other than Incinerator Ridge, things were a bit sparse.
Without significant details, we saw RED-FACED WARBLERs at unbelievably close distances, OLIVE WARBLERs (all youngsters and females), one VIRGINIA'S WARBLER (at the top of a spruce above ski valley), one AUDUBON'S WARBLER, several GRACE'S WARBLERs, 1 BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, 1 TOWNSEND'S WARBLER, lots of close up PAINTED REDSTARTs and a good number of HERMIT WARBLERs with a few males in breeding plumage.
Other birds spotted during our trip included ZONE-TAILED HAWK, BAND-TAILED PIGEON, GREATER PEWEEs, PLUMBEOUS VIREOs, HUTTON'S VIREOs, scads of MOUNTAIN CHICKADEEs, WESTERN BLUEBIRDs, lots of BROWN CREEPERs and PYGMY NUTHATCHes and a few other common species.
I got to the area within the first hour of the sighting; however, I failed to relocate the bird. I worked the area until noon. Birders were still hiking in as I was leaving so maybe it will turn up again.
Chris Benesh posted his eBird checklist with good photos of the bird, and a great recording of the song. Congrats on this excellent find, and thanks for getting the word out quick.
I hope to try again tomorrow, Janine
On Sat, Aug 5, 2017 at 8:03 AM, Chris Benesh <cdbenesh...> wrote:
> Sorry y'all, > > Not sure why the links aren't working, but the spot is close to the becard > spot in Tumacacori. The bird has been where the trail first meets the big > cottonwoods. > > Chris > Sent from my iPhone > > On Aug 5, 2017, at 7:52 AM, Andrew Core <andrewcore...> wrote: > > Hey Chris, > > congrats! > > The maps aren't pulling up the correct location on either my phone or my > computer - I either get somewhere in Arivaca or Temporal Gulch. I don't > know if it's me or what. > > Are you in Tumacacori? > > -- > Andrew Core > Tucson, AZ > > On Sat, Aug 5, 2017 at 7:48 AM, Chris Benesh <cdbenesh...> wrote: > >> Hi All, >> >> Just relocated the Yellow-green Vireo closer to the river singing a >> lot. >> >> Here: Dropped Pin >> near Santa Cruz County, AZ >> https://goo.gl/maps/DzL2ZzFdXsy >> >> Chris >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> >> > On Aug 5, 2017, at 7:21 AM, Chris Benesh <cdbenesh...> wrote: >> > >> > Hi All, >> > >> > Quick note that there was a singing Yellow-green Vireo moving along the >> De Anna trail just now. It went unseen but I got a bit of it song recorded. >> Moving north to south from this spot.Dropped Pin >> > near Santa Cruz County, AZ >> > https://goo.gl/maps/wnwZ1DUqWZQ2 >> > >> > Chris Benesh >> > Tucson. >> > >> > Sent from my iPhone >> > 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. >> > > > 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 spotted the Gray Catbird at about 12:15 skulking in the mesquites on the south side of the path, just west of the southeast corner by about 25 yards.
It was between one of the benches and the purple "reclaimed water" sign, but it moved back east to the big mesquite on the corner. This is close to the gate where you can look out over the east recharge basin.
Thanks Sue! It's a very skulky bird. I got a few pix and a recording though.
-
Andrew Core
Tucson, AZ
> On Aug 5, 2017, at 11:16 AM, Susan Killeen <mypuffins...> wrote:
>
> Spotted a Gray Catbird skulking in a thicket at the very south east corner of the park. Similar shape to Mockingbird. All gray, rusty vent and black cap. Today at 11 am.
>
> Sue Killeen
> St Augustine FL
>
> Sent from my iPhone
> 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: 8/5/17 11:18 am From: Susan Killeen <mypuffins...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Gray Catbird Sweetwater Wetlands
Spotted a Gray Catbird skulking in a thicket at the very south east corner of the park. Similar shape to Mockingbird. All gray, rusty vent and black cap. Today at 11 am.
Date: 8/5/17 8:03 am From: Chris Benesh <cdbenesh...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] AZ Yellow-green Vireo
Sorry y'all,
Not sure why the links aren't working, but the spot is close to the becard spot in Tumacacori. The bird has been where the trail first meets the big cottonwoods.
Chris
Sent from my iPhone
> On Aug 5, 2017, at 7:52 AM, Andrew Core <andrewcore...> wrote:
>
> Hey Chris,
>
> congrats!
>
> The maps aren't pulling up the correct location on either my phone or my computer - I either get somewhere in Arivaca or Temporal Gulch. I don't know if it's me or what.
>
> Are you in Tumacacori?
>
> --
> Andrew Core
> Tucson, AZ
>
>> On Sat, Aug 5, 2017 at 7:48 AM, Chris Benesh <cdbenesh...> wrote:
>> Hi All,
>>
>> Just relocated the Yellow-green Vireo closer to the river singing a lot.
>>
>> Here: Dropped Pin
>> near Santa Cruz County, AZ
>> https://goo.gl/maps/DzL2ZzFdXsy >>
>> Chris
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> > On Aug 5, 2017, at 7:21 AM, Chris Benesh <cdbenesh...> wrote:
>> >
>> > Hi All,
>> >
>> > Quick note that there was a singing Yellow-green Vireo moving along the De Anna trail just now. It went unseen but I got a bit of it song recorded. Moving north to south from this spot.Dropped Pin
>> > near Santa Cruz County, AZ
>> > https://goo.gl/maps/wnwZ1DUqWZQ2 >> >
>> > Chris Benesh
>> > Tucson.
>> >
>> > Sent from my iPhone
>> > 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.
>
> On Aug 5, 2017, at 7:21 AM, Chris Benesh <cdbenesh...> wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
> Quick note that there was a singing Yellow-green Vireo moving along the De Anna trail just now. It went unseen but I got a bit of it song recorded. Moving north to south from this spot.Dropped Pin
> near Santa Cruz County, AZ
> https://goo.gl/maps/wnwZ1DUqWZQ2 >
> Chris Benesh
> Tucson.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
> 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: 8/5/17 7:38 am From: Daniel Moore <dan...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Amado WTP pond: black-bellied whistling ducks with ducklings
We visited the Amado WTP pond yesterday morning (9:30am, August 04, 2017) and spotted a pair of black-bellied whistling ducks with four ducklings. The brown pelican was also still there along with two double-crested cormorants, ruddy ducks, and a coot.
Date: 8/5/17 7:21 am From: Chris Benesh <cdbenesh...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] AZ Yellow-green Vireo
Hi All,
Quick note that there was a singing Yellow-green Vireo moving along the De Anna trail just now. It went unseen but I got a bit of it song recorded. Moving north to south from this spot.Dropped Pin
near Santa Cruz County, AZ
https://goo.gl/maps/wnwZ1DUqWZQ2
Date: 8/4/17 11:49 pm From: Andrew Core <tucsonrba...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 4 August 2017
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast
Arizona was made on August 4, 2017; the next update will be made on August
11. 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
#Semipalmated Sandpiper
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR
#Lucifer Hummingbird
#Green Kingfisher
*TUFTED FLYCATCHER
*ROSE-THROATED BECARD
#Black-capped Gnatcatcher
#Louisiana Waterthrush
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER
#Painted Bunting
NOGALES area
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJARS and #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS continued through
7/30 (Gavin Bieber) at the south end of California Gulch at the confluence
with Warsaw Canyon. Annotated map: http://goo.gl/wSr0mi A male #PAINTED BUNTING was photographed in a yard in Rio Rico on 8/3 (Ron
Batie).
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
In upper Ramsey Canyon, a *TUFTED FLYCATCHER continued through 7/25 (Kyle
Kittelberger) 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
locations: https://goo.gl/aMh1ke In Carr Canyon, two *TUFTED FLYCATCHERS continued at the Reef Townsite CG
this week (m.ob.) on the north side of the campground. The pair were
frequenting the small clearing about 200 yards down the drainage behind the
bathrooms (near campsite #9). A *SHORT-TAILED HAWK was photographed
overhead on 7/29 (Ed Harper, Dan Tankersly).
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.
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRDS continued at Ash Canyon B&B and in several yards in
the Huachuca foothills this week (m.ob.) – dusk is the best time to see
them.
TUBAC area (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/yDqi0)
At least two *ROSE-THROATED BECARDS continued along the De Anza Trail at
Tumacacori this week (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) and just to the north. A male #PAINTED BUNTING was reported on
8/3 (Matt Brooks).
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.
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 this week (m.ob.) near the culvert, upstream of the
concrete stream crossing.
WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY
Two #SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS were reported at Lake Cochise by the Twin
Lakes Golf Course on 8/1 (Chris Benesh).
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/XfXfX)
A # LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD and a #PAINTED BUNTING were reported from a yard in
Portal 8/1 (Lori Conrad).
PATAGONIA
At Patagonia Lake (annotated map: http://goo.gl/GgNvs), a #GREEN KINGFISHER
and a #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER continued this week (m.ob.) at the east end
along the Birding Trail. A #LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH was photographed there on
8/1 (Morgan Sayler).
A #GREEN KINGFISHER was photographed along the Railroad Trail in the
Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve on 8/3 (Kathy West). Patagonia-Sonoita
Creek Preserve annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/0pXsd A female #PAINTED BUNTING was photographed at the Paton Center for
Hummingbirds on 7/28 (Cory Gregory).
BUENOS AIRES NWR
A male #PAINTED BUNTING was photographed at Arivaca Lake on 7/29 (Cory
Gregory, et al).
DOUGLAS area
8-10 #PAINTED BUNTINGS were reported from San Bernardino NWR on 7/31
(Richard Webster). Two more #PAINTED BUNTINGS and a #GREEN KINGFISHER was
at House Pond at nearby Slaughter Ranch the same day, and the kingfisher
continued though 8/2 (m.ob.).
AMADO
A Brown Pelican continued at the Amado STP this week (m.ob.).
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). UPDATE: Closed for construction; timeline for
reopening uncertain.
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.
Water, water, everywhere at Whitewater! Amazing change from recent years.
Doug and I stopped there on our way back from Slaughter Ranch (no Green Kingbird for us despite several hours of watching at the big pond but quite a few Yellow-billed Cuckoos entertained is while we watched). We arrived a little after 4 PM and walked around the dikes until around 5:30. It was windy and there were waves on the water! An unexpected surprise was: 4 BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCKS on the first pond on the right as you walk from the barn and at least 17 BLACK TERNS on the back ponds and resting on the spit that goes past the last viewing platform. Also more than 50 WILSON'S PHALAROPES, a LESSER YELLOWLEGS, SPOTTED SANDPIPERS, a single LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, 3 SORAS. In the distance with several GREAT BLUE HERONS were what looked like Snowy Egrets but being scopeless, I can't say for sure. Can't wait to go back when I have more time. I'll put some photos of the ponds and the ducks on my Facebook page ASAP.
One note about access to San Bernardino NWR from Slaughter Ranch. This is no more. Sadly the gate has been closed to all entry, reasons were unclear but we were informed of this by Fred, the manager. We usually enter from this spot as it isn't as long a walk as from the actual entry to the NWR farther down the road. So, we were disappointed that we were not able to get in that way.
Date: 8/4/17 2:11 pm From: Jonathan Lutz <jlutz...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Paton Center Update - August 4, 2017
Greetings from the Paton Center for Hummingbirds!
Monsoon season is in full swing and we're seeing a nice bump in the number of visiting birders and tour groups. We're also grateful for 2 excellent birding festivals happening in the region this month: the Southwest Wings Birding & Nature Festival (in progress) and the Southeast Arizona Birding Festival (August 10-13). The following reminders will help make sure your upcoming visit goes smoothly:
The Paton Center is open 7 days a week, from sunrise to sunset. There is no overnight parking allowed. All viewing areas are currently open, including the front yard, backyard, and the Richard Grand Memorial Meadow.
Public restrooms are located 0.3 miles away in Patagonia Town Park (opposite the Wagon Wheel Saloon). There are no public restrooms at the Paton Center.
The Paton Center site rules are as follows: - No smoking on the premises - Dogs must be leashed and well-behaved - Maintain a respectful distance from birds and bird feeders - Respect the privacy of the caretaker's residence - Do not use audio playback to attract birds - No flash photography - Remain on paths and in designated viewing areas - Practice Leave No Trace ethics: pack out what you pack in
The Paton Center remains free and open to the public, though Tucson Audubon's continuing efforts to improve the site for the benefit of birds and birders is dependent on voluntary donations. Tour guides--please consider donating on behalf of your group, or encourage your tour participants to donate individually. The donation receptacle is located adjacent to the guest sign-in station in the backyard viewing area. Thank you for your support!
Finally, please stay abreast of the weather forecast. As many of you know, we're experiencing a very wet monsoon season. Even a modest afternoon rain shower is capable of creating flash flood conditions in Sonoita Creek. Crossing the creek during flood conditions is not recommended and there is no alternative public route to or from the Paton Center.
As always, if you're planning a trip to the Paton Center and have questions, please contact me during business hours (520) 415-6447 or via email, <jlutz...> Visit and interact with the Paton Center on social media and online: www.facebook.com/patonhummingbirds, www.tucsonaudubon.org/patoncenter.
Happy birding!
Best regards, Jonathan
Jonathan E. Lutz Paton Center Coordinator Tucson Audubon Society (520) 415-6447 tucsonaudubon.org
Date: 8/4/17 11:42 am From: Lee Estis <bermuda1942...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Cassin's sparrows.
My brother and I saw and heard Cassin's all along sanders road(dirt) off of route 70 near Duncan az. on Sunday,Nice And green Green out there!!!! Lee Estis ,Payson,Az.
Date: 8/4/17 10:42 am From: Christopher Vincent <cj...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] AZ: Cassin's Sparrows
There are a lot of them in the Catalina regional park last week also.
Christopher Vincent
<cj...>
520.907.8735
WOW Arizona - Web
WOW Arizona Weather
HUMMINGBIRD CAMERA
‘Mountain View Camera'
WOW AZ on Facebook
Videos on Vimeo
> On Aug 4, 2017, at 10:31 AM, Doug Jenness <d_jenness...> wrote:
>
> 8/4/17
>
>
> Several people have commented on the appearance of CASSIN'S SPARROWS in more northerly locations in the state. Adding to this information, I detected 57 this morning along a 5.3-mile stretch of Willow Springs Road, compared to only 12 there on 11 July. Many males were skylarking. This road goes through upland desert grassland located between Oracle Junction and Oracle n. of AZ 77 in Pinal Co. This is the highest number I've detected there since 2006 when I first discovered that they likely nested there following the onset of monsoon rains. (Not all summers have they been found there in the past 12 years.) The considerable amount of rain last month likely spurred the appearance of more Cassin's than usual.
>
>
> Doug Jenness,
>
> Catalina, 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.
Several people have commented on the appearance of CASSIN'S SPARROWS in more northerly locations in the state. Adding to this information, I detected 57 this morning along a 5.3-mile stretch of Willow Springs Road, compared to only 12 there on 11 July. Many males were skylarking. This road goes through upland desert grassland located between Oracle Junction and Oracle n. of AZ 77 in Pinal Co. This is the highest number I've detected there since 2006 when I first discovered that they likely nested there following the onset of monsoon rains. (Not all summers have they been found there in the past 12 years.) The considerable amount of rain last month likely spurred the appearance of more Cassin's than usual.
Date: 8/4/17 9:47 am From: Georgia Conti <antep12...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Am Looking for Birders Who Want to Join Me this coming week
I will be in SE Arizona this coming week and want to bird Aug 10-14. My targets are: Common black hawk, Rufous-capped warbler, Tufted flycatcher, Black-capped gnatcatcher, Buff-collared nightjar, Mexican whip-poor-will, Dusky-capped flycatcher, Nutting's flycatcher, Rose-throated becard, Slate-throated redstart, and perhaps Mexican chickadee. I believe my new Toyota RAV4 will get me to most of the hotspots for these birds. If anyone is interested in joining me, please e-mail me privately at my gmail account starting with antep12.
Date: 8/4/17 9:27 am From: Christopher Vincent <cj...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] AZ / Catalina: Yellow-billed cuckoo
East Edwin Road, Catalina
At least three were calling to each other. I recorded the calls, and got some poor (But clearly identified yellow bill) photos of one of them. And e-bird report will be filed later.
This is the second year in a row we have had yellow-billed cuckoos at our location.
Christopher Vincent
<cj...>
520.907.8735
WOW Arizona - Web
WOW Arizona Weather
HUMMINGBIRD CAMERA
‘Mountain View Camera'
WOW AZ on Facebook
Videos on Vimeo
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: 8/4/17 8:44 am From: Robert A. Behrstock, Naturewide Images <rbehrstock...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Aug 18/19: C.W. Painter Bioblitz, Rodeo, NM
Dear Birdsters,
The second annual C.W. Painter Bioblitz is scheduled for August 18-19 and the website is now up. The event straddles the Arizona/New Mexico border in an area that hosts an abundance of birdlife. This year's monsoon rains have been generous and the area is verdant. Registration, talks and two meals will be held at the wonderful new convention center adjacent to the Chihuahuan Desert Museum in Rodeo, New Mexico. Last year, a number of Tucson and Hereford birders joined Portal/Rodeo locals to participate in the event but we hope to draw folks from other areas. eBirders will note that the Chiricahuas, the lowlands to the east, and adjacent New Mexico are speckled with Hotspots and there are opportunities for surprises at every elevation. If you have friends who are interested in plants, bugs, or reptiles, bring them along as all life forms are being tallied. For rules, a schedule of talks, lodging suggestions (Paradise, Portal, Rodeo, Douglas) and registration info., please see the website.
Date: 8/4/17 7:07 am From: trose <trose...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] No Birds - THANK YOU eBird New CHANGE SPECIES Option
OH MY GAWD, this is the BEST thing ever that eBird could have come out with!!! Yay! LOL.
Anyone who eBirds probably just received an email from eBird letting them know of the new "Change Species" function they have just implemented. But in case you didn't read it in detail or went to the "Change Species" how-to link, please do!!! (I provide the link in this email near the bottom, as well).
eBird will now let you change a species in one of your individual eBird lists, including ALL its accompanying photos, notes, breeding codes, etc., in one fell swoop by using the new "change species" option. No more deleting the species from the list, entering the new, correct one, then reentering all of its notes and codes and re-uploading its photos. Just choose "change species" instead, and viola! All gets updated at the same time. Or you can switch species on just the photos. Or just the audio. Or just one single photo amongst several. Whatever you need.
Some examples eBird gives are: updating an unidentified gull or shorebird from a generic species level to its individual species, once it gets identified. If you've uploaded a whole buncha photos and entered copious identification notes, what a pain it the butt it has been in the past to delete everything under that species, enter the new species and copy/save/transfer/reenter all those notes and codes, and then re-upload all those photos. Not any more!!! Now just one change, and be done with it.
Or, let's say you accidentally plopped one of your many photos into the wrong bird's slot and a fellow birder pointed it out to you? Whoops! Go click "change species" on that individual photo, and eBird moves it for you within that list. Awesome!!!
Tonya Holland Three Points AZ ------------------------ ***Personal case in point if anyone is interested: I very recently updated all of my listings of the domestic Swan Goose (type) seen at both Christopher Columbus and Kennedy parks in Tucson, because both eBird (and the Arizona eBird reviewer team) would prefer that they be entered as "Domestic Goose species (domestic type)" instead of the more specific Swan Goose domestic option. Apparently since domestic Swan Geese and Graylag Geese frequently interbreed and can look like either type, making it often impossible to determine actual parentage, eBird just wants this domestic jumble entered at a generic level.
Okay, I love eBird and always want to do things the way eBird requests that they be done (they have *reasons*!), so I dutifully changed all my lists. But hey, it's a DOMESTIC! It's annoying to most birders to even have to add them in, in the first place (side note: you SHOULD, by the way - just because it has no "importance" to you as a species doesn't meant it shouldn't be entered. Entering domestics and escapes is a great way to track historical progression and expansion of a species if it ever becomes an established breeding population, and then eventually even perhaps countable by the ABA, such as the Scaly-breasted Munia in California). But if you're like me, it still just seems like really annoying extra work to do all of the above-described delete/transfer/update steps just for a dumb old domestic! LOL.
So the new "Change Species" option would have been SOOOOO much easier to implement than the whole rigamarole that I ended up doing. In the words of Maxwell Smart, I "missed it by THAT much!"
Date: 8/3/17 5:46 pm From: Peggy Rogers <peggy_rogers...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ Las Cienegas NCA
Many thanks to all who responded to my question.
For others who are wondering...The area is east of 83 and my link below is west of 83. From 83 north of Sonoita, turn east onto E Empire Ranch Rd or from 82 east of Sonoita, turn north onto E Yucca Farm Rd.
Thanks again everyone. I really appreciate the help!
Peggy
________________________________
From: <aznmbirds-request...> <aznmbirds-request...> on behalf of Peggy Rogers <peggy_rogers...>
Sent: Thursday, August 3, 2017 3:42 PM
To: <aznmbirds...>
Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ Las Cienegas NCA
I'm not familiar with the Las Cienegas area, but would like to check out, including the grasslands, when I'm in AZ later this year. On eBird I see a hotspot off of hwy 83 called Lower Gardner Canyon Rd--grasslands http://ebird.org/ebird/hotspot/L3570855. Is this the same area being call the grasslands?
Thanks!
Peggy
________________________________
From: <aznmbirds-request...> <aznmbirds-request...> on behalf of Olga Harbour <oharbour...>
Sent: Thursday, August 3, 2017 11:59 AM
To: <aznmbirds...>
Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ Las Cienegas NCA
Hi folks,
Following up on Chris Mccreedy's suggestion earlier in the week, I spent
the morning in the grasslands at Las Cienegas. I entered from Highway
83 and took the main road through to Highway 82. The eastern portion
remains closed due to the fire, but the western half is open.
Everything is incredibly GREEN! It's just a lovely drive, and add the
birds in for the icing on the cake.
Throughout the morning I was rarely, if ever, out of earshot of CASSIN'S
and BOTTERI'S SPARROWS, and both were easily seen. I never did see a
GRASSHOPPER SPARROW, but I did catch a few songs along the paved portion
of the road. LARK and BLACK-THROATED SPARROWS were present at several
spots along the road.
There's an overgrown corral just past the frog pond on the east side of
the road that was very birdy, with LAZULI BUNTING, BLUE GROSBEAK, LUCY'S
and YELLOW WARBLERS, VERMILION FLYCATCHERS.
Maybe half a mile in from Highway 82 I spotted a single pronghorn, and
several more were visible shortly after I turned onto the highway
heading towards Sonoita.
Date: 8/3/17 4:18 pm From: Andrew Core <tucsonrba...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] se AZ: Green Kingfisher at Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve
From the Tucson Audubon Society's RBA (520-629-0510 X 3 or rarebirdalert AT tucsonaudubon.org):
Kathy West reports:
A Green Kingfisher was seen at the south railroad bridge abutment over looking Sonoita Creek off the Railroad Trail at 2:00pm today at the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve by two sets of visitors. I have pictures.
Date: 8/3/17 3:42 pm From: Peggy Rogers <peggy_rogers...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ Las Cienegas NCA
I'm not familiar with the Las Cienegas area, but would like to check out, including the grasslands, when I'm in AZ later this year. On eBird I see a hotspot off of hwy 83 called Lower Gardner Canyon Rd--grasslands http://ebird.org/ebird/hotspot/L3570855. Is this the same area being call the grasslands?
Thanks!
Peggy
________________________________
From: <aznmbirds-request...> <aznmbirds-request...> on behalf of Olga Harbour <oharbour...>
Sent: Thursday, August 3, 2017 11:59 AM
To: <aznmbirds...>
Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ Las Cienegas NCA
Hi folks,
Following up on Chris Mccreedy's suggestion earlier in the week, I spent
the morning in the grasslands at Las Cienegas. I entered from Highway
83 and took the main road through to Highway 82. The eastern portion
remains closed due to the fire, but the western half is open.
Everything is incredibly GREEN! It's just a lovely drive, and add the
birds in for the icing on the cake.
Throughout the morning I was rarely, if ever, out of earshot of CASSIN'S
and BOTTERI'S SPARROWS, and both were easily seen. I never did see a
GRASSHOPPER SPARROW, but I did catch a few songs along the paved portion
of the road. LARK and BLACK-THROATED SPARROWS were present at several
spots along the road.
There's an overgrown corral just past the frog pond on the east side of
the road that was very birdy, with LAZULI BUNTING, BLUE GROSBEAK, LUCY'S
and YELLOW WARBLERS, VERMILION FLYCATCHERS.
Maybe half a mile in from Highway 82 I spotted a single pronghorn, and
several more were visible shortly after I turned onto the highway
heading towards Sonoita.
Date: 8/3/17 11:59 am From: Olga Harbour <oharbour...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ Las Cienegas NCA
Hi folks,
Following up on Chris Mccreedy's suggestion earlier in the week, I spent the morning in the grasslands at Las Cienegas. I entered from Highway 83 and took the main road through to Highway 82. The eastern portion remains closed due to the fire, but the western half is open. Everything is incredibly GREEN! It's just a lovely drive, and add the birds in for the icing on the cake.
Throughout the morning I was rarely, if ever, out of earshot of CASSIN'S and BOTTERI'S SPARROWS, and both were easily seen. I never did see a GRASSHOPPER SPARROW, but I did catch a few songs along the paved portion of the road. LARK and BLACK-THROATED SPARROWS were present at several spots along the road.
There's an overgrown corral just past the frog pond on the east side of the road that was very birdy, with LAZULI BUNTING, BLUE GROSBEAK, LUCY'S and YELLOW WARBLERS, VERMILION FLYCATCHERS.
Maybe half a mile in from Highway 82 I spotted a single pronghorn, and several more were visible shortly after I turned onto the highway heading towards Sonoita.
Date: 8/3/17 2:10 am From: Homer Hansen <hhansen...> Subject: RE: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Cochise Lake, Willcox - Water Situatuion - Please Respond Off-list
I wanted to provide an update and say thank you to those of you who wrote and called about Cochise Lake. The outpouring of concern and information about how you spent your time in Willcox has had an impact and starting this past Friday, effluent is once again being discharged to Cochise Lake. This combined with the recent monsoon rains has already raised water levels well past what they were just 6 months ago. It has been a slow start for migrants to start congregating (my suspicion is that it is taking time for the microorganisms, etc. to recover), but numbers are slowly returning.
For those who have an interest in writing, please continue to do so and copy me with any correspondence. It has been the correspondence from those who visit from out-of-town that has had a significant impact - this information is very important and will continue to help raise awareness.
Thank you again, Homer Hansen Willcox/Tucson, AZ
-----Original Message----- From: Homer Hansen [mailto:<hhansen...>] Sent: Saturday, July 22, 2017 6:04 PM To: '<aznmbirds...>' Subject: SEAZ: Cochise Lake, Willcox - Water Situatuion - Please Respond Off-list
I have been out of state, unfortunately causing a delay in providing any information that I have.
First, I would like to clarify that the current discharge of effluent is independent of the wastewater treatment plant project. Effluent is being generated at the existing plant and it is capable of being discharged to Cochise Lake; however, this same effluent is also discharged to the Twin Lakes Golf Course. Over the past three years or so, more and more of the discharge that was historically shared with Cochise Lake has been redirected to the golf course, resulting in a significant decline of the water levels. Concerted efforts by local birders at times were able to garner 1 or 2 days a week of discharge to prevent the complete loss of the lake. However, this year, despite our requests, ALL the discharge has been directed to the golf course, thus the current water situation. I think everyone recognizes how this impacts our migratory birds, and right now, especially our shorebirds.
For those who are interested or concerned about the current situation, I encourage you to EMAIL or WRITE the Mayor of Willcox (this provides distribution to the council and to the public works department). PLEASE COPY ME WITH ANY CORRESPONDENCE. I would like to create an "archive" of this correspondence. For those who do send an email or letter, not everyone uses the kiosk sign-in sheet or notes what they spend locally when they visit the lake, and in the past, this information was very helpful with presentations to the mayor and council. Any reference to your personal visits may be helpful in the current situation.
--------------------------
Email:
Mike Laws <mlaws...> Mayor of Willcox
Please copy:
Homer Hansen <hhansen...>
Carol Broeder <carol.broeder...> Reporter
----------------------------
Letter:
City Hall 101 S. Railroad Ave Suite. B Willcox, AZ 85643 Attn: Mayor Mike Laws
Please copy:
Homer Hansen 2376 W. Lillie Rd. Willcox, AZ 85643
------------------------------
Most sincerely, Homer Hansen Willcox/Tucson, AZ
P.S.
For those who wish to learn more about the ecological importance of Cochise, I recommend visiting the IBA website for a comprehensive write-up: http://aziba.org/?page_id=712
"A brief history of the plant, saying that in the late 1940s it was a five-acre single lagoon, and in 1967 another seven-acre lagoon was added. The addition of surface aerators and chlorination occurred in the 1980s, then in 2002, a lift station, a septage receiving station (for septage haulers), and a lab/control building were added. In 2011, the plant's treatment process was upgraded, with effluent to be discharged to Cochise Lake or the Twin Lakes Golf Course."
Date: 8/2/17 7:49 pm From: Leesa Coble <leesacoble...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Green Kingfisher, Painted Buntings at San Bernardino NWR; Whitewater report
Thank you. Would you mind sharing about what time you saw the green kingfisher?
> On Aug 2, 2017, at 7:23 PM, Tom Hildebrandt <thildebrandt...> wrote:
>
> Just a quick note to let folks know the green kingfisher continued today for 3 of us at the house pond at Slaughter Ranch. First seen at the east end of the pond it moved over to the west side where it hung out in the dead branches drooping from some cottonwoods there. Water is very murky everywhere due to high runoff, but perhaps the house pond is ‘less’ murky than other areas so the kingfisher can find food there. I saw it dive repeatedly from the west side cottonwood branches. It was too far away to see if it caught anything or not.
> Good Birding,
> Tom
>
> From: <aznmbirds-request...> [mailto:<aznmbirds-request...>] On Behalf Of Richard Webster
> Sent: Monday, July 31, 2017 8:39 PM
> To: AZ/NM Listserv
> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Green Kingfisher, Painted Buntings at San Bernardino NWR; Whitewater report
>
> Hi Folks:
>
> On 31 July at San Bernardino NWR, I saw about 10 Painted Buntings at scattered locations throughout, including two at Slaughter Ranch; about half adult males, but also my first juveniles so far this year. And one more in desert scrub in the Perilla Mtns.
>
> The same, or a similar-looking, Green Kingfisher was now at House Pond, the main pond at Slaughter Ranch.
>
> San Bernardino NWR is open 365 days of the year to walk-in visitors during daylight hours. Slaughter Ranch (check website) is open Wed-Sun 10-3 (fee). Both are reached 14-15 miles E of Douglas on Geronimo Trail (15th Street).
>
> On the evening of 30 July I found SW's previously reported shorebird habitat at Whitewater Draw to be duck habitat, with (understandably) very few ducks yet. Whitewater Draw is almost completely full, with water still flowing under Davis Road. A big muddy mess that is bad news in some ways in the short run, but good news in the short run for dragonflies, toads, spadefoot toads, and Swainson's Hawks (eating things forced up by the flood), and good news in the long run for the winter crane (and duck and goose etc.) season (assuming too much water is not let out as in one recent year . . .). I saw a few shorebirds in far corners, but not many, a Solitary Sandpiper in the inner pond at the south entrance the best. There was a male Painted Bunting with a few Lazulis in flooded, seeding grass in the main lake along the dike between it and the inner pond near the north/northeast corner of that dike. Black-bellied Whistling-Duck(s) were heard during the night. A lovely spot, but a challenge to bird.
>
> Richard
>
> Richard Webster
> <webster.re...>
> 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.
Thanks all! You guys and gals are wonderful - several responses already. Off to see the tri in the a.m. :)
On Wed, Aug 2, 2017 at 7:43 PM, Johnson Brian <spindlebrook...> wrote:
> #1. Northeast. #2. North central. #3. Northwest. #4. Southwest. #5. > South central. #6. Southeast. > > Brian Johnson > > > Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone <https://yho.com/footer0> > > > On Wednesday, August 2, 2017, 7:34 PM, Karen Mckinley <kaymack58...> > wrote: > > could you tell me how the basins are numbered? > > > On Wed, Aug 2, 2017 at 9:43 AM, cjbabbitt cjbabbitt <cjbabbitt...> > wrote: > > The heron was spotted about 7:15 a.m. Serendipitously, about 10 minutes > after I spotted it, Rob Bowker joined me. Rob had originally found it > (presumably the same bird) a couple of weeks ago. We watched it for a while > but when we moved to try to get in a better position for photographs it > flew off. It may be best to look for it early in the morning. It was in > basin #3, the one with the good shorebird habitat. It is a good looking > bird with a nice white plume on the back of its head. Its disruptive > coloration can make it hard to see as it stands along the bank. > > The two Caspian Terns continue. There were about 10 Greater Yellowlegs and > several Long-billed Dowitchers. Also, a handful of Western Sandpipers among > many Least. > > Charles Babbitt > > Phoenix > > Home Page: https://list.arizona.edu/ sympa/info/aznmbirds > <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: 8/2/17 7:44 pm From: Johnson Brian <spindlebrook...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Tricolored Heron-Glendale Recharge Ponds
#1. Northeast. #2. North central. #3. Northwest. #4. Southwest. #5. South central. #6. Southeast.
Brian Johnson
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
On Wednesday, August 2, 2017, 7:34 PM, Karen Mckinley <kaymack58...> wrote:
could you tell me how the basins are numbered?
On Wed, Aug 2, 2017 at 9:43 AM, cjbabbitt cjbabbitt <cjbabbitt...> wrote:
The heron was spotted about 7:15 a.m. Serendipitously, about 10 minutes after I spotted it, Rob Bowker joined me. Rob had originally found it (presumably the same bird) a couple of weeks ago. We watched it for a while but when we moved to try to get in a better position for photographs it flew off. It may be best to look for it early in the morning. It was in basin #3, the one with the good shorebird habitat. It is a good looking bird with a nice white plume on the back of its head. Its disruptive coloration can make it hard to see as it stands along the bank.
The two Caspian Terns continue. There were about 10 Greater Yellowlegs and several Long-billed Dowitchers. Also, a handful of Western Sandpipers among many Least.
Charles Babbitt
Phoenix
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.
On Wed, Aug 2, 2017 at 9:43 AM, cjbabbitt cjbabbitt <cjbabbitt...> wrote:
> The heron was spotted about 7:15 a.m. Serendipitously, about 10 minutes > after I spotted it, Rob Bowker joined me. Rob had originally found it > (presumably the same bird) a couple of weeks ago. We watched it for a while > but when we moved to try to get in a better position for photographs it > flew off. It may be best to look for it early in the morning. It was in > basin #3, the one with the good shorebird habitat. It is a good looking > bird with a nice white plume on the back of its head. Its disruptive > coloration can make it hard to see as it stands along the bank. > > The two Caspian Terns continue. There were about 10 Greater Yellowlegs and > several Long-billed Dowitchers. Also, a handful of Western Sandpipers among > many Least. > > Charles Babbitt > > Phoenix > > 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: 8/2/17 7:23 pm From: Tom Hildebrandt <thildebrandt...> Subject: RE: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Green Kingfisher, Painted Buntings at San Bernardino NWR; Whitewater report
Just a quick note to let folks know the green kingfisher continued today for 3 of us at the house pond at Slaughter Ranch. First seen at the east end of the pond it moved over to the west side where it hung out in the dead branches drooping from some cottonwoods there. Water is very murky everywhere due to high runoff, but perhaps the house pond is ‘less’ murky than other areas so the kingfisher can find food there. I saw it dive repeatedly from the west side cottonwood branches. It was too far away to see if it caught anything or not.
Good Birding,
Tom
From: <aznmbirds-request...> [mailto:<aznmbirds-request...>] On Behalf Of Richard Webster
Sent: Monday, July 31, 2017 8:39 PM
To: AZ/NM Listserv
Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Green Kingfisher, Painted Buntings at San Bernardino NWR; Whitewater report
Hi Folks:
On 31 July at San Bernardino NWR, I saw about 10 Painted Buntings at scattered locations throughout, including two at Slaughter Ranch; about half adult males, but also my first juveniles so far this year. And one more in desert scrub in the Perilla Mtns.
The same, or a similar-looking, Green Kingfisher was now at House Pond, the main pond at Slaughter Ranch.
San Bernardino NWR is open 365 days of the year to walk-in visitors during daylight hours. Slaughter Ranch (check website) is open Wed-Sun 10-3 (fee). Both are reached 14-15 miles E of Douglas on Geronimo Trail (15th Street).
On the evening of 30 July I found SW's previously reported shorebird habitat at Whitewater Draw to be duck habitat, with (understandably) very few ducks yet. Whitewater Draw is almost completely full, with water still flowing under Davis Road. A big muddy mess that is bad news in some ways in the short run, but good news in the short run for dragonflies, toads, spadefoot toads, and Swainson's Hawks (eating things forced up by the flood), and good news in the long run for the winter crane (and duck and goose etc.) season (assuming too much water is not let out as in one recent year . . .). I saw a few shorebirds in far corners, but not many, a Solitary Sandpiper in the inner pond at the south entrance the best. There was a male Painted Bunting with a few Lazulis in flooded, seeding grass in the main lake along the dike between it and the inner pond near the north/northeast corner of that dike. Black-bellied Whistling-Duck(s) were heard during the night. A lovely spot, but a challenge to bird.
Richard
Richard Webster
<webster.re...>
Date: 8/2/17 5:05 pm From: John Broz <johnbroz1944...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ Sierra Vista, San Pedro House
Fifty-one species for today's bird walk including Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Varied and Lazuli Buntings, and 6 Sparrow species. Most birding was along del Valle Road, an administrative road west of Bookstore closed to non governmental vehicles, Garden Wash west of del Valle Road, and the administrative road on the north side of Garden Wash going east and west. Due to flooding, the River is approachable only from the high banks east of the Bookstore.
Next bird walk is next Wednesday, August 9 at 7. Free.
Within a few minutes of seeing the listserv report for the Tricolored Heron at
the Glendale Recharge Ponds this morning, I was in the car and rushed down to
the ponds. I got there just in time to find out from Robert Bowker that the
Tricolored Heron had flown off … I missed it by about 15 - 20 minutes. I
checked the recharge ponds and the riparian trees along the New River, but
could not find the heron. Perhaps it will be there tomorrow morning?
I did, however, find a juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper on mudflats at the east
side of Pond 3 (NW pond). Pictures and description of the sandpiper I saw are
in my eBird checklist. Pond 3 has very good shorebird habitat right now.
I reported a few days ago that the road from Portal up to Onion Saddle was washed out just above the Paradise Rd intersection and that the Forest Service was considering closing the road. That has not happened. I drove up there this morning (Aug 2, 2017) and, while the wash-out is still fairly deep, I think a car could, with care, get across. Ill probably not try myself for a few more days.
While checking the road status, my wife and I did a little birding. It was very quiet (no warblers or other special birds), but we did have a pair of Montezuma Quail cross the road a few hundred feet east of the Paradise Rd intersection.
Tom Arny
Box 545
Patagonia, AZ 85624
The heron was spotted about 7:15 a.m. Serendipitously, about 10 minutes after I spotted it, Rob Bowker joined me. Rob had originally found it (presumably the same bird) a couple of weeks ago. We watched it for a while but when we moved to try to get in a better position for photographs it flew off. It may be best to look for it early in the morning. It was in basin #3, the one with the good shorebird habitat. It is a good looking bird with a nice white plume on the back of its head. Its disruptive coloration can make it hard to see as it stands along the bank.
The two Caspian Terns continue. There were about 10 Greater Yellowlegs and several Long-billed Dowitchers. Also, a handful of Western Sandpipers among many Least.
I drove down to the monastery today and visited with some of the people living there who were all very friendly. I told them that the birding community was unsure of current and future access given the news articles about a potential closure and movement of the monks.
The caretakers said that it will remain open and those living there (except for the monks) are allowed to stay. She said to tell all the birders that they are very welcome to come and explore the birding trails and enjoy their facilities:
Lodging is available for $60 per person double occupancy and includes meals. Camping (trailers, not tents) is $20 per night and includes restrooms with showers. For an extra $20/day, you can also get the meals.
This is great news so I wanted to share with all of you.
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: 8/1/17 8:21 pm From: Arlene Ripley <arleneripley...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ: Lake Cochise, some water
Yesterday I made a quick trip to Lake Cochise and was surprised to find water present in the lake. It was mainly in the east end of the lake and I suspect it is the result of monsoon rains and not from any pumping. I'd say it was about 1/4 full but even this little amount of water has already attracted some shorebirds and waders. Seen were Killdeer, Black-necked Stilts, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Long-billed Dowitcher, and Least Sandpipers. A scope is mandatory at this time as the birds and the water are far from the road. There was a lot of water in the surrounding temporal ponds which held a few Mallards and a small flock of Cinnamon Teal but these ponds are distant and not very conducive to shorebirding as the water goes right up to the surrounding grassland.
Date: 8/1/17 2:04 pm From: Donna J. Memon <donna...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Tucson Migration morning flight 29-31 July 2017
Thanks for your insight Tim. I will have to start
looking up earlier in the day :)
Donna
At 11:50 AM 8/1/2017, Tim Spahr wrote:
>Hi Donna, this is a good question. In the case
>of birds in the east, and some of the birds in
>the Tucson area, they are migrants and not
>breeders so we know they are 'on the
>move'. The most prominent species in morning
>flight where I live in Massachusetts will be
>thrushes (largely Swainson's) and Blackpoll
>Warblers; these are clearly migrants. Also,
>we'll often bird locations out on the water, so
>any passerine out there has definitely been on
>the move and is looking for more suitable
>habitat. Timing will also help provide
>clues--this phenomenon does not regularly occur
>outside of migration with the exception of a few
>notable examples (the movement of Chipping
>Sparrows in Colorado post-breeding, for example)
>
>Hope this helps a bit!
>
>Best,
>
>Tim
>
>
>
>
>
>On Tue, Aug 1, 2017 at 11:27 AM, Donna J. Memon
><<mailto:<donna...><donna...> wrote:
>Maybe a dumb question, but how do you know they
>are migrating & not just "flying"? I'm very
>interested to know how to do this in my Oro Valley yard.
>
>Donna
>
>
>
>At 11:15 AM 8/1/2017, Tim Spahr wrote:
>>Hi Brian, AZNM readers:
>>
>>The subject of 'morning flight' is
>>fascinating. I love this discussion. Us
>>eastern birders (I live in Massachusetts) can
>>often see and hear hundreds/thousands of
>>migrants if the day and location are
>>right. It is encouraging also this
>>phenomenon is being detected in the west. I
>>am looking forward to other reports this fall as more folks are interested!
>>
>>I will note on a couple of my birding trips to
>>SE AZ that I detected a fair bit of morning
>>flight. I hope some other folks might chime
>>in and maybe try the locations where I have had success:
>>
>>1) Mt. Hopkins road, at the observatory gate.
>> (around the 13km post). There is an open
>>area up here where when facing south, Josephine
>>Canyon is on the left, and Montosa Canyon is on
>>the right. I had a good spring day when
>>migrants were selecting which of these canyons
>>they'd use for the day. I suspect this spot
>>would be very, very good in the fall, and
>>perhaps spectacular in the event of a little
>>fog or rain. The eBird checklist is here:
>>Â
>><http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S29375435>http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S29375435 >>
>>2) Proctor Road, Madera Canyon. Rather
>>surprisingly (to me) one late April morning at
>>Proctor Road produced a big flight of sparrows,
>>tanagers, and orioles coming up the creek bed
>>from the desert. I had the feeling the
>>birds were out over the desert when the sun
>>came up and flew uphill to the water and
>>deciduous trees they could see in Madera
>>Canyon. This flight included several
>>hundred Lark and Chipping Sparrows, and also a
>>dozen or so tanagers, grosbeaks, and
>>orioles. I suspect monitoring this area
>>could be useful in the future, too. Â
>>
>>I imagine there are other spots, and perhaps
>>more productive spots, than the ones I've
>>listed here. I'd love to get out this fall
>>and poke around for more productive locations to observe this phenomenon! Â
>>
>>Best,
>>
>>Tim Spahr
>>Massachusetts
>>
>>
>>
>>On Tue, Aug 1, 2017 at 12:33 AM, Brian Gibbons
>><<mailto:<thehornedguan...><thehornedguan...> > wrote:
>>Hi Birders
>>The birds are still moving. Saturday was a very
>>light flight, Sunday moderate until I got
>>chased inside by a shower and Monday was
>>moderate but ended early, by about 7 am.
>>If you're interested in trying to count
>>migrants I think the headquarters parking lot
>>at Saguaro National Park East might be a good lookout.
>>29 July
>>Cassin's Kingbird 1
>>Western Kingbird 8
>>Northern Mockingbird 10
>>Phainopepla 2
>>Lark Sparrow 25
>>Western Tanager 16
>>Black-headed Grosbeak 8
>>Lazuli Bunting 1
>>Bullock's Oriole 4
>>Passerine sp 8
>>83 migrants
>>30 Jul
>>Western Kingbird 13
>>Tree Swallow 1
>>Barn Swallow 1
>>Phainopepla 4
>>Chipping Sparrow 2
>>Lark Sparrow 52
>>Western Tanager 32
>>Black-headed Grosbeak 10
>>Lazuli Bunting 2
>>Bullock's Oriole 14
>>Passerine sp 16
>>137 migrants
>>31 July
>>Cassin's Kingbird 1
>>Western Kingbird 15
>>Tree Swallow 4
>>Cliff Swallow 1
>>Northern Mockingbird 3
>>Painopepla 9
>>Yellow Warbler 2
>>Lark Sparrow 27
>>Western Tanager 9
>>Black-headed Grosbeak 5
>>Lazuli Bunting 1
>>Bullock's Oriole 6
>>Passerine sp 3
>>85 migrants
>>Good Birding
>>Brian Gibbons
>>Tucson
>>Home Page:
>><https://list.arizona.edu/sympa/info/aznmbirds>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>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: 8/1/17 1:46 pm From: Brian Gibbons <thehornedguan...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Tucson Morning Flight 1 August 2017
Hi Birders
I had a great flight this morning, I believe a yard record 53 Western Tanagers flew over!
I was out from 5:40 - 7:40, most action was from 6-7, I was also out in the darkness around 5 am and heard almost nothing flying over so daylight seems important to get these birds low enough to be seen and heard.
Approaching peak flight time when I detect the most migrants, the second week of August.
Migrants These are birds that are only seen in flight, generally appear from the north and head south, sometimes passing just feet over the house.
Date: 8/1/17 8:51 am From: Tim Spahr <tspahr44...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Tucson Migration morning flight 29-31 July 2017
Hi Donna, this is a good question. In the case of birds in the east, and
some of the birds in the Tucson area, they are migrants and not breeders so
we know they are 'on the move'. The most prominent species in morning
flight where I live in Massachusetts will be thrushes (largely Swainson's)
and Blackpoll Warblers; these are clearly migrants. Also, we'll often bird
locations out on the water, so any passerine out there has definitely been
on the move and is looking for more suitable habitat. Timing will also
help provide clues--this phenomenon does not regularly occur outside of
migration with the exception of a few notable examples (the movement of
Chipping Sparrows in Colorado post-breeding, for example)
Hope this helps a bit!
Best,
Tim
On Tue, Aug 1, 2017 at 11:27 AM, Donna J. Memon <donna...> wrote:
> Maybe a dumb question, but how do you know they are migrating & not just
> "flying"? I'm very interested to know how to do this in my Oro Valley yard.
>
> Donna
>
>
>
> At 11:15 AM 8/1/2017, Tim Spahr wrote:
>
> Hi Brian, AZNM readers:
>
> The subject of 'morning flight' is fascinating. I love this
> discussion. Us eastern birders (I live in Massachusetts) can often see
> and hear hundreds/thousands of migrants if the day and location are
> right. It is encouraging also this phenomenon is being detected in the
> west. I am looking forward to other reports this fall as more folks are
> interested!
>
> I will note on a couple of my birding trips to SE AZ that I detected a
> fair bit of morning flight. I hope some other folks might chime in and
> maybe try the locations where I have had success:
>
> 1) Mt. Hopkins road, at the observatory gate. Â (around the 13km post).Â
> There is an open area up here where when facing south, Josephine Canyon is
> on the left, and Montosa Canyon is on the right. I had a good spring day
> when migrants were selecting which of these canyons they'd use for the
> day. I suspect this spot would be very, very good in the fall, and
> perhaps spectacular in the event of a little fog or rain. The eBird
> checklist is here: Â http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S29375435 >
> 2) Proctor Road, Madera Canyon. Rather surprisingly (to me) one late
> April morning at Proctor Road produced a big flight of sparrows, tanagers,
> and orioles coming up the creek bed from the desert. I had the feeling
> the birds were out over the desert when the sun came up and flew uphill to
> the water and deciduous trees they could see in Madera Canyon. This
> flight included several hundred Lark and Chipping Sparrows, and also a
> dozen or so tanagers, grosbeaks, and orioles. I suspect monitoring this
> area could be useful in the future, too. Â
>
> I imagine there are other spots, and perhaps more productive spots, than
> the ones I've listed here. I'd love to get out this fall and poke around
> for more productive locations to observe this phenomenon! Â
>
> Best,
>
> Tim Spahr
> Massachusetts
>
>
>
> On Tue, Aug 1, 2017 at 12:33 AM, Brian Gibbons <thehornedguan...> >
> wrote:
> Hi Birders
>
> The birds are still moving. Saturday was a very light flight, Sunday
> moderate until I got chased inside by a shower and Monday was moderate but
> ended early, by about 7 am.
>
> If you're interested in trying to count migrants I think the headquarters
> parking lot at Saguaro National Park East might be a good lookout.
>
> 29 July
>
> Cassin's Kingbird 1
> Western Kingbird 8
> Northern Mockingbird 10
> Phainopepla 2
> Lark Sparrow 25
> Western Tanager 16
> Black-headed Grosbeak 8
> Lazuli Bunting 1
> Bullock's Oriole 4
> Passerine sp 8
>
> 83 migrants
>
> 30 Jul
>
> Western Kingbird 13
> Tree Swallow 1
> Barn Swallow 1
> Phainopepla 4
> Chipping Sparrow 2
> Lark Sparrow 52
> Western Tanager 32
> Black-headed Grosbeak 10
> Lazuli Bunting 2
> Bullock's Oriole 14
> Passerine sp 16
>
> 137 migrants
>
> 31 July
>
> Cassin's Kingbird 1
> Western Kingbird 15
> Tree Swallow 4
> Cliff Swallow 1
> Northern Mockingbird 3
> Painopepla 9
> Yellow Warbler 2
> Lark Sparrow 27
> Western Tanager 9
> Black-headed Grosbeak 5
> Lazuli Bunting 1
> Bullock's Oriole 6
> Passerine sp 3
>
> 85 migrants
>
> Good Birding
> Brian Gibbons
> Tucson
>
> 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: 8/1/17 8:31 am From: kathy <chswift...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Tucson Migration morning flight 29-31 July 2017
Another place is the Anza trail at elephant head road. There are lots of birds headed south there in the morning but they are often flying between or just above the widely spaced mesquite trees and so it's hard to follow them. I thought they were mostly blackbirds in flocks of 20-40 but a better birder than I could probably parse them more accurately. I even saw a large flock of greater white-fronted geese once.
The subject of 'morning flight' is fascinating. I love this discussion. Us eastern birders (I live in Massachusetts) can often see and hear hundreds/thousands of migrants if the day and location are right. It is encouraging also this phenomenon is being detected in the west. I am looking forward to other reports this fall as more folks are interested!
I will note on a couple of my birding trips to SE AZ that I detected a fair bit of morning flight. I hope some other folks might chime in and maybe try the locations where I have had success:
1) Mt. Hopkins road, at the observatory gate. (around the 13km post). There is an open area up here where when facing south, Josephine Canyon is on the left, and Montosa Canyon is on the right. I had a good spring day when migrants were selecting which of these canyons they'd use for the day. I suspect this spot would be very, very good in the fall, and perhaps spectacular in the event of a little fog or rain. The eBird checklist is here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S29375435
2) Proctor Road, Madera Canyon. Rather surprisingly (to me) one late April morning at Proctor Road produced a big flight of sparrows, tanagers, and orioles coming up the creek bed from the desert. I had the feeling the birds were out over the desert when the sun came up and flew uphill to the water and deciduous trees they could see in Madera Canyon. This flight included several hundred Lark and Chipping Sparrows, and also a dozen or so tanagers, grosbeaks, and orioles. I suspect monitoring this area could be useful in the future, too.
I imagine there are other spots, and perhaps more productive spots, than the ones I've listed here. I'd love to get out this fall and poke around for more productive locations to observe this phenomenon!
Best,
Tim Spahr
Massachusetts
On Tue, Aug 1, 2017 at 12:33 AM, Brian Gibbons <thehornedguan...><mailto:<thehornedguan...>> wrote:
Hi Birders
The birds are still moving. Saturday was a very light flight, Sunday moderate until I got chased inside by a shower and Monday was moderate but ended early, by about 7 am.
If you're interested in trying to count migrants I think the headquarters parking lot at Saguaro National Park East might be a good lookout.
Date: 8/1/17 8:28 am From: Donna J. Memon <donna...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Tucson Migration morning flight 29-31 July 2017
Maybe a dumb question, but how do you know they
are migrating & not just "flying"? I'm very
interested to know how to do this in my Oro Valley yard.
Donna
At 11:15 AM 8/1/2017, Tim Spahr wrote:
>Hi Brian, AZNM readers:
>
>The subject of 'morning flight' is
>fascinating. I love this discussion. Us
>eastern birders (I live in Massachusetts) can
>often see and hear hundreds/thousands of
>migrants if the day and location are right. It
>is encouraging also this phenomenon is being
>detected in the west. I am looking forward to
>other reports this fall as more folks are interested!
>
>I will note on a couple of my birding trips to
>SE AZ that I detected a fair bit of morning
>flight. I hope some other folks might chime in
>and maybe try the locations where I have had success:
>
>1) Mt. Hopkins road, at the observatory gate.
>(around the 13km post). There is an open area
>up here where when facing south, Josephine
>Canyon is on the left, and Montosa Canyon is on
>the right. I had a good spring day when
>migrants were selecting which of these canyons
>they'd use for the day. I suspect this spot
>would be very, very good in the fall, and
>perhaps spectacular in the event of a little fog
>or rain. The eBird checklist is here:
><http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S29375435>http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S29375435 >
>2) Proctor Road, Madera Canyon. Rather
>surprisingly (to me) one late April morning at
>Proctor Road produced a big flight of sparrows,
>tanagers, and orioles coming up the creek bed
>from the desert. I had the feeling the birds
>were out over the desert when the sun came up
>and flew uphill to the water and deciduous trees
>they could see in Madera Canyon. This flight
>included several hundred Lark and Chipping
>Sparrows, and also a dozen or so tanagers,
>grosbeaks, and orioles. I suspect monitoring
>this area could be useful in the future, too.
>
>I imagine there are other spots, and perhaps
>more productive spots, than the ones I've listed
>here. I'd love to get out this fall and poke
>around for more productive locations to observe this phenomenon!
>
>Best,
>
>Tim Spahr
>Massachusetts
>
>
>
>On Tue, Aug 1, 2017 at 12:33 AM, Brian Gibbons
><<mailto:<thehornedguan...><thehornedguan...> wrote:
>Hi Birders
>
>The birds are still moving. Saturday was a very
>light flight, Sunday moderate until I got chased
>inside by a shower and Monday was moderate but ended early, by about 7 am.
>
>If you're interested in trying to count migrants
>I think the headquarters parking lot at Saguaro
>National Park East might be a good lookout.
>
>29 July
>
>Cassin's Kingbird 1
>Western Kingbird 8
>Northern Mockingbird 10
>Phainopepla 2
>Lark Sparrow 25
>Western Tanager 16
>Black-headed Grosbeak 8
>Lazuli Bunting 1
>Bullock's Oriole 4
>Passerine sp 8
>
>83 migrants
>
>30 Jul
>
>Western Kingbird 13
>Tree Swallow 1
>Barn Swallow 1
>Phainopepla 4
>Chipping Sparrow 2
>Lark Sparrow 52
>Western Tanager 32
>Black-headed Grosbeak 10
>Lazuli Bunting 2
>Bullock's Oriole 14
>Passerine sp 16
>
>137 migrants
>
>31 July
>
>Cassin's Kingbird 1
>Western Kingbird 15
>Tree Swallow 4
>Cliff Swallow 1
>Northern Mockingbird 3
>Painopepla 9
>Yellow Warbler 2
>Lark Sparrow 27
>Western Tanager 9
>Black-headed Grosbeak 5
>Lazuli Bunting 1
>Bullock's Oriole 6
>Passerine sp 3
>
>85 migrants
>
>Good Birding
>Brian Gibbons
>Tucson
>
>Home Page:
><https://list.arizona.edu/sympa/info/aznmbirds>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: 8/1/17 8:21 am From: Lori <lconrad6853...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Calliope, Lucifer, Violet-crowned in Portal
Hi all,
Hummer numbers are finally picking up in our Portal yard. A male Calliope, a Violet-crowned, a Lucifer & several Rufous have appeared over the past 2 days in the yard. Oh, and a young male Painted Bunting!
Date: 8/1/17 8:16 am From: Tim Spahr <tspahr44...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Tucson Migration morning flight 29-31 July 2017
Hi Brian, AZNM readers:
The subject of 'morning flight' is fascinating. I love this discussion. Us eastern birders (I live in Massachusetts) can often see and hear hundreds/thousands of migrants if the day and location are right. It is encouraging also this phenomenon is being detected in the west. I am looking forward to other reports this fall as more folks are interested!
I will note on a couple of my birding trips to SE AZ that I detected a fair bit of morning flight. I hope some other folks might chime in and maybe try the locations where I have had success:
1) Mt. Hopkins road, at the observatory gate. (around the 13km post). There is an open area up here where when facing south, Josephine Canyon is on the left, and Montosa Canyon is on the right. I had a good spring day when migrants were selecting which of these canyons they'd use for the day. I suspect this spot would be very, very good in the fall, and perhaps spectacular in the event of a little fog or rain. The eBird checklist is here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S29375435
2) Proctor Road, Madera Canyon. Rather surprisingly (to me) one late April morning at Proctor Road produced a big flight of sparrows, tanagers, and orioles coming up the creek bed from the desert. I had the feeling the birds were out over the desert when the sun came up and flew uphill to the water and deciduous trees they could see in Madera Canyon. This flight included several hundred Lark and Chipping Sparrows, and also a dozen or so tanagers, grosbeaks, and orioles. I suspect monitoring this area could be useful in the future, too.
I imagine there are other spots, and perhaps more productive spots, than the ones I've listed here. I'd love to get out this fall and poke around for more productive locations to observe this phenomenon!
Best,
Tim Spahr Massachusetts
On Tue, Aug 1, 2017 at 12:33 AM, Brian Gibbons <thehornedguan...> wrote:
> Hi Birders > > The birds are still moving. Saturday was a very light flight, Sunday > moderate until I got chased inside by a shower and Monday was moderate but > ended early, by about 7 am. > > If you're interested in trying to count migrants I think the headquarters > parking lot at Saguaro National Park East might be a good lookout. > > 29 July > > Cassin's Kingbird 1 > Western Kingbird 8 > Northern Mockingbird 10 > Phainopepla 2 > Lark Sparrow 25 > Western Tanager 16 > Black-headed Grosbeak 8 > Lazuli Bunting 1 > Bullock's Oriole 4 > Passerine sp 8 > > 83 migrants > > 30 Jul > > Western Kingbird 13 > Tree Swallow 1 > Barn Swallow 1 > Phainopepla 4 > Chipping Sparrow 2 > Lark Sparrow 52 > Western Tanager 32 > Black-headed Grosbeak 10 > Lazuli Bunting 2 > Bullock's Oriole 14 > Passerine sp 16 > > 137 migrants > > 31 July > > Cassin's Kingbird 1 > Western Kingbird 15 > Tree Swallow 4 > Cliff Swallow 1 > Northern Mockingbird 3 > Painopepla 9 > Yellow Warbler 2 > Lark Sparrow 27 > Western Tanager 9 > Black-headed Grosbeak 5 > Lazuli Bunting 1 > Bullock's Oriole 6 > Passerine sp 3 > > 85 migrants > > Good Birding > Brian Gibbons > Tucson > > 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: 8/1/17 7:58 am From: Debra Finch <dafinch13...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Tucson Migration morning flight 29-31 July 2017
Hi birders,
Encouraged by the nudge from Brian, I have been on my roof deck looking for migrants the last 2 mornings. I am a half mile west of Houghton at Broadway. My flight is more of a trickle but nonetheless visible.
31 July
Hooded Oriole 1
Black-headed Grosbeak 1
1 Aug
Black-headed Grosbeak 1
Lark Sparrow 2
Western Kingbird 8
Cassin’s Kingbird 1
Phainopepla 3
On a side note, there were several species of odes skimming my roof yesterday morning when it was still damp. A beautiful full rainbow was present to the west this morning when I was on the roof at 5:45.
Deb Finch
Tucson
> On Jul 31, 2017, at 9:33 PM, Brian Gibbons <thehornedguan...> wrote:
>
> Hi Birders
>
> The birds are still moving. Saturday was a very light flight, Sunday moderate until I got chased inside by a shower and Monday was moderate but ended early, by about 7 am.
>
> If you're interested in trying to count migrants I think the headquarters parking lot at Saguaro National Park East might be a good lookout.
>
> 29 July
>
> Cassin's Kingbird 1
> Western Kingbird 8
> Northern Mockingbird 10
> Phainopepla 2
> Lark Sparrow 25
> Western Tanager 16
> Black-headed Grosbeak 8
> Lazuli Bunting 1
> Bullock's Oriole 4
> Passerine sp 8
>
> 83 migrants
>
> 30 Jul
>
> Western Kingbird 13
> Tree Swallow 1
> Barn Swallow 1
> Phainopepla 4
> Chipping Sparrow 2
> Lark Sparrow 52
> Western Tanager 32
> Black-headed Grosbeak 10
> Lazuli Bunting 2
> Bullock's Oriole 14
> Passerine sp 16
>
> 137 migrants
>
> 31 July
>
> Cassin's Kingbird 1
> Western Kingbird 15
> Tree Swallow 4
> Cliff Swallow 1
> Northern Mockingbird 3
> Painopepla 9
> Yellow Warbler 2
> Lark Sparrow 27
> Western Tanager 9
> Black-headed Grosbeak 5
> Lazuli Bunting 1
> Bullock's Oriole 6
> Passerine sp 3
>
> 85 migrants
>
> Good Birding
> Brian Gibbons
> Tucson
> 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: 7/31/17 9:34 pm From: Brian Gibbons <thehornedguan...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Tucson Migration morning flight 29-31 July 2017
Hi Birders
The birds are still moving. Saturday was a very light flight, Sunday moderate until I got chased inside by a shower and Monday was moderate but ended early, by about 7 am.
If you're interested in trying to count migrants I think the headquarters parking lot at Saguaro National Park East might be a good lookout.
Date: 7/31/17 8:39 pm From: Richard Webster <webster.re...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Green Kingfisher, Painted Buntings at San Bernardino NWR; Whitewater report
Hi Folks:
On 31 July at San Bernardino NWR, I saw about 10 Painted Buntings at scattered locations throughout, including two at Slaughter Ranch; about half adult males, but also my first juveniles so far this year. And one more in desert scrub in the Perilla Mtns.
The same, or a similar-looking, Green Kingfisher was now at House Pond, the main pond at Slaughter Ranch.
San Bernardino NWR is open 365 days of the year to walk-in visitors during daylight hours. Slaughter Ranch (check website) is open Wed-Sun 10-3 (fee). Both are reached 14-15 miles E of Douglas on Geronimo Trail (15th Street).
On the evening of 30 July I found SW's previously reported shorebird habitat at Whitewater Draw to be duck habitat, with (understandably) very few ducks yet. Whitewater Draw is almost completely full, with water still flowing under Davis Road. A big muddy mess that is bad news in some ways in the short run, but good news in the short run for dragonflies, toads, spadefoot toads, and Swainson's Hawks (eating things forced up by the flood), and good news in the long run for the winter crane (and duck and goose etc.) season (assuming too much water is not let out as in one recent year . . .). I saw a few shorebirds in far corners, but not many, a Solitary Sandpiper in the inner pond at the south entrance the best. There was a male Painted Bunting with a few Lazulis in flooded, seeding grass in the main lake along the dike between it and the inner pond near the north/northeast corner of that dike. Black-bellied Whistling-Duck(s) were heard during the night. A lovely spot, but a challenge to bird.
New Mexico Rare Bird Report
July 31, 2017
Compiler: Matt Baumann
Phone: 505-264-1052
E-mail address: <mbaumann22...>
This is the New Mexico Rare Bird Report for July 31, 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:
--Morris reported a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK in the Albuquerque bosque July 4.
It was seen along the Calabacillas Arroyo west of the ditch trail about
100-200 yards south of Alameda.
--Morris reported an EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE in the Albuquerque bosque July 2.
It was seen south of Montano on the west side of the river near these
coordinates (31.13817, -106.6875). “This spot is slightly north of the path
that goes toward the river from the Pumping Station next to the ditch path.
Walk down the ditch path about 0.7 miles from Montano to get to this spot.”
It continued to July 19 in the area.
COLFAX County:
--Mehlman reported a CAROLINA WREN along Middle Ponil Creek near Valle
Vidal-Shuree Ponds July 18.
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.
HARDING County:
--Rustay and Hetrick photographed an ACORN WOODPECKER in Mills Canyon July
29. It was seen near the top of the canyon.
HIDALGO County:
--Webster and Rowlett reported a RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROW in Guadalupe Canyon
May 13. It was near the upper end of the canyon.
ROOSEVELT County:
--Watkins photographed an interesting juvenile Melanerpes woodpecker at
Portales City Park July 12. A juvenile Red-bellied is the likely candidate
but given recent Golden-fronted x Red-bellied Woodpeckers at this location
a hybrid isn’t yet eliminated.
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.
TAOS County:
--Friedrichs photographed a male WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL about 3.5 miles
east of Red River turnoff (FR 597) along FR 134 July 15.
VALENCIA County:
--Hawksworth reported a CAROLINA WREN at Whitfield Wildlife Conservation
Area July 2016. It was in the bosque at the southwest end of the refuge.
Date: 7/31/17 1:11 pm From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr...> Subject: re: [AZNMbirds] Brown Pelican at Amado WWTP
and again this AM in eBird Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZ
-------------------------------------------- On Mon, 7/31/17, Mark Stevenson <drbrdr...> wrote:
Subject: re: [AZNMbirds] Brown Pelican at Amado WWTP To: "Arizona New Mexico Birding Listserv" <AZNMBirds...> Date: Monday, July 31, 2017, 10:58 AM
I see in ebird that the pelican was seen at 530 PM on 7/30 so it may have been secreted in the grass, on the near shore or hidden by the "dock" or otherwise unseen despite being present.
Mark Stevenson
-------------------------------------------- On Mon, 7/31/17, Henne Queisser <henneq1...> wrote:
Subject: re: [AZNMbirds] Brown Pelican at Amado WWTP To: "Arizona New Mexico Birding Listserv" <AZNMBirds...> Date: Monday, July 31, 2017, 10:02 AM
Sunday, 7/30, 1:30 p.m. -- Dipped on the Brown Pelican, but saw 4 or 5 babies with the two adult Black-bellied Whistling ducks. Henne QueisserGreen Valley, 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. -----Inline Attachment Follows-----
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. -----Inline Attachment Follows-----
Date: 7/31/17 11:03 am From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr...> Subject: re: [AZNMbirds] Brown Pelican at Amado WWTP
I see in ebird that the pelican was seen at 530 PM on 7/30 so it may have been secreted in the grass, on the near shore or hidden by the "dock" or otherwise unseen despite being present.
Mark Stevenson
-------------------------------------------- On Mon, 7/31/17, Henne Queisser <henneq1...> wrote:
Subject: re: [AZNMbirds] Brown Pelican at Amado WWTP To: "Arizona New Mexico Birding Listserv" <AZNMBirds...> Date: Monday, July 31, 2017, 10:02 AM
Sunday, 7/30, 1:30 p.m. -- Dipped on the Brown Pelican, but saw 4 or 5 babies with the two adult Black-bellied Whistling ducks. Henne QueisserGreen Valley, 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. -----Inline Attachment Follows-----
Date: 7/31/17 10:59 am From: Chris Mccreedy <cristofolos...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Pima and Santa Cruz/ No birds, post-Sawmill Fire observation
Yesterday while driving north of Sonoita I observed some signs of recovery following this spring's Sawmill Fire (and perhaps additional fires that I am unaware of).
If you are looking for a fun expedition I would suggest heading this way, perhaps on your way to get to Patagonia. Due to the good rains, and to the fire taking out all past years' grass cover, the hills in this area are covered to the gills with an incredible green carpet of grass. I am crossing my fingers that it is not bufflegrass, and I am eager to find out what it does to the grassland bird species' numbers this fall and winter.
I hope those that use eBird submit lists from these grasslands in coming months. For those that love botany, good scenery and photography, it really is quite spectacular right now.
Date: 7/31/17 10:36 am From: <beattysguestranch...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Costa's Sun & Mon at Beatty's
Eight species: Violet-crowned, Rufous, Anna's, Magnificent, Broad-billed, Broad-tailed, Black-chinned and Costas. There have been more birds coming through recently than the last couple of weeks judging by how fast the feeders empty.
Gray hawk has also been seen flying in the canyon. Indigo Bunting near the creek. The creek has been running all year but is getting more water now from the rain , 2.08 inches since July 27, more flowers, we are very green!!
Date: 7/30/17 8:50 pm From: Betsy Checchia <betsy.checchia...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ -- Sunday down south -- Brown Pelican, Gray Hawks, Rose-throated Becard, and be careful at Pena Blanca Lake
Headed south of Tucson this morning, hoping to find someplace dry to bird. Stopped at the Amado WWTP and found the Brown Pelican and 2 Black-bellied Whistling Ducks right away. At Pena Blanca Lake, I saw 3 Gray Hawks (2 adults and 1 very vocal juvenile), but not a single duck. Pena Blanca was as wet as I've ever seen it, with water flowing over the road in 2 places, and flowing water in lots of other places that have always been dry, including a pretty hefty waterfall about halfway to the dam. It was threatening rain the whole time I was there, and any significant rain could make the road impassable, so be aware of the weather if you're down there. I stopped at Kino Springs Golf Course for the first time this year -- nothing out of the ordinary, but I did get another Gray Hawk, a juvenile Red-Tailed Hawk, and a male Varied Bunting. Finally, I though I'd try for the Rose-throated Becard at Tumacacori, followed the footprints in the mud to the river, and ran into a birder named Jason who had seen 3 (maybe 4) of them in the general vicinity. He eventually put me onto a beautiful and cooperative male that we watched for a few minutes (thanks!). A productive and fairly dry day, although it rained on and off for most of the drive back to Tucson. Complete lists will be on eBird eventually.
Date: 7/30/17 4:15 pm From: John Broz <johnbroz1944...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ, San Pedro House, Sierra Vista
Although there is flooding and are mosquitos along the River and Kingfisher Pond, there are birds to be seen. Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Brown-crested Flycatcher are regularly seen and heard around the Cottonwoods near the Bookstore. Cassin's Sparrows are present in big numbers again this year and along with Botteri's and Rufous Wing are being seen along del Valle Road west of the Bookstore. Varied Bunting were also present along del Valle the last two days. Garden Wash west of del Valle Road has also been good.
To celebrate the Monsoon and acknowledge the Festivals we will have three Wednesday walks in August as well as the usual 4th Saturday Walk. The next walk is Wednesday, August 2, at 7. Additional Wednesday Walks are on August 9th and 16th, also at 7.
Date: 7/30/17 3:53 pm From: Erika Wilson <terika88...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Sierra Vista EOP--30 July 2017
Hi, birders,
A round dozen walked the muddy Sierra Vista EOP dikes this morning,
including visiting birders from Germany and Spain. The group tally was 67
species at morning's end, a good total for a late summer trip.
Best bird of the morning was a Least Bittern in the very first impoundment
we came to. Everyone had a good scope view of this hard to find species;
after satisfied remarks all round, we laughed that now we could all go home.
A modest shorebird migration was in evidence, with plenty of Killdeer
providing background to Spotted Sandpipers (4), a Greater Yellowlegs (1),
Least Sandpipers (10), and a Wilson's Phalarope (1).
Several Lesser Nighthawks proved to be our German birder's 500th species in
North America; they obliged with close passes, showing off their plumage to
advantage. More migration was clear in the many flocks of Lark Sparrows all
morning, and in several groups of Lazuli Buntings feeding on weed seeds.
Monsoon breeding continues, too, with many Cassin's Sparrows in full song,
a few Botteri's Sparrows likewise singing, as well as vocal Bell's Vireo
and Yellow-breasted Chat.
Date: 7/30/17 2:11 pm From: Felipe Guerrero <fillieg...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Cassin's Sparrows in Coconino County
Three Cassin's Sparrows singing from within shrubby grassland habitat between Rattlesnake and Grindstone Washes this morning are possible breeders, irregular and local in Coconino Co.
Date: 7/30/17 10:23 am From: Lauren Harter <lbharter...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] AZFO: New photos of Royal Tern ++
Field Ornithologists,
Bill Lisowsky contributed photos of Allen’s Hummingbird; Matt Victoria
contributed photos of Semipalmated Sandpiper; Dale Clark, Andrew Core,
and Laurens Halsey contributed photos of Royal Tern; and Sanford
Sorkin contributed photos of Eastern Kingbird. Under Regional
Interest, Eric Hough contributed photos of Vermilion Flycatcher and
Cassin’s Sparrow. Thanks Bill, Matt, Dale, Andrew, Laurens, Sanford,
and Eric!
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.
Date: 7/30/17 8:40 am From: Chris Mccreedy <cristofolos...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SWAZ/ Shorebirding in Yuma and La Paz Counties
I started yesterday in Yuma, and found Matt Victoria and Henry Detwiler on many shorebirds west of the north end of Avenue 3E. Matt had found a Short-billed Dowitcher, and other notable shorebirds included two Semipalmated Sandpipers, a Snowy Plover, at least seven or eight Semipalmated Plovers. A Peregrine and tractors ruckused up the shorbs just as I arrived, but luckily most eventually returned
Henry struck out at Cocopah, Matt had minimal luck at Dome Valley, and Martinez was empty for me, so I drove up to the Vicksburg Farm ponds east of Quartzsite. There was a Stilt Sandpiper at one of the ponds, it seems to be a good year for them.
Next I stopped at Alamo Lake. The water is still pretty high. It was my first time there, and I found it incredible. There is so much possibility if one had a kayak. I managed to find Neotropical Cormorants in both La Paz and Mohave Counties, an American White Pelican on the Mohave side, and a Tropical Kingbird calling in one of the flooded willow bays on the La Paz side.
I next tried for the farms around Salome but was stormed out, for a beautiful ride home.
Date: 7/29/17 6:55 pm From: Felipe Guerrero <fillieg...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] CORRECTION: Yellow-billed Cuckoo along Willow Creek in Prescott, Yavapai Co.
A correction to my statement regarding Cactus Wrens breeding in Coconino Co., the pair on 22 July represents a first probable breeding pair *for that location* in Coconino Co.
This past week (July 24-28, 2017) my dad and I camped in Cave Creek Canyon in the Chiricahua Mountains (Cochise County), with trips mostly around the east side of the mountains up to the crest, and in the southern San Simon Valley. Before I get to sightings, to add to Tom Arny’s report on recent flooding events from the monsoon storms, on Thursday night (July 27) the mountains received steady rain that led to moderate flash flooding, including Cave Creek Canyon. The creek level was still below the bridge at Stewart Campground on Thursday night and Friday morning, but there was a shallow overflow from one of the post-Hurricane Odile-created creek channels across the road between Stewart and Idlewilde Campgrounds yesterday morning. Overnight in Stewart Campground a small oak tree weakened by fungus snapped in half and fell near our tent during the heavy rain. When we met with John Yerger in Portal yesterday morning, he said that the ford through Cave Creek on Foothills Rd. was impassable at the time. The water level in the creek had already been up earlier in the week from subsequent storms and on Tuesday morning while hiking about 0.5-1 mile up South Fork from the trailhead (to the big pool area among boulders), wading across the creek was required at each crossing on the trail as rock crossings were washed out or submerged. The creek level at that time had been ankle-calf deep, with larger pools being a few feet deep. Driving to and from the Chiricahua Mountains we encountered rain-induced rockfalls on the highways that we had to dodge during torrential bouts of rain (including the Salt River Canyon and along Hwy. 180 south of Luna, NM). Be sure to monitor weather forecasts and radar before any trips in the region while the monsoon season continues!
Lots of common breeding residents are feeding young right now and some migrants, including HERMIT WARBLERS, are starting to appear with mixed nuthatch/chickadee/warbler flocks working the higher elevation ridges, a WARBLING VIREO was at Stewart Campground, and a female LARK BUNTING at Willow Tank. We mostly dipped on owl species, but my dad described hearing a WHISKERED SCREECH-OWL calling briefly in Cave Creek Canyon on July 24. HERMIT THRUSHES seem to be more widespread in Cave Creek Canyon than during previous summer visits, with several singing around the campgrounds each morning. BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRDS also seem to be increasing locally. We didn’t observe any unusual species on the trip, but here is a list of select observations and some SEAZ specialties with dates and locations:
—MONTEZUMA QUAIL: one heard calling near the Southwestern Research Station (SWRS) in the early afternoon on July 27.
—AMERICAN COOTS: half a dozen birds including two juveniles at Willow Tank on July 27.
—BAND-TAILED PIGEONS: several singing around Barfoot Park and along the Transmountain Rd. (Forest Rd. 42) on July 26.
—INCA DOVES: several singing near the Portal store.
—BLUE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS: common in the campgrounds in Cave Creek Canyon, in South Fork, and at the Southwestern Research Station (SWRS).
—MAGNIFICENT HUMMINGBIRDS: at least one male and female visiting Stewart Campground through the week, at least one male and one female at the George Walker House on July 26, one female at Dave Jasper’s feeders in Portal on July 27.
—BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRDS: one immature at Stewart Campground all week, a few around Portal (3 female/immature types at House #5 on July 25), a few (one adult male, 2 immature males, one female) at the George Walker House in Paradise on July 26, one male at Dave Jasper’s feeders in Portal on July 27, one immature at the Rodrigues’ feeders in Portal on July 27.
—ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD: one singing male briefly visiting Stewart Campground on July 26.
—CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD: one at a private residence in Portal on July 27.
—ELEGANT TROGONS: at least two heard calling and a male seen a few crossings above the trailhead in South Fork Canyon on July 25.
—ARIZONA WOODPECKERS: a few around South Fork on July 25, a couple at Stewart Campground through the week, one at George Walker House in Paradise on July 26.
—SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHERS: several family groups feeding in the campgrounds in Cave Creek Canyon, in South Fork, and upstream towards the Southwestern Research Station (SWRS).
—BELL’S VIREOS: 1-2 singing between the bridge and store areas in Portal, one at the Rodrigues’ feeders in Portal on July 27.
—WARBLING VIREO: one at Stewart Campground on July 25.
—MEXICAN CHICKADEES: a few family groups foraging low and easy to see at Barfoot Park and along the road up to Barfoot and Rustler Parks on July 26.
—JUNIPER TITMICE: 4+ along E. Turkey Creek-Paradise Rd. within a mile or so of the George Walker House in Paradise on July 26.
—RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES: a few calling at Barfoot Park on July 26.
—PYGMY NUTHATCHES: several family groups foraging in the pines around Barfoot Park on July 26.
—CRISSAL THRASHERS: a couple calling along the desertscrub slopes above Portal-Paradise Rd. on the evening of July 25.
—RED CROSSBILLS: several singing and calling around Barfoot Park and along the Transmountain Rd. (Forest Rd. 42) on July 26.
—OLIVE WARBLERS: 5+ at Barfoot Park on July 26.
—LUCY’S WARBLER: one at the Rodrigues' feeders in Portal on July 27.
—YELLOW WARBLERS: a couple singing at Southwestern Research Station (SWRS) on July 27.
—HERMIT WARBLERS: 5+ (mostly females/immature birds) at Barfoot Park on July 26, one below the E. Turkey Creek/Transmountain Rd. (Forest Rd. 42) junction on the road towards Paradise on July 26.
—RED-FACED WARBLERS: one in South Fork on July 25, one at Barfoot Park on July 26.
—RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW: one visiting the seed feeders at House #5 in Portal on July 25, many heard singing and calling throughout the mountains during the week.
—BOTTERI’S SPARROW: one singing along Portal Rd. at the wide curve just before reaching Portal on July 24.
—CASSIN’S SPARROWS: several singing along Portal Rd., including a few between Portal and the mouth of Cave Creek Canyon throughout the week, a couple singing at late morning at Willow Tank on July 27.
—LARK BUNTING: one female at Willow Tank on July 27.
—LARK SPARROWS: a couple at the Southwestern Research Station (SWRS) grounds on July 27, several seen along Stateline Rd. on July 27.
—YELLOW-EYED JUNCOS: a couple at John Hands Campground on July 27, abundant throughout the Barfoot and Rustler Park areas on July 26.
—PYRRHULOXIAS: a family group at Dave Jasper’s feeders in Portal on July 27, one at Willow Tank on July 27.
—LAZULI BUNTING: one female at House #5 in Portal on July 25.
—BRONZED COWBIRDS: one female at House #5 in Portal on July 25, 2+ at Dave Jasper’s feeders in Portal on July 27.
Date: 7/29/17 4:01 pm From: matt V. <fickity...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Yuma, AZ Shorebirds Saturday
Greetings! This morning at 6:30 AM, I believe I discovered a alternate Short-billed Dowitcher in the northwest field at the terminus of Avenue 3e in Yuma, Arizona. My attention was drawn to this bird because of the plumage: mostly alternate with significant moult noticed in the wings. The bird was closely associating with two Long-billed Dowitchers. In contrast to the two brick red LBDO, the SBDO was more muted/dull yellow-brown in plumage, with lots of speckles (not bars) on the belly and flanks. When feeding, the bulky LBDO had a humped appearance, while the slimmer SBDO mainatned a straight back. I also watched as the two LBDO were aggressive, and snipped at the SBDO and drove it away a few times.
Face on, the SBDO seemed to have a noticeably shorter bill, and white belly. A great deal of wide, white areas could be discerned in the tail, and the black barring on the tail was quite narrow. I obtained images both distant and close up. When field workers arrived to work the adjacent field, the trio flew off. In flight, the LBDO gave a single keek! call, while the bird in question uttered a series of staccato tu-tu-tu-tu! calls.
I realize SBDO is quite rare here in Yuma. I will be submitting images to AZFO, and Dowitcher ID folks are welcome to receive copies of images for comment and feedback. Other species present: 1 juv and 1 adult SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, 1 SNOWY PLOVER, Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs, Wilson's Phalarope, Western, Least and Baird's Sandpipers, and Semipalmated Plover.
The Ave 3E fields have hosted 23(!!!) species of Shorebirds since July 5th, 2017. Alas, today is the end... The last of the water in the NW field has dried this afternoon, and a wonderful crop of head lettuce is planned according to the friendly ag staff who graciously allowed us access to their patch for the last three weeks. Here's to more flooding to combat soil fungus next year!
Date: 7/29/17 3:53 pm From: Felipe Guerrero <fillieg...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Yellow-billed Cuckoo along Willow Creek in Prescott, Yavapai Co.
A male Yellow-billed Cuckoo vocalizing along Willow Creek this morning is a possible breeder and a first for that location.
Additionally, a pair of Cactus Wrens northwest of Seligman on 22 July represents a first probable breeding pair for Coconino Co. and two Cassin's Sparrows nearly 10 miles apart in the vicinity of Kingman on 22 and 28 July are possible breeders, irregular in Mohave Co.
Date: 7/29/17 10:36 am From: Tom Arny <tarny...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Chiricahua Road Closure (probable) and Mexican Chickadee
Heavy rain the last few days has made the road from Portal up to Onion Saddle very rough and, in fact, has cut the trans-mountain road (FR 42) where East Turkey Creek crosses the road, just above the Paradise Rd intersection. This spot is about 25 minutes from Portal and a comparable time below Onion Saddle. A pick-up truck can get across, but shorter wheel-base vehicles will probably have a tough time. The washout is not wide, but drops off sharply and is likely to hang a car up. I was told that the Forest Service will be locking the gate across the road near the Paradise road intersection. What all this translates to is that Rustler and Barfoot Park and Onion Saddle are not accessible from Portal. I dont know what the Pinery Canyon Road is like. I also have no idea how soon the Forest Service will be able to repair the road. It doesnt look like extensive work.
Despite this barrier, my wife and I had a pleasant hours birding near the Paradise Rd intersection seeing a Mexican Chickadee and a Sulfur-bellied Flycatcher. very good views of each. The Chickadee was perhaps a quarter mile down the road to Paradise near a yellow road sign.
Date: 7/28/17 11:14 pm From: Andrew Core <tucsonrba...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 28 July 2017
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast
Arizona was made on July 28, 2017; the next update will be made on August
4. 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:
#Semipalmated Sandpiper
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR
#Lucifer Hummingbird
#Allen's Hummingbird
#Green Kingfisher
*TUFTED FLYCATCHER
*ROSE-THROATED BECARD
#Black-capped Gnatcatcher
#Hooded Warbler
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER
#Painted Bunting
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 *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 locations:
https://goo.gl/aMh1ke In Carr Canyon, at least one *TUFTED FLYCATCHER continued at the Reef
Townsite CG on 7/20 (m.ob.) on the north side of the campground. The pair
were frequenting the small clearing about 200 yards down the drainage
behind the bathrooms (near campsite #9).
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.
In Miller Canyon, a *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLERS was reported again from the
Miller Canyon Trail on 7/26 (Kyle Kittelberger). Last week a pair was about
a half mile above Split Rock (which is about a mile from the parking area).
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRDS continued at Ash Canyon B&B and in several yards in
the Huachuca foothills this week (m.ob.) – dusk is the best time to see
them.
A Brown Pelican was reported over the San Pedro House on 7/26 (Rob
Woodward).
TUBAC area (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/yDqi0)
At least one *ROSE-THROATED BECARD continued along the De Anza Trail at
Tumacacori this week (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). A #GREEN KINGFISHER was reported along the Santa Cruz River
on 7/25 (anonymous). A #HOODED WARBLER was reported on 7/25 (Norman Erthal
et al).
An #ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD was photographed in a Rio Rico yard on 7/22 and
continued through 7/23 (Richard Fray).
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.
In Chino Canyon (map: http://goo.gl/maps/oTBK), #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS
and Five-striped Sparrows were reported again this week (m.ob.). High
clearance is recommended for the rough road in.
In Agua Caliente Canyon, #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS were reported on 7/25
(Laurens Halsey) near the parking lot for the trail over to Chino Canyon.
In Box Canyon, a #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD was reported on 7/25 (Matt Griffiths).
WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY
A #SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER was reported at Lake Cochise by the Twin Lakes
Golf Course on 7/28 (Rick Taylor).
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/XfXfX)
A #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD continued on 7/24 (Rick Taylor) in a yard in
Whitetail Canyon.
PATAGONIA
At Patagonia Lake (annotated map: http://goo.gl/GgNvs), a #GREEN KINGFISHER
and a #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER continued on 7/28 (Laurens Halsey) at the
east end along the Birding Trail.
A female #PAINTED BUNTING was photographed at the Paton Center for
Hummingbirds on 7/28 (Cory Gregory).
AMADO
A Brown Pelican was reported at the Amado STP on 7/25 (Bill Lisowsky) and
continued through 7/28 (Ed Harper).
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). UPDATE: Closed for construction for the summer.
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: 7/28/17 7:20 pm From: David Gardner <davidgardner14...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] California Gulch - ride needed - will pay gas!
Hi folks,
My finally email today. I am in SEAZ till Wednesday morning. I am wondering whether anyone that has a 4x4 high clearance vehicle would be interested in pursuing the Five-Striped Sparrows and Buff-Collared Nightjar?
I will happily refuel both car and person!
Let me know offlist if interested.
Thanks in advance.
David
David Gardner
Seabrook Island
South Carolina
843-737-2729
I know a number of folks, including me, dipped yesterday and today. On my third try during a break in the storm, I finally found the little guy. Lifer!
Thank you to all those who posted in the past with directions.
The Tufted Flycatcher had moved downstream from the clearing about thirty feet. Don't know if it had been there a while, I just decided to stretch my legs to check out the view over the cliff and bumped in to him.
Happy Birding,
David
Hi folks,
New to the list. I'm camping at Ramsey Vista tonight, and was wondering what the directions are to the flame colored Tanager of you hike in from RVCG?
I have never hiked in from Ramsey Canyon, so I have no idea which crossover of the stream it is? Also, is it on an off-shoot trail or can it be seen from the main trail?
I will be hiking in the short way - NOT crest trail, but the comfort spring trail.
I aim to hike in at dawn if the weather permits.
Thanks in advance for the directions.
Happy Birding,
David
From South Carolina
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jul 28, 2017, at 2:48 PM, stuarthealy <stuarthealy...> wrote:
>
> Friday, July 28, 2017; Garden Canyon, Huachuca Mountains.
>
> I saw an early VAUX’S SWIFT at the Fishing Ponds, heading south around 6:30am this morning.
> This is well ahead of the typical September-mid October migration period. However, I note
> a single “dot” for late July in the TAS bar graph, so not unprecedented.
>
> Also at the Fishing Ponds, I was more pleased to see ABERT’S TOWHEE – a first for me after
> birding at this location for 25 years.
>
> CASSIN’S and BOTTERI’S SPARROWS were somewhat subdued in the grasslands.
> I drove the back roads and song from both species was sporadic, with the latter more vocal.
>
> Many 100s of VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS were gathered on the wires lining Antelope Way
> (this is the road to the Aerostat Site).
>
> Stuart
>
> Stuart Healy
> Sierra Vista, AZ.
> Forgotten, but not gone
>
> 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: 7/28/17 11:13 am From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ; Santa Cruz River acute pollution
Hi Birders,
For those who don't watch local news, an advisory that a ruptured wastewater pipeline is releasing untreated wastewater (aka raw sewage) into the Nogales Wash, which flows into the Santa Cruz River. Best to avoid any contact with the wash and river water.
(The Anza Trail follows the course of the Santa Cruz River N of Nogales)
Date: 7/28/17 5:43 am From: Melody Kehl <outdoor1...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: California Gulch, 07/27/17
Made the trek last night. It was getting pretty wet coming out. Lots of water. Did not cross the confluence. Just not safe!! I would suggest no one attempt this trek in less than a high clearance vehicle. . . and as a backup 4x4. It is supposed to rain the next couple days again.
With all of that said, we did get one Five-striped Sparrow and one Buff-collared Nightjar. Both excellent visual. . . the nightjar did not utter a peep. . . sheer luck in finding it.
Date: 7/27/17 5:19 pm From: kathy <chswift...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] East Tucson Fall Migration Morning Flight
Yesterday, from an opening in the trees on Carrie Nation trail in Madera Canyon, I counted 27 white-throated swifts coming over Mt. Wrightson and heading West across the canyon or WNW along the ridge. They were not foraging, but going along directly. Could they also be migrating this early? Would they be coming from the northern part of their range?
Kathy Kuyper, Green Valley
??
________________________________
From: <aznmbirds-request...> <aznmbirds-request...> on behalf of Chris Mccreedy <cristofolos...>
Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2017 12:02 AM
To: Brian Gibbons; <aznmbirds...>
Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] East Tucson Fall Migration Morning Flight
Cool post, Brian. It reminds me I had meant to ask you- can you suggest a good spot to watch for BWHA? I noticed your fall posts on them last year. Perhaps the places you mentioned in your post?
Thanks!
Chris
On Wed, Jul 26, 2017 at 16:28 Brian Gibbons <thehornedguan...><mailto:<thehornedguan...>> wrote:
Hi Birders
Over the last few years I have detected a reliable early fall morning flight from my house in Southeast Tucson (Southeast of Escalante and Houghton). Mid-July through August has the largest numbers of birds with some movement continuing into October.
I have been seeing 50-100 migrants per morning in the last couple of weeks, on a good day at the peak in mid-August I have seen nearly 300 birds in a couple of hours.
I am trying to figure out the genesis of this flight. Along with a few friends that have witnessed this phenomenon we deduced that birds are probably crossing through Reddington Pass, and then moving west or southwest when they encounter Tanque Verde Ridge which run West Southwest from the Rincon Mountains as they clear this they head south over the east edge of town.
I would love to have other folks watch from their east side homes or from selected spots in or around Saguaro National Park East. IF the Ridge is a major influencer I would think Golf Links on the north side, Valencia on the south side and between Houghton and Old Spanish Trail would be a key area for home owners to watch the sky. I also think that Javelina Rocks in Saguaro National Park could be an excellent lookout.
What the flight looks like from my house. Birds are generally quite low, many easily seen naked eye and heard, often just above house and treetops. From my vantage they are almost always headed straight south. So far this fall I have detected Western Kingbirds, Northern Mockingbirds, Phainopeplas, Lark Sparrows, Western Tanagers, Black-headed Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Bullock's Oriole (high count of 22 on 21 July), and today I added my first Lark Buntings of the year, a flock of 8 headed West! Lark Buntings are the species that I have watched head in all compass directions this time of year. Usually by 8 a.m. the flight is diminishing.
I hope some folks are intrigued by this migration observation and I encourage them to post a short summary of migrants seen, I will try to do this and all my checklists are in eBird for this fall and most of last year.
Brian Gibbons
Tucson
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: 7/27/17 1:21 pm From: Brian Gibbons <thehornedguan...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: East Tucson Fall Migration Morning Flight today 27 July 2017
Hi Birders
This morning Will Russell and I had a moderate flight from about 5:30 until 8 am when the movement pretty much stopped, from my SE Tucson yard.
Sifting through the many White-winged Doves and House Finches flying over we had 122 migrants of 11 species. Birds were moving south except where noted.
Migrants: Cassin's Kingbird 1 FOS Western Kingbird 17 Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1 FOS Phainopepla 11 flying every which way Lark Sparrow 41 Lark Bunting 2 flying north Western Tanager 10 Black-headed Grosbeak 2 Lazuli Bunting 2 Hooded Oriole 4 FOS for obvious migrants Bullock's Oriole 20 Unidentified Passerine 12 (all mid-sized grosbeak/tanager/oriole)
Date: 7/27/17 9:55 am From: David Pearson <dpearson...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] AZ, Pinal Co., Santa Cruz Flats_ Calidris shorebird
The shorebird Darrel Wilder and I initially identified as a Sanderling on 25 July has become a learning moment. Several have suggested that it is instead a leucistic Baird's Sandpiper or perhaps a hybrid of some type. The bill shape is unusual for a Sanderling but, according to a shorebird expert from Seattle, is within the range of variation of that species. Another expert from California hesitantly agreed with Sanderling mainly because of body attitude, smudgy shoulder color, and that the wing tips do not extend noticeably beyond the tail as would be expected for a Baird's Sandpiper. Although not apparent in the photos of the bird, during our observations, it appeared not to have a hind toe (hallux), another character of Sanderling. But we could not be absolutely sure of that obscure detail. Because of the ambiguities of identification among these experts, for now we will leave it as a member of the genus Calidris. See eBird (Evergreen Turf Sod Farm Hot Spot) for photo.
NOTE: These slop ponds in Santa Cruz Flats have been signed by the owner as a Biohazard area, and NO ONE is allowed into the pond area. Please observe from the road and use scopes to look for the shorebirds resting on the berms between the ponds.
David L Pearson
School of Life Sciences
Arizona State University
Tempe AZ 85287-4501
Date: 7/27/17 8:24 am From: Larry <oldbirdbum...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ TUCSON EAST SIDE FALL MIGRATION
Brian and Chris:
Tanque Verde Ridge, a west trending spur of the Rincon Mountains in Saguaro NP may certainly be affecting migration that is coming from the NE in the area of Reddington Pass. The Tucson Bird Count has been running several point count routes in that area of the Park four times per year for over a decade. The July and September data may be of interest to you. Nothing in August, sorry. A friend and I have two routes in the area; 8 points along the Cactus Forest Drive on the north side of T.V. Ridge and 7 points in the Rincon Creek drainage on the south side. Also, my friend conducts two other counts/routes in the Cactus Forest NNE of park HQs and WSW of Reddington Pass.
The data can be found on the Tucson Bird Count website, available to all for analysis. We have noticed fall days that have groups of migrating Bullock's Orioles and Western Meadowlarks, and some days migrating sparrows abound. Because the data are collected during five minute point counts, one is only given glimpses, snap-shots, if you will, of bird movements through the area. But, because the data set is both large and long-term with many routes throughout the Tucson area, much migration information could be gleaned by a competent researcher.
I encourage all interested to check out the website. It is managed by the Tucson Audubon Society, Jennie MacFarland is the contact there.
Date: 7/26/17 5:03 pm From: Chris Mccreedy <cristofolos...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] East Tucson Fall Migration Morning Flight
Cool post, Brian. It reminds me I had meant to ask you- can you suggest a good spot to watch for BWHA? I noticed your fall posts on them last year. Perhaps the places you mentioned in your post?
Thanks! Chris
On Wed, Jul 26, 2017 at 16:28 Brian Gibbons <thehornedguan...> wrote:
> Hi Birders > > Over the last few years I have detected a reliable early fall morning > flight from my house in Southeast Tucson (Southeast of Escalante and > Houghton). Mid-July through August has the largest numbers of birds with > some movement continuing into October. > > I have been seeing 50-100 migrants per morning in the last couple of > weeks, on a good day at the peak in mid-August I have seen nearly 300 birds > in a couple of hours. > > I am trying to figure out the genesis of this flight. Along with a few > friends that have witnessed this phenomenon we deduced that birds are > probably crossing through Reddington Pass, and then moving west or > southwest when they encounter Tanque Verde Ridge which run West Southwest > from the Rincon Mountains as they clear this they head south over the east > edge of town. > > I would love to have other folks watch from their east side homes or from > selected spots in or around Saguaro National Park East. IF the Ridge is a > major influencer I would think Golf Links on the north side, Valencia on > the south side and between Houghton and Old Spanish Trail would be a key > area for home owners to watch the sky. I also think that Javelina Rocks in > Saguaro National Park could be an excellent lookout. > > What the flight looks like from my house. Birds are generally quite low, > many easily seen naked eye and heard, often just above house and treetops. > From my vantage they are almost always headed straight south. So far this > fall I have detected Western Kingbirds, Northern Mockingbirds, > Phainopeplas, Lark Sparrows, Western Tanagers, Black-headed Grosbeak, Blue > Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Bullock's Oriole (high count of 22 on 21 July), > and today I added my first Lark Buntings of the year, a flock of 8 headed > West! Lark Buntings are the species that I have watched head in all compass > directions this time of year. Usually by 8 a.m. the flight is diminishing. > > I hope some folks are intrigued by this migration observation and I > encourage them to post a short summary of migrants seen, I will try to do > this and all my checklists are in eBird for this fall and most of last year. > > Brian Gibbons > Tucson > 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: 7/26/17 4:28 pm From: Brian Gibbons <thehornedguan...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] East Tucson Fall Migration Morning Flight
Hi Birders
Over the last few years I have detected a reliable early fall morning flight from my house in Southeast Tucson (Southeast of Escalante and Houghton). Mid-July through August has the largest numbers of birds with some movement continuing into October.
I have been seeing 50-100 migrants per morning in the last couple of weeks, on a good day at the peak in mid-August I have seen nearly 300 birds in a couple of hours.
I am trying to figure out the genesis of this flight. Along with a few friends that have witnessed this phenomenon we deduced that birds are probably crossing through Reddington Pass, and then moving west or southwest when they encounter Tanque Verde Ridge which run West Southwest from the Rincon Mountains as they clear this they head south over the east edge of town.
I would love to have other folks watch from their east side homes or from selected spots in or around Saguaro National Park East. IF the Ridge is a major influencer I would think Golf Links on the north side, Valencia on the south side and between Houghton and Old Spanish Trail would be a key area for home owners to watch the sky. I also think that Javelina Rocks in Saguaro National Park could be an excellent lookout.
What the flight looks like from my house. Birds are generally quite low, many easily seen naked eye and heard, often just above house and treetops. From my vantage they are almost always headed straight south. So far this fall I have detected Western Kingbirds, Northern Mockingbirds, Phainopeplas, Lark Sparrows, Western Tanagers, Black-headed Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Bullock's Oriole (high count of 22 on 21 July), and today I added my first Lark Buntings of the year, a flock of 8 headed West! Lark Buntings are the species that I have watched head in all compass directions this time of year. Usually by 8 a.m. the flight is diminishing.
I hope some folks are intrigued by this migration observation and I encourage them to post a short summary of migrants seen, I will try to do this and all my checklists are in eBird for this fall and most of last year.
Date: 7/26/17 11:16 am From: Rob Woodward <toucanrob...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Brown Pelican - over San Pedro House
While conducting my "weekly" bird survey at San Pedro House, Sierra Vista, I watched a BROWN PELICAN flying high overhead southbound. This would have been around 8:00 am so obviously a different bird from the one in Amado.
eBird only shows 3 other records for the Upper San Pedro Valley: 1 in St David in 2012 and 2 from Benson in 2007 and 2009. In the Annotated Checklist of the Birds of the Upper Sand Pedro River Valley, Krueper, there are 6 records of 7 birds going back to 1972, almost all in summer.
Also:
Western Kingbird - 12. Normally we only see 2 at most here, so fall migration must be starting.
Western Tanager - 1, my first for the fall here.
Rufous-winged Sparrow - 1, closer to the river, not up by del Valle Road.
Rob Woodward
Sierra Vista, 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: 7/26/17 10:32 am From: Laurens Halsey <desertharrier...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ Amada Pond Brown Pelican
And continues today Wednesday 7/26/2017, seems to favor the west shore so viewing from pull to north is better option.
Sent from the Desert Harrier iPhone
Desert Harrier Guide Services
Laurens Halsey
Green Valley, AZ
> On Jul 25, 2017, at 7:39 PM, <josmithgv...> <josmithgv...> wrote:
>
> The Brown Pelican was still present at Amado Pond at 5:55 p.m., patrolling the shoreline. It was difficult to see when close to the near shore, but could be seen from the North end of the pond.
>
> Robert Smith
> Green Valley
> 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: 7/26/17 9:52 am From: Alexander Hamilton <ispidina.picta...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ Amado Pond Brown Pelican 7/26
Brown Pelican still present 0945 7/26.
Ron Batie Rio Rico, AZ
On Jul 25, 2017 7:39 PM, <josmithgv...> wrote:
The Brown Pelican was still present at Amado Pond at 5:55 p.m., patrolling the shoreline. It was difficult to see when close to the near shore, but could be seen from the North end of the pond.
Date: 7/26/17 5:49 am From: Ralph Poulsen <ktm690dog...> Subject: RE: [AZNMbirds] NO BIRDS - FYI Alert - Senior Lifetime Parks Pass Price Hike in August
It is my understanding that the money stays at the park where it is
purchased. I buy mine at Saguaro East and the rangers have always been
very appreciative.
Ralph Poulsen
Vail AZ
On Jul 25, 2017 9:21 PM, "Maureen Blackford" <mblackford...>
wrote:
> This is a great deal....
> I purchased mine at Tumacacori National historic park..
>
>
>
> Maureen Blackford
> Sahuarita AZ (seasonally)
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: trose <trose...>
> Date: 7/25/17 11:58 AM (GMT-07:00)
> To: <aznmbirds...>
> Subject: [AZNMbirds] NO BIRDS - FYI Alert - Senior Lifetime Parks Pass
> Price Hike in August
>
> Just an FYI head's up - if you are 62 and over and frequently use any of
> the birding sites on lands covered by the "America the Beautiful – The
> National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – Senior Pass", and you
> HAVEN'T bought your lifetime senior pass yet (or have lost yours and have
> been intending to replace it) BUY IT NOW!!!
>
> The senior pass, which costs a one-time fee of only $10 for life once you
> turn 62 (and only $20 if you order it by mail and/or online) will be going
> up to $80 on August 28, 2017. If you already have your senior pass, it will
> be grandfathered in, and all it's benefits remain intact for life (as long
> as it's not lost or stolen) - you won't have to pay more. Any new senior
> pass bought through August 27, 2017 will still cost the original $10. They
> are having a large volume of purchases at the moment (no wonder!), so
> passes may possibly end up being out of stock at actual physical sites at
> any one time, but the USGS purchase website says that any mail order
> purchases through the USGS that are *postmarked* before August 28th will
> still be honored at the $10 price.
>
> $10 is a heck of a bargain of a price to be able to get free access to a
> bountiful myriad of recreational sites within the BLM, Bureau of
> Reclamation, Fish & Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service, National Park
> Service and US Army Corps of Engineers. Plus you often get discounts
> (sometimes up to 50%) on extra amenities within those agencies, such as
> campgrounds. To be honest, even the new price of $80 lifetime will still be
> a pretty darned spectacular bargain. Most birders could plow through that
> price in Day Use Fees alone, in very short order. (Hubby and I chalked up
> nearly 2/3 of that price in savings with his senior pass, just on our one
> recent trip to San Diego, alone.)
>
> The government is also implementing a brand new Annual Senior Pass for
> $20/year, for those on a budget, or those that aren't yet sure if they'd
> use a pass that much. The nice thing is, after you've purchased four Annual
> Senior Passes in the future (a sure sign that you ARE using them much!) you
> can then trade in those four passes to obtain a life pass, which you can
> then use instead, with no further annual pass purchases needed. (So make
> sure you don't throw any of the expired ones away!)
>
> ***And one very important recommendation I'd suggest to you: once you get
> (or already have) your lifetime Senior Pass in hand, treat those things
> like gold!!! They are good for you to use for life, but if they are ever
> stolen or lost, you will have to buy a replacement, and that will be at the
> new $80 price.
>
> For complete details and frequently asked questions about these new
> changes, go here:
>
> https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/senior-pass-changes.htm?utm_source= > recdotgov&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=senior_pass
>
>
> 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.
>
Date: 7/25/17 9:21 pm From: Maureen Blackford <mblackford...> Subject: RE: [AZNMbirds] NO BIRDS - FYI Alert - Senior Lifetime Parks Pass Price Hike in August
This is a great deal....I purchased mine at Tumacacori National historic park..
Maureen Blackford Sahuarita AZ (seasonally) -------- Original message --------From: trose <trose...> Date: 7/25/17 11:58 AM (GMT-07:00) To: <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] NO BIRDS - FYI Alert - Senior Lifetime Parks Pass Price Hike in August
Just an FYI head's up - if you are 62 and over and frequently use any of the birding sites on lands covered by the "America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – Senior Pass", and you HAVEN'T bought your lifetime senior pass yet (or have lost yours and have been intending to replace it) BUY IT NOW!!!
The senior pass, which costs a one-time fee of only $10 for life once you turn 62 (and only $20 if you order it by mail and/or online) will be going up to $80 on August 28, 2017. If you already have your senior pass, it will be grandfathered in, and all it's benefits remain intact for life (as long as it's not lost or stolen) - you won't have to pay more. Any new senior pass bought through August 27, 2017 will still cost the original $10. They are having a large volume of purchases at the moment (no wonder!), so passes may possibly end up being out of stock at actual physical sites at any one time, but the USGS purchase website says that any mail order purchases through the USGS that are *postmarked* before August 28th will still be honored at the $10 price.
$10 is a heck of a bargain of a price to be able to get free access to a bountiful myriad of recreational sites within the BLM, Bureau of Reclamation, Fish & Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service and US Army Corps of Engineers. Plus you often get discounts (sometimes up to 50%) on extra amenities within those agencies, such as campgrounds. To be honest, even the new price of $80 lifetime will still be a pretty darned spectacular bargain. Most birders could plow through that price in Day Use Fees alone, in very short order. (Hubby and I chalked up nearly 2/3 of that price in savings with his senior pass, just on our one recent trip to San Diego, alone.)
The government is also implementing a brand new Annual Senior Pass for $20/year, for those on a budget, or those that aren't yet sure if they'd use a pass that much. The nice thing is, after you've purchased four Annual Senior Passes in the future (a sure sign that you ARE using them much!) you can then trade in those four passes to obtain a life pass, which you can then use instead, with no further annual pass purchases needed. (So make sure you don't throw any of the expired ones away!)
***And one very important recommendation I'd suggest to you: once you get (or already have) your lifetime Senior Pass in hand, treat those things like gold!!! They are good for you to use for life, but if they are ever stolen or lost, you will have to buy a replacement, and that will be at the new $80 price.
For complete details and frequently asked questions about these new changes, go here:
The Brown Pelican was still present at Amado Pond at 5:55 p.m., patrolling the shoreline. It was difficult to see when close to the near shore, but could be seen from the North end of the pond.
Date: 7/25/17 5:22 pm From: Andrew Core <andrewcore...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] se AZ: Brown Pelican in Amado
Bill Lisowsky just texted to say there's now an immature Brown Pelican at the Amado STP (5:15pm on 7/25).
-- Andrew Core Tucson, AZ
On Tue, Jul 25, 2017 at 5:29 AM, greentailedtowhee . <skua33...> wrote:
> I think we saw the same individual. I saw one try to land in a very > shallow puddle caused by heavy recent rains. This was at noon. By 1:50 > when I checked the same puddle the bird was gone. Hopefully found > something deeper with food. > > Thanks again for all who posted info about the tern sightings. > > Janine McCabe > > On Mon, Jul 24, 2017 at 9:42 PM, Gary Rosenberg <ghrosenberg...> > wrote: > >> Hi All, >> >> After Chris Benesh, Deb Finch, and I left the Royal Tern at Sun Lakes >> today (around noon), we were driving south along I-10 just north of the >> Gila River overpass when Deb spotted an imm. Brown Pelican flying to the >> northeast along the interstate. >> >> Not the rarest bird in southern AZ during the summer, but still fun to >> just flying across the desert. >> >> The tern was fun as well! >> >> Good Birding, >> >> Gary >> >> Gary H. Rosenberg >> >> Tucson, AZ >> >> <ghrosenberg...> >> >> >> http://www.avianjourneys.com >> >> <info...> >> >
Date: 7/25/17 3:44 pm From: David Pearson <dpearson...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] AZ, Pinal Co., Santa Cruz Flats
Darrel Wilder and I birded the Santa Cruz Flats and I-10 area from Red Rock to Sacaton for five and a half hours today (25 July) and found 76 species. The most interesting included first fall shorebird arrival of SANDERLING, BAIRD'S SANDPIPER, Wilson's Phalarope, and Red-necked Phalarope. An adult Crested Caracara was unusual for July, and the first fledgling TROPICAL KINGBIRDS of the summer were very noisy. Details on eBird.
David L Pearson
School of Life Sciences
Arizona State University
Tempe AZ 85287-4501
Date: 7/25/17 11:26 am From: Joel DuBois <squidthelesser101...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SWNM: Possible White-Throated Thrush in Las Cruces
Greetings birders,
Yesterday evening, I saw a thrush-sized bird that closely resembled a White-Throated Thrush in my yard in Las Cruces, NM. It called often, probably the easiest way to find it. Only saw briefly (but clearly), but fairly certain about identification. It flew north-west after leaving my yard. I have been unable to relocate it, but am continuing to check today as well. If anyone wants to look for it in my neighbourhood, I live in the High Range area, off of Roadrunner PKWY, near Stagecoach Dr. and Cimmaron Dr.
Date: 7/25/17 10:58 am From: trose <trose...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] NO BIRDS - FYI Alert - Senior Lifetime Parks Pass Price Hike in August
Just an FYI head's up - if you are 62 and over and frequently use any of the birding sites on lands covered by the "America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – Senior Pass", and you HAVEN'T bought your lifetime senior pass yet (or have lost yours and have been intending to replace it) BUY IT NOW!!!
The senior pass, which costs a one-time fee of only $10 for life once you turn 62 (and only $20 if you order it by mail and/or online) will be going up to $80 on August 28, 2017. If you already have your senior pass, it will be grandfathered in, and all it's benefits remain intact for life (as long as it's not lost or stolen) - you won't have to pay more. Any new senior pass bought through August 27, 2017 will still cost the original $10. They are having a large volume of purchases at the moment (no wonder!), so passes may possibly end up being out of stock at actual physical sites at any one time, but the USGS purchase website says that any mail order purchases through the USGS that are *postmarked* before August 28th will still be honored at the $10 price.
$10 is a heck of a bargain of a price to be able to get free access to a bountiful myriad of recreational sites within the BLM, Bureau of Reclamation, Fish & Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service and US Army Corps of Engineers. Plus you often get discounts (sometimes up to 50%) on extra amenities within those agencies, such as campgrounds. To be honest, even the new price of $80 lifetime will still be a pretty darned spectacular bargain. Most birders could plow through that price in Day Use Fees alone, in very short order. (Hubby and I chalked up nearly 2/3 of that price in savings with his senior pass, just on our one recent trip to San Diego, alone.)
The government is also implementing a brand new Annual Senior Pass for $20/year, for those on a budget, or those that aren't yet sure if they'd use a pass that much. The nice thing is, after you've purchased four Annual Senior Passes in the future (a sure sign that you ARE using them much!) you can then trade in those four passes to obtain a life pass, which you can then use instead, with no further annual pass purchases needed. (So make sure you don't throw any of the expired ones away!)
***And one very important recommendation I'd suggest to you: once you get (or already have) your lifetime Senior Pass in hand, treat those things like gold!!! They are good for you to use for life, but if they are ever stolen or lost, you will have to buy a replacement, and that will be at the new $80 price.
For complete details and frequently asked questions about these new changes, go here:
Date: 7/25/17 5:29 am From: greentailedtowhee . <skua33...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Brown Pelican along I-10 near Gila River
I think we saw the same individual. I saw one try to land in a very shallow puddle caused by heavy recent rains. This was at noon. By 1:50 when I checked the same puddle the bird was gone. Hopefully found something deeper with food.
Thanks again for all who posted info about the tern sightings.
Janine McCabe
On Mon, Jul 24, 2017 at 9:42 PM, Gary Rosenberg <ghrosenberg...> wrote:
> Hi All, > > After Chris Benesh, Deb Finch, and I left the Royal Tern at Sun Lakes > today (around noon), we were driving south along I-10 just north of the > Gila River overpass when Deb spotted an imm. Brown Pelican flying to the > northeast along the interstate. > > Not the rarest bird in southern AZ during the summer, but still fun to > just flying across the desert. > > The tern was fun as well! > > 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: 7/24/17 9:42 pm From: Gary Rosenberg <ghrosenberg...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Brown Pelican along I-10 near Gila River
Hi All,
After Chris Benesh, Deb Finch, and I left the Royal Tern at Sun Lakes today (around noon), we were driving south along I-10 just north of the Gila River overpass when Deb spotted an imm. Brown Pelican flying to the northeast along the interstate.
Not the rarest bird in southern AZ during the summer, but still fun to just flying across the desert.
New Mexico Rare Bird Report
July 24, 2017
Compiler: Matt Baumann
Phone: 505-264-1052
E-mail address: <mbaumann22...>
This is the New Mexico Rare Bird Report for July 24, 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:
--Morris reported a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK in the Albuquerque bosque July 4.
It was seen along the Calabacillas Arroyo west of the ditch trail about
100-200 yards south of Alameda.
--Morris reported an EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE in the Albuquerque bosque July 2.
It was seen south of Montano on the west side of the river near these
coordinates (31.13817, -106.6875). “This spot is slightly north of the path
that goes toward the river from the Pumping Station next to the ditch path.
Walk down the ditch path about 0.7 miles from Montano to get to this spot.”
It continued to July 19 in the area.
COLFAX County:
--Mehlman reported a CAROLINA WREN along Middle Ponil Creek near Valle
Vidal-Shuree Ponds July 18.
EDDY County:
--Nieman reports that to two BROWN PELICANS are now present at Brantly Lake
as of June 16.
GRANT County:
--Swackhamer reported a COMMON LOON at Lake Roberts July 10. It continued
to July 15.
--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.
ROOSEVELT County:
--Watkins photographed an interesting juvenile Melanerpes woodpecker at
Portales City Park July 12. A juvenile Red-bellied is the likely candidate
but given recent Golden-fronted x Red-bellied Woodpeckers at this location
a hybrid isn’t yet eliminated.
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.
TAOS County:
--Friedrichs photographed a male WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL about 3.5 miles
east of Red River turnoff (FR 597) along FR 134 July 15.
VALENCIA County:
--Hawksworth reported a CAROLINA WREN at Whitfield Wildlife Conservation
Area July 2016. It was in the bosque at the southwest end of the refuge.
Date: 7/24/17 5:14 pm From: Matt VanWallene <zoutedrop...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Fwd: Royal Tern
Bird was there at 4:30 PM on the east side of the pond.
Hoping for a fallout from last night's rain I check the
surrounding ponds and was vindicated by finding a
white domestic Mallard at Fulton Ranch.
*Matt VanWallene*
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Pierre Deviche <Pierre.Deviche...>
Date: Mon, Jul 24, 2017 at 4:20 PM
Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Royal Tern
To: "<aznmbirds...>" <aznmbirds...>
The tern was back, sitting along the E. edge of the pond and easily visible
from the paved road, at 3:30 pm. Still there when we left 15 min later.
Pierre Deviche.
------------------------------
*From:* <aznmbirds-request...> <aznmbirds-request@list.
arizona.edu> on behalf of Steve Ganley <sganley...>
*Sent:* Monday, July 24, 2017 3:38 PM
*To:* <aznmbirds...>
*Subject:* [AZNMbirds] Royal Tern
Birders
I arrived at the location about 2:30 and the tern was in the middle of the
south berm where it stayed until 3:00 when it flew off to the east, over
the RV’s and out of sight. I did not stay to see if it came back or not. I
owe you one Dale.
Date: 7/24/17 4:20 pm From: Pierre Deviche <Pierre.Deviche...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Royal Tern
The tern was back, sitting along the E. edge of the pond and easily visible from the paved road, at 3:30 pm. Still there when we left 15 min later.
Pierre Deviche.
________________________________
From: <aznmbirds-request...> <aznmbirds-request...> on behalf of Steve Ganley <sganley...>
Sent: Monday, July 24, 2017 3:38 PM
To: <aznmbirds...>
Subject: [AZNMbirds] Royal Tern
Birders
I arrived at the location about 2:30 and the tern was in the middle of the south berm where it stayed until 3:00 when it flew off to the east, over the RVs and out of sight. I did not stay to see if it came back or not. I owe you one Dale.
Date: 7/24/17 3:39 pm From: Steve Ganley <sganley...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Royal Tern
Birders
I arrived at the location about 2:30 and the tern was in the middle of the south berm where it stayed until 3:00 when it flew off to the east, over the RV's and out of sight. I did not stay to see if it came back or not. I owe you one Dale.
Date: 7/24/17 1:04 pm From: Steve Valasek <botheringbirds...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Royal Tern at Riggs and Price Rd. Ponds
Tern still present. Sitting on the back on the far, right side of the pond. Opposite of the RV storage.
-Steve
On Mon, Jul 24, 2017, 12:08 Chris Benesh <cdbenesh...> wrote:
> Still present as of 12:00 noon. Flies off intermittently but returns after > 10-20 minutes. > > Chris > Tucson, AZ > > Sent from my iPhone > > On Jul 24, 2017, at 10:54 AM, Jon Mann <dback_jon...> wrote: > > Still here at 10:54 > > Briefly flew off but then came back > > Jon Mann > > Sent from my iPhone > > On Jul 24, 2017, at 10:08 AM, Marc Shlossman <marc.shlossman...> > wrote: > > Tern still present 9:10-9:30. Small pond W of Old Price Rd. and N of Riggs > > On Mon, Jul 24, 2017 at 8:47 AM, Tommy DeBardeleben < > <debardelebentommy...> wrote: > >> Tern still here 847. West side of old price road 1/3 mile north of Riggs >> road >> >> On Jul 24, 2017 7:34 AM, "Darrel Wilder" <darrelrwilder...> wrote: >> >>> I'm posting this for Dale Clark who has no current access to the list >>> serve. Dale and I viewed a presumed Royal Tern at a small pond 1/3 mile >>> north along old Price Rd. from the Riggs and Price Rd. ponds this morning. >>> The bird flew east once and returned while I was there, but the latest word >>> is that is has flown east again. Since it was present both yesterday >>> morning and this morning it may return to this spot again. >>> I'm posted photos of the bird on eBird under the Riggs and Price Rd. >>> hotspot. Dale Clark no doubt has better photos of the bird that'll he'll >>> post eventually. >>> >>> *Darrel Wilder* >>> >>> *Sun Lakes, AZ* >>> >>> <darrelrwilder...> >>> >>> 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. >> > > 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. > > 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: 7/24/17 12:08 pm From: Chris Benesh <cdbenesh...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Royal Tern at Riggs and Price Rd. Ponds
Still present as of 12:00 noon. Flies off intermittently but returns after 10-20 minutes.
Chris
Tucson, AZ
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jul 24, 2017, at 10:54 AM, Jon Mann <dback_jon...> wrote:
>
> Still here at 10:54
>
> Briefly flew off but then came back
>
> Jon Mann
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Jul 24, 2017, at 10:08 AM, Marc Shlossman <marc.shlossman...> wrote:
>>
>> Tern still present 9:10-9:30. Small pond W of Old Price Rd. and N of Riggs
>>
>>> On Mon, Jul 24, 2017 at 8:47 AM, Tommy DeBardeleben <debardelebentommy...> wrote:
>>> Tern still here 847. West side of old price road 1/3 mile north of Riggs road
>>>
>>>> On Jul 24, 2017 7:34 AM, "Darrel Wilder" <darrelrwilder...> wrote:
>>>> I'm posting this for Dale Clark who has no current access to the list serve. Dale and I viewed a presumed Royal Tern at a small pond 1/3 mile north along old Price Rd. from the Riggs and Price Rd. ponds this morning. The bird flew east once and returned while I was there, but the latest word is that is has flown east again. Since it was present both yesterday morning and this morning it may return to this spot again.
>>>> I'm posted photos of the bird on eBird under the Riggs and Price Rd. hotspot. Dale Clark no doubt has better photos of the bird that'll he'll post eventually.
>>>>
>>>> Darrel Wilder
>>>> Sun Lakes, AZ
>>>>
>>>> <darrelrwilder...>
>>>>
>>>> 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.
>>
>> Home Page: https://list.arizona.edu/sympa/info/aznmbirds >> To unsubscribe use the Unsubscribe button on that page.
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Date: 7/24/17 11:59 am From: Andrew Core <andrewcore...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Royal Tern at Riggs and Price Rd. Ponds
The bird departed at 11:42am to the ponds in the neighborhood to the east; returned at 11:56am and is here currently.
-
Andrew Core
Tucson, AZ
> On Jul 24, 2017, at 10:54 AM, Jon Mann <dback_jon...> wrote:
>
> Still here at 10:54
>
> Briefly flew off but then came back
>
> Jon Mann
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Jul 24, 2017, at 10:08 AM, Marc Shlossman <marc.shlossman...> wrote:
>>
>> Tern still present 9:10-9:30. Small pond W of Old Price Rd. and N of Riggs
>>
>>> On Mon, Jul 24, 2017 at 8:47 AM, Tommy DeBardeleben <debardelebentommy...> wrote:
>>> Tern still here 847. West side of old price road 1/3 mile north of Riggs road
>>>
>>>> On Jul 24, 2017 7:34 AM, "Darrel Wilder" <darrelrwilder...> wrote:
>>>> I'm posting this for Dale Clark who has no current access to the list serve. Dale and I viewed a presumed Royal Tern at a small pond 1/3 mile north along old Price Rd. from the Riggs and Price Rd. ponds this morning. The bird flew east once and returned while I was there, but the latest word is that is has flown east again. Since it was present both yesterday morning and this morning it may return to this spot again.
>>>> I'm posted photos of the bird on eBird under the Riggs and Price Rd. hotspot. Dale Clark no doubt has better photos of the bird that'll he'll post eventually.
>>>>
>>>> Darrel Wilder
>>>> Sun Lakes, AZ
>>>>
>>>> <darrelrwilder...>
>>>>
>>>> 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.
>>
>> Home Page: https://list.arizona.edu/sympa/info/aznmbirds >> To unsubscribe use the Unsubscribe button on that page.
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Date: 7/24/17 10:54 am From: Jon Mann <dback_jon...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Royal Tern at Riggs and Price Rd. Ponds
Still here at 10:54
Briefly flew off but then came back
Jon Mann
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jul 24, 2017, at 10:08 AM, Marc Shlossman <marc.shlossman...> wrote:
>
> Tern still present 9:10-9:30. Small pond W of Old Price Rd. and N of Riggs
>
>> On Mon, Jul 24, 2017 at 8:47 AM, Tommy DeBardeleben <debardelebentommy...> wrote:
>> Tern still here 847. West side of old price road 1/3 mile north of Riggs road
>>
>>> On Jul 24, 2017 7:34 AM, "Darrel Wilder" <darrelrwilder...> wrote:
>>> I'm posting this for Dale Clark who has no current access to the list serve. Dale and I viewed a presumed Royal Tern at a small pond 1/3 mile north along old Price Rd. from the Riggs and Price Rd. ponds this morning. The bird flew east once and returned while I was there, but the latest word is that is has flown east again. Since it was present both yesterday morning and this morning it may return to this spot again.
>>> I'm posted photos of the bird on eBird under the Riggs and Price Rd. hotspot. Dale Clark no doubt has better photos of the bird that'll he'll post eventually.
>>>
>>> Darrel Wilder
>>> Sun Lakes, AZ
>>>
>>> <darrelrwilder...>
>>>
>>> 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.
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>
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Date: 7/24/17 10:08 am From: Marc Shlossman <marc.shlossman...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Royal Tern at Riggs and Price Rd. Ponds
Tern still present 9:10-9:30. Small pond W of Old Price Rd. and N of Riggs
On Mon, Jul 24, 2017 at 8:47 AM, Tommy DeBardeleben < <debardelebentommy...> wrote:
> Tern still here 847. West side of old price road 1/3 mile north of Riggs > road > > On Jul 24, 2017 7:34 AM, "Darrel Wilder" <darrelrwilder...> wrote: > >> I'm posting this for Dale Clark who has no current access to the list >> serve. Dale and I viewed a presumed Royal Tern at a small pond 1/3 mile >> north along old Price Rd. from the Riggs and Price Rd. ponds this morning. >> The bird flew east once and returned while I was there, but the latest word >> is that is has flown east again. Since it was present both yesterday >> morning and this morning it may return to this spot again. >> I'm posted photos of the bird on eBird under the Riggs and Price Rd. >> hotspot. Dale Clark no doubt has better photos of the bird that'll he'll >> post eventually. >> >> *Darrel Wilder* >> >> *Sun Lakes, AZ* >> >> <darrelrwilder...> >> >> 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: 7/24/17 9:31 am From: Marcy Scott <marcyscott44...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] sNM: Uvas Valley playa shorebirds
With the generous weekend rains, late yesterday afternoon (Sunday) Jimmy Zabriskie and I decided to check the Uvas Valley (aka Nutt-Hatch) playa, which is just east of the Sierra-Dona Ana County line along NM 26. We were delighted to find a good bit of water, including an inundated and sparsely vegetated area fairly close to the road that was hopping with activity. Other than a couple of interesting dowitchers that we only saw briefly, we didn't see anything terribly rare, but it was a good mix. Stilt Sandpipers (2) were perhaps the most notable, but there were also a few dozen Wilson's Phalaropes, a good mix of peeps (Baird's, Western, and Least), a few Greater Yellowlegs, a couple of Spotted Sandpipers, many Killdeer, many American Avocets, and several Black-necked Stilts. Mallards and a couple of Cinnamon Teal were the only ducks noted. A calling Red-tailed Hawk, several Western Kingbirds, and several singing Cassin's Sparrows made for a nice evening visit.
This morning (Monday) we couldn't resist the temptation to check the playa again, having received more rain overnight, and apparently Hatch and environs had had yet another gully-washer. The playa was three times the size it was yesterday, with none of the conveniently close shorebird habitat any longer and most of the shorebirds on the far strip of mud beyond scoping distance. But what a racket of toads calling! At first we thought we had some kind of car trouble, until we turned the engine off and the sound got louder! At least four different species were calling constantly, and little heads could be seen bobbing across the playa, making for quite a spectacle that made us smile. Hundreds of dragonflies were having a field day as well.
The larger shorebirds were still present, including the phalaropes and the 2 Stilt Sandpipers, and there were also 5 White-faced Ibis. The smaller guys were too far away for us to discern. An adult and an immature Swainson's Hawk and a happy-looking Greater Roadrunner surveyed the fringes of the playa. The toad spectacle will be short-lived, but with the amount of water there now the place is definitely worth a check for anyone traveling between Hatch and Deming.
Date: 7/24/17 9:31 am From: Johnson Brian <spindlebrook...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Royal Tern at Riggs and Price Rd. Ponds
Present at 9:30 at same location.
Brian Johnson
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
On Monday, July 24, 2017, 8:47 AM, Tommy DeBardeleben <debardelebentommy...> wrote:
Tern still here 847. West side of old price road 1/3 mile north of Riggs road
On Jul 24, 2017 7:34 AM, "Darrel Wilder" <darrelrwilder...> wrote:
I'm posting this for Dale Clark who has no current access to the list serve. Dale and I viewed a presumed Royal Tern at a small pond 1/3 mile north along old Price Rd. from the Riggs and Price Rd. ponds this morning. The bird flew east once and returned while I was there, but the latest word is that is has flown east again. Since it was present both yesterday morning and this morning it may return to this spot again.I'm posted photos of the bird on eBird under the Riggs and Price Rd. hotspot. Dale Clark no doubt has better photos of the bird that'll he'll post eventually.
Darrel WilderSun Lakes, AZ
<darrelrwilder...>
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Date: 7/24/17 8:48 am From: Tommy DeBardeleben <debardelebentommy...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Royal Tern at Riggs and Price Rd. Ponds
Tern still here 847. West side of old price road 1/3 mile north of Riggs road
On Jul 24, 2017 7:34 AM, "Darrel Wilder" <darrelrwilder...> wrote:
> I'm posting this for Dale Clark who has no current access to the list > serve. Dale and I viewed a presumed Royal Tern at a small pond 1/3 mile > north along old Price Rd. from the Riggs and Price Rd. ponds this morning. > The bird flew east once and returned while I was there, but the latest word > is that is has flown east again. Since it was present both yesterday > morning and this morning it may return to this spot again. > I'm posted photos of the bird on eBird under the Riggs and Price Rd. > hotspot. Dale Clark no doubt has better photos of the bird that'll he'll > post eventually. > > *Darrel Wilder* > > *Sun Lakes, AZ* > > <darrelrwilder...> > > 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: 7/24/17 8:21 am From: Eric Hough <thebirdwhisperer22...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] E/CEAZ: Whiteriver GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Yesterday (July 23, 2017) I was shocked to find two singing GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS about 0.5 mile apart along BIA Rt. 71 on Bonito Prairie about 13 miles south of Whiteriver in Apache County, each just ~0.24 miles and ~0.13 miles, respectively east of the Navajo County line based on the county lines and my plotted coordinates shown on Google Earth. For reference, this is along the eastern edge of the thin southern bootheel of Navajo County. Outside of the resident population of the ammolegus subspecies of Grasshopper Sparrow in southeastern Arizona, breeding has only been found at a no longer extant grassland in Chino Valley during the summers of 1976 and during breeding bird atlas surveys in 1993. The Chino Valley birds were identified as the more northern, widespread western subspecies perpallidus. Judging by photos I was able to get of the first bird I encountered, I think it appears to be of the perpallidus subspecies, but would appreciate any other comments on this. Given that this location has had almost no bird sightings reported between the 1890s and October/November of 2015 (that I know of based on a previous literature review), this could be an isolated population or irregularly occupied breeding location. It has been theorized that the irruption of Cassin’s Sparrows this year and back in 2011 into northern Arizona was driven by birds abandoning drought-stricken breeding grounds in Texas and the southern Great Plains, so perhaps similar occurrences force small numbers of perpallidus Grasshopper Sparrows to seek out other suitable habitat during the breeding season locally in Arizona too (?). Photos and audio recordings can be seen in these two checklists on eBird:
I’m not sure if the subspecies can be reliably separated via sonogram comparison, so thoughts on this are also appreciated. In the comments for each sighting in the above checklist I have also included coordinates of each sighting. The grassland on Bonito Prairie is heavily grazed, with limited taller grass cover in the area that these two birds were found. I only birded along the main road (BIA Rt. 70/71) down to the crossing of Rt. 71 of Big Bonito Creek and west a few miles to just past East Bonito Prairie Tank. There is more grassland habitat east of the Rt. 71 Big Bonito Creek crossing that I did not check. Note that the main road switches to being called Rt. 71 north of these sparrow sightings where a side road goes off to the east as a continuation of the name Rt. 70.
Besides the Grasshopper Sparrows, there were very few sparrows around in general on Bonito Prairie, with just a couple of singing VESPER SPARROWS and small numbers of LARK and CHIPPING SPARROWS. EASTERN MEADOWLARKS, however, were abundant (interestingly, no Western Meadowlarks heard). Several AMERICAN KESTRELS, WESTERN and CASSIN’S KINGBIRDS, including fledged young of the year, were wandering throughout the prairie too. Several AMERICAN CROWS, COMMON RAVENS, and at least a small flock of distant heard-only PINYON JAYS were also detected on the prairie. In the woodlands between Sevenmile Rim and the northern part of the grasslands, and down along Big Bonito Creek at the Rt. 71 crossing, I had a few flocks of MEXICAN JAYS with several birds feeding young. WOODHOUSE’S SCRUB-JAYS and STELLER’S JAYS were also heard (a great area to find corvids!).
Earlier in the morning while slowly birding Rt. 70 up Sevenmile Rim between Whiteriver and the Bonito Prairie (Navajo Co.), highlights included a singing GREATER ROADRUNNER, a male DOWNY WOODPECKER, a GRAY FLYCATCHER, singing GRAY (1) and HUTTON’S (3) VIREOS, a PURPLE MARTIN, four JUNIPER TITMICE, a pair of calling CRISSAL THRASHERS, and five RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS. SPOTTED TOWHEES, WOODHOUSE’S SCRUB-JAYS, and BUSHTITS were abundant. On my way driving back down Sevenmile Rim I heard a small flock of BRIDLED TITMICE.
Near sunrise while birding near the Rt. 45 (Stago Rd.) crossing of the East Fork of the White River in the community of East Fork (essentially an eastern extension of the town of Whiteriver) in Navajo Co. I heard and saw one YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, likely the first sighting for this area. BRIDLED TITMICE, several family groups of YELLOW WARBLERS feeding young, a few YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS incorporating what sounded like mimicry of Brown-crested Flycatcher vocalizations into their songs, a family group of SUMMER TANAGERS feeding young, and a few singing LAZULI BUNTINGS were also detected. Before sunrise I checked the bridge over the North Fork of the White River at East Fork Rd. (Navajo Co.) and had a couple of BRIDLED TITMICE, several YELLOW WARBLERS feeding young, several AMERICAN CROWS, YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS, and BLUE GROSBEAKS.
Attempted owling/nightjaring at a couple spots around the confluence of the North Fork of the White River and Diamond Creek off Alchesay Hatchery Rd. (Navajo Co.) were unsuccessful, but lots of SPOTTED TOWHEES were singing in the dawn chorus.
Full checklists are in eBird and utilize several hotspots (including Sevenmile Rim and both county sections of Bonito Prairie).
**Note that a general recreation permit is required to go birding or hiking on the White Mountain Apache tribal lands and can be purchased in Whiteriver, Hon-dah, Carrizo(?), and a couple places in Pinetop (see online for details). Unfortunately, their online permit purchase system is currently down.
Good birding,
Eric Hough
Wickenburg, AZ
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Date: 7/24/17 8:01 am From: Tommy DeBardeleben <debardelebentommy...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Royal Tern at Riggs and Price Rd. Ponds
Tern continues at 800. At pond on west side of Old Price 1/3rd mile north of Riggs. It's been coming back and fourth to this pond.
Tommy DeBardeleben
On Jul 24, 2017 7:34 AM, "Darrel Wilder" <darrelrwilder...> wrote:
> I'm posting this for Dale Clark who has no current access to the list > serve. Dale and I viewed a presumed Royal Tern at a small pond 1/3 mile > north along old Price Rd. from the Riggs and Price Rd. ponds this morning. > The bird flew east once and returned while I was there, but the latest word > is that is has flown east again. Since it was present both yesterday > morning and this morning it may return to this spot again. > I'm posted photos of the bird on eBird under the Riggs and Price Rd. > hotspot. Dale Clark no doubt has better photos of the bird that'll he'll > post eventually. > > *Darrel Wilder* > > *Sun Lakes, AZ* > > <darrelrwilder...> > > 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: 7/24/17 7:34 am From: Darrel Wilder <darrelrwilder...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Royal Tern at Riggs and Price Rd. Ponds
I'm posting this for Dale Clark who has no current access to the list serve. Dale and I viewed a presumed Royal Tern at a small pond 1/3 mile north along old Price Rd. from the Riggs and Price Rd. ponds this morning. The bird flew east once and returned while I was there, but the latest word is that is has flown east again. Since it was present both yesterday morning and this morning it may return to this spot again. I'm posted photos of the bird on eBird under the Riggs and Price Rd. hotspot. Dale Clark no doubt has better photos of the bird that'll he'll post eventually.
Date: 7/24/17 7:23 am From: robert bowker <bowker657...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Royal Tern gone
Birders-Sorry for the delay, but this is coming second hand since Dale cannot post from his sight. Apparently flex off towards Sun lakes about 15 minutes ago. RWBowker PHX, AZ (Site is at Riggs and Price)
Date: 7/23/17 9:40 pm From: Ralph Poulsen <ktm690dog...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ Possible Pine Flycatcher Cave Creek Santa Ritas??
I hiked the Cave Creek trail (#92) in the Santa Ritas this morning. At 1 1/2 miles up the trail from the parking area I found a small flycatcher I could not ID. It was similar to a Cordilleran in size and color, but had a very distinct brownish rust colored tail (similar to an Ash Throated) and nearly white belly. I only got a short view, but it was close and I had a clear view. I could not relocate the bird after losing sight of it. There were Dusky Capped and Sulfur Bellied FC in the same area.
I led the Tucson Audubon Society Field Trip to Scotia Canyon on the west side of the Huachuca Mountains this soggy morning. The road past Parker Canyon Lake and into Sunnyside and Scotia Canyons was in much better shape than expected given the heavy monsoon season.
On the way down on Route 83 from Sonoita, BOTTERI'S and GRASSHOPPER SPARROWs were actively singing.
A restroom break at Parker Canyon Lake yielded a WESTERN GREBE.
The Huachuca Mountains were shrouded in mist this morning and it was extremely humid with scattered thunderstorms when we arrived. Somehow we eked out 2.5 hours of partial sunshine and building thunderheads for a good walk in the canyon, albeit it was dark and a bit gloomy under the trees, and the birds were quieter than expected.
SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHERs were the exception as noisy pairs were calling throughout. We had a fantastic, open branch, sunny look at one at the start of the hike. An ELEGANT TROGON pair barked at us first up canyon and then down, with only fleeting looks through the vegetation and each time one or the other flew. BUFF-BREASTED FLYCACTHERs were numerous but mostly hidden while calling, though one individual on the ground held for quite a while. EASTERN BLUEBIRDs were visiting a nest cavity and WESTERN WOOD PEWEEs were just numerous.
Other birds included DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER, PLUMBEOUS and HUTTON's VIREOs, BROWN CREEPERs singing, GRACE'S WARBLER, CASSIN'S KINGBIRDs, PAINTED REDSTART, HEPATIC TANAGER, HERMIT THRUSH and the like, mostly normal stuff.
Just as we got back to the cars, it started to rain, and a hasty retreat was necessary to avoid an incoming heavy storm that chased us all the way back towards the Canelo Hills.
Date: 7/23/17 2:50 pm From: Caleb strand <strandcaleb...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Chandler, AZ ROYAL TERN (found by Dale Clark)
Hi All,
Just got word from Dale Clark that he had a Royal Tern near the Riggs and Price Roads Ponds and an isolated pond. Here's what he said:
"It was at a pond at Riggs and Price roads this morning. There is a little pond out in the fields, along old Price road, about 1/3 miles north of Riggs. It flew away while I was in my truck taking photos."
Sounds like it flew east however Dale will be checking all of the nearby ponds for it, so keep your eyes peeled! Dale's Internet is down now which is why I'm posting on his behalf.
Congrats to Dale on the epic find on what is either a second or third state record from my understanding!!!
Date: 7/23/17 9:09 am From: Steve Valasek <botheringbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] [SEAZ] Poss. White Eared HB at Ramsey Canyon Preserve
I saw an interesting Hummingbird at the very first feeders out of the visitor's center. It had a white stripe on the side of the head and a bluish spot on the throat. The bill was Broad at the base, but mostly black. I'm heading up top, but I'll post photos later.
Date: 7/23/17 7:29 am From: matt V. <fickity...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER
Good morning! Just a few minutes ago, I found a sempalmated Sandpiper in a flooded field north of the terminus of Avenue three e in Yuma Arizona.
Other species present here right now: lesser yellowlegs, greater yellowlegs, Wilson phalarope, stilt Sandpiper, Long billed dowitcher, western willet , western Sandpiper, and Lisa sandpiper, spotted Sandpiper.
It has been an extremely enjoyable shorebird season this autumn!
Date: 7/22/17 9:30 pm From: Luke Safford <saffordluke...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Flame-colored Tanager and Tufted Fly today
Hey all,
I saw both the Flame-colored Tanager and Tufted Flycatcher this morning on the Hamburg Trail out of Ramsey Canyon. Both spots as detailed in the Tucson RBA. Had to wait around for the FCTA about 20 minutes at the creek crossing, heard it first then spotted it. Also a Hepatic during that time there too. It was a beautiful morning!
Date: 7/22/17 6:03 pm From: Sharon Goldwasser <azfiddle...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] mostly ho-hum birds in east Tucson
I’m back on my bike commute from Tucson to Rita Ranch daily, as well as visiting a few other spots, and there are a few birds just barely worthy of mention during the last two weeks. (And for the last few weeks before that, did not see anything worth mentioning on any of excursions on the east side during late June/early July).
I saw 1, maybe 2 two male migrant Western Tanagers headed south in the Fantasy Island desert area between Irvington and Valencia on Thursday, July 20. At least 5 singing Rufous-winged Sparrows are to be found on this three mile “transect” on a daily basis, and a couple of Purple Martins most days.
Today, July 21, I had a singing Cassin’s Sparrow on the Julian Wash bikeway, immediately west of Kolb Road. Julian Wash is south of Valencia. Also, I had a single Spotted Sandpiper at Sam Lena Park in the pond that is in the main park area, close to Country Club Road.
I also usually find time for a quick scan at Lakeside Park 2-3 days a week and can’t think of anything worth reporting for the last few weeks.
Sharon Goldwasser
Tucson, AZ
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Date: 7/22/17 6:03 pm From: Homer Hansen <hhansen...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Cochise Lake, Willcox - Water Situatuion - Please Respond Off-list
I have been out of state, unfortunately causing a delay in providing any information that I have.
First, I would like to clarify that the current discharge of effluent is independent of the wastewater treatment plant project. Effluent is being generated at the existing plant and it is capable of being discharged to Cochise Lake; however, this same effluent is also discharged to the Twin Lakes Golf Course. Over the past three years or so, more and more of the discharge that was historically shared with Cochise Lake has been redirected to the golf course, resulting in a significant decline of the water levels. Concerted efforts by local birders at times were able to garner 1 or 2 days a week of discharge to prevent the complete loss of the lake. However, this year, despite our requests, ALL the discharge has been directed to the golf course, thus the current water situation. I think everyone recognizes how this impacts our migratory birds, and right now, especially our shorebirds.
For those who are interested or concerned about the current situation, I encourage you to EMAIL or WRITE the Mayor of Willcox (this provides distribution to the council and to the public works department). PLEASE COPY ME WITH ANY CORRESPONDENCE. I would like to create an "archive" of this correspondence. For those who do send an email or letter, not everyone uses the kiosk sign-in sheet or notes what they spend locally when they visit the lake, and in the past, this information was very helpful with presentations to the mayor and council. Any reference to your personal visits may be helpful in the current situation.
--------------------------
Email:
Mike Laws <mlaws...> Mayor of Willcox
Please copy:
Homer Hansen <hhansen...>
Carol Broeder <carol.broeder...> Reporter
----------------------------
Letter:
City Hall 101 S. Railroad Ave Suite. B Willcox, AZ 85643 Attn: Mayor Mike Laws
Please copy:
Homer Hansen 2376 W. Lillie Rd. Willcox, AZ 85643
------------------------------
Most sincerely, Homer Hansen Willcox/Tucson, AZ
P.S.
For those who wish to learn more about the ecological importance of Cochise, I recommend visiting the IBA website for a comprehensive write-up: http://aziba.org/?page_id=712
"A brief history of the plant, saying that in the late 1940s it was a five-acre single lagoon, and in 1967 another seven-acre lagoon was added. The addition of surface aerators and chlorination occurred in the 1980s, then in 2002, a lift station, a septage receiving station (for septage haulers), and a lab/control building were added. In 2011, the plant's treatment process was upgraded, with effluent to be discharged to Cochise Lake or the Twin Lakes Golf Course."
Date: 7/22/17 3:08 pm From: Andrew Core <tucsonrba...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 21 July 2017
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast
Arizona was made on July 21, 2017; the next update will be made on July 28.
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:
*MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD
*BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR
#Berylline Hummingbird
#Lucifer Hummingbird
#Green Kingfisher
*TUFTED FLYCATCHER
*ROSE-THROATED BECARD
#Black-capped Gnatcatcher
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER
#Painted Bunting
TUCSON area
A *MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD was reported over the west side of Tucson on
7/17 (Rob Payne) but did not stop – it continued south and has not been
reported again.
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 A male #PAINTED BUNTING was photographed at Kino Springs at the main pond
near the clubhouse on 7/16 (Janine McCabe).
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 locations:
https://goo.gl/aMh1ke A possible #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD was reported from
Ramsey Canyon near the visitor's center on 7/15 (Adam Panto) – updates and
documentation would be appreciated.
In Carr Canyon, a *TUFTED FLYCATCHER continued at the Reef Townsite CG on
7/20 (m.ob.) on the north side of the campground. The pair were frequenting
the small clearing about 200 yards down the drainage behind the bathrooms
(near campsite #9).
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.
In Miller Canyon, a pair of *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLERS was reported from the
Miller Canyon Trail about a half mile above Split Rock (which is about a
mile from the parking area) on 7/18 (Rob Woodward).
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRDS continued at Ash Canyon B&B and in several yards in
the Huachuca foothills 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
this week (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.
An #ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD was photographed in a Tubac yard on 7/14 and
continued through 7/16 (Bill Lisowsky).
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.
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 this week (Rich Hoyer) near the culvert, upstream of
the concrete stream crossing.
DOUGLAS area
A #GREEN KINGFISHER was reported from San Bernardino NWR on 7/21 (Richard
Webster). The kingfisher was at the Minckley Ponds, which are north of the
main east-west track across the refuge and on the east side of Black Draw.
BENSON area
A #PAINTED BUNTING was reported at a small pond along Miller Ln in St.
David on 7/19 (Arlene Ripley).
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.
PATAGONIA – Patagonia Ranch Estates has posted signs that say “No Hunting –
No Camping – No Parking” but birders may continue to look along Circulo
Montana for grassland sparrows according to Alan Schmierer (July 2017).
This is the neighborhood on the west side of the Patagonia Lake State Park
entrance road.
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). UPDATE: under construction until late July.
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: 7/22/17 11:17 am From: Alan Schmierer <aaschmierer...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] NO BIRDS ........ ACCESS TO LAKE PATAGONIA RANCH ESTATES
Recently large yellow signs "PRIVATE PROPERTY: NO HUNTING, NO CAMPING, NO PARKING" have been placed along the dirt portion of Circulo Montana in Lake Patagonia Ranch Estates. The intent of the signs is to reduce fire danger and to prevent shooting near homes. Folks from around the world have used this road to look for Botteri's and other grassland sparrows, and MAY CONTINUE TO DO SO. Please continue to respect yards and fences. Thanks.
Alan Schmierer
PO Box 626
Patagonia, AZ 85624
805-801-3701 (cell)
PHOTOS AT:
www.flickr.com/photos/sloalan
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