SE Arizona Birding Site Updates 2--Tucson Audubon Society

Tucson Audubon Society
Finding Birds in SE Arizona Site Access Updates to the 6th Edition (2004)

On this page we do not list all information about all birding sites in southeast Arizona. Instead, we list sites for which there have been changes since the April, 2004 publication of the 6th edition of Tucson Audubon's Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona. For complete birding information on southeast Arizona, consult that book (available online from the Tucson Audubon Nature Shop, 520-629-0510). Check this page for any changes that may have occurred since that publication date. These updates are in alphabetical order. (For a brief summary of critical birding site information and more information on this page, see the update summary.)

Aravaipa Canyon, EAST END NEAR KLONDYKE
Access blocked by landowner—modifies, hopefully temporarily, page 93 of Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona
A landowner with a complaint against Graham County authorities has closed access to the east end of Aravaipa Canyon where the access road goes through her land. For more see this story in the Arizona Daily Star. We hope this will be temporary. The west end of Aravaipa Canyon is still accessible, but remember that to hike the 11-mile wilderness portion of the canyon from either end, a permit is required from the Safford office of the Bureau of Land Management (call 928-348-4400). (3/30/05)

Avra Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant, page 46
Closures due to construction
June 2007: The Avra Valley WTP will be open to birding for a month possibly beginning June 25. Construction will then resume and the area will be closed to birding for at least 18 months. Contact Laura Hagen Fairbanks, Community Relations Manager for County Wastewater, with birder issues: (520) 740-6532.

Benson Wastewater Treatment Pond
New Birding Site: insert on page 134, in section on Huachuca & Whetstone Mountains, and the Upper San Pedro River Valley.
The City of Benson has now labeled part of its wastewater treatment facility a wildlife viewing area and birders are welcome to visit one of the ponds. It attracts migrant and wintering waterfowl. Shorebird habitat is limited to the pond edges.
From Interstate 10 in Benson take the Ocotillo St. exit #304 and drive north on Ocotillo St. Watch on the right for a brown wildlife viewing sign and blue animal shelter sign. Turn right here and follow the signs, turning right at the stop sign and left at the next intersection. Total distance is under two miles. If the gate is open, drive in past the small buildings on the left and park near the wildlife viewing sign and picnic table. Here you can view the large pond from outside the chain-link fence. (There are other ponds in the facility, but they are not open for viewing. Do not trespass out of the allowed area.) (Submitted by Mark Stevenson, January 2006)

Benson Birding Trail
New Birding Site: insert on page 134, in section on Huachuca & Whetstone Mountains, and the Upper San Pedro River Valley.
The City of Benson now has a hiking trail along the San Pedro River called the Benson Birding Trail. Directions to the trail are at the website for the Benson Visitor Center. Subscribers to the Arizona and New Mexico birding email listserv would be interested to hear about what bird species you find along this trail. To subscribe to the listserv (required to post messages), go to their site and follow the directions.

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge
Arivaca Cienega Boardwalk Reconstruction
Arivaca Cienega is open for visitors. The boardwalk is torn up---the whole refuge staff has been
working on that---but the public is welcome to walk the trail. As long as it's dry, the whole thing is walkable. The bridges are still up so that if the boardwalk replacement project gets delayed, there will still be a way to cross the deep water areas. You may have to walk around work crews,
but feel free to visit the Cienega. For more information, call the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge 520-823-4251, extension 108.

CAP Recharge Pond
Mistake in Directions on Page 46 of Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona
The second sentence in the first full paragraph of page 46 should read as follows. "One of these is located close to the north side of Mile Wide Road, 1.0 mile west of Sandario Road." [Emphasis added.] (Reported by David West, 3/7/05)

Cave Creek Ranch, Chiricahua Mountains
Open to Day-only Visitors
Cave Creek Ranch is an inn near Portal, in the Chiricahua Mountains. For a while it was restricting birdwatching on its grounds to paying guests. However, the new managers say that non-guests are welcome to bird the grounds. However, large groups should call and warn them beforehand. And please give seating priority in the feeder viewing area to paying guests. For further information, and to arrange to stay there, call the managers of Cave Creek Ranch at 520-558-2334. (8/4/05)

Corona de Tucson Waste Water Facility
Currently Closed
This Pima County facility is located south of Tucson, off Sahuarita Road west of Houghton. Several months ago we determined that birders could in fact enter this area and bird the ponds at the plant from behind the fence. However, right now there is heavy construction going on, and they do not want birders out there at this time since hard hats, boots and accompanying personnel would be required. This construction might last until Spring, when the site will be staffed five days per week, and birders will again be welcome. We would just sign in at the office like we do at other WWTPs. Just in case construction is finished before Spring, it would be worth keeping an eye on the gate. You are encouraged to contact Laura Hagen Fairbanks with any questions regarding any of the Pima Co. WWTPs.

Laura Hagen Fairbanks
Pima County Wastewater Management
Community Relations Manager
201 North Stone Avenue, 8th Floor
Tucson AZ, 85701-1207
520-740-6532

Fire Restrictions
As of mid June 2006 there are no closures in the Coronado National Forest, however there are restrictions and all or part of the forest may be closed to visitors at some point due to fire danger. For updates about fires and public land in Arizona, check http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/information/firerestrictions/az/restrictions_az.htm.(click on the part of the state for which you want information). The Coronado National Forest includes the Catalina, Santa Rita, Huachuca and Chiricahua Mtns, California Gulch, and other areas (go to www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/ and click on the map) (6/21/05)

Coronado National Memorial
Park has been reopened
(See page 151 of Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona.) Coronado National Memorial, which was closed on July 31, 2006, is now open again. The Coronado Cave Trail was wiped out and is not expected to reopen in the near future. The Crest Trail will remain closed until about mid-December while workers repair sections damaged by rockslides. Contact the National Park Service at the number in the text for updates.

Dudleyville, on the lower San Pedro River
Change in Parking Area
Parking is no longer permitted at the end of the pavement on San Pedro Street in Dudleyville. Instead, proceed approximately 0.2 miles to the river crossing, where a new white sign welcomes visitors and lists the conditions of use for this private property. Park on the wide shoulder of the dirt road here or on the other side of the river, being certain to leave plenty of room for large trucks to pass by. (6/16/04, Rick Wright)

El Mesquital Restaurant
Closure
(See page 207 of Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona)
In late 2004, it was reported that the restaurant was closed and the oasis dried up. (3/25/05)

Essary Hay
Access Threatened by Bad Birder Behavior
Anyone who had the opportunity to bird on the private property of the Essary Hay Company knows how wonderful this spot is in the winter months for over-wintering birds of prey, etc. Today I learned from the owner, Bob Essary, that a birding group who frequently visits the area had a member who openly complained about their method of disposing of dead cattle. Bob, an experienced rancher was upset that anyone would question his technique. The citizens of the tiny town of Elfrida also were upset by the birder's criticism of Essary's ranching practices. He stated to me that he was very close to permanently closing off his ranch to any birders in the future.

My strong suggestion for the birding community, especially those leaders who have groups of clients, is to avoid the northern portion of the Essary Hay property (where dead cattle are placed) and please hold comments regarding these carcasses. Let's remember, when these cattle die and are left out in the open, they become food for scavengers such as coyotes, eagles, ravens, etc.

This particular area is very important to the birding community during the winter months. As a director of the Southwest Wings Birding Festival and hoping to personally correct this problem. I plan to invite Bob and his family to the festival in August 2005 and present him with an award for his generosity to the birding community.

As the winter closes, if you happen to visit Essary Hay always ask permission at the way station at Hwy 191 and thank them for allowing you to bird there. (Wezil Walraven, 3/03/05)

New Gate Hours
Most birders use Fort Huachuca's Main Gate and will experience no change in access.

West Gate: Open 0600 to 0800 and 1600-1800 Mon-Fri excluding holidays. It will be closed at all other times, effective 15 February, 2007

Important Notice about Stopping on the Road into Garden Canyon
To anyone planning on birding on the Ft. Huachuca Military Base, Sierra Vista, AZ, please read the following message and take this seriously.

The military is very concerned about the safety of birders who stop on the paved road into Garden Canyon, to look at birds from their vehicles. This action effects military activity and traffic flow.

It is very important that you cease any birding activity from the car by stopping in the road, and pull off on designated gravel roads off of Garden Canyon Road only, not the shoulder. This could cause a fire in the grasslands from the heat of your catalytic converter.

Each and every one of needs to pass this message on to all birders in our circles who ever intend on birding on the Ft. If anyone comes across any vehicle stopped on the road birding, please, cautiously, approach them and tell to continue on the road, to appropriate parking areas, or gravel roads.

I have been contacted directly by a higher authority representing the Ft. to forward this message to all concerned. Our actions could effect the future of birding on Ft. Huachuca. (submitted by Wezil Walraven, August 2006)

Heightened Security at the Fort
Entry to this active U.S. Army fort still requires valid photo ID, car registration and proof of insurance (or rental agreement). A new requirement is that Foreign Nationals must now be accompanied by a special trained military escort. Direct any questions about this rule to the U.S. Army at Fort Huachuca. Go to Fort Huachuca's website . The Sierra Vista Convention & Visitors Bureau (SVCVB) is working with Fort Huachuca to have certified military related people with you during your visit. Contact SVCVB's Erika K. Breckel several weeks in advance to coordinate your visit:
Email: Erika@VisitSierraVista.com
Phone: 800-288-3861 or 520-417-6960
Fax: 520-417-4890
or visit SVCVB at
1011 N. Coronado Drive
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

Potential problem with early morning access to Garden, Scheelite and Sawmill Canyons
Driving up Garden Canyon on 3/24/04, Stuart Healy was dismayed to find a newly installed chain barrier blocking the road just above the middle picnic area. He turned around to head back home just as an MP arrived to open the road. He asked the MP what was going on and it now appears that the road is closed overnight—enforcing a long standing "closed during hours of darkness" regulation. He asked about opening time and was told that although at the moment it was nominally 5:30 a.m., it depends on how busy the MPs are due to the previous night's activity and may be as late as 7:00 a.m. This may cause problems for early morning birding in warm months when the sun rises early. It would be feasible to walk to the upper picnic area or even Scheelite Canyon, but certainly not Sawmill! (3/24/04--Thanks to Stuart Healy for the update.)

Hereford Road Bridge
Bridge Now Open!
The Hereford Road Bridge over the San Pedro River is now open. At the publication of the 6th Edition of Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona, the bridge was closed with no immediate plans for reconstruction (page 141). (Updated 5/2/2006.)

Kino Springs
Update as of February 2005
Updating the report from Stuart Healy below, the ponds at Kino Spring now have water in them. The extent to which habitat is being improved after the cutting of important cottonwoods and other trees is not clear. Birders, please sent in reports this spring on the status of Kino Springs and the level of use it gets from migrant and nesting birds!

Major Changes in Bird Habitat, reported by Stuart Healy (4/19/04)
"I visited Kino Springs on Wednesday, April 14 and again today, April 18. As many of you know the ponds were drained some time ago and almost all the large cottonwoods around the club house pond were removed.

"Miraculously, restoration work is well underway and in the long term should make the area into a excellent birding location again. Today I was able to talk with someone and get the skinny on what is happening. The club house pond has been divided into two separate ponds, roughly 2/3 and 1/3 of the original pond. There is a "causeway" dividing the ponds and the smaller pond (closest to the club house) still has an island with a couple of the original cottonwoods. Many new trees have been planted and 300 additional trees will be planted (not all will be cottonwoods).

"The smaller pond has been filled to capacity and the larger pond will be filled next week. Work is also proceeding on the "first pond" (first as you drive in from Hwy 82). This pond is currently being "lined" with dirt fill and the pond will start to be filled in about 2 weeks time.

"A pair of GRAY HAWKS are in residence near the club house, although it's not clear where they will nest. Today they were hanging out in the trees on the island. Last week I saw them in the large cottonwood on the lawn west of the club house. From what I've seen, I don't think there's enough habitat at the club house pond for Tropical Kingbirds when they return at the end of the month. However, if the first pond restoration remains on schedule it's possible that they could nest there." (4/19/04)

Madera Canyon
Post-Fire Situation
Madera Canyon: The "Florida" forest fire of July 2005 damaged portions of Madera and Florida canyons. Virtually all of the improved recreational facilities and lodgings have reopened, but entry into severely burned areas is prohibited. At this time some trails are still closed. The Bog Springs/Kent Springs loop and the Vault Mine trail are open. The Baldy and Super Trails are open as far as Josephine Saddle only. For full details of the closures, see the Coronado National Forest web site at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/. Due to the fire damage, the area is more prone to flash-flooding and falling limbs and trees; visitors should use appropriate caution. (1/17/06)

Montosa Canyon
New Birding Site! Add to page 183 of Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona.
This canyon on the west side of the Santa Rita Mountains has harbored a few Black-capped Gnatcatchers in recent years. To get there follow the directions for Chino Canyon (page 182) to the signed intersection with the Mt. Hopkins Road. Turn right/south on paved Mt. Hopkins Road and follow it past the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory base camp buildings (roughly 6.5 miles). Soon the road changes briefly to graded gravel until it reaches a concrete stream crossing. Park off the road near the stream crossing. The gnatcatchers prefer dense vegetation up and downhill from here. Black-tailed Gnatcatchers are also here and in greater numbers. (3/25/05)
For a detailed map of the area, see Rich Hoyers page.

Mount Lemmon Highway
Highway construction delays are a thing of the past.
The Mount Lemmon Highway was rededicated on July 6, 2005 and there shouldn't be any regular construction delays. (9/21/05)

Correction to page 75 of Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona
On page 75 under the heading "Mile 24.5, Control Road," the last sentence should read "Black-throated Gray and Virginia's Warblers are particularly common here."

National Audubon Society's Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch
Pages 160-162: Always call (520-455-5522) to request permission. Casual visitation not always possible. Many roads are administrative only. Accommodations Not Normally Available
The 6th edition of Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona gives the impression that casual birding is encouraged. While birding is permitted under certain circumstances, it is necessary to first contact the facility and arrange access. Road conditions vary and many roads are administrative only. Accommodations are somewhat spartan, and generally reserved for volunteers and researchers. Always call before you go (520-455-5522) to request permission for birding or to inquire about accommodations.

Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve (The Nature Conservancy)
Closure June 28 to July 13 due to Fire Danger
The Nature Conservancy often closes the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve when fire danger is high, usually in June and July. (see preserve website for updates, or call TNC's Tucson Conservation Center at 520-622-3861—website does not give the preserve phone.) (9/30/04)

Quitobaquito Springs
Closure
(See page 211 in Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona)
Due to vigorous smuggling activity in the area, the road to Quitobaquito Springs is not currently open (March 2005). Contact the National Monument for updates. (3/25/05)

Rio Rico ponds and fields
New Birding Site!
(Add to page 185 in Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona)
This area attracts Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks, waders and Tropical Kingbirds in season. It is located north of Nogales and south of Tumacacori. Take I-19 exit 17 and follow Rio Rico Road east, shortly crossing the Santa Cruz River. There is a parking lot for the Anza Trail near the northeast corner of the bridge. The trail heads north through private property from here. A bit farther east, there is a pond at the northwest corner of the first large field south of the road. (Park off the road on the right/south side.) Tropical Kingbirds may be in the cottonwoods or mesquite. DO NOT CROSS THE FENCE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES; this is private property. After checking this area, drive farther east and watch on the right/south for another pond after crossing the railroad tracks. Again park off the road and do not cross the fence. (3/25/05)

Sabino Canyon
Flooding Causes Partial Closure of Recreation Area
(see page 68 in Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona) Flooding in late July 2006 severely damaged the main road up Sabino Canyon. Much of the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area has reopened, including the dam area and the first few miles of the Sabino Canyon Road. Details and updates at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/. (update from Mark Stevenson, November 2006)

Saguaro National Park West
Beginning in 2005, a fee is being charged for visiting this park unit.
(Updates page 45 of Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona) (3/25/05)

Saint David Mississippi Kites
Addition to page 134 in Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona
In recent years, a small colony of kites has become established along the San Pedro River in St. David. They are most often seen along the river and over farm fields. Watch for them near the AZ 80 bridge over the river and from the Monastery grounds. (3/25/05)

San Pedro River Inn
Birders welcome but please observe some basic rules
(Addition to pages 137-142 in Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona)

Sent by Michael Marsden & Donna Knox, Proprietors of the San Pedro River Inn
Donna and I welcome visiting birders at the Inn. As well as 20 acres of grounds with feeders and three ponds, we have our own access to a productive section of the San Pedro River. Our Inn to River circular trail takes two to three hours at a slow birding pace. Birding can be good throughout the year. Breeding species include Gray Hawk, Barn Owl and Tropical Kingbird, neotropical migrants use the River in spring and fall, and there is always a chance of something unusual: Rufous-capped Warbler, Rufous-backed Robin, Ruddy Ground-Dove and the third Arizona record of Field Sparrow were all seen here one memorable December morning. Over 260 species have been seen at the Inn or from the trail, and an additional 44 species in the area between the Hereford and Palominas bridges, all within 3 miles of us, but not yet here. Copies of our list are available on request.

The only rules for visitors are -
Day Birders: The grounds (other than the fenced area around the cottages) are open to visitors between 8am and dusk. There is no need to telephone in advance and there is no charge (though there is a box for donations to help with the costs of sugar and seed). Please leave your car at the main parking area, which you will come to as you drive into the Inn - only guests' vehicles are allowed on the roads beyond that. We have no registration, but please introduce yourself if you see us about. A sightings board with all the species seen here during the month is at the car park. The two main ponds are behind you on your left as you face the board. Approach them carefully by way of the screened observation area - if ducks are present, do not disturb them and do not walk around the ponds. Before leaving, please add anything of interest you have seen (including butterflies and dragonflies) on the sightings board.

Birding Groups: The same rules, but please telephone us at least the evening before to let us know when you are likely to be here.

Photographers: We do not generally allow photography (other than that incidental to general birding) except by guests staying at the Inn.

We also have regular guided birding walks at the Inn for guests. Visitors are welcome to join us on those I lead on Wednesdays. We start at 7am (8am November to March) and generally finish around 11am. If you would like to come, just telephone to make sure I will not be away that week.

There are also monthly birding walks here organized by the Friends of the San Pedro River. They are held on the second Sunday of each month starting at 7.30am (8am November to March). Again there is no charge other than a donation to the Friends.

The entrance to the Inn is on the west side of Hereford Road, about 3 miles from the junction with Hwy 92 east of Palominas. The Hereford bridge is down - until it is replaced later this year, there is no vehicular access from the north.

Michael

Donna Knox & Michael Marsden, Proprietors
San Pedro River Inn
(520) 366 5532
8326 S. Hereford Rd.
Hereford, AZ 85615
www.sanpedroriverinn.com
(4/05/05)

Sierra Vista Environmental Operations Park (wastewater facility)
Modifies pages 143-44 of Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona
Due to vandalism the Environmental Operations Park (EOP) is now locked at the main gate from about 5 p.m. until 7 a.m. weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday. This means the viewing platform is not available during those times. The normal visiting hours are now restricted to 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Sunday birdwalks led by the Friends of the San Pedro River will continue. The group who leads the tours has a key to the gate. The guides will allow the participants to enter and travel to the viewing platform. After all participants are inside, the gate will be locked again. The tour will then proceed, as normal, from the viewing platform. Once inside the gate, you will not be able to exit until the tour is completed. The tours take from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours depending on the participants and the bird activity. You should bring water, a hat and insect repellant (usually not needed, but better safe than sorry). The start time of the walks is 7 a.m. April through September and 8 a.m. October through March. A calendar of other walks is available on their website http://personal.riverusers.com/~fspr/fspr/. No pre-registration is required. There is no fee; however, donations are accepted and used to enhance the birding experience at the EOP. Special bird tours for other times may be arranged through the Friends of the San Pedro, 459-2555; SABO, 432-1388; or Huachuca Audubon, (Mike Guest), 378-0667. If you have any other questions, please contact Dutch, 378-7229. (8/4/05)

Southern Arizona Bird Observatory’s Banning Creek Field Station
Birding Location not covered in Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona
The Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory (SABO) is a non-profit organization founded in 1996 dedicated to the conservation of birds and their habitats in the region. In September 2002, SABO opened a new office in a cabin in Banning Creek Canyon just north of Bisbee in the Mule Mountains. (The Mules are part of the mountainous spine separating the San Pedro and Sulphur Springs valleys.) Feeders at the cabin have been attracting interesting birds for some time and are a prime attraction. Hummingbird species have included Broad-billed, Lucifer, Costa’s and nesting Violet-crowned. Other species of interest include Canyon Wren, Bridled Titmouse, 3 jays, Pyrrhuloxia, Rufous-crowned and Black-chinned sparrows and Scott’s Oriole.

Habitat: oak woodland with shrubs and trees more typical of lower elevations and plants found in dry rocky canyons.

Helpful information: Vistors are welcome year round for outdoor viewing of the feeders. Indoor viewing is available when staff are present. Other parts of the property are off limits to birders. Parking and seating are limited; groups of 10 or more should call or email in advance to make reservations. There is no charge, but donations are welcome. The road in is not suitable for vehicles towing trailers or RVs longer than 20 feet.

From Bisbee: Take AZ 80 West (north). The turn-off is on the left 2 miles from the Mule Pass Tunnel.

From the north: take Take AZ 80 from Tombstone or AZ 90 from Sierra Vista to their intersection northwest of Bisbee. Continue on AZ 80 East (south) 4.2 miles to the turn-off on the right, just past an Adopt-A-Highway sign, a sign saying “ICE MAY BE PRESENT” and a broad gravel pull-out on the right shoulder of the highway.

From Both Directions: The field station is on Hidden Meadow Lane, a steep, narrow private drive (red street sign). Tunn up the road, continue past a fancy gate on the left, through a less conspicuous gate and across a bridge to the light blue and white cabin. Parking is on the right side of the driveway on either side of the picnic table and propane tank.

Sunglow Ranch, Chiricahua Mountains
Now off limits due to liability concerns (10/7/04)

Sweetwater Wetland, Tucson (more information about Sweetwater)
Annual One-day Closure for Controlled Burn coming up this month, 2/15/07. Park will reopen next day.
Monday Morning Mosquito Control Closures
Weekly Monday morning mosquito larvicide applications will start again in the spring of 2005. On these application days the wetland usually opens by 10 a.m. (Updated 3/25/05)
Vegetation Clearing
Under Tucson Water guidance, a groundskeeping company has been clearing away the thick undergrowth immediately next to the wetlands edges. This has greatly increased the effectiveness of the mosquito larvicide applications. Tucson Water's Bruce Prior is interested to learn whether birders have noticed this, and what what they think of it (also, report any dead birds or problems with mosquitoes). Contact him at bprior1@ci.tucson.az.us, or 791-5080 ext 1403. (Updated 6/2/04)
Annual One-day Closures for Controlled Burns
The annual controlled burn at the Sweetwater Wetlands is generally in February or thereabouts. The wetlands are usually closed for the day and reopen the next day. The goal is to burn about a third or less of the total vegetation. This helps control aquatic vegetation that gets dense and prevents effective mosquito control. Tucson Water's Public Information Office handles Public Service Announcements regarding the event. (2/27/06)

Tweedy Road Sod Farms
New Birding Site (enter on page 62 of Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona)
In the Santa Cruz Flats area: in the fall of 2004, birders discovered additional sod farms not far from the Western Sod Farm. In the following winter, Mountain Plovers were more often found at the sod fields along Tweedy Road. Tweedy runs north-south; the sod fields are located north of Pretzer Road and south of Harmon Road. To get there, follow the directions to Western Sod Farm on page 63 to Greene Reservoir Road, take it west/right and watch for Tweedy Road after roughly five miles. Turn north/right on Tweedy and watch for the fields on the left after passing east-west running Pretzer Road. Alternate routes may be discerned in the DeLorme Arizona Atlas. (5/25/05)

Annotated Species List
Additional Species
(See pages 218-289 in Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona)

*Cackling Goose Branta hutchinsii: recently split from Canada Goose by the A.O.U. Identification of the varying subspecies of this species is not thoroughly covered in field guides. (3/25/05)

*Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus: One alternate-plumaged and another, controversial, basic-plumaged bird found and photographed at Avra Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant west of Tucson on 26 August 2005 (pending acceptance by the Arizona Bird Committee).

*Black Turnstone Arenaria melanocephalus: One found and photographed at Willcox 2-5 June 2005 was the first recorded anywhere in Arizona (pending acceptance by the Arizona Bird Committee).

*Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris: One female photographed and examined in the hand in residential Tucson, December 20, 2004-March 2005 is the first one documented in the state (pending acceptance by the ABC) (3/25/05)

*LeConte's Sparrow Ammodramus leconteii: A single bird photographed along the Santa Cruz River south of Ina Road December 2004-February 2005 is the second documented report for the state (pending acceptance by the ABC) (3/25/05)