Tucson Audubon Society

Hello Birders,

This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona was made on February 3, 2012. The next update will be made on February 10.

The RBA number is 520-629-0510 ext 3; press 1 to hear the RBA or press 2 to report a rare bird, OR email rarebirdalert.

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.

Where directions are not given, they can be found in the BRAND NEW EIGHTH EDITION of Tucson Audubon's Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona. More information including updates may be found here: http://tucsonaudubon.org/what-we-do/publications/fbi.html. For additional sightings in the region, please see the The Arizona-New Mexico Birding ListServ (or Archive and sign-up).

SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT INCLUDE:

*LEAST GREBE

#"Harlan's" Red-tailed Hawk

Mountain Plover

Short-eared Owl

Elegant Trogon

#Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

*CAVE SWALLOW

*WINTER WREN

#Black-capped Gnatcatcher

#Rufous-backed Robin

#Brown Thrasher

*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER

#Clay-colored Sparrow

*"RED" FOX SPARROW

#Harris's Sparrow

#Golden-crowned Sparrow

#McCown's Longspur

*STREAK-BACKED ORIOLE

 

TUBAC area

A *STREAK-BACKED ORIOLE was photographed on 1/29 (Moez Ali) just north of the Tubac Bridge along the Anza Trail (west bank of the Santa Cruz). The oriole continued daily through 2/2 (Joe Hammond) from about 1/4 mile to 3/8 mile north along the Anza Trail, on either bank. Also present were an #EASTERN PHOEBE (Garrett MacDonald) and a Black-and-white Warbler (Andrew Core), both north along the river, and two White-throated Sparrows and a Swamp Sparrow near the bridge (m.ob.).

A *"RED" FOX SPARROW was photographed along the Anza Trail south of Clark Crossing Rd on 2/1 (Laurens Halsey). It continued on 2/2 (Diane Touret), as did the wintering #BROWN THRASHER. Both were on the east bank about ¼ mile south of the crossing. An #EASTERN PHOEBE was at the crossing on 2/1 (Laurens Halsey).

A #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN was reported in the pyracanthas on Santa Gertrudis Lane on 1/29 (Moez Ali).

Reminder: Santa Gertrudis Lane and Clark Crossing Road are private roads, but birders are currently welcome to park along the I-19 Frontage Rd and walk to the crossing. Please respect private property.

TUCSON area

The *CAVE SWALLOW made a surprise reappearance at Kennedy Park on 1/26 (John Higgins) and continued off and on through 1/30 (m.ob.); it had been exactly a month since the last report. Where does it go? When seen it is either over the lake or perched on the wires along the south side of the lake. About 8-9am seemed to be the best time in December when it was more regular. An Osprey continued on 2/2 (John Higgins), as did the Canada Goose.

An #EASTERN PHOEBE was photographed at the Ina Rd Bridge over the Santa Cruz River on 1/28. A #CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was reported north of the bridge (map: http://g.co/maps/kzcm7) on 1/28, and a Blue Grosbeak (casual in winter) photographed just south of the bridge on 2/2 (Andrew Core).

At the Cienega Creek Preserve (map: http://g.co/maps/acymg) in southeast Tucson, a juvenile #YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER continued 50 yards up Cienega Creek from the confluence of Davidson Canyon. NOTE: These spots are accessible from the Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead. A special advance permit is required to visit this preserve; see:

http://www.pima.gov/nrpr/parks/cienega_creek/index.htm.

A *"RED" FOX SPARROW was reported from Catalina State Park along the east side Sutherland Wash where a small side drainage joins the main wash; this is about midway between the trailhead parking lot and the first main wash crossing (map: http://g.co/maps/pkpxq). A #CLAY-COLORED SPARROW and a #GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW continued along the southern portion of the Birding Trail (map: http://g.co/maps/nvvpx) on 2/3 (Philip Kline).

A #HARRIS’S SPARROW was reported from a yard near the Saguaro National Park (East) Visitor’s Center off Old Spanish Trail on 1/29 (Jan Kalthoff).

At Sweetwater Wetlands, the wintering Solitary Sandpiper continued this week in the settling basins (m.ob.).

A Western Sandpiper (casual in January) was continued at Avra Valley WTP on 1/31 (Philip Kline).

A White-throated Sparrow was reported from the north side of the old U of A cattle pens 1/4 mile east of Allen Rd and Campbell Ave on 2/1 (Rich Hoyer).

A wintering Broad-tailed Hummingbird was reported again at a feeder in midtown Tucson on 1/29 (Matt Brooks).

GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS

Two *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLERS continued in lower Florida Canyon (annotated map: http://g.co/maps/eg29k) through 2/2 (Laurens Halsey). One or two have been seen occasionally near the metal gate, about 400 yards from parking lot. Past the gate the canyon forks, and the main trail follows the East Fork; most sightings have been in the West Fork. A short distance up the rough trail in the West Fork is a large water tank and a low dam. Many sightings have been in this area. Another location is further up the West Fork from the dam near the "East Bend", where the canyon bends sharply to the east. Birds have been reported here and even further up the canyon. Note: These locations are within 1/2 mile of the Florida Trail trailhead at the end of the Forest Road 62A. It is not necessary, allowed or recommended to enter the research station to see any of these birds. A #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN continued at the concrete stream crossing just north of the parking area on 2/2 (Laurens Halsey).

In Green Valley a dark-phase #"HARLAN'S" RED-TAILED HAWK continued along the Santa Cruz River north of the Continental Rd bridge on 1/30 (m.ob.).

NOGALES area

At Pena Blanca Lake, at least one of the *LEAST GREBES continued on the lake though 1/27 (Stuart Healy).

SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS

A *WINTER WREN was reported to continue this week along the San Pedro River east of the San Pedro House in a log jam by trail marker #6 (fide John Broz). A Short-eared Owl was reported again along the del Valle Trail on 1/28 (Erika Wilson).

PATAGONIA & the SAN RAFAEL VALLEY

At Patagonia Lake State Park (annotated map: http://g.co/maps/e5pd9), *"RED" FOX SPARROW was reported on 1/28 (Cheryl Huizinga) from the mouth of Sonoita Creek; Swamp, White-throated and a “Slate-colored” Fox Sparrow were reported from the mouth of Sonoita Creek on 1/30 (Michael Lester). A male #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER continued on 2/1 (Stuart Healy) along the Birding Trail between the 2^nd and 3^rd washes. The wintering ELEGANT TROGON was continued from the mouth of Sonoita Creek on 1/29 (Julia Gordon).

At the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve a #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN and #EASTERN PHOEBE continued through 1/28 (Michael Lester). A Winter/Pacific Wren was reported on 1/27 (Tom Leskiw) near the Visitor’s Center.

In the San Rafael Valley the #ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was reported again on 2/3 (Michael Lester). SHORT-EARED OWLS continued on 1/31 (Melody Kehl); up to three have been seen this winter along FR58 east of the crossroads (FR 58/765/214 intersection). Map: http://g.co/maps/e6z4f

A White-throated Sparrow continued from the Patons’ Yard on 1/31 (Melody Kehl). Thanks to Michael Marsden and Donna Knox for their role as caretakers of this wonderful spot, and welcome to Larry and Anita Morgan as they take over. And many thanks to the Paton family for continuing to make this available!

BENSON area

In Saint David, a #BROWN THRASHER continued at Holy Trinity Monastery on 1/30 (Lainie Epstein). Look for it in the trees and wet area just north on the monastery’s Thrift Shop. Along nearby Golden Bell Road, one of the #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBINS continued on 2/2 (Joe Hammond). Look for them with American Robins in the hackberry trees across the road from 234 Golden Bell Road.

SANTA CRUZ FLATS

At the Evergreen Turf Farm fields, 6 #McCOWN’S LONGSPURS and 22 MOUNTAIN PLOVERS continued on 1/31 (Laurens Halsey) in the field northwest of Tweedy and Pretzer Roads. MOUNTAIN PLOVERS were reported from nearby Curry & Ellis on 2/3 (Melody Kehl).

WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY

A Short-eared Owl was reported again at Lake Cochise by the Twin Lakes Golf Course in Willcox on 1/30 (Lainie Epstein).

ANNOUNCEMENTS

TUCSON - Due to long-term construction, access to Sweetwater and Roger Road WRF has changed. See our Sweetwater page or http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/water/sweetwater for details. Mosquito control operations are scheduled at Sweetwater Wetlands from 6:30-8:30am on Mondays.  The gate will open when operations are finished.

CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST - The Santa Catalina and Safford Ranger Districts of the Coronado National Forest are open, and portions of the Douglas, Nogales and Sierra Vista Ranger Districts are open. See details and updates here: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/.

PATAGONIA - The Birding Trail at Patagonia Lake State Park has reopened.

MILLER CANYON - fire and floods have changed access to Beatty's Guest Ranch; check www.beattysguestranch.com for information on how to visit.

RAMSEY CANYON - Ramsey Canyon Preserve is open again; it will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

ASH CANYON - Ash Canyon B&B is open; call ahead (520-378-0773) and remember parking is limited to six spots.

BENSON - the Benson Birding Trail is no longer accessible as the property is under new ownership.

PATAGONIA - The Patons' yard remains open to birders.

FORT HUACHUCA - 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.  Check here for current entry requirements: http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/what-we-do/publications/133.html.

SANTA CRUZ FLATS: Managers at the Evergreen Turf Farm (vicinity of Tweedy and Pretzer Rds) have requested that anyone birding there on the weekends please leave by 5:00 PM. This is due to security issues experienced by the Sod Farm. Birders are still welcome here at other times.

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."

The Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department is currently revising security procedures and the following rules are subject to change any time. Please see this link for important information regarding access: http://www.pima.gov/wwm/about/pdf/birdwatching.pdf. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

GREEN VALLEY WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT:  presumably open again; ALL birders in a party must sign in, not just one representative of said party. Also, please DO NOT park on the grass, due to fire danger from hot catalytic converters. Approach the gate and follow the directions on the call box there to contact the operators to open the gate for you.

AVRA VALLEY WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT: Gates open at 6AM and close PROMPTLY at 2PM (do not linger, you will be locked inside).

NOGALES SEWAGE PONDS: Remain closed to birders.

CORONA DE TUCSON WASTEWATER RECLAMATION FACILITY: Access to the ponds here, about 1.5 miles west of Houghton Rd on Sahuarita Rd, is available from 6:00 A.M to 2:00 P.M daily. List of attendees and group affiliation must be sent in advance by fax (762-0591) or phone (762-0593). Bring identification with you.

Updates to the 7th edition (2007) of Finding Birds in Arizona can be found here: http://tucsonaudubon.org/what-we-do/publications/133.html

Good birding!

Andrew Core
SEAZ RBA Compiler - Tucson, AZ