Rare Bird Alert ⋆ Tucson Bird Alliance Skip to content
This update was made October 30, 2026. The next update will be November 6.

REPORT A RARE BIRD:  rarebirdalert@tucsonbirds.org

Southeast Arizona Rare Bird Alert

The sequence of sightings in this report is not random. Species are listed by order of overall rarity within locality. The first locality mentioned contains the rarest species seen during the reporting period. Within that locality, species are mentioned in relative-rarity order or in taxonomic order, if relative rarity is the same, within sub-locality. When the sightings for a locality are complete, the rarest remaining species dictates which locality is mentioned next, and so forth. At any point when 2 or more species are of the same relative rarity, taxonomic order then determines the sequence in which the localities are covered. Consequently, the order in which localities are mentioned will vary from one report to the next.

Contributors are listed in the text. The spelling of names given over the phone is not guaranteed to be accurate. Any errors or omissions are unintentional.

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.

See here for a list of review species in Arizona, i.e., species that the ABC considers “rare”.

A large scale irruption of Clark’s Nutcrackers, Pinyon Jays, Purple & Cassin’s Finches, and Evening Grosbeaks continued in the region – mostly from the upper forest but some foothill and lowland locations too.

 

AMADO

A #TRICOLORED HERON continued at Amado STP through 10/30 (m.ob.).

 

PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/XfXfX)

A #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD continued in a private yard in Portal on 10/28(Richard Webster, Rose Ann Rowlett).

Two #PURPLE FINCHES were photographed at Cave Creek Ranch on 10/25 (Cody Moffett).

A #BROWN THRASHER and a #GRAY CATBIRD continued in a Whitetail Canyon yard through 10/30 (Rick Taylor).

 

PATAGONIA

At Patagonia Lake State Park (annotated map: http://goo.gl/GgNvs) a #EASTERN PHOEBE was photographed far upstream along Sonoita Creek on 10/27 (Jake Thompson). GPS: (31.50447, -110.83112).

Four #PURPLE FINCHES were photographed in Endless Chain Canyon (FR 4698) on 10/28 (Jake Thompson).

 

DOUGLAS area

A #WINTER WREN and a #HOODED WARBLER were reported at San Bernardino NWR on 10/25 (Richard Webster). Annotated map: https://goo.gl/uX96Pw

 

TUCSON area

A #VARIED THRUSH was photographed on 10/27 and continued 10/28 (Nate Peterson) from private property along Sabino Creek just outside the Sabino Canyon park boundary.

A #GRAY CATBIRD was reported in a Ft Lowell yard on 10/27 (Jim and Rosie Watts).

A #LAPLAND LONGSPUR was photographed at the Avra Valley WWTP on 10/28 (Ethan Beasley). If the gate is locked, try the call box; gate is locked for the day at 2pm.

#PURPLE FINCHES were photographed on Mt Lemmon along the Arizona National Scenic Trail and Butterfly Trail on 10/26 and 1027 (Dominic DeLaca-Wauer, Malcolm Mark Swan).

Two #PURPLE FINCHES were photographed at Sabino Canyon on 10/30 (Craig Robson).

A #PURPLE FINCH was photographed at El Rio Preserve on 10/28 (Scott Boone).

 

AJO

A #VARIED THRUSH was photographed at the Ajo Golf Course on 10/24 (Andrea Serrano). A #PURPLE FINCH continued there through 10/29 (m.ob.).

Two #PURPLE FINCHES were photographed at the Ajo Plaza on 10/24 ((Andrea Serrano) and continued on 10/25 (m.ob.).

Two #PURPLE FINCHES were photographed at Bud Walker Park on 10/27 (Doug Backlund) and continued on 10/20 (m.ob.).

Two #PURPLE FINCHES were photographed at Gibson Neighborhood Park on 10/30 (Greg Gillson).

 

NOGALES area
A #RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER continued this week in Sycamore Canyon (m.ob.). GPS (31.4231, -111.1949). 

TUCSON – Mosquito control operations are scheduled at Sweetwater Wetlands from 6:30-9:00 am on Mondays.  The gate will open when operations are finished. Roger Road WRF was closed as of 1/10/2014 and it is uncertain when access will be allowed again. See https://www.tucsonaz.gov/water/sweetwater-wetlands

The gravel pit at the south end of Renaissance Ave may be viewed from outside the fence, but do not enter the pit. Similarly, the fields at the intersection of nearby Indian Agency Rd/Los Reales Rd. may be viewed from the road, but the pit is posted “No Trespassing”.

GREEN VALLEY WRF – hours are variable, approximately 7am-2pm daily. Protocol for visiting when open: Park outside the fence and use the pedestrian gate east of the vehicle gate. Stay away from buildings and construction equipment. Access subject to change without notice.

ASH CANYON BIRD SANCTUARY – open dawn to dusk EXCEPT Thursday, when open noon to dusk. Parking is limited; please carpool whenever possible. No need to call ahead.

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.

FORT HUACHUCA – 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 should be prepared to show photo ID (REAL ID compliant; see https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs for details) for everyone in the vehicle at the entrance, and possibly your vehicle registration and insurance as well. In the past, foreign nationals needed an approved military escort; if this policy is reinstated, contact the base (520.533.7111), or possibly the Sierra Vista Visitor’s Bureau (520.417.6960) well in advance.

IMPORTANT: Ft. Huachuca has posted information on access requirements on its official webpage at https://home.army.mil/huachuca/ – look for the “Gate Information” tab on the left side of the homepage. Read the information at the “Visitors Access” button. If you click the “Installation Access Forms” button, you can see the information you’ll have to provide to get access. The Visitor Control Center is located at the Van Deman Gate on Hwy 90 and opens at 5:00 am. https://home.army.mil/huachuca/index.php/about/Garrison/DES/physical-security/access-control

ACCESS NOTE: Despite the signage, as of March 2016 Garden Canyon was indeed now open to vehicles up to the upper picnic area and foot traffic beyond this. As of late July 2016, it was reported that it was open all the way to the top.

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.”

The Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department’s  security procedures and 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.

  • AVRA VALLEY WRF: Gates open at 6AM and close PROMPTLY at 2PM (do not linger, you will be locked inside). UPDATE: under construction; if the gate is locked, use the call box to request access (not guaranteed). Due to ongoing construction, birders are advised to call ahead at 520-577-7341 to check on access.
  • NOGALES STP: closed
  • CORONA DE TUCSON WRF: closed

NOGALES area
California Gulch annotated map: http://goo.gl/wSr0mi

SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
Ramsey Canyon: https://goo.gl/aMh1ke
Hunter Canyon https://goo.gl/CR4YXm

PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS
Portal annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/XfXfX

GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
Madera Canyon annotated map: http://goo.gl/dXBYP
Florida Canyon annotated map: http://goo.gl/AAzD6
Green Valley WRF: https://goo.gl/FA2TVJ

PATAGONIA
Patagonia Lake annotated map: http://goo.gl/GgNvs
Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/0pXsd

TUBAC area
Tubac annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/yDqi0
Puerto Canyon map: http://goo.gl/fRAa4A

DOUGLAS area
Slaughter Ranch and San Bernardino NWR annotated map: https://goo.gl/uX96Pw

SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT

#Tricolored Heron

#Berylline Hummingbird

#Eastern Phoebe

#Winter Wren

#Varied Thrush

#Gray Catbird

#Brown Thrasher

#Hooded Warbler

#Rufous-capped Warbler

#Lapland Longspur

#Purple Finch

Other Resources