This update was made February 6, 2025. The next update will be February 13.
REPORT A RARE BIRD: rarebirdalert@tucsonbirds.org
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”.
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
In Chino Canyon (map: http://goo.gl/maps/oTBK), a #NUTTING’S FLYCATCHER was photographed and recorded on 2/1 (Shawn Miller). GPS: (31.7224011, -110.9483565). A #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER was photographed and recorded as well; GPS: 31.7167829, -110.9467711. Both continued through 2/6 (m.ob.). High clearance is recommended for the very rough road in.
A #RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER continued at the San Martin de Porres Catholic Church at 15440 S Santa Rita Rd in Sahuarita this week (m.ob.) in the pecan trees across the street and in the mesquite tree by the entrance; please be aware of any services in session.
ARIVACA & BUENOS AIRES NWR
At Arivaca Lake a #RED-SHOULDERED HAWK and an #EASTERN PHOEBE continued on 2/5 (Brian Nicholas).
WHITEWATER DRAW
At Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area, a #ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK and RUSTY BLACKBIRD continued this week (m.ob.).
NOGALES area
A #RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER was photographed in Alamo Canyon on 1/24 (Tristan Yoo).
GREENLEE COUNTY
An #EASTERN PHOEBE was photographed along the Apache Grove Birding Trail on 1/31 (Rafee Memon). GPS: (32.873256, -109.196703)
PATAGONIA
At Patagonia Lake State Park (annotated map: http://goo.gl/GgNvs) an #EASTERN PHOEBE continued along the Birding Trail on 2/6 (m.ob.).
A #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN continued along Harshaw Creek Rd across from the Spirit Tree Inn through 2/2 (m.ob.). GPS: (31.52151, -110.70094)
SONOITA & LAS CIENEGAS NCA
An #EASTERN PHOEBE continued in Empire Gulch in Las Cienegas NCA on 2/4 (Ted Wolff).
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
At the Hereford Bridge over the San Pedro River, an #EASTERN PHOEBE continued south of the bridge on 2/4 (Steven Tracey).
In Ramsey Canyon Preserve, a #GRAY CATBIRD continued on 2/2 (Steven Tracey).
At the San Pedro House, a #LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH continued this week (m.ob.).
A #PURPLE FINCH continued at Cochise College (Sierra Vista campus) near the Rose Garden on 1/31 (m.ob.).
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/XfXfX)
A #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN was reported in a Whitetail Canyon yard on 2/1 (Nick Schleissmann, Grace Spella).
TUCSON area
A #MAGNOLIA WARBLER was reported along the Santa Cruz River on 1/31 (Mark Stevenson) and continued through 2/6 (m.ob.). It has been seen on the east side of Danny Lopez Park along the river, near the outflow from Agua Nueva WWTP. GPS: (32.286839, -111.030545).
SANTA CRUZ FLATS
A #HOODED WARBLER was reported again along the Santa Cruz River at Sasco Rd on 1/31 (Nate Peterson) and was photographed on 2/1 (C. Hippenmeyer).
NOGALES area
A #RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER continued this week in Sycamore Canyon (m.ob.).
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
#Red-shouldered Hawk
#Rough-legged Hawk
#Red-breasted Sapsucker
#Eastern Phoebe
*NUTTING’S FLYCATCHER
#Black-capped Gnatcatcher
#Rufous-backed Robin
#Gray Catbird
#Magnolia Warbler
#Louisiana Waterthrush
#Hooded Warbler
#Rufous-capped Warbler
#Rusty Blackbird
#Purple Finch
Other Resources
Discord Server
- Download the free Discord app for any device, preferably your phone
- Create a free account
- Search for the “Arizona Rare Birds and Discussion” server or find a friend who can invite you.
The Arizona-New Mexico Birding ListServ on the ABA site
The Arizona-New Mexico Birding ListServ on the Sialia site
The Arizona Birding Facebook page
- Arizona Bird Committee
