Rare Bird Alert ⋆ Tucson Bird Alliance Skip to content
This update was made November 21, 2025. The next update will be November 28.

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”.

TUCSON area

At Danny Lopez (formerly Columbus) Park, a *CAVE SWALLOW was photographed on 11/21 (Steve Nord).

A #BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER continued in Summerhaven on E Turkey Run Rd on 11/19 (Malcolm Mark Swan). It has been seen along the creek both upstream and downstream of the bridge. GPS: 32.4444, -110.7605

 

ARIVACA & BUENOS AIRES NWR

At Arivaca Lake a #SURF SCOTER was photographed on 11/16 (Janine McCabe) and continued on 11/16 (m.ob.). An #EASTERN PHOEBE continued through 11/20 and a #RED-SHOULDERED HAWK through 11/21 (m.ob.).

 

SONOITA & LAS CIENEGAS NCA

An #EASTERN PHOEBE was reported along Cienega Creek in Las Cienegas NCA on 11/18 (Jake Thompson) at the confluence with Gardner Canyon. GPS (31.795342, -110.589350).

An #EASTERN PHOEBE was reported at the Babacomari Ranch on 11/16 (Kent Jensen).

 

PATAGONIA

At Patagonia Lake State Park (annotated map: http://goo.gl/GgNvs) a #WINTER WREN was recorded along the Birding Trail on 11/15 (Cathy Beck). An #EASTERN PHOEBE was reported on 11/19 (Andrew Dreelin).

 

DUDLEYVILLE & ARAVAIPA CANYON

A #WINTER WREN was recorded in the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness on 11/17 (). GPS: (32.9017251, -110.5669035); BLM permit is required for this location.

 

WHITEWATER DRAW

At Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area, a #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN was photographed on 11/17 (Rhonda Votino).

 

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

A #VARIED THRUSH was photographed in a Whitetail Canyon yard on 11/15 and continued on 11/21 (Rick Taylor).

A #GRAY CATBIRD continued at Cave Creek Ranch this week (m.ob.).

 

BISBEE

A #VARIED THRUSH continued at a private residence in Bisbee on 11/20 (Ken Lamberton). A second bird was present on 11/17 and 11/18.

 

GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS

A #GRAY CATBIRD was reported in a Green Valley yard on 11/19 (Dick Bierman).

In Madera Canyon (map: http://goo.gl/dXBYP), a #WINTER WREN was reported at the Santa Rita Lodge on 11/17 (Tony Shrimpton).

 

TUBAC area (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/yDqi0)

A #CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER was photographed along the Anza Trail at Santa Gertrudis Lane on 11/18 (Wayne Smith).

 

SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS

A #PURPLE FINCH was reported in a Hereford yard on 11/17 (Theresa Mathis).

 

 

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

#Surf Scoter

#Red-shouldered Hawk

#Eastern Phoebe

*CAVE SWALLOW

#Winter Wren

#Rufous-backed Robin

#Varied Thrush

#Gray Catbird

#Chestnut-sided Warbler

#Black-throated Blue Warbler

#Purple Finch

Other Resources

Paton Center for Hummingbirds- test embed form

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Tucson Bird Allaince is able to accept donated vehicles. We use teh proceeds from donated cars, trucks, SUVs, RVs, boats, motercycels and even airplanes to help fund our mission. Tucson Bird Allaince partners with CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) to help run our vehicle donation program. CARS is a nonprofit that has been processing vehicle donations for nonprofits since 2003. 

 

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If you would like to donate stocks to Tucson Bird Alliance, please use our Stock Donation Form. 

After completing and signing the form, please: 

  • Send one copy to your broker (only your broker can initiate the stock transfer)
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    Tucson Bird Alliance
    Attn: Erica Freese
    PO Box 91770
    Tucson, AZ, 85752

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If you are 73 years of age or older, your gift may count toward your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year in which the check is issued and is excluded from your taxable income.

Please provide your broker or financial institution with the following information:  

Legal Name:  Tucson Audubon Society (DBA Tucson Bird Alliance)

Mailing Address: 
Tucson Bird Alliance 
PO Box 91770
Tucson, AZ, 85752

Phone: (520) 629-0510

Tax ID#: 86-6053779

Give Through a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)

Ways to give through a donor-advised fund (DAF)

  • Make an outright gift now by recommending a grant to Tucson Bird Alliance.
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  • Create a succession plan to recommend that Tucson Bird Alliance receives all or a portion of your DAF’s value upon it’s termination. 

You can select the option that best suits your philanthropic and financial goals. Contact your DAF administrator to recommend a grant to Tucson Bird Alliance and use the following information: 

Legal Name: Tucson Audubon Society (DBA Tucson Bird Alliance)  

Mailing Address: 
Tucson Bird Alliance 
PO Box 91770
Tucson, AZ, 85752

Phone: (520) 629-0510

Tax ID#: 86-6053779

If you make a contribution to Tucson Bird Alliance from your DAF, please let us know at efreese@tucsonbirds.org along with the date the request was sent, grant or reference number, name of the issuing institution, and gift amount. We value the opportunity to thank you. 

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Workplace Giving

Contact your HR department to see if your company’s giving program includes Tucson Bird Alliance (formerly Tucson Audubon Society).  With this option, you can have your contributions automatically deducted from your paycheck. You choose how much and how often you’d like to give. 

Corporate Matching

If your company has a matching program, you can make your donation go twice as far! Use the information below to fill out your company’s matching gift form. 

Organization: Tucson Bird Alliance (formerly Tucson Audubon Society) 

Mailing Address: 
Tucson Bird Alliance 
PO Box 91770
Tucson, AZ, 85752

Phone: (520) 629-0510

Tax ID#: 86-6053779

Tucson Bird Alliance Vermilion Legacy Society

There are many types of Planned Gifts to Explore: Gifts left by bequest in a will or trust, charitable gift annuities, and beneficiary designations for your IRA or 401k.

Please consult with an experienced estate planning attorney and financial advisor to determine the right legacy choice for you. 

If you include Tucson Bird Alliance in your estate plans, we hope you will let us know. Please fill out the form below and send it back to us at efreese@tucsonbirds,org.

Planned Giving Form