7his update was made April 11, 2025. The next update will be April 18.
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”.
TUCSON area
An *UPLAND SANDPIPER was photographed in Marana along Marana Rd on 4/7 (Joshua Rudolph).
A #BROAD-WINGED HAWK was reported in the Tanque Verde Wash west of Wentworth Rd. on 4/6 (Elizabeth Weintraub).
A #SHORT-TAILED HAWK was reported again over the Bear Wallow/Mt Bigelow area on Mt Lemmon on 4/9 (Brian Nicholas).
An #EASTERN PHOEBE was photographed at La Posta Quemada Ranch in Colossal Cave Mountain Park in southeast Tucson on 4/5 (Dominic DeLaca-Wauer).
PINAL COUNTY
A #PACIFIC LOON was photographed at the main pond at SaddleBrooke Ranch on 4/6 (Karen Vanderwall) and continued through 4/11 (m.ob.). Note that this gated community is 6 miles north of SaddleBrooke. Ask the guard at the gate for permission, and stay off the golf course.
An #ORCHARD ORIOLE continued in SaddleBrooke on 4/11 (Bob Bowers).
TUBAC area (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/yDqi0)
A #BROAD-WINGED HAWK was continued at the Tubac Hawk Watch at Ron Morriss Park this week (m.ob.). One was reported at Santa Gertrudis Lane on 4/10 (David Griffin).
A #WINTER WREN continued along the Anza Trail in Tubac on 4/7 (m.ob.).
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
At the San Pedro House, a #BROAD-WINGED HAWK was reported along the river on 4/7 (John Hinton).
At the Hereford Bridge over the San Pedro River, a light morph #BROAD-WINGED HAWK was photographed on 4/10 (Debra Chatham).
A #GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW continued at the Battiste Bed & Breakfast on 4/8 (Tony Battiste).
A #BROWN THRASHER continued in a Hereford yard on 4/6 (Nick Whelan).
WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY
An #AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER was reported at Lake Cochise by the Twin Lakes Golf Course on 4/10 (Leo Miller) and continued on 4/11 (m.ob.). Note that a Black-bellied Plover is also present.
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
In Madera Canyon (map: http://goo.gl/dXBYP), a #LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH continued in the lower part of the canyon this week (m.ob.), and a #BROAD-WINGED HAWK was reported on 4/11 (David Griffin). The #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD continued at the Santa Rita Lodge and Madera Kubo B&B this week (m.ob.), but note that a very similar hybrid BROAD-BILLED x BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD has been seen this week as well (m.ob.). Note the rust-colored bars in the wing coverts and white flecking on the chin of the female Berylline, and the solid dark gray wings (including coverts) of the hybrid. In flight, look for the presence of rusty color in the wings for the Berylline.
In Florida Canyon (annotated map: http://goo.gl/AAzD6), a #RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER continued this week near the dam (m.ob.). Directions: About 400 yards from parking lot is a metal gate, and just past the gate the canyon forks. The main trail follows the East Fork, but almost all sightings have been in the West Fork to the right. About 125 yards up the rough trail in the West Fork is a large water tank and a low dam. The oak grove is about 1/3 mile past the dam. Note: The trail for the West Fork can be difficult to find, and is steep and rough in places. If you see the sign with distances to Florida Saddle, Madera Canyon, etc you’ve missed the turn. Do not enter the research station.
ARIVACA & BUENOS AIRES NWR
A #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER continued at Arivaca Lake on 4/6 (Janelle Willis) in Cedar Canyon below the dam.
PATAGONIA
At the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve a #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN continued this week (m.ob.), and a #WINTER WREN was photographed on 4/11 9 Aaron Graham). Annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/0pXsd.
NOGALES area
A #RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER was recorded in Sycamore Canyon on 4/7 (Janelle Willis).
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/XfXfX)
A #GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW continued in a Portal yard on 4/11 (Steve Wolfe).
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, either 7am-2pm or 7am-3:30pm and it is open daily instead of only weekends as before. Protocol for visiting when open: use the call box at the gate, follow the signs for parking, and stay away from buildings and construction equipment. If you’d like to call ahead, you can try at 520-625-0025. Map
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
#Pacific Loon
#Broad-winged Hawk
#Short-tailed Hawk
#American Golden-Plover
*UPLAND SANDPIPER
#Berylline Hummingbird
#Eastern Phoebe
#Winter Wren
#Black-capped Gnatcatcher
#Rufous-backed Robin
#Louisiana Waterthrush
#Rufous-capped Warbler
#Golden-crowned Sparrow
#Orchard Oriole