Rare Bird Alert ⋆ Tucson Bird Alliance Skip to content
This update was made April 25, 2025. The next update will be May 2.

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”.

TUBAC area (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/yDqi0)
#BROAD-WINGED HAWKS were reported at the Tubac Hawk Watch at Ron Morriss Park on 4/21, and 4/22 this week (m.ob.).
#SHORT-TAILED HAWKS were reported at the Tubac Hawk Watch at Ron Morriss Park on 4/21, 4/23 and 4/24 this week (P. Collins)
Two #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBINS continued along the Anza Trail in Tubac through 4/24 (m.ob.).

PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: http://goo.gl/maps/XfXfX)
#BROAD-WINGED HAWKS were reported in Rustler along FR42 on 4/19 K. Hatfield and in Portal on 4/16 (m.ob.).
An # EASTERN PHOEBE was in a Portal yard 4/19-20 (N. Moore)
A #GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW continued in a Portal yard on 4/25 (Steve Wolfe).
A #HOODED WARBLER was at Cave Creek Ranch 4/20-22 (m.ob.)

WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY
A *WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER was reported at Lake Cochise by the Twin Lakes Golf Course on 4/20 (P. Abbott)

GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
n Madera Canyon (map: http://goo.gl/dXBYP), a #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 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.

PATAGONIA
#RUFOUS-BACKED ROBINS were reported at the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve on 4/19 and 4/24 (m.ob.) and from the Birding Trail at Patagonia Lake State Park on 4/22 (J. Bearse).
A # BROAD-WINGED HAWK was reported from the Paton Center for Hummingbirds on 4/21 (R. Gearhart).
A # WINTER WREN was reported at the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve on 4/23 (J. Ottinger).
A #GREEN KINGFISHER was along the Birding Trail at Patagonia Lake State Park on 4/25 (E. Dobson).

SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
A #GREEN KINGFISHER continued along the San Pedro River near the Hereford Bridge and Casa de San Pedro on 4/22 (m.ob.)
A #PACIFIC WREN was at the Sierra Vista Golf Center on 4/23 (K. LeMay).
A #GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW continued at the Battiste Bed & Breakfast on 4/19 (Tony Battiste).
A # HOODED WARBLER was along the San Pedro River near Casa de San Pedro 4/20-22 (m.ob.)
A hybrid WHITE-EARED x BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD continued at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary this week (m.ob.) while being mistaken for White-eared and White-eared X Broad-billed
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRDS were reported along Miller Canyon Trail, at Ramsey Canyon Preserve and at Ramsey Canyon Cabins this week. Given the known existence of hybrids and misidentifications, it is best that observations of this species be supported by photographs.

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

*White-rumped Sandpiper
#Broad-winged Hawk
#Short-tailed Hawk
#White-eared Hummingbird
White-eared X Broad-tailed Hummingbird hybrid
#Berylline Hummingbird
#Green Kingfisher
#Pacific Wren
# Winter Wren
#Eastern Phoebe
#Rufous-backed Robin
#Hooded Warbler
#Golden-crowned Sparrow

Other Resources