Southeast Arizona (Tucson Audubon Society) RBA
August 27, 2010
Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:01:53 -0700
Reply-To: Andrew Core <tucsonrba@GMAIL.COM>
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From: Andrew Core <tucsonrba@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: [BIRDWEST] RBA Tucson, AZ - 27 August 2010
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Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast
Arizona was made on August 27, 2010. The next update will be made on
September 3. Phone your reports to 520-629-0510 X 3, or email your reports
to rarebirdalert AT tucsonaudubon.org.
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.
Documentation and photos of review species may be submitted at
http://www.azfo.org/gallery/1main/whatIsABC.html.
Where directions are not given, they can be found in the most recent edition
of Tucson Audubon's "Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona". More infomation
including updates may be found here:
http://tucsonaudubon.org/what-we-do/publications/fbi.html. For additional
sightings in the region, please see the The Arizona-New Mexico Birding
ListServ (http://listserv.arizona.edu/archives/birdwg05.html)
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT INCLUDE:
Greater White-fronted Goose
#GREATER SCAUP
*LEAST GREBE
*SHORT-TAILED HAWK
*UPLAND SANDPIPER
#SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER
#WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD
#BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD
Violet-crowned Hummingbird
#LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD
#GREEN KINGFISHER
*SINALOA WREN
#BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER
American Redstart
*WORM-EATING WARBLER
Northern Waterthrush
Clay-colored Sparrow
#PAINTED BUNTING
#DICKCISSEL
*ORCHARD ORIOLE
PATAGONIA
After a long absence a silent *SINALOA WREN was seen from Blue Haven Rd in
Patagonia on 8/15 (Will Russell), the only report since late fall 2009. The
best areas to attempt for this bird, which can be exceedingly difficult to
find, would be: 1) from Blue Haven Road about 0.3 to 0.4 miles west of
Paton's Hummingbird Haven; or 2) 0.2 miles southwest of the last picnic
tables in the town of Patagonia, accessed by parking at the tables and
walking to the paths worn into the grass from the shoulder of Hwy 82 to the
fence of the Preserve property. DO NOT cross the fence, and watch for
chiggers and other wildlife. On 8/27 a NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen along
Blue Haven Rd (David Dunford, Peter Salomon).
A female #PAINTED BUNTING was seen along Harshaw Road just before reaching
the grasslands on 8/25 (Cliff Cathers).
DOUGLAS area
On 8/21 an *UPLAND SANDPIPER was seen and heard on its way south at San
Bernardino NWR, and a one-year-old male *ORCHARD ORIOLE was at Oasis Pond.
Other interesting birds seen were a Dickcissel a juvenile #PAINTED BUNTING
and a Clay-colored Sparrow, but all were in remote areas (Richard Webster).
Last report of any #GREEN KINGFISHER was at San Bernardino NWR on 8/14 at
the Twin Ponds (Jay Keller).
TUCSON area
At Sweetwater Wetlands a *WORM-EATING WARBLER was seen early on 8/26 (Jerry
Bock), but was not refound. Many other warbler species were seen in the
area, though, including a NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH on 8/27 (Mark Stevenson) at
Roger Road WRF.
The very early GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE continued at Lakeside Park in SE
Tucson this week (m.ob.).
NOGALES & PENA BLANCA LAKE area
The last report of the *LEAST GREBES at Pena Blanca Lake was on 8/13 (Jay
Keller). Check in the northwest corner of the lake – look carefully under
all the overhanging willows.
A male PAINTED BUNTING was reported from Arivaca Cienega on 8/22 (Chris
McCreedy).
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS
At least one *SHORT-TAILED HAWK continued through 8/20 in the Barfoot area
(Melody Kehl). Reports in recent weeks have come from Barfoot Lookout and
Barfoot Park. One suggested method is to scan from Barfoot Lookout,
particularly the ridge to the northwest; be aware that thunderstorms can
develop quickly, however, and allow enough time to get down.
A female #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD continued to be seen southwest of the bridge
near the Stewart Campground in Cave Creek Canyon through 8/21 (Richard
Webster).
WILLCOX
At Lake Cochise, the female #GREATER SCAUP continued through 8/23; also
present was a juvenile #SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. Other species present
include Red-necked Phalarope, Semipalmated Plover, Lesser Yellowlegs,
Baird’s and Pectoral Sandpiper and Willet (Richard Webster). Daily turnover
is high.
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
In Miller Canyon #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRDS and #WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRDS
continued this week at Beatty’s Guest Ranch (Tom Beatty, Sr) though the
Berylline is irregular and long waits are possible.
In Ash Canyon #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRDS are being seen at Ash Canyon Bed &
Breakfast (Mary Jo Ballator); evening appears to be the best time.
SANTA RITA MOUNTAINS
In Madera Canyon the #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD and the VIOLET-CROWNED
HUMMINGBIRD continued at the Madera Kubo feeders this week, though long
waits are possible. There is no public parking at Madera Kubo; park below
at the Amphitheater parking area and walk 0.1 mile uphill.
In Montosa Canyon at least two #BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS continued on 8/22
near the concrete-lined wash (Stuart Healy).
BENSON and ST. DAVID area
A male #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD visited a feeder in the foothills of Dragoon
Mountains east of Benson on 8/24 (Arlene Ripley).
In French Joe Canyon a male AMERICAN REDSTART was found near the upper
spring on 8/21 (John Yerger, et. al.)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BENSON - the Benson Birding Trail is no longer accessible as the property is
under new ownership.
PATAGONIA - The Paton's yard remains open to birders.
MADERA CANYON - Road work is ongoing at multiple areas in Madera Canyon and
some spots may be inaccessible.
FORT HUACHUCA - will suspend your driving privileges on Post for 30 days, on
your first offense for talking or using a cell phone/Blackberry while
driving. You MUST use a hands free device.
SANTA CRUZ FLATS: Managers at the Evergreen Turf Farm (vicinity of Tweedy
and Pretzer Rds) have requested that anyone birding there on the weekends
please leave by 5:00 PM. This is due to security issues experienced by the
Sod Farm. Birders are still welcome here at other times.
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 is currently revising
security procedures and these 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.
SWEETWATER WETLANDS - Mosquito control operations are scheduled from
6:30-8:30am on Mondays. The gate will open when operations are finished.
GREEN VALLEY WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT: Closed for construction, probably
until August 2010.
AVRA VALLEY WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT: Gates open at 6AM and close PROMPTLY
at 2PM (do not linger, you will be locked inside).
CORONA DE TUCSON WASTEWATER RECLAMATION FACILITY: Access to the ponds here,
about 1.5 miles west of Houghton Rd on Sahuarita Rd, is available from 6:00
A.M to 2:00 P.M daily. List of attendees and group affiliation must be sent
in advance by fax (762-0591) or phone (762-0593). Bring identification with
you.
NOGALES SEWAGE PONDS: Remain closed to birders.
Updates to the 7th edition (2007) of Finding Birds in Arizona can be found
here: http://tucsonaudubon.org/what-we-do/publications/133.html
Good birding!
Andrew Core
SEAZ RBA Compiler - Tucson, AZ
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