Date: 7/21/26 7:29 am From: H Queisser (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Question
Construction has begun on what will eventually be the decommissioning of
the "Arivaca Junction Water Reclamation" facility. My question--is this
the same as Amado Pond, which is a well-known birding spot?
Date: 7/20/26 9:21 am From: Betsy Checchia (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Maxwell NWR, NM, Sunday, 19 July
On my way back from Colorado on I-25, I stopped at Maxwell NWR (between the
small towns of Raton and Springer). I didn't get there until 12:30 and it
was in the 90's, so I wasn't expecting much except the water birds on Lake
13. It was the only lake with a significant amount of water, but the
birding was great! 65 total species in about 3 hours of birding, including
60 American White Pelicans and as many Eared Grebes (18, and bird of the
day) as I've ever seen in one place, plus Clark's, Western and Pied-billed
Grebes. Three owls out in the daytime -- I flushed a W. Screech Owl
roosting in a picnic area, saw a couple of Burrowing Owls, and had a
hissing/screeching Am. Barn Owl fly right over my head as it was being
mobbed by a variety of Kingbirds. One very large flock (40) of Lark
Buntings, and another (60) of Brown-headed Cowbirds with a few
Yellow-headed Blackbirds adding some color. Lots of Lark Sparrows and a
few others (Song, Savannah, Grasshopper, Brewer's, Vesper). Links to
checklists are below.
Date: 7/17/26 9:24 pm From: Andrew Core (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 17 July 2026
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on July 17, 2026; the next update will be made on July 24. Email
your reports to rarebirdalert AT tucsonbirds.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 https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Kx1bCP6q0kCJMZoORuzf2fxjSBu?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/-0qoCQArYlfJr938puPhmfG79tn?<domain...>
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
#Tricolored Heron
#Short-tailed Hawk
#Buff-collared Nightjar
#Berylline Hummingbird
#Rose-throated Becard
#Hooded Warbler
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
In Miller Canyon a *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER continued this week (m.ob.) near
the old mill. GPS: (31.4112, -110.28177). A #HOODED WARBLER was
photographed on 7/16 (Jerald Britten).
A #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD continued in Ramsey Canyon Preserve through 7/12
(m.ob.).
PATAGONIA
A #ROSE-THROATED BECARD continued along Harshaw Creek Road this week
(m.ob.) in the same place as last year. GPS: (31.51621, -110.69293). ACCESS
NOTE: please stay on the road – the creek is private property.
TUCSON area
On Mt Lemmon, a #SHORT-TAILED HAWK continued over the Bear Wallow/Mt
Bigelow area this week (m.ob.). A #HOODED WARBLER was reported at Sunset
Trailhead in lower Bear Wallow on 7/13 (Brian Gibbons) and continued
through 7/17 (m.ob.).
GREENLEE COUNTY
#HOODED WARBLERS were reported at three different spots along the Blue
River on 7/16 (Nate Peterson), including a female and apparent young bird
at the third location.
TUCSON - Mosquito control operations are scheduled at Sweetwater Wetlands
from 6:30-9:00am on Mondays during the warmer months (usually March -
November). The gate will open when operations are finished. Due to
long-term construction, Roger Road WRF is closed. See the Sweetwater page (
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/aOe0C1VkgOfL5Ok1ofmHkfV22sC?<domain...> for details.
RAMSEY CANYON - Ramsey Canyon Preserve is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
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.
FORT HUACHUCA - access requirements are posted on its official webpage at
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/U24tC3YmkgfW0xGwlCjSPfQjHvN?<domain...> The Visitor Control Center is located at the Van Deman Gate on Hwy 90. The
fort 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 must pass a
background check and should be prepared to show photo ID for everyone in
the vehicle at the entrance, and possibly your vehicle registration and
insurance as well. Sometimes, foreign nationals are required to have an
approved military escort; contact the base (520.533.7111), or possibly the
Sierra Vista Visitor's Bureau (520.417.6960) well in advance. ACCESS NOTE:
a REAL ID is required for entry; some state driver's licenses qualify; see
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/6g_ZC4WnljTR36myOczTDf4N7Bt?<domain...> for details.
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.
AVRA VALLEY WRF: Gates open at 8AM and close PROMPTLY at 2PM (do not
linger, you will be locked inside). Access subject to change without notice.
GREEN VALLEY WRF: Open 7 AM - 2 PM. Park outside the fence and use the
pedestrian gate; stay away from buildings and construction equipment.
Access subject to change without notice.
CORONA DE TUCSON WRF and NOGALES STP: Closed to entry; some facilities may
be viewed from outside the fence.
Date: 7/13/26 9:36 pm From: henry detwiler (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SWAZ: Mittry Lake
Greetings Birders,
With my California Breeding Bird Atlas surveys tapering off, I made a run out to Mittry Lake this morning. I was happy to find a couple of BLUE GROSBEAKS, a BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, several YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS, and a BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER at Betty's Kitchen, but disappointed that I missed both Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Summer Tanager.
This was my first visit since the May 24 fire along Mittry Lake; it burned 184 acres from the Mittry Lake overlook north 1.5 miles to the old dredge launch/camping area. Apparently teenagers shooting off fireworks started the blaze. The cattails and phragmites are already re-established; the cottonwoods and mesquites will take much longer to come back. The marsh beneath the overlook is quite patchy and open now, and it is a novel experience to look down on the egrets and GREEN HERONS feeding in the shallows. I heard three LEAST BITTERNS, but they still managed to find concealment. At the dredge launch I heard another LEAST BITTERN and a growling BLACK RAIL.
With a fly-over Black-crowned Night Heron last week, our 2026 Yuma yard list is up to 89 species.
eBird reports with some photos form this morning:https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/9eEkCjAWEjfZ1EmKOsWfKfmfBkZ?<domain...>
Good Birding!Henry D. <Detwilerhenry_detwiler...>, AZ
Finding Birds in Southwest Arizonahttps://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/65NjCk6WGkCo3lB8wSVh5fGZUls?<domain...> Birds at the Salton Sea and in Imperial County, https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/nVo1Cl8WJlt6qGE0MuyiGfzmlbl?<domain...>
Date: 7/10/26 8:46 pm From: Andrew Core (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 10 July 2026
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on July 10, 2026; the next update will be made on July 17. Email
your reports to rarebirdalert AT tucsonbirds.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 https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/n40KC2GljPc0APvAvinfxf5QmYa?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/wHOvC3YmkgfWV6wVwFqhPfQiRZV?<domain...>
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
#Tricolored Heron
#Short-tailed Hawk
#Buff-collared Nightjar
#Berylline Hummingbird
#Rose-throated Becard
#Black-capped Gnatcatcher
*WOOD THRUSH
#Rufous-backed Robin
#Hooded Warbler
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/dVz-C7Dqomin94v9vCRuXfoIO0n?<domain...>)
A *WOOD THRUSH continued in a Whitetail Canyon yard on 7/8 (Rick Taylor).
A #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD continued at the Southwestern Research Station
through 7/8 (m.ob.).
A #SHORT-TAILED HAWK was reported over Cave Creek Ranch on 7/5 (Alex
Trifunovic). A #HOODED WARBLER was photographed there on 7/5 (Michael
O'Brien) and continued on 7/6 (m.ob.).
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
In Miller Canyon a *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER continued this week (m.ob.) near
the old mill. GPS: (31.4112, -110.28177).
A #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD continued in Ramsey Canyon Preserve this week
(m.ob.).
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
At Canoa Ranch a #TRICOLORED HERON continued through 7/10 (m.ob.).
In Box Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/LrwQC8XrpnfBxDlxlFzCkfyUIbB?<domain...>), a #BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR
continued near the bridge in the lower canyon this week (m.ob.).
In Madera Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/C_15C93vqourPLvPvHZFlfq84gm?<domain...>), 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 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.
TUCSON area
On Mt Lemmon, a #SHORT-TAILED HAWK continued over the Bear Wallow/Mt
Bigelow area this week (m.ob.).
PATAGONIA
A #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD was reported at the Paton Center for Hummingbirds
on 7/8 (Charlie Ayers) and continued on 7/10 (m.ob.).
A #ROSE-THROATED BECARD continued along Harshaw Creek Road this week
(m.ob.) in the same place as last year. GPS: (31.51621, -110.69293). ACCESS
NOTE: please stay on the road – the creek is private property.
At Patagonia Lake State Park (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/TtftC0Aj5NfYlqKlKhoH9f9f3Wa?<domain...>)
#BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS continued below the spillway this week (m.ob.).
GPS: (31.493574, -110.874411).
MAMMOTH
A #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN was reported at the Lower San Pedro River Wildlife
Area (an AZGFD restoration site) on 7/5 (Keith Kamper, Chrissy Kondrat).
GPS: (32.812490, -110.689278)
TUCSON - Mosquito control operations are scheduled at Sweetwater Wetlands
from 6:30-9:00am on Mondays during the warmer months (usually March -
November). The gate will open when operations are finished. Due to
long-term construction, Roger Road WRF is closed. See the Sweetwater page (
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/8-kbCg7WAOI4nOrnri6Iwf4gFQE?<domain...> for details.
RAMSEY CANYON - Ramsey Canyon Preserve is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
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.
FORT HUACHUCA - access requirements are posted on its official webpage at
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Ky1tCk6WGkCoZ87Z7IGT5fGy0DI?<domain...> The Visitor Control Center is located at the Van Deman Gate on Hwy 90. The
fort 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 must pass a
background check and should be prepared to show photo ID for everyone in
the vehicle at the entrance, and possibly your vehicle registration and
insurance as well. Sometimes, foreign nationals are required to have an
approved military escort; contact the base (520.533.7111), or possibly the
Sierra Vista Visitor's Bureau (520.417.6960) well in advance. ACCESS NOTE:
a REAL ID is required for entry; some state driver's licenses qualify; see
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/uGEyCl8WJlt6D0yDyclUGfzB_UB?<domain...> for details.
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.
AVRA VALLEY WRF: Gates open at 8AM and close PROMPTLY at 2PM (do not
linger, you will be locked inside). Access subject to change without notice.
GREEN VALLEY WRF: Open 7 AM - 2 PM. Park outside the fence and use the
pedestrian gate; stay away from buildings and construction equipment.
Access subject to change without notice.
CORONA DE TUCSON WRF and NOGALES STP: Closed to entry; some facilities may
be viewed from outside the fence.
Date: 7/8/26 4:33 pm From: Steven Tracey (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: San Pedro House Birding Walk
Hi Birders,
This morning 7 birders walked the trails around the San Pedro House finding
43 species. While the species count was not notably higher than recent
walks, the activity seemed to be a bit more as we enter monsoon weather.
We had our first good looks at Varied Bunting and Black-headed Grosbeaks
seemed to be moving through. Its been a while since we have seen
Black-tailed Gnatcatcher so finding a pair today was a nice treat. This
was the first week in a while that we did not find Great Blue Herons as the
nest is now empty and presumably the birds have moved to locations with
more water.
The Friends of the San Pedro River leads birding walks on the second and
fourth Wednesday of each month. For the months of July and August, the
walks leave at 6:00a from the BLM’s San Pedro House south of State Route 90
just west of the San Pedro River. We walk about 4km, and we are out for
about
three to three and one half hours. Bring your own binoculars, a hat and
water.
The next San Pedro River birding walk is on Wednesday, 22 July, at 6:00a.
Date: 7/6/26 12:38 pm From: Olga Harbour (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ MeadowTrail on Mt. Lemmon
Hi folks,
We got out early this morning, arriving at Incinerator Ridge about 6:30. It was very quiet there, so we headed up to the Meadow Trail. Bird of the day was a female Red Crossbill sitting on a fence near the trailhead. In the same area we spotted a couple pairs of Western Tanager. At the Air Force enclosure the penstemons are blooming and many hummingbirds were taking advantage, especially Broad-tailed. Getting closer to the end of the trail we saw singles of Virginia's Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Warbler, and Lazuli Bunting. Lots of Brown Creeper chasing each other around, too.
We ended up with 28 species in all.
Surprise of the day was our first sighting of a Bobcat on Mt. Lemmon. As soon as he saw us he went the other way!
Date: 7/3/26 10:19 am From: Diane Drobka (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] cool new science! birding is good for your brain!
Neuroscience Just Discovered This Unexpected Hobby Slows Brain Aging
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Neuroscience Just Discovered This Unexpected Hobby Slows Brain Aging
Jessica Stillman
If you want to slow brain aging, you know you should exercise and eat right. But you probably never suspected th...
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Date: 7/1/26 3:26 pm From: Betsy Checchia (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Birding Grant, Hidalgo and Sierra Counties in New Mexico
I took a 4-day trip this past weekend from Albuquerque to Grant, Hidalgo
and Sierra Counties, places where I have seldom had an opportunity to
bird. I started on Friday on the Sierra County side of the Black Range,
then entered Grant County after I crossed over Emory Pass. Birded several
spots in the Black Range snd stayed in Silver City Friday and Saturday
nights. Continued birding in Grant County along the Gila River on
Saturday. Sunday morning I drove east into Hidalgo County and birded
several spots on the way to the Gila River again, then worked my way down
into the bootheel to Clanton Canyon near the Mexican border. Stayed in
Deming Sunday night, then hit the Caballo Lake/Percha Dam State Parks in
Sierra County on my way back to Albuquerque. County totals for the trip
were Sierra -- 49 species, including Bendire's Thrasher, Peregrine Falcon,
and Clark's and Western Grebes; Grant -- 103 species, inclding Gray Hawk,
Yellow-eyed Junco, Band-tailed Pigeon, Greater Pewee, Olive Warbler,
Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Swainson's Thrush; and Hidalgo -- 53 species,
including Montezuma Quail, Arizona Woodpecker, White-faced Ibis and Marbled
Godwit. Total different species for the weekend across all 3 counties --
132.
No life birds, but plenty of year birds, and lots of birds I'd only seen in
Arizona.
Date: 6/24/26 1:39 pm From: dpsiminski (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] San Pedro River Birding Walk
This morning, 10 birders participated in The Friends of the San Pedro River’s
Birding Walk. From the San Pedro House, we birded the river, Garden Wash, old
farm fields, Chihuahuan desert scrub, a flooded abandoned gravel pit, and an
old oxbow pond along the San Pedro House trail system. This is all within the
BLM’s San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. We saw 45 species of
birds.
Our bird of the day was a juvenile Peregrine falcon. We saw it perched on one
of the Soaptree Yuccas south of the San Pedro House. Peregrines are highly
unusual in the Conservation Area during the summer. We speculated that it
might be a dispersing juvenile from one of the eyries in the Huachuca
Mountains. We had a distant view, but still an exciting sighting.
Some other highlights were a Lesser Nighthawk making as few passes at Black
Phoebe Pond before dipping its beak in the pond for a drink, Barn Swallows
nesting again on the San Pedro House for the first time in many years, and
lots of Blue Grosbeaks.
The one occupied Great Blue Heron nest on this stretch of the river still has
nestlings, but very large nestlings, seemingly as big as the adults but with
black foreheads, not the white foreheads of the adults. With the river
reduced to just puddles on this stretch of river, the puddles are packed with
invasive American Bullfrogs. Easy prey for the adult herons, and tasty meals
for the nestlings.
A non-bird highlight of the walk was three species of velvet ants. The
Magnificent (it is) Velvet Ant, the Thistledown (it resembles a downy creosote
bush seed tumbling along the ground) Velvet Ant, and the Fox’s Velvet Ant.
The Friends of the San Pedro River leads birding walks on the second and
fourth Wednesday of each month. For the months of June, July and August, the
walks leave at 6:00a from the BLM’s San Pedro House south of State Route 90
just west of the San Pedro River. We walk about 4km, and we are out for about
three to three and one half hours. Bring your own binoculars, a hat and water.
The next San Pedro River birding walk is on Wednesday, 8 July, at 6:00a.
See you there.
Pete Siminski
Friends of the San Pedro River
Sierra Vista AZ
Date: 6/24/26 9:41 am From: Bob Eiermann (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Can you please unsubscribe me from this mailing list...
....I don't use this email for personal business anymore.
