Date: 1/14/26 2:23 pm From: Steven Tracey (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: San Pedro House Birding Walk
Hi Birders,
This morning the San Pedro House Birding walk got off to a chilly start
with 9 participants eventually warming up later in the morning.
Unfortunately, the same couldn't be said for the birds as going was fairly
slow all morning with the group only totaling 36 species for the walk.
Even with the limited species, there were still some nice highlights
including a very cooperative Belted Kingfisher at Black Phoebe Pond and
yes, a Black Phoebe at Kingfisher Pond for good measure. The walk started
with the Western Screech-Owl showing nicely at the edge of its famous hole
in the cottonwood behind the house. Later, we found a couple Lazuli
Buntings, always a nice find in the winter and a singing Crissal Thrasher
hinting that spring isn't too far off.
The Friends of the San Pedro River leads birding walks every 2nd and 4th
Wednesday of the month from the San Pedro House located south of Highway 90
just west of the San Pedro River. The walks last about three hours. During
January and February the walks start at 8:00a. Bring your own binoculars, a
hat and water.
The next San Pedro House birding walk will be Wednesday, January 28.
Date: 1/11/26 3:41 pm From: Mark Stevenson (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] ADMIN: Reminder about (not) sending photos to this listserv
Due to a very small amount of memory being slotted to the AZNMBIRDS archive, photos and other attachments shouldn't be sent with posts to AZNMBIRDS.
The software is set to identify the presence of attachments and to hold posts with them back from distribution. Occasionally this program lets one slip through. Otherwise they won't appear here.
Mark Stevenson co-listowner AZNMBIRDS Tucson, AZ
Date: 1/11/26 10:22 am From: John Williams (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Arthur Pack Common Goldeneyes.
Two female Common Goldeneyes were actively diving on the 9th hole pond at Arthur Pack this morning. (10:30) At times they mingled with five hen Common Mergansers and several Buffleheads.
An Eared Grebe also showed after about a twenty day absence.
A moderate sized flock of Tree Swallows and at least one Barn Swallow were feeding over the pond and adjacent 9th hole tees and fairway.
The 9th hole pond is visible from the service road by the trailhead parking lot. A scope is helpful for ducks at up to 300 yards distance.
John Barthelme and Leighanna Opaker were on site when I arrived. The golf course had a frost delay opening so it was safe.
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/n2kXC93vqouNp3gEvIEhqHqWrEJ?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/n6yjC0Aj5NfgLoDwKI2ivH9JqSJ?<domain...>
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
#Eurasian Wigeon
#Red-shouldered Hawk
#Red-breasted Sapsucker
#Eastern Phoebe
#Winter Wren
#Pacific Wren
#Louisiana Waterthrush
#Purple Finch
NOGALES area
A #EURASIAN WIGEON was photographed at Kino Springs on 1/6 (Susan Patla).
ARIVACA & BUENOS AIRES NWR
At Arivaca Lake a #RED-SHOULDERED HAWK and an #EASTERN PHOEBE continued
through 1/5 and 1/9, respectively (m.ob.).
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
A #RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER continued at the San Martin de Porres Catholic
Church at 15440 S Santa Rita Rd in Sahuarita on 1/9 (m.ob.) in the pecan
trees across the street; please be aware of any services in session.
In Madera Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/ozv_Cl8WJltPvn5NyuVCLHzECbl?<domain...>), a #WINTER WREN continued at
the Santa Rita Lodge on 1/4 (m.ob.).
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
In Ramsey Canyon Preserve, a #WINTER WREN was reported on 1/3 (Steve
Svedeman) and two #PURPLE FINCHES were photographed on 1/3 (Ezekiel Dobson).
At the San Pedro House, a #LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH continued this week
(m.ob.).
DUDLEYVILLE & ARAVAIPA CANYON
A #PACIFIC WREN was recorded in the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness on 1/3
(Michael Sadat). GPS: (32.9162222, -110.5401793); BLM permit is required
for this location.
A #PACIFIC WREN was recorded at the Lower San Pedro River Wildlife Area (an
AZGFD restoration site) on 1/4 (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/D2hNCnGWL0c3YOqNzcvHjHJR_QX?<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/eCGwCp9WNpfOBMN3GhVSjHGMo49?<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/9fo0CqAWOqfko0PjDuoTQHEA4T7?<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.
The 33 volunteers participating in the 26th Dudleyville Christmas Bird
Count on 3 January tallied 108 species and 4,518 birds. The species total
was below the average of 114 for the count, and the total number of birds
was a 26-year low. Participants reported fewer sparrows (732) than on all
previous counts, with a 26-year low for White-crowned Sparrows (250). Only
77 Mourning Doves were observed, another 26-year low. Last year, we
registered our highest total for Northern Harrier; this year for the first
time of the count we had no Harriers. In most sections of this riparian
area along the San Pedro River, teams found that areas that usually have
some water were dry, likely accounting for the low numbers.
No new species were recorded, but there were some highlights: 25 STELLER’s
JAYS were reported, the highest ever for the count and the first since
2016. We also recorded the highest number of Broad-billed Hummingbirds
(14), Harris’s Hawks (17), and Northern Beardless Tyrannulets (2). A group
of 14 American Goldfinches was the first report of this species since 2012.
Date: 1/7/26 12:17 am From: Diane Drobka (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] January 15-18 33rd Annual Wings Over Willcox Birding & Nature Festival
WOW is less than two weeks away and tours are filling fast; many already sold out. Online registration ends Sunday, January 11.
We also have a great lineup of free seminars plus many exhibits and vendors.For complete information and registration, go to https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/TbLMCp9WNpfO20pmrsPfjHGgG79?<domain...>
I birded a new area today, near Watrous (just a dot on the map) in
northeast NM. NM-97 runs from just off I-25 for about 10 miles along the
Mora River. All the land on both sides of the road is private property
(mostly large ranches, also Valmora, an
impressive "holistic retreat center"), so I birded exclusively from the
road. It's one of the most beautiful areas I've been to in NM that's NOT
in the mountains. The river has cut a fairly narrow valley between 2 rocky
bluffs, then the last few miles along NM-97 open out into a broad valley
with a large (and privately-owned) lake, Cherry Valley Lake. I had a total
of 46 species between the road and the lake, including a Northern Shrike
(life bird, the bird I came here hoping to see, and bird of the day),
American Dipper, Lewis's Woodpecker, a couple of unexpected Wilson's Snipe,
and one Tundra Swan on the lake. The lake is pretty far from the road, and
I don't have a scope, so it was tough to distinguish between the many ducks
on Cherry Valley Lake -- if you go, bring a scope! Also saw a herd of
probably 50 elk just across the river from me. Links to eBird checklists
are below.
There's a railroad track between one of the bluffs and the road, and I was
surprised to see an AMTRAK passenger train go by...
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/r827Cwn6XzHV4BooXtqh8HJT8oy?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/dnPXCxoWYAIRgYZZKFYiAHyoOpD?<domain...>
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
#Red-breasted Sapsucker
#Eastern Phoebe
#Brown Thrasher
#Chestnut-sided Warbler
#Louisiana Waterthrush
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
A #RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER was photographed at the San Martin de Porres
Catholic Church at 15440 S Santa Rita Rd in Sahuarita on 1/2 (Nick
Pulcinella) and continued on 1/3 (m.ob.) in the pecan trees across the
street; please be aware of any services in session.
ARIVACA & BUENOS AIRES NWR
At Arivaca Lake an #EASTERN PHOEBE continued through 12/31 (Janine McCabe).
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
At the Hereford Bridge over the San Pedro River, an #EASTERN PHOEBE
continued just north of the bridge on 1/1 (Steve Svedeman).
At the San Pedro House, a #LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH continued this week
(m.ob.).
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/-0g5CEKLJEt0zEBBKTyHLH7n6vF?<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/8Tx6CJEkOMfA2NxxPCnS1HyTmYj?<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/j_UNCKAlPNfMYVLL0frTZH5_wac?<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. 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.
This morning I found one Lewis’s Woodpecker on the utility poles by the school on Wilds Road. Also present were at least 13 Steller’s Jays, a single Woodhouse’s Scrub Jay and several more common species. The Jays were in and out of the oak trees and the mesquite grove by the church next door.
Nice group of birds to start the year.
Nothing new at Arthur Pack, though a Prairie Falcon is always a welcome sight. Only had time for two of the three ponds.
Date: 1/1/26 8:18 am From: Diane Drobka (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] Pinal County birds 2025 ... and a snippet from Graham County
Doug, you are so amazing for keeping such great records and sharing the highlights with us! You are an inspiration for what I'd love to do in Graham County.
A 2025 highlight my husband Craig and me was the first-known documented Baltimore Oriole in the county and it was in our yard in Pima NW of Safford! We also saw the first White-winged Scoter at the Graham County Regional Park, aka Fairgrounds, that was discovered by new local birder Angelica Town. Amanda Moors and Rebecca Stephenson recorded audio of a Northern Parula near Fort Grant while covering Aravaipa Canyon area during Global Big Day. Tommy DeBardeleben and Adrian Smith photographed the first known Glaucous Gull in Graham County at San Carlos Lake.
For the past ten years, I have been tracking migratory bird arrival and departure dates for several species in Graham County. On November 6, I had the latest sighting of Lesser Nighthawks, with two foraging in the lights above the LDS Temple in Central nearly two weeks later than I formerly documented.
Happy Birding to Everyone in 2026!Diane
Date: 1/1/26 6:37 am From: Doug Jenness (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Pinal County birds 2025
Jan. 1, 2026
For the past 15 years I've been keeping track of the number of bird species
reported annually from Pinal County, AZ, particularly noting species new to
the county and those that are rare. This year 320 species were reported.
The highest was 329 in 2023. Four species were new additions to the county
list: CURLEW SANDPIPER (Maricopa dairy), GLAUCOUS GULL (San Carlos Lake),
BLACK SCOTER (Casa Grande) and PACIFIC LOON (Saddlebrooke Ranch). The first
three are on the Arizona Bird Committee’s review list and are being
reviewed by the committee. If all are accepted by the ABC, it will bring
the county total to *443* species. The total number reported for the
15-year period is 422 species, which is 95% of the species documented in
the county. Most outstanding this year was the Curlew Sandpiper, which if
accepted will be only the second record for the state.
Other highpoints included—
· Second county record for Eastern Kingbird;
· Third records for Pygmy Nuthatch, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, and
Iceland Gull, the latter if accepted by the ABC;
· Fifth records for Red Knot, Lesser Black-backed Gull, and Cape
May Warbler, all of which are review species and are being reviewed by the
ABC;
· Sixth record for American Bittern;
· A Streak-backed Oriole at Santa Cruz Flats was the first for the
county in 6 years, and the first for The Flats;
· An Orchard Oriole, casual in the county, was at a private yard in
Saddlebrooke for 4 months.
Two Mississippi Kites, photographed in July at the Daybreak Pecan Farm at
the Santa Cruz Flats, suggest possible breeding. One was photographed at
the same location in 2024.
All-time eBird high numbers for several species reported from specific
locations and dates this year included White-winged Scoter (3), Inca Dove
(45), Common Ground Dove (18), Stilt Sandpiper (22), Mountain Chickadee
(3), Violet Green Swallow (400), Western Flycatcher (14), Warbling Vireo
(84), Gray Vireo (18), Inca Dove (45). Townsend’s Warbler (15), Common
Yellowthroat (38), Black-headed Grosbeak (6), White crowned Sparrow
(2,000), Sagebrush Sparrow (32), Horned Lark (2,500), Brewer’s Sparrow
(500), and Vesper Sparrow (500).
Date: 12/29/25 8:13 am From: Nick Whelan (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ: Black-headed Grosbeak in Hereford Yard
A female Black-headed Grosbeak is present this morning in my Hereford, AZ, yard. Distinguished by bi-colored bill, thin dark streaks against a tan breast but not extending down onto belly, and overall dusky brownish color.
*Arizona Birds*, the online journal of the Arizona Field Ornithologists,
has posted three recent articles. One describes the important and
indispensable functions of the Arizona Bird Committee and other state
records committees and how their role is different, but complementary, to
what eBird does. The Role of the Arizona Bird Committee in the Age of eBird
<https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/7m_kCZZEkxi89kXg2uzfDFBHaLP?<domain...> .
Date: 12/28/25 1:23 pm From: Bonnie Swarbrick (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Buenos Aires CBC Needs Help
[image: Bird Sunset.JPG]
Hello Birders! !
I have coordinated the Christmas BIrd Count at Buenos Aires National
Wildlife Refuge since 1999. There have never been so few sign-ups like
this year. I am told by a fellow birder that many in southern Arizona are
opting to stick closer to home this year. We only have 7 people, whereas we
normally have three times that many. With 12 team areas there is no way we
can do a decent job of counting our feathered friends with only 7 birders.
And that's not counting possible cancellations.
This is an urgent call for anyone, no matter the experience, to join
us on *Saturday
January 3.*
Please RSVP to me at my email or (520) 240-3737 with hopefully a positive
response and let me know whether you have a team, or you want to be teamed
up, whether you can drive on the count or cannot . . .I need to know
your general type of vehicle and whether it is higher clearance . . .That's
recommended but 4WD is not necessary. There are also two areas which can be
walked . . .all of Arivaca CIenega and most of the Arivaca Creek area.
It looks doubtful that we will have a compilation dinner at the Old
Schoolhouse in Arivaca because we need ten signups to make it worthwhile
for the Tucson volunteers to prepare it and bring it.
We will meet at the Visitor Center in the 7 am to 7:30 am time period. I
will have team assignments, maps and packets ready and will email you ahead
of time about these details and driving directions.
Thank you for your consideration and generosity. And have wonderful
holidays!
I have a relative from Ohio planning to visit at the end of February. We're planning to visit the ag fields south of Yuma as well as Cibola NWR. I understand that the Oxbow Bridge over the Colorado is no longer an option. Do any of you have suggestions for a way to get to the refuge from Yuma? Any thoughts/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. (I'd prefer not to go on the Arizona side, but I understand that that might be the best option.)
Several checklists have identified ponds at Higley and Ocotillo but I can't
find any reference to a map (such as the one for Gilbert Water Ranch. One
person used numbers to indicate paths (e.g. 2/5) - there are 8 sections.
What numbers go with which sections? Another person suggested a location of
tree at NNE/NNW junction. Does anyone know how these are identified? Thanks.
It would help when looking for an unusual bird that was mentioned in alerts.
If this should go to a different email list, please let me know.
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/S71NCN7oVgIPm9lJYF4h4FyEBRl?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/urqECOJpWjfZmwRlDikiEFGkybN?<domain...>
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/M06sCZZEkxi89x4A1UmSDFB4g0d?<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/k1ZVC2GljPcZz6lWLimUEF5OLZ6?<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/IkFAC3Ymkgf9zxAojf8cqFQqC9p?<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. 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: 12/24/25 2:21 pm From: Steven Tracey (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ - San Pedro House Bird Walk
Hi Birders,
This morning 15 birders slipped in some nice birding in between rain
showers (sprinkles really) and found 43 species. After the first hour or
so, we hadn't seen many birds at all but as we reached Black Phoebe pond
and continued to the river, the birding picked up quite a bit. The
highlight of the day was along the river where the group found the
continuing Greater Pewee. Another good bird seen but by only one of the
group was the Louisiana Waterthrush. Some other good river birds were a
calling Bridled Titmouse and a cooperative Red-naped Sapsucker. Expected
but still a nice treat were a bunch of Mexican Ducks along the river and
even a few Mallards mixed in.
The Friends of the San Pedro River leads birding walks every 2nd and 4th
Wednesday of the month from the San Pedro House located south of Highway 90
just west of the San Pedro River. The walks last about three hours. During
the next two months the walks start at 8:00a. Bring your own binoculars, a
hat and water.
The next San Pedro House birding walk will be Wednesday, January 14.
Our 10 volunteers were blessed with gorgeous weather for the Safford CBC on December 16. Unfortunately, that did not translate to great numbers. In part, this resulted from the need for some teams to cover two zones, splitting their time and not covering all the hotspots within both zones. More volunteers would definitely help our count.
The other contributing factor is the overall lower bird numbers I've been observing. Species that were present in low numbers in past years were totally absent, and more plentiful species had lower counts.
The overall result is a CBC with 94 species compared to 104 species last year. We had 10 Count Week species that might have been picked up on Count Day if more volunteers participated and each zone was more thoroughly covered. Species expected but not seen during the entire week include Northern Harrier, Hutton's Vireo, Chihuahuan Meadowlark, Red-naped Sapsucker, Brewer's Sparrow, and Pyrrhuloxia.
One enhancement this year was a Forest Service permit to access a restricted area in the Pinaleño Mountains to observe species at 10,000' elevation! Thank you to everyone who participated, especially those willing to hike in the snow and birders making long drives from Tucson, Scottsdale, Benson and Globe.
I'll compile the details after I'm done with our January 15-18 Wings Over Willcox Birding & Nature Festival. Join us there!Diane
Greetings Birders,
Yesterday (18 Dec) I drove up to Cibola NWR to see if I could re-locate some swans and see what else was in the vicintiy. As the sun started to rise, more and more Sandhill Cranes descended on the fields of the Goose Loop Auto Route, followed by a giant herd of Snow Geese and three Tundra Swans--two adults and a juvenile. They looked giant compared to the geese and the nearby egrets. I spotted a small flock of Greater White-fronted Geese along the loop, but nothing else exciting.
At the island unit the White Ibis was missing, as was the large flock of White-faced Ibis. By way of compensation, it was great to see lots of jewel-like Mountain Bluebirds.
This morning (19 Dec) I surveyed some of the large ag fields south of town (south & north of E. County 19th Steet). I came away with four falcons--something I've never done down there before. I also had a flock of 39 Mountain Plover, my first of the season. Raptor summary: 41 Ferruginous Hawks, 24 Red-tailed Hawks, 2 Northern Harriers, 8 American Kestrels, 2 Prairie Falcons, 1 Peregrine Falcon, and 1 Merlin.
eBird reports with some photos among them:https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/_Lu0CLAmQOfw02XZqSBf6FypznO?<domain...>
Happy Holidays!Henry D. <Detwilerhenry_detwiler...>, AZ
Finding Birds in Southwest Arizonahttps://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/GnEiCM7nRPIkpY9APCkh7F8wcKO?<domain...> Birds at the Salton Sea and in Imperial County, https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/jIT3CN7oVgIPYp9GLCji4FyOPPV?<domain...>
Date: 12/17/25 9:57 am From: John Williams (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Red-shouldered Hawk report.
The Red-shouldered Hawk that was seen at the Mason Center on the 4th, is still around and calling from the SW portion of Arthur Pack Regional Park.
Yesterday around 3:45 I heard it for the seventh time in seven weeks, with its classic “Ka-REE-er” call repeated 5 times. It was close to the Camino de Oeste edge of the park.
