Date: 4/25/25 7:56 pm From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 25 April 2025
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona was made on April 18, 2025; the next update will be made on April 25. 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/Uf1CCXYBgvfB7K32yF6f1cWLODf?<domain...> A list of review species can be found here: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/YO0hCYVDjwfkolPMJhGh0cxp_cP?<domain...>
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
TUBAC area (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/iGSgC3Ymkgf7YKVqJsvuWcQuLFD?<domain...>)
#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: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/r7SIC4WnljTYA5GgQIjCyc4GhdO?<domain...>)
#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: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/CopeC5AomkfgY9OEQclFmckiVKx?<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 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 6:30-9:00am 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/4FJxC6YpnlfVlmxzAf9H6c5oNp9?<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/r0sYC8XrpnfO8qx1ZT4SxcykN-k?<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/MWfUC93vqouRVqPQgCBTPcqa680?<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. Use the call box at the gate, follow the signs for parking, and 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.
