Date: 8/29/25 7:09 pm From: Andrew Core <tucsonrba...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 29 August 2025
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on August 29, 2025; the next update will be made on September 5.
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/60rVC0Aj5NfmDRrljTwf1s9qs7Z?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/XhD2Cg7WAOIGxLYn8Tohxs4HAtJ?<domain...>
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
#Least Grebe
*PURPLE GALLINULE
#Semipalmated Sandpiper
#Short-billed Dowitcher
#Sabine's Gull
#Berylline Hummingbird
#Rose-throated Becard
#Prothonotary Warbler
#Louisiana Waterthrush
TUCSON area
A *PURPLE GALLINULE continued at Danny Lopez (formerly Columbus) Park
through 8/29 (m.ob.). A #SABINE’S GULL was photographed on 8/29 (Steve
Nord).
At least one of the *PURPLE GALLINULES was reported again at Sweetwater
Wetlands on 8/26 (Alex Patia) at the west end of the park, just west of the
platform.
A #LEAST GREBE continued at El Rio Open Space Preserve in Marana this week
(m.ob.). Annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/0dqqCm7WKmIWKmRGvcDu5sRlKyO?<domain...>
BENSON area
A *PURPLE GALLINULE continued at the San Pedro golf course (visible from
the patio overlook) on 8/25 (m.ob.).
WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY
A #SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER continued at Lake Cochise by the Twin Lakes Golf
Course through 8/25 (m.ob.).
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
In Madera Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Hd54CnGWL0cmqJ6QnTpC6sJ_RIe?<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.
A #SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER was photographed at the Green Valley WRF on 8/26
(Sara Busch ) and continued through 8/29 (m.ob.). A #SABINE’S GULL was
photographed on 8/27 (m.ob.). ACCESS NOTE: access is now through a
pedestrian gate east of the vehicle gate. Please park outside the fence and
walk in.
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
A #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD continued in Ramsey Canyon this week (m.ob.) at
various feeders. A #PROTHONOTARY WARBLER was reported on 8/29 (Renee
Goodhue).
At the San Pedro House, a #LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH was photographed on 8/27
(Peter Siminski).
PATAGONIA
A pair of #ROSE-THROATED BECARDS continued along Harshaw Creek Road this
week (m.ob.). GPS: (31.51621, -110.69293). ACCESS NOTE: please stay on the
road – the creek is private property.
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/arZLCoAWMofvL7KJkT7FMspSp0o?<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/xd9sCqAWOqfXPp7G9TpIPsEhfhF?<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/y9xXCrgWPrT205DXxH3SDs4EXTV?<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 east of the vehicle 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.
