Date: 10/24/25 7:40 pm From: Andrew Core (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 24 October 2025
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on October 24, 2025; the next update will be made on October 31.
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/2ODXC0Aj5Nfm9n5JNtwfJu9oAQq?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Y18dCg7WAOIGjvRPEfohpu4anPy?<domain...>
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
#Least Grebe
#Short-tailed Hawk
*RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD
#Red-breasted Sapsucker
#Gray Catbird
#Prothonotary Warbler
#Ovenbird
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
A *RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD continued at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary through
10/20 (m.ob.).
TUCSON area
A #LEAST GREBE continued at El Rio Open Space Preserve in Marana through
10/10 (m.ob.). ACCESS NOTE: planned maintenance will dry out the pond this
week. Annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/J1g9Cm7WKmIW7V31ySDuruRi5A8?<domain...> An #OVENBIRD was photographed on campus at the University of Arizona on
10/22 (Tristan McKnight).
GRAHAM COUNTY
Two *SHORT-TAILED HAWKS were reported on 10/21 (Kale Van Shaar) on Mt
Graham on the road up to Ladybug Saddle.
PORTAL & the CHIRICAHUAS (annotated map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/tuOhCnGWL0cm142l9tpCvuJ4CX-?<domain...>)
A #GRAY CATBIRD continued from Cave Creek Ranch on 10/24 (Bob Meinke).
Another was reported east of town on 10/19 (Peg Abbott). A # RED-BREASTED
SAPSUCKER was reported from Cave Creek Ranch on 10/20 (Kim Morse)
WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY
A #GRAY CATBIRD was photographed about 5 miles east of Sunizona on 10/20
(Liam Huber) on private property, but may be visible from Apache Dr east of
Kit Carson Rd; GPS: (31.879585, -109.642808)
PATAGONIA
A #GRAY CATBIRD continued at the Paton Center on 10/20 (Tom Brown).
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/C47OCp9WNpfAJgWQ4ixH0uGPtJC?<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/bEB6CrgWPrT2zyYwQs3S8u4qOvE?<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/usORCvm6WyFAPJ5OwigTRuQXrau?<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 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.
