Date: 8/21/26 8:14 pm From: Andrew Core (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] RBA Tucson, AZ - 21 August 2026
Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Bird Alliance's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona
was made on August 21, 2026; the next update will be made on August 28.
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/BRNSCl8WJlt68EzrGsGfMJhzFBzm?<domain...> A list of review
species can be found here:
https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/VlE9Cm7WKmIk3lRxXtOh8mhRkzOQ?<domain...>
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
*YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON
#Short-tailed Hawk
*PURPLE GALLINULE
*COMMON RINGED PLOVER
*UPLAND SANDPIPER
#Hudsonian Whimbrel
#Semipalmated Sandpiper
#Short-billed Dowitcher
#Buff-collared Nightjar
#Berylline Hummingbird
*TUFTED FLYCATCHER
#Rose-throated Becard
#Hooded Warbler
*FLAME-COLORED TANAGER
WILLCOX & the SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY
A first-state record *COMMON RINGED PLOVER was reported on 8/15 (Ezekiel
Dobson) and continued through 8/16 (m.ob.). Later analysis of photos showed
it had been present on 8/14 as well. The *YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON
continued in the pond between Lake Cochise and the Twin Lakes Golf Course
in Willcox through 8/16 (m.ob.). A #SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER was reported on
8/17 and a #SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER continued on 8/20 (m.ob.).
GREEN VALLEY & the SANTA RITAS
A *PURPLE GALLINULE was reported at the Green Valley WRF on 8/15 (Alex
Lamoreaux) and continued through 8/19 (m.ob.).
In Madera Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/3YEDCqAWOqfJ3N7QBcruKphEMiK3?<domain...>), a #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD
continued at the Santa Rita Lodge 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.). Look for 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.
In Box Canyon (map: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/RU2fCrgWPrT4YZDqMTGC6Zh4j12b?<domain...>), a #BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR
continued near the bridge in the lower canyon this week (m.ob.).
TUCSON area
A *PURPLE GALLINULE continued at El Rio Preserve in Marana on 8/21 (m.ob.)
on the south and west sides.
On Mt Lemmon, a #SHORT-TAILED HAWK continued over the Bear Wallow/Mt
Bigelow area this week (m.ob.). A #HOODED WARBLER continued at Sunset
Trailhead in lower Bear Wallow through 8/16 (m.ob.).
SIERRA VISTA & the HUACHUCAS
In Miller Canyon a *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER continued through 8/17 (m.ob.). A
#HOODED WARBLER continued on 8/21 (Andy DeBroux).
A #BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD continued at both Ramsey Canyon Preserve and
Ramsey Canyon Inn this week (m.ob.).
SANTA CRUZ FLATS
An *UPLAND SANDPIPER and #HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL were reported at the corner
of Sunland Gin & Pearce on 8/15 (Steve West).
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.
NOGALES area
A #RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER continued this week in Sycamore Canyon (m.ob.).
GPS (31.4231, -111.1949).
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/DhaACwn6XzHgmxRj6fRHG6hJvDP-?<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/5J7gCypWZBtAwoy1DinSm2hxB5l9?<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/Uxn5Czqg1DiOZqm1DU1T7Wh9xZxJ?<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.
