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8 Feb Lewis's Woodpecker still in Mesa, AZ [Steve Ganley ] 8 Feb 2/8/2010 SE AZ - Aqua Caliente Park [MARK SHARON ] 9 Feb Birds today along the Colorado [Dana Duxbury-Fox ] 8 Feb Manners for a Short-tailed Hawk [Nina Hansen ] 8 Feb Sweetwater, Woodland, Seneca & Lakeside [Nina Hansen ] 9 Feb Directions please to Salt River and Butcher Jones [Dana Duxbury-Fox ] 8 Feb Butcher Jones this afternoon (2-8-2010) [Ed Dukart ] 8 Feb Tucson Indigo Bunting [Mark Stevenson ] 8 Feb Santa Fe NM Inca Dove ["Holladay, Kevin W., DGF" ] 8 Feb Feb. 8, 2010 Huachuca Audubon River walk [tom leskiw ] 8 Feb Re: Burrowing Owls around Phoenix in Feb/Mar? [Diana Stuart - FCDX ] 8 Feb Re: Burrowing Owls around Phoenix in Feb/Mar? [Jamie Bradford ] 8 Feb NM RBA for 2/8/10 [] 8 Feb NO SIGHTINGS: Regarding Banning Field Station ["Myron L. Scott" ] 8 Feb Burrowing Owls [Jacob Garvelink ] 7 Feb SE AZ: Tucson birds [Richard Fray ] 7 Feb no birds-birding site update [Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory ] 7 Feb Gilbert WR redheads, snow geese and more [Bill Butler ] 8 Feb AZ: Silverbell Lake [Doug Jenness ] 7 Feb FW: AZ: Katherine Landing birds [Mark Stevenson ] 7 Feb Lake Havasu, Black-legged Kittiwake 02/07/10 [Melody Kehl ] 7 Feb Central AZ: Burrowing Owls [Jay Miller ] 7 Feb Central AZ: Granite Reef Greater Scaups, 2-7. [Jay Miller ] 7 Feb SE AZ: Patagonia Lake [David Porter ] 7 Feb Burrowing Owls around Phoenix in Feb/Mar? [Jacob Garvelink ] 7 Feb Tucson GWF Goose [Mark Stevenson ] 7 Feb CEAZ: Scottsdale white geese and Eurasian Wigeon [Magill Weber ] 7 Feb CEAZ: Salt River, Tonto NF, Saguaro Lake-Butcher Jones [Magill Weber ] 7 Feb Organ Pipe [Norm Lewis ] 7 Feb Re: AZ- BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE still at Lake Havasu site 6 - 7 Feb 2010 [Mark Stevenson ] 7 Feb SE AZ Cochise Co. Dragoon Mts 2/6/10 [tom leskiw ] 7 Feb AZ: Fort Huachuca Main Gate construction will effect visitors thru June 2010 [Mark Stevenson ] 7 Feb NM, Bosque del Apache [Bosque Bill ] 7 Feb Fw: AZ: Ehrenberg to Parker [Mark Stevenson ] 7 Feb Wonderful Cioba NWR geese, cranes & ducks [Dana Duxbury-Fox ] 7 Feb AZFO - New photos of Horned Grebe [Mike Moore ] 7 Feb San Rafael Grasslands 02/06/10 [Melody Kehl ] 6 Feb Success in Hereford! [Nina Hansen ] 6 Feb 30-40 Lawrence's Goldfinches, Am Robin, Pinal County AZ [Nancy Lange ] 6 Feb AZ: Heber birds [Eric Hough ] 6 Feb AZ: Holbrook: Northern Mockingbird [Eric Hough ] 6 Feb Fw: AZ: BTA: first Costa's of 2010... and RBRO continues [Mark Stevenson ] 6 Feb Pena Blanca lake [Peggy Wang ] 6 Feb Chino Canyon Santa Rita Mts [Michael Bissontz ] 6 Feb AZ: TAS Sweetwater Wetlands Family Outing [Deborah Vath ] 6 Feb Horned Grebes continuing [Richard Carter ] 6 Feb Sweetwater Wetlands, February 4, 2010 [Pat ] 6 Feb Around Tempe today 2/6/10 [Ernie Nickels ] 6 Feb Tucson Short-tailed Hawk [Mark Stevenson ] 6 Feb Re: AZ- BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE still at Lake Havasu site 6 - 6 Feb 2010 [Magill Weber ] 6 Feb Birdpost.com [Everton Di Melo ] 6 Feb AZFO - New photos of Red-shouldered Hawk, Horned Grebe, Bell's Vireo [Mike Moore ] 6 Feb Re: Paton's Hummingbirds - Is it open? [Mary Jo Ballator ] 6 Feb Re: AZ- BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE still at Lake Havasu site 6 - 6 Feb 2010 [Melanie Herring ] 5 Feb Paton's Hummingbirds - Is it open? [Gus Stangeland ] 5 Feb Bullhead City/Lake Mohave [Carl Lundblad ] 5 Feb Birding the Salt River area, Scottsdale, and Gilbert-4 HORNED GREBES, EURASIAN WIGEON, others [Tommy DeBardeleben ] 5 Feb Z-T Hawk in Scottsdale [] 5 Feb AZ Tempe White_winged Dove [BILL HIGGINS ] 5 Feb AZ: Fort Lowell Park - BELL'S VIREO [Philip Kline ] 5 Feb Colorado River birds February 5 [Phil Norton ] 5 Feb FW: AZ: Horned Grebes at Butcher Jones Recreation Area [Mark Stevenson ] 5 Feb Re: SE AZ: American Dipper, Hutch's Pool, Sabino Canyon 2/1/10 [Mark Stevenson ] 5 Feb AZ:02/05/10:Northeast Tucson ["Clifford A. Cathers" ] 5 Feb Re: AZ- BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE still at Lake Havasu site 6 - 5 Feb 2010 [Melanie Herring ] 5 Feb FLG I-40 & Rio de Flag. No Song Sparrow. No Swamp Sparrow. [BB Oros ] 5 Feb Yuma County, 30 Jan - 4 Feb 2010 [Henry Detwiler ] 5 Feb BTA Rufus backed Robins [Gerald Hammon ] 5 Feb AZ: Havasu NWR - RED-SHOULDERED HAWK [Troy Corman ] 5 Feb Tucson Violet-crowned Hummingbirds [Rich Hoyer ] 5 Feb Tucson RBA - 5 February 2010 [Andrew Core ] 5 Feb Re: SE AZ: Fort Huachuca access for non-US citizens (no bird news)/other SE AZ access updates [Mark Stevenson ] 5 Feb AZFO - New photos of Common Grackle [Mike Moore ] 5 Feb AZ- BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE still at Lake Havasu site 6 - 4 Feb 2010 [Mark Stevenson ] 4 Feb SE AZ: Fort Huachuca access for non-US citizens (no bird news) [Richard Fray ] 4 Feb Sweetwater Wetlands - COMMON GRACKLE [Philip Kline ] Subject: Lewis's Woodpecker still in Mesa, AZ From: Steve Ganley <sganley AT COX.NET> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 21:48:44 -0700 The Lewis's Woodpecker is still along Southern Ave between Higley and Power Road. It was along the canal on the south side of Southern in the first Eucalyptus tree along the border with the golf course. Also in Scottsdale along Indian Bend Road the 4 Ross's Geese, 12 or so Snow Geese and two Greater White-fronted Geese were all on the golf course pond around 11:00. I checked for the Eurasian Wigeon across from Chaparral park but did not find it amongst the American Wigeon. Steve Ganley Mesa, ArizonaSubject: 2/8/2010 SE AZ - Aqua Caliente Park From: MARK SHARON <marksharon10 AT MSN.COM> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 21:06:16 -0700 Thanks to the recent rains the back ponds at Aqua Caliente Park are starting to fill with water. Today we saw multiple flocks of Western Bluebirds, Cedar Waxwings along with several American Robins feeding on the palm fruits and mistletoe berries. The desert birds are singing. Mark and Farrish SharonSubject: Birds today along the Colorado From: Dana Duxbury-Fox <danafox AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 9 Feb 2010 03:52:11 +0000 Today this glorious day Bob and I started by enjoying a resident Roadrunner at our hotel and then looking for the Red-throated Loon at Lake Havasu - we think that we finally found it - not a easy bird in it's current plumage. We had a couple of Canvasbacks out near the first lighthouse and saw the Pacific loon again today. We then drove down to Bill Williams Delta - what an attractive place they have made it into with the native plantings and easy access. Our goal was to find the White-winged Scoter having missed it at Lake Havasu - we were lucky. The Clarks Grebes were dancing across the water - we don't have that thrilling sight back in MA!! Five Red-breasted Mergs we also seen. We had our lunch in the bright sunshine at one of the tables near the refuge headquarters and really feasted on Golden-eyes. The large flock originally over on the far side of the cove below us even came close so that we could relish their finery. I have never had such wonderful looks in such good light of both Golden-eyes. We stopped at Parker Dam and the pleasant temperatures, clear skies and glorious sunlight lit up near-by Greater and Lesser Scaup - the head sheen was wonderful, Ring-necked Ducks and a male Redhead. Another male Red-breasted Merg was seen at a distance. We finally had to tear ourselves away from the wonderful waterfowl and head to Phoenix for a couple of days of meetings (with some local birding tucked in!) before we head south to bird SE Arizona. Dana Duxbury-Fox and Bob Fox North Andover, MASubject: Manners for a Short-tailed Hawk From: Nina Hansen <ninahansen2008 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 20:47:35 -0700 Hello, Fellow Birders, This afternoon, while looking for the Short-tailed Hawk at Seneca and Ridgeway (in Tucson), I met one of the homeowners who lives in the area. Although she was very pleasant, she did express her displeasure at the poor behavior of some birders who treat her property like a public park. She described vans disgorging large groups who poured out upon her yard, peering up into the trees and aiming their binoculars directly at her picture window. She explained that while she likes birders, and usually waves to them, she really does not care for the intrusive behavior which some thoughtless people have demonstrated. I promised to post her sentiments on the ListServ and hope that as you read this, you don't recognize yourself. She did say that the professional birding companies were by far the worst. Let's all do our best to spread the word that good manners will be appreciated wherever we go.Subject: Sweetwater, Woodland, Seneca & Lakeside From: Nina Hansen <ninahansen2008 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 20:41:20 -0700 Sweetwater: This morning, I met client Gus, from Texas, at Sweetwater Wetlands for a focused 2 hour photography session. He wanted to photograph warblers, and the Hidden Pool provided four within the first 5 minutes: YELLOW-RUMPED, YELLOW, ORANGE-CROWNED and BLACK-THROATED GRAY. At the bridge he was able to snap several groups of LEAST SANDPIPERS. We heard and briefly saw several MARSH WRENS, but they werent cooperative for his camera. At the Viewing Pavillion, he was pleased to get BUFFLEHEADS and CINNAMON TEALS. Two RUDDY DUCKS (Females) also added to our list. A pair of HARRISS HAWKS flew overhead but were too far away for good pictures. We left Sweetwater about 11:30. Woodland Road: When we arrived at the grove at 8350 Woodland, Lewey was apparently out for lunch. We waited and carefully searched each tree in the grove. Just as we were about to give up, he came sweeping in and landed on his favorite telephone pole where Gus was able to take photos. Then this cooperative bird flew into the grove, perched on a branch in the sun and groomed himself while Gus snapped away. Seneca Street & Ridgeway Road After Gus continued his journey northward, I went looking for the SHORT- TAILED HAWK. Apparently he was out to lunch also! But I did talk with one of the homeowners in the neighborhood. Please see my second post: Manners for a Short-tailed Hawk. This pleasant lady told me that the hawk is reliable in the neighborhood every day in the late afternoon. As it was only 2:00 p.m., I jaunted off for a bit, returning at 4:00. After cruising through the neighborhood, I settled down near the intersection and waited for the bird to come home. Suddenly, the chatter of the little birds ceased, and when I looked up, I saw Shorty gliding way up overhead. I still want to get a better look, but this was a Lifer for me today. Lakeside Park: Having read Mark Stevensons post about the Greater White-fronted Goose at Lakeside Park, I went there to check it out. It wasnt to be seen from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. But a GREAT EGRET was feeding at the very western edge of the pond, and when a family allowed their children to throw bread to the ducks, a flock of BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS flew down to beg. Among them was one BRONZED COWBIRD, clearly identified by his brilliant red eye which glowed in the sun. Nina Hansen Cheep Birding, a birding guide for the Novice Birder or for those who desire a leisurely Birding experience.Subject: Directions please to Salt River and Butcher Jones From: Dana Duxbury-Fox <danafox AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 9 Feb 2010 03:27:28 +0000 Could someone please give us directions from Phoenix to the location where birders have reported birds on the Salt River and Butcher Jones? Many thanks from visiting easterners. We will be spending a few days starting tomorrow in the Phoenix area and would love to explore your good birding areas. Dana Duxbury-Fox and Bob FoxSubject: Butcher Jones this afternoon (2-8-2010) From: Ed Dukart <snowyowl249 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 18:20:59 -0700 Hi All! Got off work a couple hours early today, so ran out to Butcher Jones (Saguaro Lake). Found 2 of the reported Horned Grebes to still be present, were in the middle of the cove preening for the time I was there (2:45 pm to 3:10 pm). Also present were 2 Western Grebes, a couple Pied-billed Grebes and a few Eared Grebes. Saw 1 gull in the distance, too far away to get a positive ID on, but looked like a California Gull. Waterfowl includes Ruddys, L.Scaups, mallards, Buffleheads, and coots. Ya'll have a great week! Ed Dukart Fountain HillsSubject: Tucson Indigo Bunting From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 12:55:15 -0700 Hi Birders, Molly and I birded a few areas around Tucson today. Along Woodland Road, the LEWIS'S WOODPECKER continued in the location that has been mentioned recently. A Plumbeous Vireo was there too in the same group of mesquites. At Udall Park, the ACORN WOODPECKER was its usual cooperative self in the palm trees just south of the outdoor swimming pool. Most surprising was a male INDIGO BUNTING spotted by Molly that we saw in the pine trees and on the grass 40-100 feet south of the pool. It was associating with House Finches. Apparently it had not studied the seasonal bar graphs to determine that it should be elsewhere until April. Good birding, Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZSubject: Santa Fe NM Inca Dove From: "Holladay, Kevin W., DGF" <kevin.holladay AT STATE.NM.US> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 12:15:27 -0700 We had our first yard Inca Dove at the bird bath in Santa Fe on Jan 17, 2010. Are they becoming more common here in the last couple of years? Kevin W. Holladay Project WILD Coordinator/Aquatic Resource Education New Mexico Department of Game and Fish 1 Wildlife Way Santa Fe, NM 87507 (505) 476-8095 kevin.holladay AT state.nm.us www.wildlife.state.nm.us Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail, including all attachments is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited unless specifically provided under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and destroy all copies of this message. -- This email has been scanned by the Sybari - Antigen Email System. ______________________________________________________________________ Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail,including all attachments is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review,use,disclosure or distribution is prohibited unless specifically provided under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and destroy all copies of this message. This email has been scanned using Webroot Email Security. ______________________________________________________________________Subject: Feb. 8, 2010 Huachuca Audubon River walk From: tom leskiw <tomleskiw AT SUDDENLINK.NET> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 12:04:29 -0700 The Feb 8, 2010 walk was led by Tom Leskiw. Walks are every Monday at 8am at 10663 Hwy 92 in Palominas. 1 - Mallard 12 - tame Wild Turkey 6 - Gambel's Quail 1 - Cooper's Hawk 3 - Red-tailed Hawk 1 - Merlin 21 - Morning Dove 1 - Burrowing Owl (relocated bird) 3 - Gila Woodpecker 1 - Northern Flicker 1 - Black Phoebe 1 - Raven sp. 3 - White-breasted Nuthatch 2 - Western Bluebird 31 - American Robin 3 - Curved-billed Thrasher 11 - Eurasian Starling 5 - Canyon Towhee 1 - Abert's Towhee 2 - Chipping Sparrow 9 - Vesper Sparrow 3 - Savannah Sparrow 3 - Lark Sparrow 29 - White-crowned Sparrow 3 - Eastern Meadowlark 11 - Lesser Goldfinch 3 - Pyhrrhuloxia 11 - House Finch 8 - House SparrowSubject: Re: Burrowing Owls around Phoenix in Feb/Mar? From: Diana Stuart - FCDX <dms AT MAIL.MARICOPA.GOV> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 11:32:17 -0700 Other reliable places to see BUOW: The entrance to Scottsdale Community College off Chaparral just east of the Loop 101 freeway in Scottsdale The Laveen Conveyance Channel (which you can walk along, but not drive on) Starting at Baseline and 75th Avenue in Laveen, and walking on the southern side all the way to 59th Avenue. The western side of the New River channel (which you can walk along, but not drive on) in the vicinity of Plaza del Rio Drive where the medical clinics are about 1/2 mile south of Thunderbird Road in Peoria. All of the above locations are where owls were relocated into artificial burrow colonies over the past few years. Many of the owls do not migrate, so you will probably find a few. Good luck, Diana Stuart Flood Control District -----Original Message----- From: NBHC AZ/NM Birds [mailto:BIRDWG05 AT LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU] On Behalf Of Jamie Bradford Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 10:24 AM To: BIRDWG05 AT LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU Subject: Re: [BIRDWG05] Burrowing Owls around Phoenix in Feb/Mar? I'm not sure where you will be staying in the Phoenix area, but if you can get to Chandler (southeast suburb of Phoenix), Veteran's Oasis Park (corner of Lindsay and Chandler Heights; map) has two 'islands' with artificial burrows that appear to be occupied year round. They are located in ponds 2 and 4, and we saw four owls on Saturday (Feb 6) morning. Enjoy your visit and good birding to you! Jamie ________________________________ Jamie Bradford “Civilization advances by extending the number of important operations which we can perform without thinking about them.” - Alfred North Whitehead, Introduction to Mathematics ________________________________ From: Jacob GarvelinkSubject: Re: Burrowing Owls around Phoenix in Feb/Mar? From: Jamie Bradford <jfbradfo AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 09:23:33 -0800 I'm not sure where you will be staying in the Phoenix area, but if you can get to Chandler (southeast suburb of Phoenix), Veteran's Oasis Park (corner of Lindsay and Chandler Heights; map) has two 'islands' with artificial burrows that appear to be occupied year round. They are located in ponds 2 and 4, and we saw four owls on Saturday (Feb 6) morning. Enjoy your visit and good birding to you! Jamie ________________________________ Jamie Bradford “Civilization advances by extending the number of important operations which we can perform without thinking about them.” - Alfred North Whitehead, Introduction to Mathematics ________________________________ From: Jacob GarvelinkSubject: NM RBA for 2/8/10 From: Pinyonjay AT AOL.COM Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 09:11:30 EST -RBA New Mexico Bird Report February 8, 2010 NMEX1002.08 -Transcript Hotline New Mexico date: February 8, 2010 compiler Patricia R. Snider Phone: 719-846-3174 Cell phone 505-803-1807 e-mail address _pinyonjay AT aol.com_ (mailto:pinyonjay AT aol.com) This is Pinyon Jay with the New Mexico Bird Report for February 8, 2010, sponsored by the New Mexico Ornithological Society. When phone numbers are given for private property, please call before going to ask for permission. In ranch country do not stray off the roads. . Highlights: White-tailed Kite, Trumpeter Swan, Winter Wren. ChW reported that GREAT EGRETS have been color banded with red leg bands, from the Great Lakes. Report bands if seen to 416- 739-5846. A star is added for new birds to the RBA today. . . Places mentioned and a checklist of N.M. birds are in the N.M. Bird Finding Guide. Check for earlier reports and database At _http://www.nmbirds.org_ (http://www.nmbirds.org/) or in the archives of the AZ/NM listserve. For photos of rarities and directions to some birding sites check _http://sites.google.com/site/oldenettelspage_ (http://sites.google.com/site/oldenettelspage) . . For the Bird Records Committee and North American Birds and NMOS Field Notes please send reports to Dr. Sartor O. Williams, III, 1819 Meadowview NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87104 or to _sunbittern AT earthlink.net_ (mailto:sunbittern AT earthlink.net) . . . Birds Mentioned and Counties: Greater White-fronted Goose (Sandoval) Light Geese (Chaves) Ross’s Geese (*Socorro) Trumpeter Swan (Socorro) Eurasian Wigeon (Curry) Greater Scaup (Chaves) Common Goldeneye (Socorro) Hooded Merganser (Sierra, Socorro) Common Merganser (Socorro) American White Pelican (Sierra) White-faced Ibis (Valencia) Turkey Vulture (Chaves) American Bittern (Chaves) Osprey (Sierra) White-tailed Kite (*Socorro) Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawk (Socorro) Ferruginous Hawk (Curry) Rough-legged Hawk (Colfax) Golden Eagle (Colfax) Merlin (Sierra, San Miguel) Peregrine Falcon (Bernalillo) Prairie Falcon (Curry) Northern Bobwhite and Scaled Quail (Curry) Montezuma Quail (*Grant, Otero) Sora (*Sierra) Common Moorhen (Sierra) Sandhill Crane (Chaves, Socorro, Bernalillo) Herring and California Gulls (*Sierra) Great Horned Owl (*Curry, Grant) Barn Owl (Curry, *Sierra) Saw-whet Owl (Otero) Anna’s Hummingbird (Doña Ana Williamson’s Sapsucker (Grant) Hybrid sapsucker (Doña Ana) Downy Woodpecker (*Sierra, Chaves) Hairy Woodpecker (*Sierra) Three-toed Woodpecker (Bernalillo) Eastern Phoebe (Doña Ana, Sierra) Loggerhead Shrike (northeastern) Hutton’s Vireo (Grant, *Sierra) Western Scrub-Jay (Sierra) Pinyon Jay (Cibola) Bridled Titmouse (Sierra) Red-breasted Nuthatch (Doña Ana) Brown Creeper (Grant) Winter Wren (Grant, *Sandoval) Golden-crowned Kinglet (Grant) Eastern Bluebird (Doña Ana, Santa Fe) Western Bluebird (Doña Ana, Socorro, Sierra) Mountain Bluebird (Socorro) Gray Catbird (Socorro) Curve-billed Thrasher (Sandoval) Cedar Waxwing (Doña Ana) Common Yellowthroat (*Sierra) American Tree Sparrow (Colfax) Black-chinned Sparrow (Grant) Lark Bunting (Curry) Sage Sparrow (Socorro, *Sierra) Swamp Sparrow (Chaves, *Sierra) Fox Sparrow (*Grant) White-throated Sparrow (Socorro) Golden-crowned Sparrow (Socorro) Harris’s Sparrow (Chaves) Slate-colored Dark-eyed Junco (Sandoval) Yellow-eyed Junco (*Grant) Lapland Longspur (Colfax) Pyrrhuloxia (*Curry) Pine Grosbeak (Bernalillo) Rosy Finches (Bernalillo, Taos, *San Miguel) Cassin’s Finch (Sandoval) Pine Siskin (Curry) American Goldfinch (Sandoval, *Curry) Lesser Goldfinch (Sierra) Evening Grosbeak (Sandoval) . . In Northeastern NM on January 30 JP, JO, LL, and WW did a Springer, Abbott, Roy, Wagon Mound Loop and found up to four LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES. . In Bernalillo County: KH on February 1 had six LESSER SANDHILL CRANES with the Greaters at the Los Poblanos Open Space off of Montaño. RY on January 18 again saw the PEREGRINE on a pole on San Antonio in Albuquerque between San Pedro and the freeway. AL found it west of San Pedro on January 26. The SNC team is banding ROSY FINCHES on Sundays at the Crest House. On January 31 they banded seven BROWN-CAPPED with 89 recaptures. One female Brown-capped was originally banded as an immature in 2004. They estimate the flock to be 150 to 200. NC reported that a WINGS tour on January 16 had a trip to the Kiwanis Meadow and found a male and female THREE-TOED WOODPECKER with PINE GROSBEAKS. RV tried on January 31 but no woodpeckers, just the grosbeaks. The road up had another snowfall on February 3 and the Crest House will be closed on the 4th, and again on the 6th with more snow, and snow-packed road past the ski area. No banding. . In Chaves County: CR on January 26 at the Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary in Roswell had an adult HARRIS’S SPARROW and a DOWNY WOODPECKER. JP, WW, LL, and JO on January 29 did not find the Harris’s, but had a SWAMP SPARROW. There was a TURKEY VULTURE over Roswell. JSa on the Bitter Lake Refuge Count for January 15 reported 7211 CRANES on the refuge and another 2120 off it, with 20,000 light geese. JP, WW, LL, and JO on January 29 on the refuge saw a female GREATER SCAUP and an AMERICAN BITTERN. . In Cibola County: SB found over 225 PINYON JAYS are still at Bluewater Lake. . In Colfax County: JP, LL, WW, and JO on January 30 at the Maxwell Refuge had up to three LAPLAND LONGSPURS, TREE SPARROWS, and five GOLDEN EAGLES. North of the refuge there was a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK. . In Curry County: At the Clovis Sewage Ponds the EURASIAN WIGEON was still present for JP and WW on January 15. JLo on January 21 at his home in se. Curry Co. had the BOBWHITES with a lone SCALED QUAIL. On January 30 he reported a PRAIRIE FALCON and a FERRUGINOUS HAWK. After a storm on January 28 there was the BARN and HORNED OWLS, PINE SISKINS, two LARK BUNTINGS and the quails. On February 7 there was the horned owl, four PYRRHULOXIAS, and two AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES. . In Doña Ana County: DG reported the first nesting of an ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD in NM with a nest in the High Range area of Las Cruces on January 31 found by DoS (photos). A male was in the area. JG and SV saw on January 16 at the Shalem Bridge area off N. Valley Drive 100 CEDAR WAXWINGS, 23 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS, and a probable RED-BREASTED X RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER in the pecan trees. DG on January 15 saw the waxwings, bluebirds, and a RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH. He had on January 16 the waxwings, western bluebirds, two EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, and the hybrid sapsucker. An EASTERN PHOEBE was along the canal across the street from Paradise Lane near the bridge found by DG on January 12 over the fields. BS has had a female ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD at his Las Cruces home since autumn. A male showed up on January 28. . In Grant County: In the Big Burro Mts. near Silver City DG on January 17 to 20 with up to eight inches of snow reported a HORNED OWL, WILLIAMSON’S SAPSUCKER, HUTTON’S VIREO, BROWN CREEPER, WINTER WREN, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, and a pair of BLACK-CHINNED SPARROWS. RSh reports that MONTEZUMA QUAIL have been more common in the Silver City area this past year. He reported that SL had two daily thru January at his home near San Lorenzo. A gray FOX SPARROW was at the DZ home on January 29. KB had a YELLOW-EYED JUNCO at her home on January 26. . In Hidalgo County: County Hwy.1 south of Animas crosses the Diamond A (Gray) Ranch. Because of events with thoughtless birders, one must NOT go off the road. . In Otero County: RN on January 15 to 17 had a SAW-WHITE OWL calling in the camp at James Canyon, two miles west of Mayhill. On January 17 they saw a MONTEZUMA QUAIL with another dead one found. One can walk past the gate to Stinky Lake at the Holloman Lakes, but not drive in and can still bird there, but Lagoon G is still off limits. . In San Miguel County: CRR on February 6 had a BROWN-CAPPED ROSY FINCH at his feeder west of Las Vegas (photos). JP, JO, WW, and LL on January 29 at the Las Vegas Refuge saw two MERLINS. . In Sandoval County: SF again found a WINTER WREN at the Corrales Bosque at a ditch on the Entrada entrance on February 7 (photos). DK on January 10 saw six WHITE-FRONTED GEESE at the soccer field in Corrales near the Post Office. JM had one there on January 28 with Canadas. JMc at his home in Placitas on January 31 had two EVENING GROSBEAKS, a few AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES, a female CASSIN’S FINCH, a SLATE-COLORED JUNCO, and a CURVE-BILLED THRASHER. . In Santa Fe County: PN on January 28 had four EASTERN BLUEBIRDS in a snowstorm at his home on the north side of Edgewood. . In Sierra County: SB on January 22 reported an OSPREY and BRIDLED TITMOUSE from the Elephant Butte Dam Overlook. They had WHITE PELICANS on three sites on the lake. At Paseo del Rio Park below the dam DS and CM saw on January 24 a female HOODED MERGANSER, OSPREY, and 13 LESSER GOLDFINCHES. At the Rock Canyon Marina on Elephant Butte Lake JP, JO, WW, and LL on February 6 had ten HERRING and five CALIFORNIA GULLS. At the hole in the cliff before the Las Palomas exit on February 6 the JP team saw two BARN OWLS. They saw two SAGE SPARROWS at the South Highlands. At Percha Dam Park SB on January 21 had a female prairie MERLIN there, with 60 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS and two BRIDLED TITMICE. On February 6 JP, LL, WW, and JO saw a HUTTON’S VIREO, the YELLOWTHROAT, five MOORHENS, the sora, and both Downy and HAIRY WOODPECKERS. There was a SWAMP SPARROW at Riverside Park below Caballo Dam. . In Socorro County: DH at the Turtle Bay Park on the NMTU campus in Socorro on January 30 reported a CATBIRD. JSt reports that there is no hiking east of the Rio Grande at the Bosque del Apache refuge at least thru March for a mountain lion study. The part of the refuge west of the rio is still open. More CRANES seem to be at the Bernardo Refuge than at Bosque del Apache this winter. DK and JR on January 18 had two tan-striped WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS at the refuge near the blind with lots of MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS. At Bosque del Apache Refuge south of San Antonio BG and NMC saw a HARLAN’S HAWK and three MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS. CG on January 16 said they saw a second immature TRUMPETER SWAN at the Low Flow Channel. JP, LL, and WW on January 16 at the visitor center saw a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW. DK and JR on January 18 at the refuge had a white striped White-throat at the Cactus Garden plus the WHITE- TAILED KITE at the south end at mile post 41.8 on Hwy. 1. MH, BT, RM and RV again saw the second TRUMPETER SWAN at the low flow channel at the east end of the two-way road on January 23. It was seen later by JP, JO, and WW, plus the WHITE-TAILED KITE at the south end. DP on January 24 saw the swan, several HOODED MERGANSERS, 50 MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS, the kite, 40 COMMON MERGANSERS, a few SAGE SPARROWS, and the GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW at the feeder. DZw saw the trumpeter on January 29 in the low flow area. RCa saw the kite and many MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS on January 29 with two calling HARLAN’S HAWKS. BG on February 6 had up to 30 ROSS’S GEESE. JP, WW, LL, and JO on February 6 had the kite still south of the Marsh Loop and the GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW at the trailers. . In Taos County: JL on February 1 reported about 500 ROSY FINCHES of all three species at the Columbine Inn at the Taos Ski Valley. . In Valencia County: RCa on January 29 saw WHITE-FACED IBIS at the Taco Bell Ponds in Belen. . . Initials of Observers: . SB, Scott Baron; KB, Karen Berkenbach; RCa, Robert Cates; SNC, Steve and Nancy Cox; SF, Steve Fettig; CG, Carolyn Galceran; DG, David Griffin; BG, Bill Groll; JG, John Groves; DH, David Hawksworth; KH, Karen Herzenberg; MH, Michael Hilchey; DK, David Krueper; JL, Jerry Lazarczyk; LL, Lane Leckman; SL, Steve London; JLo, James Lofton; AL, Anne Lovekin; CM, Carolyn Mangeng; JMc, Jim McPhee; NMC, Narca Moore-Craig; JM, Jim Mosley; RM, Robert Munro; RN, Robert Nieman; PN, Paul Noble; JO, Jerry Oldenettel; DP, Danny Paez; JP, John Parmeter; CR, Chris Rustay; CRR, Cassidy Romolo Ruge; JR, Janet Ruth; JSa, Jeff Sanchez; BS, Bill Seager; RSh, Roland Shook; DS, Dale Spall; DoS, Donna Simonetti; JSt, James Stuart; BT, Bill Talbot; RV, Raymond VanBuskirk; SV, Steve Vinson; ChW, Chip Weselch; WW, Bill Wittman; RY, Rob Yaksich; DZ, Dale Zimmerman; DZw, DeAnn Zwight . . Field Trips: . Central Audubon in Albuquerque has Thursday field trips. All phone numbers begin with 505. February 11 to see the cranes at the Whitfield Wildlife Area near Belen with Linda Heinze, 565-1441; February 18 to the Sandia Mt. foothills at the east end of Copper with Mary Lou Arthur, 299-2565; on February 15 for longspurs and Sage Sparrows near San Antonio with Rebecca Gracey, 242-3821. . The Cox banding team will be banding Rosy Finches at the Crest House in the Sandias on Sundays at 9:30. Check for snowstorms when planning to climb the mountain. . Southwestern Audubon birds Lake Roberts with Roland Shook at 575- 388-3441 on February 20. . Mesilla Valley Audubon on February 20 checks out Percha Dam and Caballo Lake led by David Griffin at 575-382-2080. . The Rio Grande Nature Center has morning bird walks on Sunday and Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. . . -End Transcript_[1]_ (aoldb://mail/write/template.htm#_ftn1) ____________________________________ _[1]_ (aoldb://mail/write/template.htm#_ftnref1)Subject: NO SIGHTINGS: Regarding Banning Field Station From: "Myron L. Scott" <gaia_3 AT NETZERO.NET> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 12:32:02 GMT I will miss the Banning Creek Field Station. In the relatively short time it existed, it became a personal favorite. I was first attracted there by a vagrant warbler report, but the variety of resident birds and the quiet pleasantness of the spot kept me going back. Thanks to SABO. Myron Scott TempeSubject: Burrowing Owls From: Jacob Garvelink <jacobgarvelink AT MAC.COM> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 09:30:07 +0100 Dear All, Thanks SO much for the very detailed help you gave me. It is always such a thrill to be remembered about the fact how great American birders are. It makes me look forward even more to coming over! Best, JacobSubject: SE AZ: Tucson birds From: Richard Fray <rpfray AT DAKOTACOM.NET> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 22:35:21 -0700 Jenise Porter, Ed Tobin and I birded a couple of Tucson sites this afternoon (7
Feb 10).
In Reid Park, highlights included a TREE SWALLOW over the golf course pond
behind the Hardesty Building, four HOODED MERGANSERS on the
smaller of the two ponds in the SW corner (1 ad male, 1 imm male, two females)
and 16 CANVASBACKS on the larger of those two ponds. LESSER SCAUPS were on
every pond we looked at.
The LEWIS'S WOODPECKER was again in the grove opposite 8350 E Woodland Rd. A
pair of GILDED FLICKERS were in the open park-style habitat to the north of the
road towards the eastern end.
Richard Fray
Tucson AZ
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard Fray, NorthStewart
Web Design & Hosting
3531 E Florence Dr
Tucson AZ 85716 |
|
|
| Office: (520) 323-4234
Cell: (520) 490-9287
www.northstewart.com
richard AT northstewart.com
Subject: no birds-birding site updateFrom: Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory <sabo AT SABO.ORG> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 21:51:03 -0700 Unfortunately the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory has had to close their Banning Creek Field Station. We never really publicized the site much, we knew our occupancy was tenuous, but we hate leaving all the birds behind. It had the potential to be another birder-friendly feeding station and has hosted some nice birds. If we find a new spot with bird viewing possibilities, you'll be the first to know. Tom Wood No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.435 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2673 - Release Date: 02/07/10 07:22:00Subject: Gilbert WR redheads, snow geese and more From: Bill Butler <thewdata_sa AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 21:23:37 -0700 Gilbert Water Ranch on a crystalline beautiful Sunday, Feb 7th hosted the following birds of interest. Snow Goose - 4 (2 white, 2 intermediate) Redhead duck - 12 Peregrine falcon - 1 Vermillion flycatcher - 2 Also an Orangecrowned Warbler was in breeding plumage with the crown in full view. I almost didnt recognize the bird with its least visible feature uncovered.in all its glory. Quite a striking bird. A passing birder mentioned seeing a perched Great Horned Owl. Though I wasnt able to locate it, perhaps this is a good sign of something positive in the works for the mobs of feral cats. Cheers, Bill ButlerSubject: AZ: Silverbell Lake From: Doug Jenness <d_jenness AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 03:12:06 +0000 2/7/10 I was at Silverbell Lake northwest of Tucson this afternoon and saw at least four Northern Rough-winged Swallows and one Tree Swallow. Early February is when they can be expected to start arriving in this area. Also, there was one Double-crested Cormorant. While more expected at such southeastern locations as Patagonia L. they are less often observed at Tucson-area water bodies in winter. Doug Jenness Catalina, AZ _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469228/direct/01/Subject: FW: AZ: Katherine Landing birds From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 18:21:29 -0700 From the Tucson Audubon Society's RBA voice mail at 520-798-1005 X1 Dana Duxbury-Fox reports a Greater White-fronted Goose and 5 Red-breasted Mergansers at Princess Cove, Katherine Landing, this afternoon. Good birding, Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZSubject: Lake Havasu, Black-legged Kittiwake 02/07/10 From: Melody Kehl <outdoor1 AT COX.NET> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 18:18:36 -0700 The bird was seen at Site Six at 11:30 am. Melody (So Many Birds, So Little Time) http://www.melodysbirding.comSubject: Central AZ: Burrowing Owls From: Jay Miller <arizonajay23 AT COX.NET> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 17:39:12 -0700 Yesterday, 2-6, I had a Burrowing Owl out on Geenfield Road just north of Chandler Heights along a irrigation ditch on the west side, so they are out there. Jay Miller Mesa, AZSubject: Central AZ: Granite Reef Greater Scaups, 2-7. From: Jay Miller <arizonajay23 AT COX.NET> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 17:00:22 -0700 Today, 2-7, I saw two drake Greater Scaup at Granite Reef rec. area at about 11:00. I got a couple rough pictures that I'll send into AZFO. They were together at first but soon separated with one headed towards the dam area and the other mingling with some Mallards at the other side of the river. I then went to Coon Bluff where I found a couple Brown Creepers close to the parking area but a little east near the river. When I returned to Granite Reef I quickly saw two drake Lesser Scaup but no Greaters. One can not get down to the dam area as there is some erosion of the path and some water in the way. I did not stay long and couldn't search the dam area so they might still be there. I didn't see a female of either Scaup or any Ring-necked Ducks which are usually present at this time of the year. Jay Miller Mesa, AZSubject: SE AZ: Patagonia Lake From: David Porter <porters AT MTAONLINE.NET> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 14:43:47 -0800 We dodged the showers for a while today, 2/7, to do a loop through Patagonia Lake State Natural Area and later along the usual trail down the steps. Started off with a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE amid a small flock of brilliant WESTERN BLUEBIRDS at the first wash, now wet, along the Sonoita Creek Trail. Flushed a GREAT HORNED OWL from about 15', always good for a startle. Just past the bench beyond the trailhead parking in the campground, we just caught a notion of an accipter flying off with a loudly protesting but suddenly silent CURVE-BILLED THRASHER. The male ELEGANT TROGON found us about 75 yds. into the woods near the hills on the right side. A male HEPATIC TANAGER was in view at the same time. In a sign of some spring movement, we had three TREE SWALLOWS over the lake and a CASSIN'S KINGBIRD at the bottom of the steps. Still pretty slow; 37 spp. and NO sparrows. Bird On, Dave, Sondra and Nate Porter AK/AZSubject: Burrowing Owls around Phoenix in Feb/Mar? From: Jacob Garvelink <jacobgarvelink AT MAC.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 23:10:38 +0100 Hi all, My name is Jacob Garvelink, I am a 28 y/o birder from The Netherlands. I will be visiting Arizona (first 4 days Southeastern part and than 3 days around Phoenix) from 26th of February till 6th of March. As far as I can find out the Burrowing Owl is very difficult in winter in the SE, is this also the situation of the bird around Phoenix and is it even possible at all to see them around Phoenix? I could not find much about them for the Phoenix area online. Hope I am not bothering you all to much with the question. Hoping someone can help, I am looking forward a lot to coming over. Can't wait really! Thanks and best, JacobSubject: Tucson GWF Goose From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 15:11:58 -0700 Hi Birders, As the rain lifted a/the Greater White-fronted Goose flew in and landed on the water at Lakeside Park around noon. Other birds of interest included 2 Tree Swallows, 1 NRW Swallow, and a few W Bluebirds. Good birding, Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZSubject: CEAZ: Scottsdale white geese and Eurasian Wigeon From: Magill Weber <magill_weber AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 14:58:49 -0700 I stopped by a few ponds along Indian Bend Wash in Scottsdale this afternoon (Sunday Feb 7th). Best birds were the 4 continuing ROSS'S GEESE, present along with 12 SNOW GEESE (about half immatures), in the ponds at Indian Bend Rd between Hayden and Scottsdale Rd, and the continuing EURASIAN WIGEON in the southernmost small pond across from Chaparral Park (Pond is north of the NW Corner of Chaparral and Hayden), in a large flock of American Wigeon. Magill Weber, Phoenix, AZ _________________________________________________________________ Your E-mail and More On-the-Go. Get Windows Live Hotmail Free. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469229/direct/01/Subject: CEAZ: Salt River, Tonto NF, Saguaro Lake-Butcher Jones From: Magill Weber <magill_weber AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 12:29:53 -0700 I took an early run out on the Tonto NF northeast of Phoenix to sites along the Salt River this morning (Sunday Feb 7). The 5 HORNED GREBES that Tommy found on Friday continued at Butcher Jones Recreation Area. There are definitely 5 of them--4 birds were in a flock further out, with a single bird was right off the beach, inland of a scuba diving class. Other highlights at Butcher Jones included Gray Flycatcher, 3 Gilded Flickers, Lesser Scaup, a single Western Grebe, and several Eared Grebes. I could not find the previously reported NB Tyrannulet or the Redheads. Nothing else terribly out of the ordinary, but fantastic looks at a singing Crissal Thrasher along the access road in to Coon Bluff Recreation Area, and lots of Lesser Goldfinches and Black-throated Sparrows, which both seem to be in short supply this winter. Magill Weber, Phoenix, AZ _________________________________________________________________ Your E-mail and More On-the-Go. Get Windows Live Hotmail Free. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469229/direct/01/Subject: Organ Pipe From: Norm Lewis <aerieadventures AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 13:48:39 -0500 Good morning! I will be in Tucson next week, and I am interested in contacting someone who might be willing to share information about birding localities in Organ Pipe NM. If you are familiar with the area and are willing to pass along a few tips, please contact me off-list. Thanks in advance for any assistance! Norm Lewis Lakewood, COSubject: Re: AZ- BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE still at Lake Havasu site 6 - 7 Feb 2010 From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 10:23:42 -0700 Hello Birders, Dana Duxbury-Fox and Bob Fox visiting from North Andover, MA, called the RBA to report seeing the BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE at Lake Havasu site 6 this morning. They first saw it when it circled the area at 9:10 a.m. and it landed in the parking lot. It soon took off and circle the fishing dock, grabbed a small fish, then flew off to the east. Thank you for reporting your sighting to the RBA (520) 798-1005 ext. 1. Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZSubject: SE AZ Cochise Co. Dragoon Mts 2/6/10 From: tom leskiw <tomleskiw AT SUDDENLINK.NET> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 09:50:26 -0700 Birders, On Sat February 6, 2010 I participated in a Witness For Wildlife (WFW) project in the Dragoon Mountains, hosted by Jessica Lamberton of the Sky Island Alliance. Witness For Wildlife is a new Citizen Science project dedicated to chronicling and protecting North America's wildlife corridors. It is sponsored by Patagonia, the maker of outdoor gear. DISCLOSURE: I have NO financial interest in either the Sky Island Alliance or Patagonia (I just think WFW is a great program). We hiked into Jordan Canyon, which is reached by taking North Old Ranch Road south from the town of Dragoon. 4 Western Bluebird 1 Spotted Towhee 9 Dark-eyed Junco 4 Bridled Titmouse 11 Mexican Jay 2 Northern Flicker 2 raven sp. 2 American Robin 2 White-throated Swift 3 Rufous-crowned Sparrow Tom Leskiw Palominas, AZSubject: AZ: Fort Huachuca Main Gate construction will effect visitors thru June 2010 From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 08:44:32 -0700 http://www.azstarnet.com/news/local/article_48d13eaa-3102-5179-bacb-42a605f3a8c8.html http://www.svherald.com/content/main-gate/2010/02/04/weekend-brings-changes-access-fort-huachuca Construction starts Monday on Fort Huachuca's main gate, which will be reduced to one lane in each direction on weekdays. The gate will be closed completely on weekends, holidays and from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. weekdays. To avoid traffic tie-ups, motorists are urged to instead use the fort's east gate, a mile or so north of the main gate on State Route 90.Subject: NM, Bosque del Apache From: Bosque Bill <bill AT BOSQUEBILL.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 08:14:09 -0700 Beautiful afternoon yesterday at Bernardo WMA and Bosque del Apache. Only noteworthy sighting was a nice flock of 20 - 30 Ross's Geese in one of the ponds on the east side of the road after you turn back north on the middle road of the Marsh Loop. Bill I'm not an expert. I'm an enthusiast! New Mexico, U.S.A. - "The Land of Enchantment" http://www.bosquebill.com/ http://twitter.com/Bosque_Bill #abqbirds #nmbirdsSubject: Fw: AZ: Ehrenberg to Parker From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 08:07:46 -0700 ----- Original Message ----- From: danafox AT comcast.net Sent: Sunday, February 07, 2010 7:26 AM Subject: Re: [BIRDWG05] Tucson Short-tailed Hawk - Driving north yesterday, Feb 6, at 5 PM from Ehrenberg to Parker just below Mile marker # 17 we came across a wonderful site. Five White-faced Ibis caught my eye in a flooded, barren field. We backed back and found 92 Long-billed Curlew, 29 Killdeer, 16 Greater Yellowlegs, 62 Pintail and a few Mallards. The rain had just stopped, the fading light from the west was strong coming out between an amazing cloud strewn sky and from just over the distant mountains. Kittiwake this morning we hope. Dana Duxbury-Fox North Andover, MASubject: Wonderful Cioba NWR geese, cranes & ducks From: Dana Duxbury-Fox <danafox AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 14:17:33 +0000 Late afternoon yesterday my husband, Bob Fox & I visited Cioba NWR. I needed a Canada Goose for my AZ list - well, I now have thousands. It was late afternoon, the headquarters was closed and it was raining. We decided to drive the auto loop. We got to the water hole and opened the window to see - many Canada Geese, Pintails, American and a few Eurasian Widgeon, Blue-winged Teal and a few Mallard. Geese were flying in from the north in a steady stream, we stopped in the pull off for the nature trail and saw many geese and Sandhill Cranes in the green fields to our south - there was one pure white goose with a traditional black and white neck. The honking of the geese and burping of the cranes was wonderful. We got back in the car and headed around the route. Mid-way on the southward heading loop, we paused and photographed this nearly albino goose and savoured all of the geese and cranes. Once we got to the old corn field on our left we came upon a magical site (and the rain was not driving in from the left thank heavens) - the night rooasting spot of many birds = 3000 cranes lined up with geese and blackbirds beneath them. Then the ducks started flying in to the middle of the corn field - wonderful flocks - great to identify on the wing. All of a sudden, Bob called out "what are these?" - a flock of 3000 Snow Geese wheeled and turned gradually dropping lower on each turn. The camera was whirring! They finally dropped into a large bright white puddle of birds. We finally made ourselves move on as we had to get to Lake Havasu that night. At the end of the corn field as we turned west a large flock of blackbirds - Red-wings, Yellow-headed and Brewers. All in all a magical moment. Dana Duxbury-Fox and Bob Fox visiting from North Andover, MASubject: AZFO - New photos of Horned Grebe From: Mike Moore <mcmoore32 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 06:30:57 -0700 Field Ornithologists, Brendon Grice contributed additional photos of the Saguaro Lake Horned Grebes which have been added to the previous page. Thanks Brendon! Thanks to all who use the online form below to submit photos. It makes my job a lot easier and ensures your photos will be posted more quickly. Photos posted at: http://www.azfo.org click on "Photo Documentation" Arizona Field Ornithologists welcomes Arizona rarity photo contributions from all photographers throughout the state. Use our online form to submit photos: http://www.azfo.org/gallery/PhotoContribution.html If you enjoy the photo web site, please consider joining AZFO and supporting our other activities. Details on the web site. We strive for accuracy. Please email any corrections to postings to me. Mike Moore AZFO Photo EditorSubject: San Rafael Grasslands 02/06/10 From: Melody Kehl <outdoor1 AT COX.NET> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 04:49:53 -0700 An absolutely delightful day with Sonoran Audubon. After losing half the group before we left the parking lot (and I was NOT squealing my tires as I pulled out). . . we made our way directly to the Grasslands and then across the Canelo Hills into Sonoita. We did see one fly-by Baird's Sparrow. Longspurs were found just south of KiHeKah Ranch. Mountain Bluebirds were at the corral further south of KiHeKah. White-tailed Kites were seen along the main road in two different areas. Western and Eastern Bluebirds were seen close to the junction of 83 in Canelo. Few sparrows were the norm today. We saw small groups of Savannah, Vesper and Chipping and one nice group of Grasshopper, but little else. The roads were marginal when we arrived at 7:30, but by 11:00 were kicking up dust. A great day with great people. . . (So Many Birds, So Little Time) http://www.melodysbirding.comSubject: Success in Hereford! From: Nina Hansen <ninahansen2008 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 21:02:37 -0700 This morning, I picked up my (very first) clients, Jan and Marilyn from Michigan, at their motel in Sierra Vista. Our three target birds were the Fox Sparrow, the Pion Jay and the Golden-crowned Sparrow. Upon the advice of my good friend and mentor, Clifford Cathers (http://www.Economybirding.com), I took the ladies to Battiste's Bed, Breakfast and Birds in Hereford. (http://www.battistebedandbirds.com) We arrived at the B, B & B about 11:00 a.m. where we were greeted by Julie Battiste who invited us to enjoy the birds in their beautiful yard. She graciously added fresh peanut butter and seed to the feeders and encouraged us to enjoy ourselves. Within a few minutes, we saw 3 WOODPECKERS: LADDER-BACKED, GILA and ACORN. PYRRHULOXIAS(male and female) and NORTHERN CARDINALS gave us a good opportunity to compare and contrast their appearance and calls. RUBY- CROWNED KINGLETS and a HUTTON'S VIREO also offered an opportunity for comparison. BEWICK'S and CACTUS WRENS dined at the feeders, and a MEXICAN JAY teased us with the hope that the PINYON JAY would soon follow. It had been seen earlier in the morning, but it didn't deign to oblige us. From Battiste's we drove up the road to Mary Jo Ballator's Ash Canyon Bed and Breakfast. (http://ashcanyonbandb.com). At Mary Jo's, Jan and Marilyn were able to add the BUSHTIT to their Life Lists. We also saw GAMBLE'S QUAIL, PINE SISKINS and an attractive AMERICAN GOLDFINCH who made a short appearance at her thistle feeder. After the ladies and I had lunch, we returned to Battiste's where we met Tony, who kindly invited us to sit in the garden and showed us where the GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW and FOX SPARROW were most likely to be seen. A few birds and then many descended upon the feeders, only to disappear magically when a COOPER'S HAWK flew down across the yard. Gradually, the birds returned as the sun dropped down toward the tops of the snow-covered mountains. And then we saw them: a FOX SPARROW, a GOLDEN- CROWNED SPARROW, and a WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, all together within one square foot of space. What a great birding experience -- two new lifers for Jan and Marilyn, and one for me (the Golden-crowned). Although we missed the Pion Jay, Jan and Marily will be able to return to Battiste's for another try as they will be staying in Sierra Vista for an additional week. We closed our day with a short visit to the Sierra Vista Waste-water Treatment Plant. As we turned into the WWTP and were treated to a mixed flock of WESTERN and MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS sweeping across the road into the grass on the east side, then taking wing again to return to the western stubbly fields where they had been browsing. At the observation platform, Jan spotted one YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD amidst a large and noisy flock of RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, thus rounding out a wonderful and productive day of birding. Nina Hansen Cheep Birding, for the Novice Birder and for those who desire a leisurely birding experienceSubject: 30-40 Lawrence's Goldfinches, Am Robin, Pinal County AZ From: Nancy Lange <grdnwmn AT MSN.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 19:50:24 -0700 A drive around the ag fields south of Maricopa today, 6 Feb., turned up a flock of Lawrence's Goldfinches in a field near Papago and Green Rds. Also notable, the American Robin that showed up in my yard 17 Jan. remains! If he is still here tomorrow it will be 3 weeks! Happy Birding! Nancy LangeSubject: AZ: Heber birds From: Eric Hough <thebirdwhisperer22 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 16:24:17 -0800 2/6/10 Today in our yard in Heber, we were happy to have an Acorn Woodpecker stop by. Since thereis a lack of mature Gambeloaksright in Heber, this species is kind of an unusual occurrence in town(probably the same reason we don't have Lewis's Woodpeckers in winter, since they shift their diet to hard mast in winter). Also in the yard today, we had ~110 Pinyon Jays raiding the feeders and at least 3 Slate-colored Juncos. My mom said on Tuesday (Feb. 2), the female YELLOW-SHAFTED FLICKER made a brief appearance. My folks have seen this bird 3-4 times since November. At least one Cassin's Finch has also been in the yard recently. They also said that Pinecrest Lake in adjacent Overgaard had a Ring-necked Duck, Common Mergansers, and Common Goldeneyes earlier this week. Good birding!!! Eric Hough thebirdwhisperer22 AT yahoo.comSubject: AZ: Holbrook: Northern Mockingbird From: Eric Hough <thebirdwhisperer22 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 16:20:51 -0800 Yesterday (2/5/10) on my way over to Heber from Flagstaff, I stopped at Holbrook for a little birding along Golf Course Rd. (exit 283). The weather was beautiful (temp. in the 50's, barely any wind) and the roads were not as muddy as I thought they might be. The longest of the wastewater ponds (the one with the concrete divider in the middle) finally has water again, although the other two ponds just have puddles. The water level in the reservoir behind the golf course is way up, but surprisingly not that many waterfowl. The playas next to the golf course have some water in them. The main surprise was how alive with birds the tree farm behind the golf course was, as previous visits this winter found the site unproductive. The larger Russian-olives laden with fruit were covered with American Robins, Mountain Bluebirds, and Western Bluebirds.Among this feeding flock was a lone NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD. As pretty much all of the mockingbirds leave the Colorado Plateau in winter, this seemed bizarre. Not sure if this individual is overwintering or a very early migrant. Doing a search of the NAAS forum, I found January sightings of a lone mockingbird at the East Rio de Flag (Logan's Crossing) in 2005 and 2006, as well as an early March report. All the other birds apparently do not arrive back above the Rim until April. Other birds of interest include two singing Crissal Thrashers (heard only). Both species of bluebirds were covering the nearby agricultural fields too, where they were foraging on the ground. Here are my sightings for each spot: **Golf Course Rd. wastewater ponds: Mallard Green-winged Teal American Wigeon Canvasback Red-winged Blackbird (1) House Finch (75+ in the distant remnant cottonwoods along Leroux Wash) **tree farm/fields: Common Raven Horned Lark Loggerhead Shrike (1) NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD (1) Crissal Thrasher (2) American Robin (50+) Mountain Bluebird (50+) Western Bluebird (50+) American Pipit (2 flyovers) European Starling Song Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow **reservoir: Northern Shoveler Redhead Canvasback Ring-necked Duck Lesser Scaup (1) Common Merganser (6) Bufflehead Common Goldeneye (10) Ruddy Duck Pied-billed Grebe (1) Northern Harrier (1) American Coot Common Raven American Pipit (1 flyover) Song Sparrow House Finch Good birding!!! Eric Hough thebirdwhisperer22 AT yahoo.comSubject: Fw: AZ: BTA: first Costa's of 2010... and RBRO continues From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 16:54:17 -0700 > > BOYCE-THOMPSON ARBORETUM RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN & COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD > > From: Marceline Vandewater > Date: Saturday, Feb. 6 > > We recorded 2010's first returning Costa's Hummingbird this morning on our > guided walk and also had a small flock of Western Bluebirds fly over. > During the morning we had great looks at two Brown Creepers, one in the > Picnic Area and the other closer to the Herb Garden -- then after lunch I > found a little flock of four Bridled Titmice in the herb Garden. A female > Broad-billed Hummingbird was near the Demonstration Garden entrance at the > end of the day around 4:00. One furtive Rufous-Backed Robin continues to > be east of the Herb Garden, foraging today on the remaining pistachio and > myrtle fruits on the south side of the trail. Only a few butterflies were > out -- we saw Southern Dogface, American Snout, Sara Orangetip, Mourning > Cloak and Sleepy Orange. Guided birdwalks are each Thursday at 8:30 a.m. > with Jane Wicklund, also on weekends Feb. 14 lead by photographer Richard > Ditch and then by author Jim Burns Feb. 20. Details and complete reports > are posted at http://ag.arizona.edu/bta/events/birdwalks.htmlSubject: Pena Blanca lake From: Peggy Wang <nharrierpw AT AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 16:41:45 -0700 Brian McKnight & I birded n of the Anza Trl bridge this AM. Not too birdy but amazing to see the effects of the floods. Brian had to head back to Tucson but I cont on to Pena Blanca lake. As others a have noted, the lake is v full & the boat ramp is gone w/most of it under water. Quite a sight. Water is still flowing over the road into the lake. Best bird find there was an angrily chipping White-throated Sparrow at close range. Also nice was finding all 4 towhees. Lots of Red-naped Sapsuckers. Peggy Wang Tucson Sent from my iPhoneSubject: Chino Canyon Santa Rita Mts From: Michael Bissontz <seetrogon AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 16:33:32 -0700 Saturday 2/6/10 A Tucson Audubon group of eleven knowledgable individuals was able to wring out 20 species from a scenic Chino Canyon in the Santa Rita Mountains . The highlight for the trip was a pair of Golden Eagles in flagante delicto. A tip of the binocs to Sally S. for ,shall we say, her "eagle eyes" , spotting this couple and another Golden Eagle down canyon, which provided excellent looks overhead. Also of note were a pair of very vocal Crissal Thrashers, 2 single Bridled Titmice (double the Ruby-crowned Kinglets seen) and a solitary Black-throated Sparrow. Michael Bissontz seetrogon AT comcast.netSubject: AZ: TAS Sweetwater Wetlands Family Outing From: Deborah Vath <dvath AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 23:21:11 +0000 The first monthly Tucson Audubon Sweetwater Wetlands Family Outing took place today. Eleven Sunnyside School District middle school students toured the wetlands and provided hands-on activities for families and passers-by. Cactus wrens and mourning doves demonstrated their nest-building skills while bufflehead drakes displayed their black and white contrast. The kids were wowed as a lonesome curved-billed thrasher sang his love song and ruby-crowned kinglets made it clear them how they came by their name. For most of these 13-year-old youth, this was their first birding experience! Students will continue to provide activities for families and their children and grandchildren on the first Saturday of every month from 9:00-10:30am. See link below for photos of this event. http://picasaweb.google.com/deborahvath/SweetwaterWetlandsFamilyOutingSeries1#5435267598415387778 _________________________________________________________________ Your E-mail and More On-the-Go. Get Windows Live Hotmail Free. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469229/direct/01/Subject: Horned Grebes continuing From: Richard Carter <rcarter68502 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 15:06:39 -0800 At Butcher Jones Recreation site on the Rio Salado: a minimum of four Horned Grebes were in the bay today from noon to 1:30 PM. Occasionally an Eared Grebe would appear in the same scope field, for excellent comparison viewing. No Western Grebes, though. And I got skunked on the Northern Beardless Tyrannulet -- for the second time. Dick CarterSubject: Sweetwater Wetlands, February 4, 2010 From: Pat <pgoltz AT SEGHEA.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 15:44:12 -0700 Folks, I was at the Sweetwater Wetlands from about 1:15 to 3:35. No flycatchers. I saw a bunch of Red-eared Sliders, and a rabbit. I went into a part of the area I didn't know existed until today. I was trying to figure out how to get on the south side of the recharge ponds, but I never figured it out. I took over 900 pictures, and saw a few new things. I had been thinking, well, the season is winding down because I hadn't seen any wigeons or mallards. But today I saw so many wigeons that in one location, there was often continuous noise from their calls. I also heard songbirds in the extreme northwest area, but I couldn't identify them. I need to learn some songs. So here's what I saw: Gambel's Quail (on opposite ends of the wetlands) Least Sandpipers Spotted Sandpiper Yellow-rumped Warblers Yellow Warbler Black Phoebe Ruby-crowned Kinglet House Finches (pair) Red-winged Blackbirds Yellow-headed Blackbirds Brewer's Blackbirds Gila Woodpecker (female) Mallards Northern Shovelers American Wigeons American Coots Common Moorhen Buffleheads Blue-winged Teals (got a picture of one with a wing spread) Cinnamon Teals Green-winged Teal (lifer) Gadwall Northern Cardinal (female) Northern Pintails (lifer) Mourning Doves Ruddy Ducks (both genders) Great-tailed Grackle (young) Pied-billed Grebe Verdin (male) Update on Sam Lena report: I also saw two Black-crowned Night Herons. Thank you to Mike for his help identifying a few birds. This is by far the most extensive list I have compiled in one day. My back hurt when I was done, but hey! it was worth it! Happy birding, Pat Goltz 902Subject: Around Tempe today 2/6/10 From: Ernie Nickels <nickelseldesigns AT QWESTOFFICE.NET> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 14:17:42 -0700 Finally! A small flock of American Robins near the McAllister end of the George
Ditch (between 14th & 15th Streets) this morning! Also Lovebirds, Oregon Juncos
& Yellow-rumped Warblers, along with usual residents Abert's Towhees,
Curve-billed Thrashers, Gila Woodpeckers & European Starlings. Lots of
Red-winged Blackbirds on Roosevelt between 9th & 10th Streets.
At Tempe Town Lake's west dam:
Osprey on usual perch, middle dam structure
(more water released by SRP so more water over all sections of the dam & more
water flowing in the riverbed, where all the shorebirds were)
Great Egrets
1 Great Blue Heron
1 Pied-billed Grebe
2 Black-necked Stilts
the usual American Coots & Cormorants
Jeanette Nickels
Tempe AZ
Subject: Tucson Short-tailed HawkFrom: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 10:13:37 -0700 Hi Birders, Shorty was more accommodating this morning. From (at least) 0750 to 0945 it was perched in the open atop the pine tree on the south side of Seneca that is the first pine east of Ridgeway. Despite being out in the open, it was not particularly conspicuous, but readily seen once located. Good birding, Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZSubject: Re: AZ- BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE still at Lake Havasu site 6 - 6 Feb 2010 From: Magill Weber <magill_weber AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 09:45:11 -0700 Kittiwake was still present at 9am at Site Six, perched up on the roof of the adjacent building. On my way in this morning I stopped by Bill Williams NWR, where the Red-throated Loon, WW Scoter, and a female Barrow's Goldeneye, were easy ticks during a very short stop. 3 state birds before 9am is a pretty good day! Magill Weber, Phoenix, AZ > Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 15:27:58 +0000 > From: mherring5 AT COX.NET > Subject: Re: [BIRDWG05] AZ- BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE still at Lake Havasu site 6 - 6 Feb 2010 > To: BIRDWG05 AT LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU > > Black legged Kittiwake currently present at site 6 perched on earlier described roof and flying around the area. > I just got here so I haven't even scoped the waters but a common loon is visible without the use of a scope. > Melanie. > Goodyear AZ > ------Original Message------ > From: Mark Stevenson > Sender: Birding > To: Birding > ReplyTo: Mark Stevenson > Subject: [BIRDWG05] AZ- BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE still at Lake Havasu site 6 - 4 Feb 2010 > Sent: Feb 5, 2010 4:31 AM > > From the Tucson Audubon Society's RBA voice mail at 520-798-1005 X1 > > Phil Norton reports the BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE present on the afternoon of 4 Feb. It was standing atop the building on the south side of the Site 6 parking lot (a favored spot for loafing gulls) and then flew off to the south. > > He also saw a Common Loon, a Horned Grebe and RB Mergansers off the north side of Pittsburgh Point. > > Thanks to Phil for the update. > > Happy Birding, > Mark Stevenson > Tucson, AZ > > > Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469230/direct/01/Subject: Birdpost.com From: Everton Di Melo <everton082 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 09:36:01 -0700 I just would like to share this with you guys, I have been using this incredible website to post my recordings and my bird list it's called Birdpost and the web address is www.birdpost.com Check it out! It's free of charge Everton De MeloSubject: AZFO - New photos of Red-shouldered Hawk, Horned Grebe, Bell's Vireo From: Mike Moore <mcmoore32 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 09:32:39 -0700 Field Ornithologists, Troy Corman contributed photos of a Red-shouldered Hawk from Havasu NWR and Tommy DeBardeleben contributed photos of the Saguaro Lake Horned Grebes. Under Regional Interest, Philip Kline contributed a photo of the Tucson Bell's Vireo. Thanks Troy, Tommy and Philip! Thanks to all who use the online form below to submit photos. It makes my job a lot easier and ensures your photos will be posted more quickly. Photos posted at: http://www.azfo.org click on "Photo Documentation" Arizona Field Ornithologists welcomes Arizona rarity photo contributions from all photographers throughout the state. Use our online form to submit photos: http://www.azfo.org/gallery/PhotoContribution.html If you enjoy the photo web site, please consider joining AZFO and supporting our other activities. Details on the web site. We strive for accuracy. Please email any corrections to postings to me. Mike Moore AZFO Photo EditorSubject: Re: Paton's Hummingbirds - Is it open? From: Mary Jo Ballator <2mjb AT MINDSPRING.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 09:05:32 -0700 Paton's is open, with Michael Marsden and Donna Knox maintaining it. They posted about this on this list a couple of weeks ago. I cannot comment on the other questions that Gus has. Mary Jo Ballator On Feb 5, 2010, at 10:33 PM, Gus Stangeland wrote: > I'm from the Dallas area, traveling in SE AZ birding. I've been to Paton's > backyard many times and have always enjoyed it. But I hear it may or may > not be open to birders any more. > > Would someone please let me know what the situation is there? I'm in > Benson right now and I'd like to go there tomorrow afternoon, if possible. > Probably around noon or a bit later. > > While I'm asking, would it be worth my while to drive to any of the other > birding sites around Patagonia? Like the preserve south of town or > Patagonia Lake State Park? I would not be able to walk down the rocky > steps to the lake so it would only be productive for me if I could see > birds in the park itself. > > Thanks! > > Gus Stangeland > Richardson, TXSubject: Re: AZ- BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE still at Lake Havasu site 6 - 6 Feb 2010 From: Melanie Herring <mherring5 AT COX.NET> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 15:27:58 +0000 Black legged Kittiwake currently present at site 6 perched on earlier described roof and flying around the area. I just got here so I haven't even scoped the waters but a common loon is visible without the use of a scope. Melanie. Goodyear AZ ------Original Message------ From: Mark Stevenson Sender: Birding To: Birding ReplyTo: Mark Stevenson Subject: [BIRDWG05] AZ- BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE still at Lake Havasu site 6 - 4 Feb 2010 Sent: Feb 5, 2010 4:31 AM From the Tucson Audubon Society's RBA voice mail at 520-798-1005 X1 Phil Norton reports the BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE present on the afternoon of 4 Feb. It was standing atop the building on the south side of the Site 6 parking lot (a favored spot for loafing gulls) and then flew off to the south. He also saw a Common Loon, a Horned Grebe and RB Mergansers off the north side of Pittsburgh Point. Thanks to Phil for the update. Happy Birding, Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZ Sent via BlackBerry from T-MobileSubject: Paton's Hummingbirds - Is it open? From: Gus Stangeland <gus AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 22:33:58 -0700 I'm from the Dallas area, traveling in SE AZ birding. I've been to Paton's backyard many times and have always enjoyed it. But I hear it may or may not be open to birders any more. Would someone please let me know what the situation is there? I'm in Benson right now and I'd like to go there tomorrow afternoon, if possible. Probably around noon or a bit later. While I'm asking, would it be worth my while to drive to any of the other birding sites around Patagonia? Like the preserve south of town or Patagonia Lake State Park? I would not be able to walk down the rocky steps to the lake so it would only be productive for me if I could see birds in the park itself. Thanks! Gus Stangeland Richardson, TXSubject: Bullhead City/Lake Mohave From: Carl Lundblad <carl.lundblad AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 20:31:34 -0800 I got back out in the Bullhead City/Lake Mohave area for a little while today finding pretty much the same birds reported by Troy Corman. Below Davis Dam I saw what I felt pretty confident calling a female BARROW'S GOLDENEY with only 6 Common Goldeneyes, the drake GREATER SCAUP, and about 8 Hooded Mergansers. Above the dam I again saw the Red-breasted Merganser. Katherine Landing had 2 California Gulls and a first cycle HERRING GULL, but low overall numbers during 2 stops. At Cabinsite Point I saw the HORNED GREBE with 4 COMMON LOONS. Birding along the river south to the AZ-NV-CA intersection was interesting with lots of waterfowl and gulls as reported by Troy. 35-40 female Common Goldeneyes were mostly towards the south end of Bullhead City, so these birds apparently move up and down the river a lot. This stretch had an additional ~14 Hooded Mergansers, ~50 Buffleheads, good numbers of Wigeons (could not find the Eurasian that visited the area last winter), and an assortment of other common ducks. Gulls consisted of mostly ring-billed, of course. I estimated close to 2000 along the entire stretch. I had a few more Californias on the river and 2 additional HERRING GULLS including an adult near Harrah's Casino. A single SNOWY EGRET was on the Nevada riverbank just south of the Big Bend. Landbirding was unexciting. A single unidentified swallow flew by near the south end of the area in question. Black-tailed Gnatcatchers, Verdin, and Phaniopepla are all singing enthusiastically. Carl Lundblad Amargoas Valley, NVSubject: Birding the Salt River area, Scottsdale, and Gilbert-4 HORNED GREBES, EURASIAN WIGEON, others From: Tommy DeBardeleben <sunsfan1331 AT AOL.COM> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 21:14:56 -0700 Hi everyone, Today on 5 February 2010, I explored the recreation areas along the Salt River sites, followed by the ponds in the Scottsdale area, and then finishing my day off at Gilbert Water Ranch. I visited the Butcher Jones and Granite Reef Recreation Sites along the Salt River, where birding was fantastic. The first stop was at Butcher Jones, where Saguaro Lake provided the main highlight of today. I started to look over the lake's waterbirds right as it was getting light out and I spotted a HORNED GREBE, a species I was excited to get and I shot a few pictures. Eventually, I kept seeing a Horned Grebe in different areas when I got the feeling there was more than one. There turned out to be four of them! They all ended up next to each other, and I had them in scoped view. I ran into Grant Loomis and his friends Iva and Louise, and they all got to see the grebes as well. This group was well in the distance and not in good camera range. Minutes later, one of the Horned Grebes (or possibly a fifth) came very close to the shore, giving me a much better photo oppurtunity. I think this was probably a fifth unless one of the four covered a lot of underwater in a few minutes. Other than the Horned Grebes, other species of interest were present as well. The NORTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET continued, and this little guy covered a lot of ground while I was there. I saw him on both sides of the beach, as well as the picnic area. It's best to locate this bird by listening for it's call. Other grebes were abundant too, with WESTERN, EARED and PIED- BILLED all present and in very close range to the shore. Other highlights included REDHEAD, COMMON MERGANSERS, NEOTROPIC CORMORANT, and RING-BILLED GULLS. After visiting the marina of the lake and Coon Bluff briefly, I then went to Granite Reef where I ran into Marcus Watson, James Kopitzke, and Jay Miller. Marcus got to Butcher Jones right after I left and saw the Horned Grebes as well. At Granite Reef, highlights included CANVASBACK, BUFFLEHEAD, COMMON GOLDENEYE, OSPREY, SORA, LEAST SANDPIPER, HUTTON'S VIREO, and AMERICAN ROBIN. Jay and James went to the Butcher Jones sight to look for the grebes, so hopefully they were successful! I then went to the Scottdale area to search for geese and ducks. The EURASIAN WIGEON I saw about a month ago is still present, and I enjoyed watching him among all the American Wigeons. His location is at the southwest corner of Hayden and Jackrabbit Roads, across the street from Chapparal Park in some small ponds. After that I visited the ponds along the golf course of McCormick Ranch along Indian Bend Road, where 4 ROSS'S GEESE were present along with 7 SNOW GEESE. A SPOTTED SANDPIPER stood along one of the ponds. Finally, I closed the day out at Gilbert Water Ranch. I went hoping to find a recently seen RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW along the 5/6 path. I ran into Brendon and thanks to his help, I was able to locate the bird, who fed out in the open for a few minutes. I also found a YELLOW WARBLER at the south end of Pond 4 while walking on the concrete path just outside the regular water ranch paths. Good birding, Tommy DeBardeleben (Glendale, AZ)Subject: Z-T Hawk in Scottsdale From: cwood AT KWIC.COM Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 23:12:48 -0500 At about 11:15 this morning we saw a Zone-tailed Hawk east of Hayden and north of McDonald in Scottsdale. Half an hour later we saw what was presumably the same bird again -- this time further south over Chaparral Park on Hayden. The Golden-crowned Kinglet was heard at Granite Reef along the Salt River. Chauncey & Sarah Wood Fountain Hills Stephanie Hill Weymouth, MASubject: AZ Tempe White_winged Dove From: BILL HIGGINS <bill_higgins_tempe AT MSN.COM> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 18:39:52 -0700 I had a White_winged Dove calling in my yard this afternoon. First time since September and well out out season. Bill Higgins, Tempe, AZ _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469227/direct/01/Subject: AZ: Fort Lowell Park - BELL'S VIREO From: Philip Kline <pgkline_uk AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 17:07:50 -0800 Before embarking on an unsuccessful Dipper hunt to Hutch's Pool with Mark and co. (nice hike though and butterflies are starting to emerge inlcuding many Echo Azures and Sara Orange-tips), I stopped by Fort Lowell Park and refound the BELL'S VIREO. It was in the same place that I initially found it in November--in the creosote near the farthest east parking area by the water feature. This time I had my camera and got some nice photos. I'll post them to AZFO this evening. Philip KlineSubject: Colorado River birds February 5 From: Phil Norton <philnorton AT COX.NET> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 18:52:15 -0500 Now that I am back at the computer, I see Melanie Herring already reported most of what I found this morning. To supplement her report: Off Pittsburgh Point there were two Pacific loons and a common loon (all separated), but I did not relocate yesterday's horned grebe. There was another common loon quite close in to the dock at Site Six. I had seen the black-legged kittiwake there in the late afternoon of February 4.The kittiwake was not present there at dawn today, nor were any other gulls. When I returned about 8:20 or so, I found a flock of about twenty ring-billed gulls arriving, but the kittiwake was not with them. So perhaps it roosts separately or has a different morning itinerary. At the Bill Williams Delta, I also found the red-throated loon and the white-winged scoter, with two drake Barrow's goldeneyes discernible far off toward the north shore. No gulls other than ring-billed today. If visiting, be sure to check with Kathleen Blair in the Refuge office for updates. Phil Norton Mesa, AzSubject: FW: AZ: Horned Grebes at Butcher Jones Recreation Area From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 15:46:02 -0700 From the eBird Google Gadget: I also heard second hand that they were seen by others. Horned Grebe - Maricopa Co. - 5 Feb map 2 Horned Grebe was observed at Saguaro Lake--Butcher Jones Beach on 5 Feb, 2010 by James Kopitzke. This sighting has not yet been reviewed by an eBird reviewer.Subject: Re: SE AZ: American Dipper, Hutch's Pool, Sabino Canyon 2/1/10 From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 15:44:40 -0700 Hi Birders, It was a wonderful day in Sabino Canyon today with warm sunshine and a few blooming wildflowers. Made the trek to Hutch's Pool for the second time with the same result as before Matt saw it: dipped on Dipper. It did not show in the requisite 2 seconds nor the optional 2 hours. There was very little in the way of apparent cinclus droppings to excite our expectations, especially compared to the amount present at Hutch's there before the big rains. Likely the bird is still somewhere up there, but there is a lot of suitable habitat for it. Has anyone else looked and dipped? Birds were sparse on the way in and back out with the most appreciated being a single Black-chinned Sparrow. High water does require some care and craftiness in finding safe passage across the flowing stream at 2 points. Good birding, Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZSubject: AZ:02/05/10:Northeast Tucson From: "Clifford A. Cathers" <azcliffy AT Q.COM> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 15:08:07 -0700 Friend and client Nina Hansen Green Valley, Arizona and I cruised around the northeast side of Tucson this morning with mixed results. We began at about 8:30 AM looking for the Short-tailed Hawk without success. Not much else to report from the Seneca/Ridgeway neighborhood. Along Woodland Road, we found the LEWIS'S WOODPECKER in the open grove of trees on the north side of the road across from 8350. It moved around a lot, always managing to stay in marginal light and photography was tough (there's one pretty marginal shot in my journal entry for the day at http://www.economybirding.com/files/201002Journal2.pdf). Back in the Seneca/Ridgeway neighborhood, we whiffed again on the Short- tailed Hawk from 10:00 to 10:30 or so managing only a few RED-TAILED HAWKs, AMERICAN KESTRELs, a COOPER'S HAWK and a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK. McCormick Park wouldn't yield the Red-breasted Spasucker either but a pair of RED-NAPED SAPSUCKERs entertained. The park was very quiet. After a lunch at Casa Molina, we ran through the Seneca/Ridgeway neighborhood again from 12:00 - 12:30 PM. Strike three! We headed back to Vail. Clifford A. Cathers Economy Birding Services, Inc. "Quality Birding With Your Budget in Mind" http://www.economybirding.com Budget Bird Guiding for the Desert Southwest AZCliffy AT q.com - 520.762.3201Subject: Re: AZ- BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE still at Lake Havasu site 6 - 5 Feb 2010 From: Melanie Herring <mherring5 AT COX.NET> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 19:48:10 +0000 Black legged Kittiwake is currently flying around site 6 along with an adult bald eagle. Bill Williams delta around 11 am had the red throated loon and white winged Scoter with great sustained views straight in front of me. Also had a female Barrows golden eye at Bill Williams and others say there are more barrows out there but I cut my search short in favor of getting target birds! Melanie Herring Goodyear AZ Thanks to friendly birders for sharing your observations! ------Original Message------ From: Mark Stevenson Sender: Birding To: Birding ReplyTo: Mark Stevenson Subject: [BIRDWG05] AZ- BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE still at Lake Havasu site 6 - 4 Feb 2010 Sent: Feb 5, 2010 4:31 AM From the Tucson Audubon Society's RBA voice mail at 520-798-1005 X1 Phil Norton reports the BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE present on the afternoon of 4 Feb. It was standing atop the building on the south side of the Site 6 parking lot (a favored spot for loafing gulls) and then flew off to the south. He also saw a Common Loon, a Horned Grebe and RB Mergansers off the north side of Pittsburgh Point. Thanks to Phil for the update. Happy Birding, Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZ Sent via BlackBerry from T-MobileSubject: FLG I-40 & Rio de Flag. No Song Sparrow. No Swamp Sparrow. From: BB Oros <bbo AT ATT.NET> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 11:29:35 -0500 05FEB10 09:00-11:00 BB Oros Flagstaff Urban Trial System AT I-40 & Rio de Flag, Flagstaff AZ Canada Goose Canvasback (m,f) American Coot Garganey (m,f) Mallard (m,f) Common Merganser (2f) American Wigeon (m,f) Ruddy Duck (f) Red-winged Blackbird (m,f) American Crow Northern Flicker (m, Red-shafted) Common Raven Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon, Red-backed) Gadwall (m,f) Pygmy Nuthatch Scaup sp. (f) No Song Sparrow. No Swamp SparrowSubject: Yuma County, 30 Jan - 4 Feb 2010 From: Henry Detwiler <henrydetwiler AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 10:05:16 -0700 Greetings Birders, Sorry for the late postings--it's been a crazy week! On Saturday morning, 30 Jan, Al and I drove down the east side of the Gila Mountains to Tinajas Altas (High Tanks). The road was a horrible washboard with areas of deep sand deposited in the "roadway" by flowing washes. The lower tank was chock full of water, and for the first time I was able to hear water trickling in and out of it. Unfortunately birds were sparse, so it was good to see & hear the Costa's Hummingbirds displaying. A flock of Western Bluebirds flew over, and then we encountered a small flock of Mountain Bluebirds on the way back. We went through the Tinajas Altas Pass, and drove back on the west side of the mountains, stopping briefly at Spook Canyon. It was a bit more birdy there, but nothing to write home about. Here's our complete list. Mourning Dove White-throated Swift Costa's Hummingbird Say's Phoebe Ash-throated Flycatcher Loggerhead Shrike Common Raven Tree Swallow Verdin Cactus Wren Rock Wren Black-tailed Gnatcatcher Western Bluebird Mountain Bluebird American Robin Phainopepla Black-throated Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow House Finch Lesser Goldfinch On Sunday afternoon, 31 Jan, Suzanne was sitting on the back patio when she spied a large black raptor fly into the big cottonwood with a bird in its talons. She called out to me, so I came running with my camera. Alas, the Zone-tailed Hawk was camera shy, so it took off. This is only the second time we've had this fine bird in our yard. On Tuesday, Darryl Montgomery spotted an adult Surf Scoter on the Yuma Main Canal east of Winterhaven, in Imperial County. I'm going out there at lunch today with a bucket of fish, to try and lure the bird over the border to Yuma County. Yesterday (Thursday) Al and Helga had a continuing Plumbeous Vireo at the West Wetlands, along with calling Crissal Thrashers. Good Birding! Henry www.SouthwestBirders.com 928-210-6474Subject: BTA Rufus backed Robins From: Gerald Hammon <geraldchammon AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 09:12:33 -0700 Yesterday around 2 p.m., we observed the two Rufus-backed Robins that have been at Boyce Thompson Arboretum for some time. They were working their way from the Chilean Palo Verde trees back toward the Herb Garden about half way to Queen Creek from the main trail. We didn't check on the Coati. Jerry & Shary HammonSubject: AZ: Havasu NWR - RED-SHOULDERED HAWK From: Troy Corman <aplomado AT COX.NET> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 08:19:44 -0700 I spent the last three days in the Bullhead City, AZ and Laughlin, NV area while attending a meeting. I was able to bird locally for an hour or so before or after the meeting each day with the following observations and highlights: The lower Lake Mead area may have the highest winter concentration of gulls in AZ. I estimated close to 1200 which apparently have an evening roost some where north of Katherine Landing and could be on the Nevada side. However, in the early morning and late afternoon, the majority of these birds temporarily roost on the docks at Katherine Landing. During much of the day, they descend to the Colorado River below Davis Dam and during early to mid-afternoon many forage and loaf along the river across from the Edgewater and Colorado Belle casinos. There is an elevated "river walk" between these casinos which allow pretty good scope views to sort through them in the afternoon. Of course most are Ring-billed, but one afternoon I was able to count approximately 25 CALIFORNIA and 9 HERRING GULLS among the masses. The latter ranged from 1st winter to adults. With this high gull concentration, I suspect I missed a rarer species or two. Below Davis Dam there were about 50 COMMON GOLDENEYE and a single female which had traits of a BARROW'S (steeper forehead, smaller nearly all orange-yellow bill), 1 drake GREATER SCAUP with 35 REDHEADS, 1 COMMON LOON and 7 HOODED MERGANSERS. Of possibly note for Nevada, was an odd group of 3 BUSHTIT noisily moving through the saltbush yesterday (4 Feb.) along the road to Davis Dam paralleling the river. Above Davis Dam I notice all three species of mergansers including the previously mentioned drake RED-BREASTED. There was also a male WOOD DUCK hanging out with the mutt-ducks and park mallards at Katherine Landing. A single HORNED GREBE was noted off of Cabinside Point (north of Katherine Landing) on 3 Feb. Yesterday (4 Feb.) heading back to Phoenix, I made a quick afternoon visit to Pintail Slough at Havasu National Wildlife Refuge and discovered a dark, young RED-SHOULDERED HAWK in the first grove of cottonwoods. I obtained a few diagnostic photos, including one in flight. Hope to see you in the field.... Troy Corman Phoenix, AZSubject: Tucson Violet-crowned Hummingbirds From: Rich Hoyer <birdernaturalist AT ME.COM> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 08:06:16 -0700 Friday, February 5 Dear Birders, Yesterday I again had two VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRDS in my north- central Tucson yard. One appeared shortly after noon and was here all the rest of the afternoon. The other appeared only around 3:15 and was in the yard perhaps less than 15 minutes total. Larry Norris came over and trapped hummers in the yard, our main goal being the probable Costa's X Black-chinned Hummingbird to get in-hand photos and measurements, and we were successful. We may also be able to get DNA tested from a pulled feather. Measurements strongly support the hybrid theory. We also trapped several other hummingbirds in the meantime, including six that were already banded from a nearby backyard where Larry and others have been banding as part of a larger study. We captured 17 Anna's Hummingbirds, and I'm pretty sure that represents fewer than half of the individuals using the yard. We also caught two Broad-bills, both adult males. There is also an immature male and at least one female using the yard, so that's at least four of that species. I have not had a Costa's in the yard in several days. Good Birding, Rich --- Rich Hoyer Tucson, Arizona http://birdernaturalist.blogspot.com/ Senior Leader for WINGS http://wingsbirds.com ---Subject: Tucson RBA - 5 February 2010 From: Andrew Core <tucsonrba AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 07:20:05 -0700 Hello Birders,
This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast
Arizona was made on February 5, 2010. The next update will be made on
February 12. Phone your reports to 520-798-1005 X 1, or email your reports
to rarebirdalert AT tucsonaudubon.org.
SEVERAL IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS follow the sightings, including information
on temporary closures and rules for access to other important birding areas.
Abbreviation "m. obs" = 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
http://www.azfo.org/gallery/1main/whatIsABC.html.
For additional sightings in the region, please see the The Arizona-New
Mexico Birding ListServ (http://listserv.arizona.edu/archives/birdwg05.html)
SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT INCLUDE:
BROWN PELICAN
Gray Hawk
*SHORT-TAILED HAWK
*MEW GULL
VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD
GREEN KINGFISHER
Lewis's Woodpecker
Williamson's Sapsucker
#YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER
*RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER
Arizona Woodpecker
#EASTERN PHOEBE
AMERICAN DIPPER
#RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN
#VARIED THRUSH
Yellow Warbler
#CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER
Black-and-white Warbler
Wilsons Warbler
*RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER
#GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW
*COMMON GRACKLE
WILLCOX
An adult *MEW GULL discovered at Willcox Twin Lakes at 11:30am on 2/3 (Dick
Filby) was seen until sunset but was gone the next morning.
TUCSON and vicinity
The light-morph *SHORT-TAILED HAWK was seen on 2/4 in the traditional area
of Ridgeway and Seneca St, southwest of Grant & Wilmot (Bill Scott). A
light-morph bird (likely the same one?) was reported a short distance to the
southeast along Speedway Rd just east of Wilmot on 1/31 (Rob Payne). Now in
its third winter, this birds movements are still poorly known.
A *COMMON GRACKLE was photographed at Sweetwater Wetlands on 2/4 (Philip
Kline) just before sunset. It was at the base of the large cottonwood in
the middle of the Island Pond, the next pond west from the Gazebo Pond. An
#EASTERN PHOEBE was reported on 2/1 in the southeast corner (Herb & Nancy
Meier). The phoebe was refound on 2/2 along with continuing YELLOW,
BLACK-AND-WHITE and WILSON'S WARBLERS (Jerry Bock). Across the road at
Roger Rd WRF a female-plumaged SUMMER TANAGER was seen on 2/1 (Philip
Kline).
The *RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER continued at McCormick Park through 2/4 (Dale
Fitch). This park is on the east side of Columbus Blvd between Glenn Rd and
Fort Lowell Rd. On 2/1 a #CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER was reported from a pair
of pine trees just north of the basketball court.
The #GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW was refound along the Rillito River about 125
yards upstream from the Stone Ave bridge, just below the Tohono Tadai bus
station (Rich Hoyer).
The female #YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER continued at Kennedy Park on 1/29
(Mark Stevenson). Look for it in the trees east of the basketball court
(Molly Pollock). An Osprey was hunting over the lake and perching on nearby
antenna towers on 1/30 (John Saba).
The AMERICAN DIPPER was relocated at Hutch's Pool in the Santa Catalina Mts
on 2/1 (Matt Brooks). One route to Hutch's Pool is to hike 4.1 miles one-way
from the upper end of the Sabino Canyon Road (the highest tram/shuttle
stop), which is itself 3.8 miles from the Visitor Center.
A BROWN PELICAN was spotted flying over the university on the evening of
1/31 (Carol Tepper).
At least one VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD continued to come sporadically to a
north-central Tucson feeder (Rich Hoyer) though 2/2. Birders are welcome and
may email (birdernaturalist AT me.com) or call (520) 325-5310 to see if it is
still being seen.
In northeast Tucson on 2/3 the male ARIZONA WOODPECKER was seen at 8220 E
Woodland Rd, close to Tanque Verde Rd). The LEWIS'S WOODPECKER was about 1/4
mile west on the north side of Woodland Rd (Brian Nicholas).
A male WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER was seen on 1/30 at the Way Out West Nature
Preserve (Christopher Vincent). If you would like to see this bird, please
contact the private B&B-style property first (520-305-9690 or
www.wowarizona.com).
SANTA RITA MOUNTAINS
The *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER was seen on 1/30 in Florida Canyon above the dam
about 100 upstream from the lone sycamore (Tony Battiste).
TUMACACORI
On 1/30 the #RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN was along the De Anza Trail, about 100
yards north of Santa Gertrudis Lane. along the De Anza Trail. A male
WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER was reported from the same area, also on 1/30 (Keith
Graves).
NOTE: Santa Gertrudis Lane is a private road, but birders are currently
welcome to park along the I-19 Frontage Rd just outside the lane's entrance
and walk in. Please respect private property.
TUBAC
A calling #EASTERN PHOBE was about 150 yards north of the bridge at Tubac on
1/29, just east of the river (Keith Kamper).
SAN PEDRO RIVER (San Pedro House)
A GREEN KINGFISHER was seen on along the river east of the south end of
Green Kingfisher Pond on 2/2, accessed from the San Pedro House (Rick
Thompson).This bird was first noted in the logbook at the San Pedro House on
2/1 as being seen near trail marker #8.
BISBEE
A #VARIED THRUSH continued on 1/29 in Old Bisbee at the corner of Tombstone
Canyon Rd. and Mayer Ave (Rick Thompson). The bird was feeding in a
depleted pyracantha on private property easily observed from the road and a
small parking area nearby. The thrush was seen later at Quality Hill up
from the Court House. From Highway 80 take the Tombstone Canyon Road exit
and drive about 1.5 miles to Mayer Avenue.
AMADO
The wintering GRAY HAWK was seen at the Arivaca Rd exit on I-19 on 2/3
(Richard Fray) perched on various wires and poles a few hundred yards south
of the exit.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CARR CANYON - The road into Carr Canyon has been closed due to winter
weather. Entry into restricted areas can result in a fine up to $5,000 or
imprisonment. For more information visit www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado.
SIERRA VISTA - Construction continues on State Route 92 on the east side of
the Huachuca Mountains. Be prepared for delays.
FORT HUACHUCA - will suspend your driving privileges on Post for 30 days, on
your first offense for talking or using a cell phone/Blackberry while
driving. You MUST use a hands free device. Check here for current
requirements for entry:
http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/what-we-do/publications/133.html
SANTA CRUZ FLATS: Managers at the Evergreen Turf Farm (vicinity of Tweedy
and Pretzer Rds) have requested that anyone birding there on the weekends
please leave by 5:00 PM. This is due to security issues experienced by the
Sod Farm. Birders are still welcome here at other times.
BAIRD'S SPARROW HILL AND THE VACA RANCH CORRAL in the San Rafael Valley is
off limits to birders due to the thoughtless actions of a few birders. DO
NOT ENTER THE PROPERTY. A sign has been posted previously stating that
"stopping within 0.25 mile of the corral is prohibited."
GREEN VALLEY WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT: ALL birders in a party must sign
in, not just one representative of said party. Also, please DO NOT park on
the grass, due to fire danger from hot catalytic converters. Recent access
change: you must now approach the gate and follow the directions on the call
box there to contact the operators to open the gate for you.
AVRA VALLEY WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT: has now reopened! Gates now open at
6AM and close PROMPTLY at 2PM (do not linger, you will be locked inside).
Please see this link for important information regarding access:
http://listserv.arizona.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0908a&L=birdwg05&T=0&O=A&P=4747
.
NOGALES SEWAGE PONDS: Remain closed to birders.
CORONA DE TUCSON WASTEWATER RECLAMATION FACILITY: Access to the ponds here,
about 1.5 miles west of Houghton Rd on Sahuarita Rd, has been granted
strictly under the following conditions:
* Site visitation MUST be prearranged. Normal hours are 6AM-4PM. All
visitors must be off site before 4:00 pm. DUE TO UNFORESEEN WORK
CIRCUMSTANCES, YOU MAY FIND THE FACILITY CLOSED PERIODICALLY EVEN IF YOU
HAVE MADE PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS. RESPECT ANY CLOSURES!
* A list with names and contact information of the persons/group that
will be on site needs to faxed or emailed one day prior to arrival, to the
Corona de Tucson WRF (Fax: 520-762-0591; Email: coronadetucson AT
wwm.pima.gov).
* ALL visitors must check in at the Facility office before they start
roaming the site and again when they depart.
The Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department is currently revising
security procedures and these rules are subject to change any time. Your
cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Good birding!
Andrew Core
SEAZ RBA Compiler - Tucson, AZ
Subject: Re: SE AZ: Fort Huachuca access for non-US citizens (no bird news)/other SE AZ access updatesFrom: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 06:43:49 -0700 The information re: foreign nationals visiting Fort Huachuca is available at the Tucson Audubon Society's web site on the page of updates to the 2007 edition of "Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona". There are other updates there as well which can help prevent a spoiled trip or give you directions to new sites. Access changes on the Tohono O'odham Reservation that may not be general knowledge are also there. http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/what-we-do/publications/133.html The weekly Tucson RBA also includes a variety of updates. If you discover a changed situation that is not in the updates already, please share that information so that it may be included. Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZSubject: AZFO - New photos of Common Grackle From: Mike Moore <mcmoore32 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 05:27:25 -0700 Field Ornithologists, Philip Kline's photos of the Sweetwater Common Grackle are now posted to AZFO. Thanks Philip! Thanks to all who use the online form below to submit photos. It makes my job a lot easier and ensures your photos will be posted more quickly. Photos posted at: http://www.azfo.org click on "Photo Documentation" Arizona Field Ornithologists welcomes Arizona rarity photo contributions from all photographers throughout the state. Use our online form to submit photos: http://www.azfo.org/gallery/PhotoContribution.html If you enjoy the photo web site, please consider joining AZFO and supporting our other activities. Details on the web site. We strive for accuracy. Please email any corrections to postings to me. Mike Moore AZFO Photo EditorSubject: AZ- BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE still at Lake Havasu site 6 - 4 Feb 2010 From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 04:31:47 -0700 From the Tucson Audubon Society's RBA voice mail at 520-798-1005 X1 Phil Norton reports the BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE present on the afternoon of 4 Feb. It was standing atop the building on the south side of the Site 6 parking lot (a favored spot for loafing gulls) and then flew off to the south. He also saw a Common Loon, a Horned Grebe and RB Mergansers off the north side of Pittsburgh Point. Thanks to Phil for the update. Happy Birding, Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZSubject: SE AZ: Fort Huachuca access for non-US citizens (no bird news) From: Richard Fray <rpfray AT DAKOTACOM.NET> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 23:38:42 -0700 (There's no bird news here so delete if you're not interested in Fort Huachuca access for non-US citizens) Apologies if this is common knowledge, but I don't think it is. And if anyone has any extra info, please pass it along. Denise and Dick Filby and I attempted to visit Fort Huachuca today and I thought I'd share the latest situation for non-US citizens wanting to visit the Fort (which includes Garden, Scheelite and Sawmill Canyons). Denise is a US citizen, and Dick and I are both British citizens, although I've lived in Tucson for seven years and have permanent resident status in the US. I haven't been into the Fort since they changed their policy around 2004/05. Firstly, I should say that I don't apportion any blame to the Fort really; they obviously have much higher priorities than pandering to the whims of birders. I'm still impressed that they let birders in at all. Everyone we encountered was polite and friendly and tried to help us. Having said that, there's clearly room for improvement in the system, especially with the accuracy of the information they give out and getting everyone on the same page. I emailed the Fort three days prior, to ask what the current situation was, but as yet I haven't had a reply (they do state 3-5 days so no complaint so far). I called two days before and was directed to the Military Police. They had to go and check, but I was eventually told to just turn up, fill out the paperwork and then call the Military Police on our way in and again on our way out again. That sounded too good to be true, and it was - nothing has changed, non-US citizens are only allowed on base escorted by an approved person with military ID. The gate said the MP were mistaken and we should go to the Chamber of Commerce because they might have someone available who could escort us right away. Close, but that didn't turn out to be exactly right either, so we never did get in. But we did finally get to the bottom of it, I think. We went to the Sierra Vista Visitor Information Center, 1011 N Coronado Dr (entrance on E Tacoma St) and the *extremely* helpful staff and volunteers there explained it all (round of applause for the Sierra Vista visitor info folk!) It's the Visitor Information Center, not the Chamber of Commerce, that have volunteers with military ID who are approved to escort non-US citizens on base. You have to give the Information Center at least THREE WEEKS notice, but preferably more (months, if you know your dates). They can't guarantee they'll be able to provide someone, but they'll do their best. The Information Center asks that you give the volunteer a gratuity of $50 for a half day or $100 for a full day. They currently take about 30 parties a year into the Fort like this, mostly tour groups. The person to contact is Erika Breckel, 1-800-288-3861 or (520) 417-6960 x603. Email: Erika AT VisitSierraVista.com Well, that's cleared that up... hasn't it? Richard Fray Tucson AZSubject: Sweetwater Wetlands - COMMON GRACKLE From: Philip Kline <pgkline_uk AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 20:33:06 -0800 I was lucky enough to find a COMMON GRACKLE at Sweetwater Wetlands this evening and viewed it fromabout 5:35-5:45pm; just before sunset. I noticed it at the base of the large cottonwood in the middle of the Island Pond (next pond west from the Gazebo Pond near the entrance). I managed to snap off a few photos from a great distance, but think they are diagnostic. It moved up into the higher branches of the cottonwood as I was wathcing it. The bird had a purplish head and breast contrasted with a bronze belly and wings. It was noticeably larger than nearby Brewer's Blackbirds, which it seemed to be loosely associating with. It was stockierthan a Great-tailed Grackle and it's tail was not as long, though still clearly keeled and longer thana Brewer's. Just before sunset theGrackle flew from thecottonwood and down into the reedbedseparating the Gazebo Pond and theWillow Pond. I'm guessing it's roosting there tonight and maypossiblyemerge in the same place early tomorrow morning. My guess is that the bird probably only roosts in the reedbeds at Sweetwater and spends the day elsewhere, so dawn ordusk are likely thebest times to visit if you want tolook for it. I've posted the best photo I managed here and will also post photos to AZFO. http://blackbird.smugmug.com/Nature/Birds/Rarity-Photos/7042023_7KsQZ#781259144_VJ9em-A-LB Good birding, Philip Kline |