Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from The Arizona-New Mexico Birding List > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Sunday, May 11 at 03:44 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Crimson-collared Tanager,©Jan Wilczur

11 May Tucson: Rillito River [Ken Kertell ] 11 May Tufted Flycatcher Update 5/11/08 [Mark Stevenson ] 11 May AZ: Tufted Flycatcher for 5/11/08 [Chris Benesh ] 11 May Tucson Tropical Kingbirds [Mark Stevenson ] 11 May Madera Canyon [Melody Kehl ] 11 May Off Topic: FOUND: Nat'l Geog. Field Guide [Mary Jo Ballator ] 11 May Re: Lesser Nighthawk by the Hundreds [] 11 May Re: Madera Canyon sightings, including any trogons? [Rich Hoyer ] 11 May Madera Canyon sightings, including any trogons? [George Paul ] 11 May AZ: Neotropic Cormorants at AZ City Lake [Doug Jenness ] 11 May Lesser Nighthawk by the Hundreds [] 11 May Re: Lesser Nighthawks by the hundreds. [Liz Payne ] 11 May NW Maricopa Co. - Hassayampa River Preserve Area [Troy Corman ] 11 May AZ: NAMC Count in Santa Cruz Flats [Doug Jenness ] 10 May AZFO - New photos of Miller Canyon White-eared Hummingbird [Michael C Moore ] 10 May Assistance needed May 16-18 for bird surveys in Peloncillo Mt.s [Glenn Johnson ] 10 May AZ: North American Migration Count Apache Trail-Willets [azmom6778 ] 10 May Painted Rock Reservoir, Paloma Ranch and Gila Bend areas [Bill Grossi ] 10 May AZ: Tufted Flycatcher Update 5/10/08 Yes, but...... [Mark Stevenson ] 10 May AZ: Gilbert Water Ranch: NO Prothonotary [Michael C Moore ] 10 May Re: AZ: Tres Rios [Ron Haaseth ] 10 May More info about yesterday's Tufted Flycatcher at Herb Martyr CG [Diane Touret ] 9 May Willcox - Least Tern - 9 May 2008 [Troy Corman ] 9 May AZFO - New photo of Tufted Flycatcher [Michael C Moore ] 9 May SE, SC NM 5-4 to 5-8 [Joe LaFleur ] 9 May AZ: Google Map to Water Ranch Prothonotary Warbler [Michael C Moore ] 9 May AZFO - New Photos of Prothonotary Warbler and Ovenbird [Michael C Moore ] 9 May Red-necked Phalarope ["Clait E. Braun" ] 9 May SE AZ: Rio Rico - 9 May 08 [Michael Marsden ] 9 May Tufted Flycatcher and Others, 9 May 2008 ["Clait E. Braun" ] 9 May AZ: Gilbert Water Ranch:Prothonotary Wabler continues [Michael C Moore ] 9 May AZ: Tres Rios [Ron Haaseth ] 9 May FOS Migrants and a new yard bird [Janine McCabe ] 9 May AZ: Santa Cruz Flats-- Caracara [Mark Stevenson ] 9 May May 8th Big Day [Scott Schuette ] 9 May AZ: Gilbert Water Ranch: PROTHONOTARY WARBLER [Michael C Moore ] 9 May Botteri's Sparrow [Gavin Bieber ] 9 May More on Portal infrastructure [Helen Snyder ] 9 May NM: El Morro correction ["C.J. Grimes" ] 9 May NM: El Morro Kentucky Warbler continues ["C.J. Grimes" ] 9 May TUFTED FLYCATCHER - 9 May 2008 [Henry Detwiler ] 9 May Rattlesnake Springs: location [Krista ] 9 May Tufted Flycatcher photos [Jerry Oldenettel ] 9 May AZFo - Photo Documentation Needed [Michael C Moore ] 9 May Five-striped Sparrow, Montezuma Quail and Buff-collared Nightjar - Oro Blanco Mine [Gavin Bieber ] 9 May Thick-billed and Tropical Kingbirds - Santa Gertrudis Lane (Tumacacori) [Gavin Bieber ] 9 May Flame-colored Tanager, White-eared Hummingbird, Northern Pygmy Owl - Madera Canyon [Gavin Bieber ] 9 May Black-capped Gnatcatcher and Gray Vireo - Montosa Canyon [Gavin Bieber ] 8 May Tucson RBA 9 May 2008 [John Yerger ] 8 May AZFO - New photos of Semipalmated Sandpiper [Michael C Moore ] 8 May Rattlesnake Springs [Krista ] 8 May South Tucson Migrants-Bullock's Orioles [Daniel Ginter ] Subject: Tucson: Rillito River From: Ken Kertell <teleost07 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 13:44:18 -0700 Found the following the past 2 mornings walking along the Rillito River trail from Columbus to Craycroft (including short forays up side washes on the south side): Yellow-breasted Chat, Wilson's Warbler, Western Wood-Pewee, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-headed Grosbeak, and a singing Bell's Vireo. Displacement activity for not having yet chased the TF. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ Subject: Tufted Flycatcher Update 5/11/08 From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 12:57:46 -0700 Hi Birders, Kurt Radamaker just called to report seeing the TUFL this morning. They arrived at 0600 and the bird was first detected at about 0920 when Kurt heard it. As yesterday, it didn't stay still for long, gave short views, didn't call much and not everyone got to see it. He estimated about a 2/3 success rate for the 50-60 people present. By 11 AM the bird had not been seen again. His recommendation was: sit quietly and listen attentively for the bird's calls from the area of streambed from where the path hits the streambed up to the sycamores not far up the dry streambed. Searching a wider area was not a successful tactic this morning. Thanks to Kurt for the update. Good birding, Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZ Subject: AZ: Tufted Flycatcher for 5/11/08 From: Chris Benesh <cdbenesh AT COX.NET> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 12:04:20 -0700 Hi All, I just got a call from John Coons who said that he and a bunch of others saw the Tufted Flycatcher at 9:20 this morning just below the lower parking area at Herb Martyr. Unfortunately, the bird was perched high up and was only present for about a minute before heading off toward the smaller creek drainage. John said that the bird was just giving single contact notes this morning. Good luck to all. I hope it settles down a bit. Chris ----------------------------------------------------------------- Chris Benesh Tucson, Arizona cdbenesh AT cox.net Field Guides - Birding Tours Worldwide www.fieldguides.com "Minds are like parachutes. They only function when they are open." James Dewar ----------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Tucson Tropical Kingbirds From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 11:11:40 -0700 Hi Birders, As I drove from Sweetwater Wetlands toward Roger Road STP this AM, Dave Stejskal's tour group was taking the opposite route and had already seen Cassin's, Western and Tropical Kingbirds (TK) near the entrance to Roger Road. I parked and immediately heard one calling then saw it fly across to Sweetwater. The TKs nested at Roger Road last year so it's likely that this will be at least a semi-reliable place to find them. Roger Road is closed on the weekend but it was no problem to look in from outside the fence. Good birding, Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZ Subject: Madera Canyon From: Melody Kehl <outdoor1 AT COX.NET> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 09:41:20 -0700 Just returned from an early morning foray to Madera. Big Flame was yodeling when we got there at 6:30. We had adequate looks despite the low light. The Black-capped Gnatcatchers are toting around a couple youngsters, again on the south side of Proctor west of the creek. Melody Kehl http://www.melodysbirdingadventures.com Subject: Off Topic: FOUND: Nat'l Geog. Field Guide From: Mary Jo Ballator <2mjb AT MINDSPRING.COM> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 09:31:57 -0700 A National Geographic fourth edition (black cover) Field Guide to the Birds was left yesterday at Ash Canyon B&B. The book has no identification or field notes in it. Call or email off-list to claim it; otherwise, it will be added to my back-porch library. Please, dear birders, take a minute to write your name and phone number in your book. Wouldn't you hate to lose those treasured field guides? Thanks. Mary Jo Mary Jo Ballator, Host Ash Canyon Bed & Breakfast 5255 E. Spring Road Hereford, AZ 85615-9029 520/378-0773 Web page:http://AshCanyonBandB.com Mail to: info AT AshCanyonBandB.com Subject: Re: Lesser Nighthawk by the Hundreds From: PiranhaFem AT AOL.COM Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 12:25:16 EDT In a message dated 5/11/2008 7:19:31 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time, Pinyonjay AT AOL.COM writes: Wonder if this is a yearly thing to see these nighthawks like this. Yes! In the summer the swallows come in the thousands, and at dusk, when they are still flying and then the nighthawks come out, and then about 3000 bats come swarming out from under the bridge, it's an amazing sight! **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) Subject: Re: Madera Canyon sightings, including any trogons? From: Rich Hoyer <calliope AT THERIVER.COM> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 08:35:59 -0700 Hi George and All, Elegant Trogons are in Madera Canyon every year; it's part of their normal breeding range, and you can expect them to be there after the second week of April. This information is available in almost every field guide as well as both bird-finding guides for SE Arizona. Birds that you have to watch the e-mail list for are those that do not have range maps in the field guides (i.e. Buff-collared Nightjar). I think the only exception is Rose-throated Becard, which has a range map in the National Geo guide but some years does not set up a territory in a publicly accessible place (I suspect there are some every year on private property nearby though). Good Birding, Rich --- Richard C. Hoyer Tucson, AZ Senior Leader, WINGS http://www.wingsbirds.com --- On May 11, 2008, at 8:31 AM, George Paul wrote: I am considering going to Madera canyon in about a week, and taking a novice birder with me. i apologize if I have missed it, but have any trogons shown up this year? Last year I was there in April and there was a very visible one right along the creek. Any information on trogons or other special birds in Madera there would be appreciated. Many thanks. Subject: Madera Canyon sightings, including any trogons? From: George Paul <glp2 AT COX.NET> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 08:31:38 -0700 I am considering going to Madera canyon in about a week, and taking a novice birder with me. i apologize if I have missed it, but have any trogons shown up this year? Last year I was there in April and there was a very visible one right along the creek. Any information on trogons or other special birds in Madera there would be appreciated. Many thanks. Subject: AZ: Neotropic Cormorants at AZ City Lake From: Doug Jenness <d_jenness AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 14:32:29 +0000 5/11 I accidentally omitted from my report last night on Santa Cruz Flats the 3 Neotropic Cormorants at Arizona City lake in Pinal County. Doug Jenness Catalina Subject: Lesser Nighthawk by the Hundreds From: Pinyonjay AT AOL.COM Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 10:19:42 EDT Wonder if this is a yearly thing to see these nighthawks like this. When I was visiting friends in Tucson living just off Ina Road and I-10 I saw a huge number of Lesser Nighthawks in the middle 80's. Mpst were flying low, and my friend called them "bull bats". Pat Snider NM RBA **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) Subject: Re: Lesser Nighthawks by the hundreds. From: Liz Payne <ant_hill AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 07:01:36 -0700 Special thanks, Melody for this.... Stopped by the Ina Road bridge a few nights ago, and the image is still with me. What a spectacle with hundreds of Lesser Nighthawks everywhere! I watched from about 6.30 to just before 7 when they began to widen their circle and drift off mostly toward the southeast. Great way to end a busy day. Happy birding, Liz Payne Tucson Subject: NW Maricopa Co. - Hassayampa River Preserve Area From: Troy Corman <aplomado AT COX.NET> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 06:41:14 -0700 I spent over 13 hours in the field yesterday (10 May) in northwestern Maricopa County for the N. Am. Migration Count. Nearly all this time was spent exploring every corner of the Hassayampa River Preserve. It is amazing what one can find when you have permission to go off trail at this preserve. I too found migrants scarce for such a lush and extensive desert riparian area, but I did manage to find a fair diversity. For the most part, highlights for me were not migrants, but residents and newly arriving summer breeder. I encountered several species that were once known as SE AZ specialties including single BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (male), THICK-BILLED KINGBIRD, and TROPICAL KINGBIRD. Apparently, the hummingbird has been present for some time and occasionally visits the feeders at the visitor center. I also discovered the Preserve's first nesting pair of GRAY HAWKS, which is also only the second nesting record for Maricopa Co. Other notable raptors included a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, 2 COMMON BLACK-HAWKS, and 4 ZONE-TAILED HAWKS. For the season and location, the too oddest observations were a LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH (possibly nesting) and a surprising ACORN WOODPECKER flycatching from a tall cottonwood snag. In regards to migrants, I did tally 10 species of warblers with MACGILLIVRAY'S (1), HERMIT (1), and TOWNSEND'S (3) of note and flycatchers included OLIVE-SIDED (2), PACIFIC-SLOPE (3) and HAMMOND'S (1). Other than the resident Song and Black-throated Sparrows, the only other sparrows I encountered all day were single LINCOLN'S and WHITE-CROWNED. I tallied 26 CEDAR WAXWINGS and was please to find 2 SWAINSON'S THRUSHES, a species I sometimes miss as it migrates through the state. I also made a quick late afternoon pass through the agricultural lands in the Aquila Valley w. of Wickenburg. Here I found 2 BENDIRE'S THRASHERS, plus several pairs of BARN SWALLOWS nesting under low, roadway culverts. Good Birding and Happy Mother's Day! Troy Corman Phoenix, AZ Subject: AZ: NAMC Count in Santa Cruz Flats From: Doug Jenness <d_jenness AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 02:37:05 +0000 May 10 This morning I worked a few areas in Santa Cruz Flats for the North American Migration Count in Pinal County. I was fortunate to come up with some migrants. In this lowland area I had 3 Townsend's Warblers, 5 Wilson's Warblers, 1 Orange-crowned Warbler, and 2 Black-headed Grosbeaks, mostly at several locations near the Santa Cruz River. Although the river in this area is bone dry in most places, which is unusual for this time of year, I found one with a few pools that was productive. At the Evergreen Turf Sod Farm I had 21 White-faced Ibis and nearby a Swainson's Hawk. However, I missed the Crested Caracara reported by Mark and Molly the previous day. Some predawn owling on the way there netted 12 Elf Owls, 4 Great Horned Owls, 4 Western Screech-Owls, 6 Common Poorwills and 1 Lesser Nighthawk. Doug Jenness Catalina Subject: AZFO - New photos of Miller Canyon White-eared Hummingbird From: Michael C Moore <michael.moore AT ASU.EDU> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 19:24:32 -0700 Field Ornithologists, Bryan Pfeiffer contributed photos of the White-eared Hummingbird seen in Miller Canyon at the Beatty's on 6 May 2008. Photos posted at: http://www.azfo.org click on "Photo Highlights" Thanks to Bryan for his contributions. Arizona Field Ornithologists welcomes Arizona rarity photo contributions from all photographers throughout the state. If you enjoy the photo web site, please consider joining AZFO and supporting our other activities. Details on the web site. Mike Moore AZFO Photo co-editor Gilbert, AZ Subject: Assistance needed May 16-18 for bird surveys in Peloncillo Mt.s From: Glenn Johnson <glennjo AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 19:24:10 -0700 This is a request for assistance I was asked to post. Please respond to Aaron Kauffman directly at aaronk AT email.arizona.edu. Greetings, I am looking for two people to assist with bird surveys next weekend, in twelve watersheds in southwestern NM on the east flank of the Peloncillo Mountains, just across the border from Douglas, AZ. We will be leaving next Friday, May 16th at approximately 11am, and should be back late on Sunday night (or Monday if everyone's schedule allows). We will be camping and a per diem will be provided. We are studying the effects of cool season and warm season prescribed fires on oak ecosystem attributes in twelve watersheds. The warm season burns for a third of the watersheds are set for a couple weeks from now, and we are going this weekend to inventory the spring birds before the fires take place. I think people would find the area gorgeous and the afternoon views of the nearby Animas Mountains worth the trip. We will probably camp out near the watersheds so that we can get an early start each morning. Per diem expenses will be provided. If requested, I can provide a list of birds previously seen during fall and spring counts. Please email: aaronk AT email.arizona.edu if interested. Thanks, Aaron Kaufmann School of Natural Resources University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona Subject: AZ: North American Migration Count Apache Trail-Willets From: azmom6778 <azmom6778 AT COX.NET> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 18:50:39 -0700 Just a few highlights from my count area along the Apache Trail in Maricopa County from Today 28 Willets flying back and forth across Canyon Lake A pair of Zone-tailed Hawks near the bottom of Fish Creek Hill 5 Black-headed Grosbeaks 2 Pyrrhuloxias along the road to the First Water Trailhead 26 scattered Hooded Orioles, mostly along Fish creek Jim Kopitzke Mesa Subject: Painted Rock Reservoir, Paloma Ranch and Gila Bend areas From: Bill Grossi <wgrossi1 AT COX.NET> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 18:15:57 -0700 May 10, 2008 6:00pm Returned home in time to help Troy with the North American Migration Count by traveling to the subject places in southwestern Maricopa County. It was a good day weather-wise, but I didn't see many migrants. Best bird was a nice male Surf Scoter at the Gila Bend power plant pond. It seemed to be associating with 3 Eared Grebes. Painted Rock was very quiet and almost devoid of fish eating birds such as herons, cormorants, pelicans and egrets. There was a Semipalmated Plover along the pond near the end of the road at the base of the dam. A Marbled Godwit, 7 Red-necked Phalaropes and a Common Goldeneye were the best birds in the lake. First of the year Lesser Nighthawks were seen, as well as an out of place Whip-poor-will! Paloma Ranch was not very productive except for the large numbers of Red-winged and Yellow-headed Blackbirds, and Mourning and White-winged Doves. I did turn up three Common Ground-doves, and the continuing Snowy Plovers. The grove of trees at the headquarters was very disappointing; not one warbler, vireo, oriole, tanager or migrating flycatcher! The resident Barn Owl was the best I could do, among all the Eurasian Collared and White-winged Doves. A quick swing past the Arlington Valley and the River Road Ponds produced a Whimbrel and Forster's Tern. A disappointing 80 plus birds for the day, but it sure beats a day in the office! Bill Grossi Tolleson, AZ Subject: AZ: Tufted Flycatcher Update 5/10/08 Yes, but...... From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 16:36:12 -0700 Hi Birders, I just spoke with Jay Hand who is on the way back to Tucson from Portal. They arrived at Herb Martyr around 0800 today and as far as they know the first observation of the TUFL was at around 0945. The bird was not very cooperative today. Of the 3 in his group, only one saw or heard it. He estimated that only 4 or 5 out of the 30 or so birders present today got to see the bird. The bird did was not very vocal and did not tarry long at any one perch making it difficult for others to get to it when it was spotted. Apparently it was up the Ask Creek drainage not far beyond the fence when it was seen. It was also "over the SE ridge" as described by Henry Detwiler. Thanks to Jay for the update. Good birding, Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZ Subject: AZ: Gilbert Water Ranch: NO Prothonotary From: Michael C Moore <michael.moore AT ASU.EDU> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 11:24:10 -0700 Greetings, The Prothonotary Warbler had not been refound as of 9:30 AM. I managed 63 species for the North American Migration Count. Highlights: 2 American Wigeon 4 Shovelers 1 Ruddy Duck 20 Neotropic Cormorants 2 Spotted Sandpipers 1 Ring-billed Gull 12 White-faced Ibis 1 Sora 1 Warbling Vireo 2 Townsend's Warblers 2 Western Tanagers 1 Black-headed Grosbeak 3 Lazuli Buntings 2 Lark Sparrows 6 Brewer's Sparrows 16 White-cronwed Sparrows (15 Oriantha and 1 Gambelii) 1 Green-tailed Towhee Mike Moore Gilbert, AZ Subject: Re: AZ: Tres Rios From: Ron Haaseth <verdinron AT MSN.COM> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 06:43:00 -0700 yeah, sorry. Bullock's. thanks for the correction. ----- Original Message ----- From: Mark Stevenson To: verdinron AT MSN.COM Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 2:18 PM Subject: Re: AZ: Tres Rios Hi Ron, Baltimore Oriole (1 m, 1 f) Did you see 2 Baltimore Orioles today? One would be truly remarkable, two suggests an "oops". Best, Mark Subject: More info about yesterday's Tufted Flycatcher at Herb Martyr CG From: Diane Touret <dctouret AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 03:30:52 -0700 I was one of the birders who just missed seeing the flycatcher as it perched briefly in the top of one of the sycamores. I also followed its call up the Ash Spring drainage and saw it several times popping out of trees to catch insects, until it stopped calling and couldn't be found up near the gate at the Wilderness Boundary. I went back to the area where Jim Hays reported seeing the bird at 9:30AM the previous morning, and exactly at 9:30 (!) it came upstream from below the trail junction and feed briefly (no hanging around yesterday), giving poor looks since it tended to stay within foliage. It was apparently being pursued by an irate pair of Western Wood-Pewees. Diane Touret (Tucson,AZ) Subject: Willcox - Least Tern - 9 May 2008 From: Troy Corman <aplomado AT COX.NET> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 21:47:07 -0700 In addition to Clait's observations at Willcox, Liz Hatcher, Daniela Yellan and I arrived there with high winds and very dusty conditions around 3 PM. Other species we noted included 2 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, 3 WESTERN SANDPIPERS and an adult LEAST TERN. Good birding and best of luck to those participating in the North American Migration Count tomorrow (Saturday, 10 May). Hopefully, the Tufted Flycatcher will remain to be counted!!! Troy Corman Phoenix, AZ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Clait E. Braun" To: Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 2:18 PM Subject: [BIRDWG05] Tufted Flycatcher and Others, 9 May 2008 > We worked our way back to Wilcox where we had a Franklin's Gull > at the pond closest to the road at the east edge of town on 186. We also > had a Red Phalarope in with Wilson's, a Semipalmated Sandpiper, 4 > White-faced Ibis, a male Redhead, a female Northern Pintail, 2 American > Wigeon, a Cattle Egret, and a multitude of the usual suspects at the main > pond. We did have 2 Peregrine Falcons simultaneously harassing the 'peep' > flock although the 4 Amercan Avocets and 2 Eared Grebes did not seem too > worried. It was a great day but I did not compile a formal list. > Clait > Clait E. Braun Subject: AZFO - New photo of Tufted Flycatcher From: Michael C Moore <michael.moore AT ASU.EDU> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 21:09:58 -0700 Field Ornithologists, Oliver Niehuis contributed another nice photo of the Tufted Flycatcher. Photos posted at: http://www.azfo.org click on "Photo Highlights" Thanks to Oliver for his contribution. Arizona Field Ornithologists welcomes Arizona rarity photo contributions from all photographers throughout the state. If you enjoy the photo web site, please consider joining AZFO and supporting our other activities. Details on the web site. Mike Moore AZFO Photo co-editor Gilbert, AZ Subject: SE, SC NM 5-4 to 5-8 From: Joe LaFleur <joe AT BETTERBIRDWATCHING.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 20:44:07 -0700 5-4-08 Bosque del Apache NWR Pied-billed Grebe YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, at ditch at start of seasonal road many ducks Cooper's Hawk, 1 Black-necked Stilt Marbled Godwit Long-billed Dowitcher Common Nighthawk Green-tailed Towhee Spotted Towhee 5-5-08 Bitter Lake NWR near Roswell Pied-billed Grebe many ducks Black-necked Stilt Long-billed Dowitcher Broad-tailed Hummingbird Hermit Thrush Black-headed Grosbeak Blue Grosbeak Cassin's Sparrow Brantley Lake SP, N of Carlsbad Snowy Plover, 2 Carlsbad Caverns NP Cave Swallow Gray Vireo Olive-sided Flycatcher Canyon Wren Hermit Thrush 5-6-08 Ratllesnake Springs Eur. Collared-Dove Vermilion Flycatcher Bell's Vireo Plumbeous Vireo Phainopepla KENTUCKY WARBLER Western Tanager Lazuli Bunting Indigo Buinting Northern Cardinal Orchard Oriole Cassin's Sparrow Washington Ranch Pied-billed Grebe, 1 Canvasback, 1 Swainson's Hawk Vermilion Flycatcher Bell's Vireo Cassin's Kingbird Lucy's Warbler Western Tanager Lazuli Bunting Northern Cardinal Orchard Oriole Slaughter Canyon Gray Vireo Scott's Oriole Guadalupe Mountains NP McClintock Canyon Olive-sided Flycatcher Western Scrub-Jay Black-throated Sparrow Gray Vireo Scott's Oriole Frijoles Springs Trail Black-throated Sparrow Aquirre Springs, near Las Cruces Broad-tailed Hummingbird Bushtit Rufous-crowned Sparrow 5-8-08 Dam Site Marina, Elephant Butte SP Common Loon, 1, breeding plumage Yard birds this week include Black-headed Grosbeak, Cedar Waxwing, Wilson's Warbler Joe LaFleur TorC, NM Better Birdwatching DVDs www.betterbirdwatching.com 1-888-414-2837 Subject: AZ: Google Map to Water Ranch Prothonotary Warbler From: Michael C Moore <michael.moore AT ASU.EDU> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 16:57:48 -0700 Greetings, Here is a link to a Google Map showing the location of the Prothonotary Warbler at the Gilbert Water Ranch: http://tinyurl.com/4br65j Mike Moore Gilbert, AZ Subject: AZFO - New Photos of Prothonotary Warbler and Ovenbird From: Michael C Moore <michael.moore AT ASU.EDU> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 16:35:11 -0700 Field Ornithologists, Brendon Grice contributed photos of the Gilbert Water Ranch Prothonotary Warbler. By my count, this is the 23rd species of warbler recorded at the Ranch. Dennis Wall also contributed photos of an Ovenbird seen last year at Cameron Trading Post in Northern Arizona. Photos posted at: http://www.azfo.org click on "Photo Highlights" Thanks to Brendon and Dennis for their contributions. Arizona Field Ornithologists welcomes Arizona rarity photo contributions from all photographers throughout the state. If you enjoy the photo web site, please consider joining AZFO and supporting our other activities. Details on the web site. Mike Moore AZFO Photo co-editor Gilbert, AZ Subject: Red-necked Phalarope From: "Clait E. Braun" <sg-wtp AT JUNO.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 15:04:11 -0700 Barbara: You are the first to correct my lazy fingers and sleep deprived mind. It was a Red-necked Phalarope. Clait Clait E. Braun --------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Rick Taylor To: "Clait E. Braun" Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 14:50:18 -0700 Subject: Re: [BIRDWG05] Tufted Flycatcher and Others, 9 May 2008 Hi Clait, Barbara Bickel here. Red Phalarope or the Red-necked others have been seeing?? I hope that Tufted Flycatche waits for me to get there next week! Barbara On May 9, 2008, at 2:18 PM, Clait E. Braun wrote: Those Interested. Roger Tess and I made the trek this early AM to Portal, Arizona and Cave Creek to Herb Martyr Campground arriving ~ 7:00 AM. We joined those at the 'site' looking into the Sycamores and waited. Several people reported that others had apparently seen the bird between 5:30 and 6:00 AM. We had a bonanza of different small birds to look at as the trees were full of little birds. At 8:05 AM, the Tufted Flycatcher appeared at the very top, right side, of the tallest tree behind the Sycamores. It was fantastic with good light views of the tuft and the color of the bird. After several short sallies, the bird moved in a rather looping flight to the southeast and over the ridge. It was over at 8:08 AM and we departed having had killer looks. A Life Bird, even in 'retirement' and even having worked in Mexico in the 1970s. We worked our way back to Wilcox where we had a Franklin's Gull at the pond closest to the road at the east edge of town on 186. We also had a Red Phalarope in with Wilson's, a Semipalmated Sandpiper, 4 White-faced Ibis, a male Redhead, a female Northern Pintail, 2 American Wigeon, a Cattle Egret, and a multitude of the usual suspects at the > main pond. We did have 2 Peregrine Falcons simultaneously harassing the 'peep' flock although the 4 Amercan Avocets and 2 Eared Grebes did not seem too worried. It was a great day but I did not compile a formal list. Clait Clait E. Braun Subject: SE AZ: Rio Rico - 9 May 08 From: Michael Marsden <birdanza AT COX.NET> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 15:02:58 -0700 This morning I scouted part of the route for next Tuesday's TAS field trip. Among the 63 species I came across were: Black-bellied Whistling-Duck - 60+ at Rio Rico ponds; Cattle Egret - 4 on the fields by Rio Rico ponds (+ Snowy & Great Egrets); White-faced Ibis - c125 on the fields south of Tumacacori, 90+ by Rio Rico ponds; Zone-tailed Hawk - singleton over the Anza trail north of Rio Rico; Crested Caracara - juv on the Tumacacori fields; Tropical Kingbird - 2 by the west pond at Rio Rico; American Pipit - laggard at the Rio Rico trailhead car park; & Brewer's Sparrow - by the Anza trail north of Rio Rico. Lists on www.eBird.org Michael Marsden (520) 269-6240 Green Valley, AZ Subject: Tufted Flycatcher and Others, 9 May 2008 From: "Clait E. Braun" <sg-wtp AT JUNO.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 14:18:58 -0700 Those Interested. Roger Tess and I made the trek this early AM to Portal, Arizona and Cave Creek to Herb Martyr Campground arriving ~ 7:00 AM. We joined those at the 'site' looking into the Sycamores and waited. Several people reported that others had apparently seen the bird between 5:30 and 6:00 AM. We had a bonanza of different small birds to look at as the trees were full of little birds. At 8:05 AM, the Tufted Flycatcher appeared at the very top, right side, of the tallest tree behind the Sycamores. It was fantastic with good light views of the tuft and the color of the bird. After several short sallies, the bird moved in a rather looping flight to the southeast and over the ridge. It was over at 8:08 AM and we departed having had killer looks. A Life Bird, even in 'retirement' and even having worked in Mexico in the 1970s. We worked our way back to Wilcox where we had a Franklin's Gull at the pond closest to the road at the east edge of town on 186. We also had a Red Phalarope in with Wilson's, a Semipalmated Sandpiper, 4 White-faced Ibis, a male Redhead, a female Northern Pintail, 2 American Wigeon, a Cattle Egret, and a multitude of the usual suspects at the main pond. We did have 2 Peregrine Falcons simultaneously harassing the 'peep' flock although the 4 Amercan Avocets and 2 Eared Grebes did not seem too worried. It was a great day but I did not compile a formal list. Clait Clait E. Braun Subject: AZ: Gilbert Water Ranch:Prothonotary Wabler continues From: Michael C Moore <michael.moore AT ASU.EDU> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 14:19:57 -0700 Greetings, Rich Ditch, Barb and Lou Winterfield and I enjoyed crippling, in your face, count every feather barbule views of the stunning Prothonotary Warbler at the Gilbert Water Ranch between 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM. We found it exactly where Brendon found it this morning. It was feeding calmly in some bushes about eye level along the edge of Pond 4 just inside the Gate at the NW end of the path between Ponds 3 and 4 (aka Tiger Moth Territory). The bird was very tame and approached almost to the limits of my close focus. It leisurely fed on seeds on the bushes with little concern for us. It was still there when I left. Although very brightly colored it appears to be a female with considerable green on the top of the head. I also saw several Wilson's Warblers and a Western Wood Pewee before I found the POWA. Mike Moore Gilbert, AZ Subject: AZ: Tres Rios From: Ron Haaseth <verdinron AT MSN.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 14:09:14 -0700 Friday, May 09, 2008 at the Tres Rios Hayfield site from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM the place was jumpin'. In addition to the regulars, Black-bellied Whistling Duck Peregrine Falcon - fly-over Lesser Nighthawk - hunting Roadrunner Pacific-slope Flycatcher Ash-throated Flycatcher (2) Olive-sided Flycatcher Western Kingbird (2) Plumbeous Vireo Nashville Warbler Wilson's Warbler (~16) Yellow-breasted Chat Western Tanager (2 m) Black-headed Grosbeak (2 m) Baltimore Oriole (1 m, 1 f) The migration of White-winged Doves continues strongly, with flocks of 6 birds to 30 birds in a steady stream heading north. There are many freshly-fledged Verdins, both begging and on-their-own youngsters. Ron Haaseth Litchfield Park Subject: FOS Migrants and a new yard bird From: Janine McCabe <jrmccabe AT NETZERO.NET> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 14:01:40 -0700 Hi everyone, A great morning along the West Branch of the Santa Cruz River. So many migrants passing through foraging voraciously. The FOS's for me was WESTERN-WOOD PEWEE, BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER, PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, and a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT which was actually in my yard in the thickness of mesquites. This is a new yard bird #110. Warbling Vireo, Cassin's Kingbird, Western Tanager, Townsends and Wilson's Warblers were included out back on the West Branch. Tomorrow (International Migratory Bird Day) should be a productive count. Good birding. Janine McCabe Subject: AZ: Santa Cruz Flats-- Caracara From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 13:46:15 -0700 Hi Birders, This morning Molly and I birded around the Santa Cruz Flats hoping for unusual migrants. Both sod farms were nearly devoid of birds. Only a few BN Stilts and Killdeer graced the sod....and those in small numbers. We saw a single CRESTED CARACARA among cattle in the field north of the intersection of Baumgartner and Cripple Creek. At the Red Rock feed lot we found no small doves. Out farther west on Sasco Road where the palo verdes are thick (just before the dry river crossing) we heard and saw Inca and C Ground-Doves and may have heard a R Ground-Dove. Migrant Bullock's Orioles were numerous. All those houses going in at Red Rock.....is there an STP serving them???? Directions in the SE AZ bird finding guides. Good birding, Mark Stevenson Colonia WOGAT Tucson, AZ Subject: May 8th Big Day From: Scott Schuette <sschuette01 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 11:56:43 -0700 Well unfortunately after last year's 196 Keith Kamper and I couldn't repeat or improve upon our success and ended yesterday with 191 species, well below our goal. Although it did serve a purpose to show us that Mt. Lemmon is not a smart route idea on a SE Arizona big day in spring that is attempting to set a record for those of you who might be thinking of using it. We still had a good time and saw some nice birds with the tops among them being:Northern Pintail- continuing female at WillcoxCanvasback- continuing female at BensonRedhead- continuing male at WillcoxLesser Scaup- continuing female at WillcoxCommon Merganser- a lingering bird along the shoreline at the east end of Patagonia LakeMISSISSIPPI KITE- a bird over the fields just east of the Rio Rico Pond around noonNorthern Goshawk- a calling bird in Marshall Gulch at daybreakMarbled Godwit- already reported bird at Willcox which picked up and left about 5 minutes before darkRed-necked Phalarope- a few birds among the reduced number of Wilson's at Willcox8 species of owls- only missing Burrowing and Northern Saw-whet among those present in SE Arizona at this timeWhite-eared Hummingbird- young male at Kubo and adult male at Beatty'sLucifer Hummingbird- male at Ash CanyonTropical Kingbird- a pair along the Santa Cruz river west of the Rio Rico pond and a single bird at the clubhouse pond at Kino SpringsThick-billed Kingbird- one bird at the north end of the Patagonia Roadside Rest and a single bird in the dead tree just north of the Paton's yard along Sonoita CreekGolden-crowned Kinglet- calling in Bear WallowSwainson's Thrush- along Sonoita Creek at the roadside restOrange-crowned Warbler- territorial male in Bear WallowGrace's and Red-faced Warblers- all over Mt. Lemmon in the morningFlame-colored Tanager- calling just above the Kubo in MaderaBotteri's Sparrow- a weakly calling bird in the grasslands below Madera CanyonCassin's Finch- still one or two at Ash CanyonAmerican Goldfinch- a molting bird at the Paton's and a breeding-plumaged male at Ash Canyon Like always our misses were bad and this time they seemed especially so. The lack of mid-elevation and migrant passerines seemed to be a product of using Mt. Lemmon so forgive us for not seeing some of these birds. They included Gadwall, Pied-billed Grebe, Peregrine Falcon, Willet, Long-billed Dowitcher, Arizona Woodpecker, Greater Pewee, Willow, Hammond's, Gray, Dusky, and Pacific-slope Flycatchers, Plumbeous and Cassin's Vireos, Pygmy Nuthatch, Hermit Warbler, and Yellow-headed and Brewer's Blackbirds.Scott SchuetteTucson, AZ _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live SkyDrive lets you share files with faraway friends. http://www.windowslive.com/skydrive/overview.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refresh_skydrive_052008 Subject: AZ: Gilbert Water Ranch: PROTHONOTARY WARBLER From: Michael C Moore <michael.moore AT ASU.EDU> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 12:17:49 -0700 Greetings, Brendon Grice just sent me a stunning photo of a PROTHONOTARY WARBLER he found this morning at the Gilbert Water Ranch. He found it around 9am by the Pond 4 side of the gate for the path between Ponds 3/4 it then it moved to the 4/5 path by the yellow tree. I will post the stunning photo later on the AZFO site, right now I am going out to look for it! Mike Moore Gilbert, AZ Subject: Botteri's Sparrow From: Gavin Bieber <kingbird77 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 17:45:26 +0000 Hello again Birders, Just a quick note this time. I neglected to mention that we also had a FOS Botteri's Sparrow along the road into Pen Blanca Lake yesterday. Gavin Bieber Kingbird77 AT hotmail.com Tucson, AZ Senior Leader www.wingsbirds.com _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live SkyDrive lets you share files with faraway friends. http://www.windowslive.com/skydrive/overview.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refresh_skydrive_052008 Subject: More on Portal infrastructure From: Helen Snyder <chickcharney2001 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 10:43:16 -0700 Cell reception sometimes occurs around the Portal fire station on the hill above the Portal Store. I have heard it also may work at the forest boundary cattleguard between the store and the Visitor Information Center. Cells work on hiway 80 from about milepost 398 south and spottily farther north, sometimes around Apache. You can hit a NM tower intermittently coming down 80 from 1-10. The Portal Library has wireless that works outside the building, maybe only from 6 am to 6 pm. Also there are 4 public computers inside; hours are 10:30-12:30 except Sunday, and a couple of hours into the afternoon on Tues. and Thurs. Cheapest gas on Tuesday in Willcox was at the Whiting station on the main drag thru town (not Rex Allen with all the fast food stores etc). It was 1 cent cheaper there than in Tucson. The Circle K at the west end of town usually has competitive prices. Consider leaving your change from lunch in the Portal Rescue jar at the store -- these are the guys who pull your Alamos out of the ditch, and help you get to the car keys you've locked in your Budget. And the library take donations too... ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ Subject: NM: El Morro correction From: "C.J. Grimes" <cjgrimes AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 11:39:40 -0600 As soon as I posted the last message a male Bullock's Oriole came to bathe in our yard, and was joined by a pair of Hepatic Tanagers. CJ Grimes El Morro, NM _________________________________________________________________ Make Windows Vista more reliable and secure with Windows Vista Service Pack 1. http://www.windowsvista.com/SP1?WT.mc_id=hotmailvistasp1banner Subject: NM: El Morro Kentucky Warbler continues From: "C.J. Grimes" <cjgrimes AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 11:22:58 -0600 It was seeen again this morning near the pool on the inscription loop trail. It seems to range about 100 feet from the pool in either direction, and is easily observable from the trail except when in thick brush, but it is active and doesn't stay hidden for long. An excellent morning for warblers: in addition to Kentucky, in the oaks around the north side of the cliff there were Virginia's, Orange-crowned, MacGillivray's, Wilson's and Yellow-breasted Chat. Rounding out the morning's list was Dusky Flycatcher, Prairie Falcon, Lark and Vesper Sparrows, Eastern and Western Meadowlarks, and the rest of the regulars. It seems that most breeders and usual migrants have arrived at El Morro with a few exceptions: we have yet to see any orioles, western tanagers, vireos, or buntings, but I expect them soon. CJ Grimes El Morro, NM _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live SkyDrive lets you share files with faraway friends. http://www.windowslive.com/skydrive/overview.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refresh_skydrive_052008 Subject: TUFTED FLYCATCHER - 9 May 2008 From: Henry Detwiler <henrydetwiler AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 12:46:49 -0400 Greetings Birders, We were just minutes from leaving (and missing the bird again, like yesterday), when it showed up in the Arizona Sycamores just below the parking lot at approximately 8:25 a.m. It only remained there a minute, and then flew over into the second creek easily viewed by the trail to "Little Dam". It flew up this drainage, where Troy Corman tracked it by its call, while the rest of us raced up the trail, over the creek, and then up the trail again. For 10-15 minutes it called its single note and sallied forth after insects. Unfortunately, it never stayed in one spot for long, and was often not visible. It finally flew up over the ridge to the southeast (?), just past the fenceline. Coordinates of the last location where the bird was seen are: N 31 51 49.3 W 109 14 32.5 When we first arrived we heard that it might also have been seen at 5:30 a.m., close to the dam. CASSIN'S FINCHES and RED CROSSBILLS continue at Herb Martyr. Other nice birds over the past two days have been MEXICAN CHICKADEE in Pinery Canyon, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK & GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW at Cave Creek Ranch (thanks Tony!), and ELEGANT TROGONS at South Fork. Good birding, Henry Detwiler Yuma, AZ www.southwestbirders.com Subject: Rattlesnake Springs: location From: Krista <kmari1222 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 08:59:04 -0700 To all those who are interested in the location of rattlesnake springs: It is in NM, 20 miles or so south of Carlsbad. Keep going south of Whites city for about five miles and take the turnoff marked for Rattlesnake Springs. County is Eddy co. Sorry that was not included in my post, I meant to include it. Good birding, Krista Sorra, ABQ. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ Subject: Tufted Flycatcher photos From: Jerry Oldenettel <Borealowl AT AOL.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 11:57:08 EDT I have posted additional photos of the Herb Martyr Tufted Flycatcher on my photo site at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jroldenettel/ Jerry R. Oldenettel Socorro, NM ************** Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) Subject: AZFo - Photo Documentation Needed From: Michael C Moore <michael.moore AT ASU.EDU> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 06:31:52 -0700 Field Ornithologists, The AZFO is lacking photo documentation of the following rarities (review or sketch details species) reported on the recent Tucson RBA: Swallow-tailed Kite Berylline Hummingbird White-eared Hummingbird Ovenbird Yellow Grosbeak We are also interested in additional pictures of the Tufted Flycatcher. If you have pictures of these birds that confirm the identification, we would love to have them. If you have pictures of a rarity and are wondering if it is documented on the site, you can check here: http://www.azfo.org/gallery/photos_tax.html If you want to submit photos, follow the guidelines here: http://www.azfo.org/gallery/PhotoContribution.html Thanks to those who have documented the Tufted Flycatcher, Golden-crowned Sparrow and Semipalmated Sandpiper. Mike Moore AZFO Photo co-Editor Gilbert, AZ Subject: Five-striped Sparrow, Montezuma Quail and Buff-collared Nightjar - Oro Blanco Mine From: Gavin Bieber <kingbird77 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 06:11:30 +0000 Arrived at California Gulch shortly after 5 and quickly located a pair of calling Five-stripes just a few hundred feet downstream from the first crossing in Cal Gulch. Some aimless wandering on the road back up to Ruby Road produced 3 Montezuma Quail between 6 and 7pm. The Buff-collared Nightjar began calling at 7:40 but quickly moved well to the south. Also calling there was a single Elf Owl and we located a Hooded Skunk prowling around the mine site. Jeez, what a day!! Thanks to my participants Paul and Carolee Prappas for their tireless enthusiasm and great company. Gavin Bieber Kingbird77 AT hotmail.com Tucson, AZ Senior Leader www.wingsbirds.com _________________________________________________________________ Make Windows Vista more reliable and secure with Windows Vista Service Pack 1. http://www.windowsvista.com/SP1?WT.mc_id=hotmailvistasp1banner Subject: Thick-billed and Tropical Kingbirds - Santa Gertrudis Lane (Tumacacori) From: Gavin Bieber <kingbird77 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 06:07:10 +0000 As in the last few years both kingbird species are present along the lane on the W. side of the Santa Cruz (note - the road is private, to bird the area park outside the gate and walk in). A pair of Thick-billed Kingbirds was in full display and several Tropicals were calling. Also present were several Pacific-slope Flycatchers, and good numbers of migrants. IN the flooded fields south of Tumacacori on the frontage road were several hundred White-faced Ibis and dozens of Whistling-ducks. The Rio Rico ponds held Great and Snowy Egrets. Gavin Bieber Kingbird77 AT hotmail.com Tucson, AZ Senior Leader www.wingsbirds.com _________________________________________________________________ Make Windows Vista more reliable and secure with Windows Vista Service Pack 1. http://www.windowsvista.com/SP1?WT.mc_id=hotmailvistasp1banner Subject: Flame-colored Tanager, White-eared Hummingbird, Northern Pygmy Owl - Madera Canyon From: Gavin Bieber <kingbird77 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 06:03:23 +0000 The Flame was singing well, between the Kubo and just above the big rock this morning. A Pygmy Owl was calling and eventually very well seen just downstream from the Kubo and an immature male White-eared Hummingbird was present at the Kubo feeders. Gavin Bieber Kingbird77 AT hotmail.com Tucson, AZ Senior Leader www.wingsbirds.com _________________________________________________________________ Make Windows Vista more reliable and secure with Windows Vista Service Pack 1. http://www.windowsvista.com/SP1?WT.mc_id=hotmailvistasp1banner Subject: Black-capped Gnatcatcher and Gray Vireo - Montosa Canyon From: Gavin Bieber <kingbird77 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 06:01:14 +0000 Hello Birders, A fantastic day in SE AZ today, I'm submitting the location in separate messages to keep things simpler. Subject line birds were found a short distance up from the main wash crossing early this morning. Good numbers of migrants around as well. The Vireo was singing and acting as if on territory. Gavin Bieber Kingbird77 AT hotmail.com Tucson, AZ Senior Leader www.wingsbirds.com _________________________________________________________________ Stay in touch when you're away with Windows Live Messenger. http://www.windowslive.com/messenger/overview.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refresh_messenger_052008 Subject: Tucson RBA 9 May 2008 From: John Yerger <john AT ADVENTUREBIRDING.COM> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 22:56:54 -0700 Hello Birders, This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona was made on May 9, 2008. The next update will be made on May 16. Phone your reports to 520-798-1005 X 1. Email your reports to rarebirdalert AT tucsonaudubon.org In this report, where directions are not given, they can be found in the 2007 edition of "Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona", published by and available from Tucson Audubon. Updates to the 6th edition, including new sites and access changes can be found at: www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/updates.htm Several important announcements follow the sightings, including information on temporary closures and rules for access to other important birding areas. 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. Please send documentation to the Arizona Bird Committee via the online form at http://www.azfo.org/ArizonaBirdCommittee/abc_documentatio.html, via email to ghrosenberg AT comcast.net or the ABC, P.O. Box 91856, Tucson, AZ 85720-1856. SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT: *SWALLOW-TAILED KITE #SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER *BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD #WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD Calliope Hummingbird *TUFTED FLYCATCHER Townsend's Solitaire *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER #OVENBIRD American Redstart #GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW Clay-colored Sparrow Rose-breasted Grosbeak *YELLOW GROSBEAK CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS The big story in Arizona this week is the discovery of what will almost certainly be accepted as the 4th U.S. record of *TUFTED FLYCATCHER, near Herb Martyr Campground in Cave Creek Canyon. Since its discovery by Daniele Mitchell on 5/5, photographs and audio recordings have been obtained (he did not have a camera at the time). The bird was seen at least through 5/8. For a highly detailed description of where the bird was seen, please refer to the end of this report, just prior to the "Announcements." PLEASE obey speed limits in and around Portal, and be mindful of residents and other non-birding recreators (as usual!) Also from Herb Martyr, a secondhand report of an #OVENBIRD was received on 5/7 (Bill Stocku, fide Jackie Lewis). At Cave Creek Ranch on 5/5, male and female ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS were seen, as were a singing adult and immature #GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (Tony Godfrey). On 5/7, two male ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS were seen as well as the adult #GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (Mark Stevenson). TUCSON A flyover *SWALLOW-TAILED KITE was reported from Sweetwater Wetlands on 5/5 (Jerry Bock). There is only one accepted record of this species in AZ, from Dudleyville (April 2-3, 1980). This overshadowed a less rare transient there, an AMERICAN REDSTART. Unusual for the middle of Tucson was a NEOTROPIC CORMORANT at Lakeside Park on 5/3 (John Higgins). DOUGLAS area A female *YELLOW GROSBEAK was found at Slaughter Ranch on Geronimo Trail, 15 miles east of Douglas on 5/5 (Richard Webster, Rose Ann Rowlett). This bird has not been seen since, despite intensive searching on 5/7. The bird was seen around the main pond ("House Pond") in the north to northeast sector of the Ranch. HUACHUCA MOUNTAINS A female *BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD was reported from Ramsey Canyon B & B on 5/6 (Henry Detwiler). A male #WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD was seen at the Controlled Access Site (CAS) of Beatty's Guest Ranch in Miller Canyon on 5/6 (Tom Beatty). Several CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRDS (more rare in spring than fall) continued to be seen throughout the week (var obs) at the same location. #LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRDS continue to be seen this week at Ash Canyon B & B (var obs). Multiple birds breed in the area each year, and come to the feeders from March-September. Elsewhere in Arizona, this species is quite scarce. A bright male ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK showed up at the Ash Canyon B & B feeders on 5/4 (Peter Dedicoat), and both a male and a female were later observed (Mary Jo Ballator). SANTA RITA MOUNTAINS The *FLAME-COLORED TANAGER continues at Madera Kubo this week, often seen from the treetops near the road (var obs). As a reminder, PLEASE DO NOT PARK in front of Madera Kubo. It is mandatory that any birder wishing to observe this beautiful bird park at the Ampitheater lot just down the road, and walk the short distance up the road to Madera Kubo. On 5/6, two #WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRDS (one male, one female) were seen coming to the feeders at Santa Rita Lodge (Bev Postmus). They continued at least through 5/7. A late-ish TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was found at Proctor Rd on 5/4 (Henry Detwiler). WILLCOX An unusual number of #SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS (at least 4, up to 7) were found at Willcox Twin Lakes on 5/5 (Chris Benesh, Dave Stejskal). Also present with the usual Least and Western Sandpipers was a single BAIRD'S SANDPIPER. This main lake has also been hosting a few RED-NECKED PHALAROPES this week (var obs) amongst the hundreds of Wilson's Phalaropes feeding there daily. On 5/8, a MARBLED GODWIT was seen (Laurens Halsey). BENSON A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was discovered on 5/2 in the weeds at the NW corner of the south pond at the Benson sewage ponds (Gavin Bieber. I was seen at least through 5/3 (Jake Mohlmann, John Yerger). TUMACACORI Two CRESTED CARACARAS were seen on 5/2 in the flooded fields east of I-19 near the Palo Parado exit (Sue Carnahan). This is the same area (south of Tumacacori, accessed from the frontage road) where they were reported in March, and is a bit east of the range where they are normally found in Arizona (and north of where their range ends in Sonora). PATAGONIA A male AMERICAN REDSTART was found at the Patagonia Roadside Rest Area on 5/2, about 100 feet south of the picnic table (Mr. & Mrs. Tom Arny). An interesting sighting on 5/2 was a pair of WESTERN GREBES exhibiting courtship behavior at Patagonia Lake (Darlene Smyth). SEASONAL NOTES Many regular but highly localized Arizona specialties are being found in their usual locations, such as: ELEGANT TROGON TROPICAL KINGBIRD THICK-BILLED KINGBIRD FIVE-STRIPED SPARROW TUFTED FLYCATCHER EXTRA DETAILS (courtesy Richard Webster) At Herb Martyr, there are two streams below the parking areas that come together below the lower parking area. The closer stream is barely flowing, comes from the direction of Ash Spring, and is crossed by the trail as it leaves the lower parking area. The other stream ("Middle Fork") is flowing more strongly, and the main trail goes up it to Little Dam and beyond. The bird has been seen at the confluence of the two streams (but relatively infrequently), where the main trail first crosses the Ash Spring drainage immediately below the parking area (often, in the sycamores), up the Ash Spring drainage about 100m (occasionally), and along the Middle Fork stream (often, especially at the signed trail junction where the Ash Spring trail takes off from the main trail). Once it went up Middle Fork past Little Dam to the metal "stile" (zig-zag type, not climb over) near the Basin Trail junction. Most observations were within 100 meters of the confluence on either stream. ANNOUNCEMENTS 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. 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. I-10 is under construction in Tucson between 29th Street and Prince Road. See http://www.i10tucsondistrict.com/29toP.html for details. AVRA VALLEY WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT: The facility is now closed to birders due to the ongoing construction. Updates will be added as they become available. BAIRD'S SPARROW HILL AND THE VACA RANCH CORRAL in the San Rafael Valley continues to be off limits to birders due to the thoughtless actions of a few birders. Do not bird within .25 mile of the corrals or enter the property. NOGALES SEWAGE PONDS: Remain closed to birders. Construction also seems to be ongoing at the Corona de Tucson Ponds, which remain closed to birders due to construction. Good birding, John Yerger Tucson, AZ Subject: AZFO - New photos of Semipalmated Sandpiper From: Michael C Moore <michael.moore AT ASU.EDU> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 20:55:20 -0700 Field Ornithologists, Dave Stejskal contributed photos of a Semipalmated Sandpiper seen at Willcox on 30 April 2008. Photos posted at: http://www.azfo.org click on "Photo Highlights" Thanks to Dave for his contribution. Arizona Field Ornithologists welcomes Arizona rarity photo contributions from all photographers throughout the state. If you enjoy the photo web site, please consider joining AZFO and supporting our other activities. Details on the web site. Mike Moore AZFO Photo co-editor Gilbert, AZ Subject: Rattlesnake Springs From: Krista <kmari1222 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 19:06:06 -0700 May 7, 08 Saw the WORM-EATING WARBLER along the stream directly across from the restrooms.  Caught a glimpse of a WHITE EYED VIREO by the ditch across from the restrooms, didn't give me a chance to really look or photo.  Also in the same area a male PAINTED BUNTING. May 8, 08   More painted buntings, saw the warbler again, and a male VARIED BUNTING on the fence along the ditch.  Possibly heard the KENTUCKY WARBLER.   Other birds: 2 N. Waterthrush 1 male rose-breasted grosbeak bells vireos townsends warblers Indigo and lazuli buntings orchard, hooded and scotts orioles Krista Sorra   ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ Subject: South Tucson Migrants-Bullock's Orioles From: Daniel Ginter <dginternmsu AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 18:41:32 -0600 Migrants detected moving through the area this week (May 5th-8th) (noted during AM Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy Owl surveys) near Ajo Highway and Valencia Road (1/4 mile South of Ryan Air Field, Tucson Arizona). The vegetation is degraded (overgrazed) semi-desert grassland composed mainly of PRVE , Opuntia species and some native grasses along the washes. - Most notable were -Multiple Bullock’s Orioles 20 + (male and female) feeding on insects in the PRVE. -Wilson’s Warblers (4)-Virginia’s Warbler (1)-Townsend Warbler (1) -Brewer’s Sparrows (Multiple groups) -Western Tanager (2) (Male) Dan Ginter Daniel Ginter 1035 North Hoff #1 Tucson, AZ 85705 520-419-1516 _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live SkyDrive lets you share files with faraway friends. http://www.windowslive.com/skydrive/overview.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refresh_skydrive_052008