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27 Dec AZ: Florida Work Center, Santa Cruz Flats: RCWA and KEWA [Michael C Moore ] 27 Dec Re: AZ: More Scottsdale Geese [Troy Corman ] 27 Dec Oregon Juncos in Tempe [Ernie Nickels ] 27 Dec Re: Chandler Reddish Egret still present [Pierre Deviche ] 27 Dec AZ: More Scottsdale Geese [Magill Weber ] 27 Dec Chandler Reddish Egret still present [Jon Mann ] 27 Dec AZ: Rufous-capped Warblers - there are three; and a Kentucky Warbler [Laurens Halsey ] 27 Dec AZ: Chandler REDDISH EGRET [Dale Clark ] 27 Dec Brown Pelican at Lakeside Park Tucson [Tom Ryan ] 27 Dec Tucson: Sweetwater and Santa Cruz River today [Mark Stevenson ] 27 Dec FW:AZ: Florida Canyon KENTUCKY Warbler [Mark Stevenson ] 27 Dec Important Rufous-capped Warbler update [Mark Stevenson ] 27 Dec Tucson Sam Lena Common Merganser [Mark Stevenson ] 27 Dec Fwd: Santa Cruz Flats Highlights [Rich Hoyer ] 27 Dec Roufous-winged Sparrows Tucson [Nelson Briefer ] 27 Dec New Bird Photos Roper Lake [Robert Shantz ] 27 Dec AZFO = New Photos of Pacific Loon [Michael C Moore ] 26 Dec Tres Rios CBC Area 3 [Tom Hildebrandt ] 26 Dec AZ, Scottsdale, Zone-tailed Hawk [Linda Long ] 26 Dec Phoenix-Tres Rios CBC - Area 6 highlights [Troy Corman ] 26 Dec Pacific Loon. Tucson ["Clait E. Braun" ] 26 Dec SE AZ: Sweetwater Swamp Sparrow [Michael Wienholt ] 26 Dec Ovenbird in Albuquerque, NM [Celestyn M Brozek ] 26 Dec Re: McCormick Ranch (AZ) Pacific Loon [Richard Ditch ] 26 Dec New AZFO Online Journal Article [Pierre Deviche ] 26 Dec SE AZ: Whitewater Wetlands Walk 12/26 - addendum [Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory ] 26 Dec Tucson RBA 26 December 2008 [John Yerger ] 26 Dec AZ:12/26/08:Tucson Pacific Loon-Yes ["Clifford A. Cathers" ] 26 Dec SE AZ: Whitewater Wetlands Walk 12/26 [Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory ] 26 Dec AZ, Chandler, Eurasian Collared-Doves [Linda Long ] 26 Dec McCormick Ranch (AZ) Pacific Loon [Pete Moulton ] 26 Dec AZFO - New photos of Orchard Oriole [Michael C Moore ] 26 Dec SE AZ: Florida Canyon Christmas Day [Michael Wienholt ] 26 Dec Summary of Patagonia, AZ Christmas Bird Count [Tom Arny ] 25 Dec SEAZ: Benson Sparrow Search [Homer Hansen ] 25 Dec Too late now - Blue Grosbeak [Al Trompler ] 25 Dec Phoenix-Tres Rios CBC - Some Highlights [Troy Corman ] 25 Dec Canvasbacks [Lise Anders ] 25 Dec Re: AZ: Scottsdale Christmas Waterfowl [C kirscher ] 25 Dec AZ: Correction Scottsdale Waterfowl [Magill Weber ] 25 Dec AZ: Scottsdale Christmas Waterfowl [Magill Weber ] 25 Dec Tucson Pacific Loon continues [Mark Stevenson ] 25 Dec Christmas morning stroll in McCormick Park [John Yerger ] 25 Dec NM RBA for 12/25/08 [] 24 Dec SE AZ: Another Jacana "NO"; White-Tailed Kite [Michael Wienholt ] 24 Dec Possible Field Sparrow in Benson [Rich Hoyer ] 24 Dec Casa Grande Jacana - No [Phil ] 24 Dec Re: Peregrine Falcon - Tucson [John Saba ] 24 Dec Peregrine Falcon - Tucson [Nelson Briefer ] 24 Dec Lakeside Park Loon and Merg---yes & yes [Richard Messenger ] 24 Dec Woo-hoo! Another Cassin's Kingbird! [Mark Stevenson ] 24 Dec AZ: Tucson BLACKBURNIAN [Ken Kertell ] Subject: AZ: Florida Work Center, Santa Cruz Flats: RCWA and KEWA From: Michael C Moore <michael.moore AT ASU.EDU> Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2008 17:40:39 -0700 Greetings, Other posts have already covered our most significant sightings of the day: 3 Rufous-capped Warblers and the adult male Kentucky Warbler (pictures posted later tonight). Both remarkable in the 1 inch or so of snow on the ground. Further details on the Kentucky: As described in Mark's post, the location is the hill about half way between the two signs where the trail looks down over the stream. We were looking down from the hill to the stream bed at a couple of kinglets when another bird joined them - the Kentucky. We watched for about 20 minutes. It flew down the stream and back and forth across the stream several times. It seemed to be loosely associating with the kinglets. Fortunately, after flying down the stream it came back up and afforded a few brief Kodak moments. My impression was the bird was using about 50 m of stream. It is easy to see from the trail looking down into the stream bed. No need to trespass! As Laurens described, we had the Rufous-capped Warblers from just below the dam to about 200 upstream just past where the stream makes a big turn to the left. They were intermittently vocal. We only saw the three together the one time. I want to re-emphasize Laurens point that it is moderately easy to walk up the stream from the second sign all the way to the furthest point where we saw the warblers. Slow and steady will get you there. No wading required but water proof hiking boots would ensure your feet stay warm and dry. Also seen of interest: female INDIGO BUNTING (near the second sign) Black-chinned Sparrow 2 Hammond's Flycatchers 1 Gray Flycatcher We visited Santa Cruz flats on the way home. Of interest: About 20 Mountain Plovers at the Tweedy-Pretzer sod farms. On the far back side through the heat waves. Ferruginous Hawk Merlin A great day! Mike Moore Gilbert, AZSubject: Re: AZ: More Scottsdale Geese From: Troy Corman <aplomado AT COX.NET> Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2008 17:37:30 -0700 To add to Magill's post, I stopped by McCormick Ranch around 3:30 PM near the Chart House and noted a total of 24 white geese. There were 16 SNOW GEESE present along with 8 ROSS'S GEESE. Many of the Snow and Ross's were in juv. plumage, so this may not have been the same flock of Snow Geese that Magill noted. As is typical, between 4:00 - 4:30 PM. the Canada Geese (several hundreds) began departing to head to forage in the alfalfa fields just west of SR 101 near Scottsdale Community College. Most of the white geese left with them. Also present was the continuing PACIFIC LOON and male WOOD DUCK, among numerous Am. Wigeons and Am. Coots, 30+ Common Mergansers and smaller numbers of many other aquatic bird species. Watching over all these feathered morsels was a perched Peregrine Falcon. Troy Corman Phoenix, AZ www.azfo.org ----- Original Message ----- From: "Magill Weber"Subject: Oregon Juncos in Tempe From: Ernie Nickels <nickelseldesigns AT QWESTOFFICE.NET> Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2008 17:30:19 -0700 On Friday (12/26) a small group of Oregon Juncos flew up into a bare Pecan tree
along the short alley that connects to Mill Avenue from the residential
neighborhood west of College & north of Broadway (south of the RR tracks).
Hundreds(?) of Starlings were swarming on the ASU campus around the Education
building. The middle one of the 3 concrete structures of the west dam of Tempe
Town Lake was solid black with perched Cormorants, as seen from binoculars on
Hayden Butte.
Thursday morning (12/25) there must have been thousands(?) of Starlings that
were first heard north of my home (Broadway east of College) & then they all
noisily flew to the south side of Broadway. Must be the same huge crowds I've
been seeing lately from Birchett Park (at the Mill Ave/Apache Blvd curve) to
Tempe High School's athletic field. For such common, klutzy birds they still
make beautiful noise together! A Raven was also seen from my house that day,
pretty common lately.
Meanwhile, the Orange-crowned Warbler is mostly heard, sometimes seen, every
day in trees or bushes in my back yard.
Jeanette Nickels
Tempe AZ
Subject: Re: Chandler Reddish Egret still presentFrom: Pierre Deviche <Pierre.Deviche AT ASU.EDU> Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2008 16:29:11 -0700 Hi Birders:
A FERRUGINOUS HAWK was there too at 4 PM. It's probably not often that one has
a Reddish Egret and this hawk almost in the same binocular view!
G.B.
Pierre Deviche, Phoenix, AZ.
-----Original Message-----
From: NBHC AZ/NM Birds on behalf of Jon Mann
Sent: Sat 12/27/2008 3:56 PM
To: BIRDWG05 AT LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU
Subject: [BIRDWG05] Chandler Reddish Egret still present
The Chandler Reddish Egret was still present as of 3:45. It was flushed by a
bicyclist, and perched atop the new Santa Barbara style building on Queen
Creek. It was only visible from the pond side of the building.
Great find!
Jon Mann
Chandler, AZ
Subject: AZ: More Scottsdale GeeseFrom: Magill Weber <magill_weber AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2008 16:25:49 -0700 I stopped at a bunch of local lakes in Scottsdale today, hoping to relocate and photograph the Cackling-type Goose I reported on Thrusday. To no avail, but I did have 16 SNOW GEESE (only one in juv. plumage) at McCormick Ranch's Playa Lake. Large numbers of moffitti Canadas were on many of the ponds along Indian Bend Wash, but unfortunately no Cackling or Lesser-types. Also had a Peregrine Falcon at Hayden and Indian School, as well as 2 different families of Harris' Hawk along the circut today. Magill Weber, Phoenix, AZ _________________________________________________________________ Send e-mail anywhere. No map, no compass. http://windowslive.com/oneline/hotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_hotmail_acq_anywhere_122008Subject: Chandler Reddish Egret still present From: Jon Mann <dback_jon AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2008 14:56:16 -0800 The Chandler Reddish Egret was still present as of 3:45. It was flushed by a
bicyclist, and perched atop the new Santa Barbara style building on Queen
Creek. It was only visible from the pond side of the building.
Great find!
Jon Mann
Chandler, AZ
Subject: AZ: Rufous-capped Warblers - there are three; and a Kentucky WarblerFrom: Laurens Halsey <desert-harrier AT COX.NET> Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2008 15:09:09 -0700 The Rufous-capped Warblers were seen this morning (Saturday 12/27/08) before 09:50am by others between the small dam and the lone sycamore. At around 10:20, I had two individuals on either side of the stream bed further upstream (were the drainage takes a left turn). Around 10:30, along with Mike Moore, his brother Jim, and a couple from California, THREE Rufous-capped Warblers were seen together (same binocular view) just above the large boulders in the stream bed. After chattering about together for a few seconds, all three flew roughly downstream. I waited about forty minutes in this area before I heard them again. And on my way down, I ended up following at least two Rufous-capped Warblers down to the sycamore, where one of them stayed in the open long enough for a few photos (documentation quality). Mike Moore and others, proceeded me down the canyon and found an adult male KENTUCKY WARBLER in the streambed along the designated trail prior to reaching the parking lot. I quickly searched but did not re-find it 30-40 minutes later. I'll leave it to Mike to tell us more. PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING IF PLANNING TO SEARCH FOR THESE BIRDS: I am not affiliated with the Forest Service or the University. As we should know, the Rufous-capped Warblers are on Forest Service property near the U of A run Santa Rita Work Center. The work center property is under the authority of a Special Use Permit from the Forest Service to the University and is not for general public use. The caretakers of the Work Center discussed with me some issues that they had observed in the past few days and asked that I post these requests: Follow the designated forest service trail (the Florida Canyon Trail) from the parking area to the second trail sign. At the second sign, get into the streambed and proceed upstream, STAYING in the stream bed, up to and past the dam. Do not use the access trail leading to or from the Work Center (the cluster of buildings, including the water tank), whether marked or not (stay in the streambed). Do not walk up (or drive) the road past the gated/cattle guard entrance to the Work Station. When parking, do not block this entrance. Do not cross the broken fence line along the trail into the streambed prior to reaching the second sign. Please respect these requests. I personally do not see the need to get much out of the streambed. The Rufous-capped Warblers appeared to be rather skittish, meaning that no one will get to see them if someone is going through bushes or other vegetation making a bunch of noise.Subject: AZ: Chandler REDDISH EGRET From: Dale Clark <daleclark1 AT COX.NET> Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2008 14:47:44 -0700 Birders, This afternoon (Dec. 27), there was a REDDISH EGRET (juvenile) at the pond on the SE corner of Price and Queen Creek roads in Chandler. The bird was just a few yards from the intersection. It was feeding on Tilapia stunned by the cold weather, and it was there when I left at about 2:30 p.m. There are many GREAT EGRETS and GREAT BLUE HERONS also in the area. Regards, Dale daleclark1 AT cox.netSubject: Brown Pelican at Lakeside Park Tucson From: Tom Ryan <tgryan AT COX.NET> Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2008 14:07:10 -0700 I watched and photographed a brown pelican at Lakeside park today, from 11:00 to 1:30. The bird was very active as it flew about the lake and dove for fish. It was great to see this big bird in action. The highlight of the day was watching an Osprey neatly snatching a fish from the lake surface. There are now two loons at the lake and the common merganser was still present. I'll upload some photos as soon as they are processed...tom All the birds were still there when I left at 1:30Subject: Tucson: Sweetwater and Santa Cruz River today From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2008 14:21:25 -0700 Hi Birders, Figuring that once the temp went up, it would rise some more we headed out to Sweetwater when the temp at home rose to 1 degree (Celsius). In the 2 1/2 hours we were there, it barely warmed up at all. There was a lot of Yellow-rumped Warbler activity and we saw a female BT Gray Warbler at the Hidden Pond. I saw one and possibly two SUMMER TANAGERS. One was way down at the NW corner and the other was seen both north of the Keyhole Pond and just NE of the Gazebo Pond. That second one had a very red face and a less red body compared to the one at the NW end. After a warm cup of coffee, we went down to the Santa Cruz River. The CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER was quite chippy upstream nearly to the two tents occupied by vagrants on the other side of the river. We ran into Thomas Staudt who had "just" seen the BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER a while before. He went to notify other birders who he had spoken to, but they had departed. We walked downstream as far as Sunset Road w/o refinding the Blackburnian but then saw it on the way back upstream, about mid-way between the original location (where a red flagger's flag is stuck in the ground) and where the rope swing overhangs the river. We didn't see a Nashville. It seems like the Blackburnian may keep loose company with a House Wren and other birds. Either that or House Wrens are common enough to be everywhere the warbler is. Good birding, Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZSubject: FW:AZ: Florida Canyon KENTUCKY Warbler From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2008 14:14:04 -0700 From the Tucson Audubon Society's RBA voice mail at 520-798-1005 X 1 Mike Moore reports finding an adult male KENTUCKY WARBLER this morning at Florida Canyon. As you walk up the Florida Canyon Trail you climb a small hill early on. Just past the crest of the hill the warbler was down by the creek (seen from the trail). In this location you should stay on the Forest Service trail and not go down to the streambed. The bar graphs in "Finding Birds in SE AZ" show no winter occurrences of Kentucky Warbler. Photos were obtained today. Thanks to Mike for the report. Good birding, Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZSubject: Important Rufous-capped Warbler update From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2008 14:10:56 -0700 From the Tucson Audubon Society's RBA voice mail at 520-798-1005 X 1 Mike Moore reports that there are restrictions on access to the RCWA location in Florida Canyon. As originally described, it is necessary to hike the trail to the 2nd sign, then walk up the streambed. Do not walk up canyon out of the streambed. According to Mike's message, if birders don't follow this instruction, the area will be closed to all birder access. Perhaps he will expand on that after he returns home. Meanwhile, up the canyon, he reports finding THREE RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLERS. Thanks to Mike for the update. Happy Birding Trails, Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZSubject: Tucson Sam Lena Common Merganser From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2008 14:07:00 -0700 From the Tucson Audubon Society's RBA voice mail at 520-798-1005 X 1 John Higgins reports a male COMMON MERGANSER at Sam Lena Park, Tucson today. thanks to John for the report. Mark Stevenson TucsonSubject: Fwd: Santa Cruz Flats Highlights From: Rich Hoyer <calliope AT THERIVER.COM> Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2008 08:37:18 -0800 Hi All, Below is a message I am forwarding for my friend Craig Tumer of Portland, OR. Good Birding, Rich --- Rich Hoyer Tucson, Arizona Senior Leader for WINGS http://wingsbirds.com --- Begin forwarded message: > From: "Craig Tumer"Subject: Roufous-winged Sparrows Tucson From: Nelson Briefer <Ebriefer AT AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2008 08:45:26 EST I have found Rufous-winged Sparrows in 3 locations on South Kolb Road- south of Rt 10. 1 location is in the scrub field just north of Trails West development on South Kolb Road. The scrub field is within the frontage road and South Kolb Road and Trails West. Nelson Briefer _ebriefer AT aol.com_ (mailto:ebriefer AT aol.com) Tucson and Anacortes, WA **************One site keeps you connected to all your email: AOL Mail, Gmail, and Yahoo Mail. Try it now. (http://www.aol.com/?optin=new-dp&icid=aolcom40vanity&ncid=emlcntaolcom00000025)Subject: New Bird Photos Roper Lake From: Robert Shantz <rbt AT RSHANTZ.COM> Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2008 06:02:33 -0700 I've added another short set of photos -- a Great Egret and a Black-crowned Night-Heron at Roper Lake State Park near Safford on Christmas day. The heron got his fish -- see the 3rd and 4th photos in the first row. There were a large number of Common Mergansers on the lake, and several flocks of Yellow-headed Blackbirds. Other than the coots, there weren't too may other ducks. It was raining off-and-on, so I didn't stay long. I've been having problems with a virus on my website -- not destructive, just offering to sell you an anti-virus program that only removes itself. And if you have a website, it will try to install itself on yours. It only comes up on a Google search, and perhaps other search engines. Going directly to my site from favorites, direct links like the one below, or typing the address in doesn't bring it up. The problem is supposed to be solved. If you should encounter it, or any other problems, please let me know. Hope you are enjoying the holidays. Robert Shantz http://www.rshantz.com/RecentPhotos.htmSubject: AZFO = New Photos of Pacific Loon From: Michael C Moore <michael.moore AT ASU.EDU> Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2008 05:05:34 -0700 Field Ornithologists, Pierre Deviche contributed photos of the Scottsdale Pacific Loon. Thanks Pierre! Thanks to all who use the online form below to submit photos. It 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 Editor Gilbert, AZSubject: Tres Rios CBC Area 3 From: Tom Hildebrandt <thildebrandt AT COX.NET> Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 21:36:55 -0700 Joining in with the others reporting on this wonderful count earlier in the
week, I had the pleasure of leading a group including my wife Kristan, Craig
Fischer, Richard Filley, and Marc Drogiewicz in the area just downstream
from the Salt/Gila confluence.
Perhaps our highlight was seeing a lone white pelican soaring in a kettle
high overhead with a group of 3 Black Vultures. It's always a pleasure to
see these representative of the northernmost population of Black Vultures in
western North America! I personally know this population has been here
since the late 1980's and I encourage discussion on this list of their
history prior to that date! The pelican was a delightful contrast to the
vultures in flight. We saw these vultures several times during the day with
our high count at one time being eleven.
As is common in winter along this reach, Least Bitterns were heard in
several locations, their Kak, kak, kak, kak, kak not to be confused with the
summertime kek, kek, kek,.....'ing of clapper rail. Although we heard Sora
in several locations ("whinny" call mostly along with a single "keep"), we
were unable to get a Virginia Rail this year.
Osprey (and other raptors) were in shorter supply than usual along this
stretch of the river, but most of the fish-eating birds reliably found along
this nutrient-enriched effluent stream were found in good numbers.
Neotropic and Double-crested cormorants were in about equal numbers, about
70ish of each in our count. Great & Snowy Egret were especially numerous,
along with Great Blue Herons. B.C. Night Herons and Green Herons were less
numerous.
In the desert habitat portion of our area we were able to find our canyon
wren and gilded flicker in their reliable locations, sometimes the only area
on this count to get these! A dozen white-throated swifts seen overhead as
we watched a sharp-shinned hawk soaring were a treat we wouldn't have
experienced without the hawk to attract our attention!
This is a great count in an ecologically important area. It's basically the
same area as feted in the annual Tres Rios Nature Festival and an important
opportunity for watchable wildlife recreation for the residents of the SW
portion of the Phoenix metro area. Truly something to be celebrated!
Good Birding All, and a Happy New Year! (birding, of course)
Tom in Tempe
Subject: AZ, Scottsdale, Zone-tailed HawkFrom: Linda Long <luvabird AT NETZERO.NET> Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 18:48:24 -0700 While Krys Hammers an I were looking for the Pacific Loon, we spotted a Zone-tailed Hawk circling over the pond. What a beautiful sight. We eventually found the loon sleeping out in the south middle end of the Chart House pond. Linda Long Chandler, AZSubject: Phoenix-Tres Rios CBC - Area 6 highlights From: Troy Corman <aplomado AT COX.NET> Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 18:30:32 -0700 Forwarded for Larry Langstaff ----- Original Message ----- From: Larry or Kay Langstaff To: LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU Cc: John Jung Sent: Friday, December 26, 2008 10:57 AM Subject: Phoenix-Tres Rios CBC Area 6 highlights Sam Steadman, John Jung, and I worked westward along the South "bank" of the Gila River just north of the Estrella Mountain Regional Park in the morning of 21 Dec. Sam said he hoped we would hear and ID birds during the day. So the first bird was a Black Phoebe we heard. John spotted two female Hooded Mergansers on a gravel pit pond along the eastern border of our area. We looked at a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher for 10 minutes. We saw ibis and cormorants flying up and down river, and a couple osprey perched in a cottonwood. Using the scope we found an array of ducks: Redheads, Am. Widgeons, N. Shovelers, Ring-neckeds, Lesser Scaup, Green-winged Teal, Mallards, one pair of N. Pintails, and a pair of HOODED MERGANSERS. Flyovers were a male CINNAMON TEAL, and four COMMON MERGANSERS. Another flyover was a male Vermilion Flycatcher. Later we saw another vermilion perched near a Say's Phoebe that showed orangish feathers, contrasting to the bright red seen on the first bird. As we were eating lunch I asked Sam, who had worked the Tres Rios Count before, if there were any target birds in our area for us to watch out for in our afternoon assignment. We mentioned a gray flycatcher that had been reliable in the Sierra Estrella Regional Park in years past. He also asked us to work the trails into the desert to spot some ladder-backs and black-throated sparrows. Right after lunch, slowly driving the park road with he window down, we spotted and heard a flycatcher in the isolated mesquites along the road. I saw a faint vest on the chest and thought olive-sided that I had seen once before in Rackensack Gulch up near Seven Springs. But the bird dropped to the ground to feed several times, confirming along with its other characteristics that it was the GRAY FLYCATCHER Sam told us about! Walking through the park's mesquites and near the eucalyptus, we noticed sapsucker holes, and John spotted a RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER like we'd seen in mesquites along the Salt River during the Salt-Verde CBC from years past. Luckily, as I walked under a mesquite, I heard, then saw our only Anna's Hummingbird of the day. We found a trail into the desert south of the equestrian area of the park that reminded us of South Mountain Park habitat. We found a flock of Black-throated Sparrows and a Ladder-back Woodpecker. The woodpecker was feeding in cholla almost exclusively, a plant I had never seen ladder-backs in before. We were surprised to see a rock wren hopping around in an area without big boulders. As we headed to the compilation dinner, the rain started. Great day on a new count for John and I and a great day for Sam too! Larry LangstaffSubject: Pacific Loon. Tucson From: "Clait E. Braun" <sg-wtp AT JUNO.COM> Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:46:04 -0700 Those Interested:
Don Radovich and I checked out the Pacific Loon at Lakeside Park
Lagoon this afternoon at 3:00 PM. It was calmly diving and swimming at
that time. Duration of dives was fairly short (~2 min) so the fishing may
be easy. This bird may stay for awhile as it has little competition.
Best Wishes for the New Year
Clait
Clait E. Braun, Editor
The Wilson Journal of Ornithology
Grouse Inc.
Subject: SE AZ: Sweetwater Swamp SparrowFrom: Michael Wienholt <bartholt AT Q.COM> Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:35:37 -0700 Jerry Pilny and I checked Sweetwater today and were rewarded with a Swamp Sparrow in the Hidden Pond, as previously reported on the RBA by Molly on the 5th. Michael Wienholt Catalina, AZSubject: Ovenbird in Albuquerque, NM From: Celestyn M Brozek <cbrozek AT UNM.EDU> Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:30:09 -0700 Today, 26 Dec, Geni reported an Ovenbird in her front yard, 600 Valencia NE, Albuquerque. Her house is on the corner of Valencia and Nambe (close to Copper/San Mateo intersection). Her phone is 255-2484. You can call her to check about the bird at 255-2484 or just drive up and look under the bushes in the front of the house.Subject: Re: McCormick Ranch (AZ) Pacific Loon From: Richard Ditch <richditch AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 15:24:07 -0700 It was still present at 1:00 PM, where it spent all the time above water and was easy to view. Definitely a scope bird. Rich Ditch Phoenix web: www.richditch.com On Dec 26, 2008, at 9:23 AM, Pete Moulton wrote: > Birders, > > > > the Pacific Loon reported at the McCormick Ranch lake yesterday by > Claudia Kirscher was still present early this morning. A little > patience is required, as it's diving steadily, and a scope will help > for diagnostic views because it stays well away from shore. > > > > Cheers, > > Pete Moulton > > QUESTION AUTHORITY (short form of the Scientific Method)Subject: New AZFO Online Journal Article From: Pierre Deviche <Pierre.Deviche AT ASU.EDU> Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 15:11:51 -0700 Hi Birders: A new AZFO online journal article entitled "Evaluation of recent Golden-Plover images taken in Arizona and notes on identification" by Andrew Core and Mike Moore is available for you to read at http://www.azfo.org/gallery/challenges/Golden-Plover/American_Golden-Plover.html. Thanks to Andrew and Mike for this contribution! You can find the complete list of other AZFO articles at: http://www.azfo.org/journal/articles_index1.html. We welcome new manuscripts related to the identification, status, distribution, ecology, and behavior or Arizona birds. If you are interested in contributing a new manuscript, feel free to contact me or a member of the AZFO Journal Editorial Committee (http://www.azfo.org/journal/contributors.html). G.B. Pierre Deviche, AZFO Journal Editor Phoenix, AZ.Subject: SE AZ: Whitewater Wetlands Walk 12/26 - addendum From: Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory <sabo AT SABO.ORG> Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 14:32:48 -0700 Sorry! I managed to leave off the last bird on the list but one of the best of the morning: LAZULI BUNTING. Good birding, Sheri Williamson Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory Bisbee, Arizona sheri AT sabo.org 520/432-1388 http://www.sabo.orgSubject: Tucson RBA 26 December 2008 From: John Yerger <john AT ADVENTUREBIRDING.COM> Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 14:22:51 -0700 Hello Birders, This update of Tucson Audubon Society's Rare Bird Alert for Southeast Arizona was made on December 26, 2008. The next update will be made on January 2, 2009. 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 new 2007 edition of "Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona", published by and available from Tucson Audubon. Updates to the 6th and 7th editions, 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. Abbreviation "var obs" = various 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. Please send documentation to the Arizona Bird Committee via the online form at http://azfo.org/ArizonaBirdReview/ABCReview.aspx OR via email to ghrosenberg AT comcast.net OR the ABC, P.O. Box 91856, Tucson, AZ 85720-1856. SPECIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT: #GREATER SCAUP #PACIFIC LOON HOODED MERGANSER *NORTHERN JACANA (only negative reports this week) #RED PHALAROPE *SHORT-TAILED HAWK Williamson's Sapsucker (Tucson) #EASTERN PHOEBE *SINALOA WREN (first U.S. record) *BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER *BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER #CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER Clay-colored Sparrow Rose-breasted Grosbeak *ORCHARD ORIOLE PATAGONIA The *SINALOA WREN was seen briefly this week, though it is still primarily a "heard only" bird for most. The bird is most frequently heard on Blue Haven Rd, most often about 0.3 to 0.4 miles west of the Paton's residence, where there is a cut bank in the stream that comes very close to the road. It was heard as recently as 12/22 (Matt Brown). Recently it has mostly been heard giving only the "ratchety" call notes, a sample of which can be heard by accessing the AZFO Sound Library (www.azfo.org). SANTA RITA MOUNTAINS and GREEN VALLEY A pair of *RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLERS were discovered in Florida Canyon upstream of the Florida Work Center on 12/19 (Troy Corman, Ramsey Koury). Note that they like dense vegetation, and precious little of it is available here...so it would be best not to trample it. The birds were seen at least through 12/22. Directions to the Florida Work Center can be found in the popular Southeastern AZ Bird Finding Guides. To reach this location, park in the large parking area at the trail head near the locked entrance to the Work Center. There is a brick colored metal sign pointing to the trail. Continue up the trail which parallels the work center until you reach the next metal sign with similar names trails and saddles. At this point, the all trails head up toward the left, but you want to go right down to the Florida Canyon drainage itself. You are also near the upstream end of the Work Center at this point. From here begin hiking up the main drainage (which is the only one containing running water). Please note there is no trail from this point up to where the warblers were observed. If you continue up the wet drainage you will eventually come to a surprisingly large dam which supplies water to the Work Center. Once on top of the dam, look upstream and you will see a fairly large, lone sycamore within the drainage. The warbler pair were detected about 100 m. or so above this sycamore next to the drainage but within a dense stand of high shrubs. A *BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER was also seen in this drainage, at the point where the second trail sign is posted, on 12/22 (Clifford Cathers). At the Green Valley WWTP, three brown-plumaged #GREATER SCAUP continued on 12/19 (Laurens Halsey). TUCSON The *SHORT-TAILED HAWK was reported from a neighborhood just northwest of Speedway and Wilmot on 12/21 (Chris Harrison). An immature *BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER was found along the Santa Cruz River on the Tucson Valley CBC on 12/21 (Chris McCreedy). The bird was in willows on the east side of the river about 1 mile north of Camino del Cerro, as viewed from the west side of the river (via a pullout along Silverbell Road). It was seen at least through 12/24. Also on 12/24, a #CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER was found in the same area (Jerry Bock). A map of the spot: http://tinyurl.com/994ylk* (courtesy Andrew Core) "If you go to look for this bird, drive north on Silverbell Rd. (west of the Santa Cruz R.) from El Camino del Cerro. Just 30 meters before the intersection with Sunset (Sunset goes off to the left, or to the west, from Silverbell), there's a big dirt pullout with a huge metal power pole on the right side of Silverbell between the road and the Santa Cruz R. Park here and walk along the river about 1/4 mile upstream or to the south, checking all of the willows along the way." (courtesy Dave Stejskal) A greenish-plumaged *ORCHARD ORIOLE was finally photographed on 12/21 at Sweetwater Wetlands (Bob Starks). Also at Sweetwater Wetlands, a Summer Tanager continued and a HOODED MERGANSER was noted. A #PACIFIC LOON was identified at Lakeside Park in southeast Tucson on 12/19 (Mark Stevenson, Molly Pollock). A female-type HOODED MERGANSER was present the same day, as was an OSPREY (Rick Taylor) and a Merlin. The aforementioned waterfowl were present at least through 12/25 (var obs). A male ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was photographed during the Tucson Valley CBC on 12/21 at the Park Place Apartments on Orange Grove Road just east of Oracle Rd (Richard Fray). It was eating (palm?) fruit in front of the office/welcome center. A low-elevation WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER was seen only sporadically this week in McCormick Park (var obs). AMADO A #RED PHALAROPE was discovered at the Amado Sewage Treatment Pond on 12/19 (Sue Carnahan). It continued through 12/20, but has not been reported since. ARIVACA An #EASTERN PHOEBE continued at Arivaca Lake on 12/20 (Peter Collins). BENSON A probable CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was found on 12/25 (Homer Hansen) while searching for an eBird-reported Field Sparrow (which would be extremely rare - documentation would be great!) The Clay-colored was in a mixed flock in the area just north of W. Commerce Dr, which is immediately north of I-10 and west of Ocotillo Rd. ANNOUNCEMENTS I-10 is under construction in Tucson between 29th Street and Prince Road. See http://www.i10tucsondistrict.com/29toP.html for details. I-19 CANOA RD EXIT - Birders heading south on I-19 for Montosa and Chino Canyons should know that the underpass at Canoa Road, exit 56, is under construction and will likely be closed for another month or two. Birders heading for these areas need to go to the next exit, Amado, and then backtrack to Elephant Head Road. You can take the frontage road that runs parallel to I-19 on the east side from Amado and still get on I-19 at Canoa Road if you are going north. SIERRA VISTA - Construction has started on State Route 92 for the east side of the Huachuca Mountains. For more on SR 92 Construction info visit http://www.svherald.com/articles/2008/10/13/news/doc48f2daad42028872230815.txt 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. 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 considered to be off limits to birders due to the thoughtless actions of a few birders. DO NOT ENTER THE PROPERTY. Stopping within 0.25 mile of the corral is discouraged. PEŃA BLANCA LAKE - Remains closed for removal of the toxins from the lake. Ruby Road and Upper WHITE Rock Campground remain open. (Upper THUMB Rock picnic area is closed). 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. Please note that the facility is putting in electric fences and gates to comply with Homeland Security procedures. Right now birders must use the back gate and follow the dirt road that will bring them right to the sign-in building. Once signed in, birders can drive to the usual parking area on the west side of the facility. AVRA VALLEY WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT: The facility remains closed to birders due to the ongoing construction. Updates will be added as they become available; anticipated completion is sometime in 2009. 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: 1) 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! 2) 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). 3) 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. Happy holidays and good birding, John Yerger Tucson, AZSubject: AZ:12/26/08:Tucson Pacific Loon-Yes From: "Clifford A. Cathers" <azcliffy AT Q.COM> Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 13:35:20 -0700 While in snow-flakey Tucson this afternoon, I saw the continuing Lakeside Park PACIFIC LOON diving repeatedly near the south end of the lake just past 12:00 noon. Clifford A. Cathers Economy Birding Services, Inc. "Quality Birding With Your Budget in Mind" http://www.economybirding.com AZCliffy AT q.comSubject: SE AZ: Whitewater Wetlands Walk 12/26 From: Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory <sabo AT SABO.ORG> Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 12:55:51 -0700 Greetings, neighbors, Jim and Cynthia Feaster and I managed to get in this morning's Whitewater Wetlands Walk before the serious weather blew in (9-11 a.m.). Nothing momentous to report, but we managed to see/hear quite a few species in spite of the wind: Gadwall "Mexican" Mallard Cinnamon Teal Northern Shoveler Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal Lesser Scaup Ruddy Duck Great Blue Heron - 1 juv. Northern Harrier - at least 5 Red-tailed Hawk American Coot Sandhill Crane Killdeer Greater Yellowlegs Spotted Sandpiper Least Sandpiper [Long-billed] Dowitcher Wilson's Snipe Mourning Dove Barn Owl - 2 Great Horned Owl - 2 Ladder-backed Woodpecker Black Phoebe Vermilion Flycatcher Loggerhead Shrike Ruby-crowned Kinglet Abert's Towhee - heard Savannah Sparrow Song Sparrow - heard White-crowned Sparrow Pyrrhuloxia Only a few dozen cranes returned to the wildlife area during the walk, and most of those headed straight to the moist soil units south of the main viewing area. The crane watch that was on the schedule was just not in the cards, so we agreed to call it a morning at 11. On my way back to Bisbee the wind was wobbling stop signs along Central Highway like something out of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, but I still managed to add AMERICAN KESTREL, SAY'S PHOEBE, LARK BUNTING, and EASTERN (LILLIAN'S) MEADOWLARK to the morning's list. Good birding, Sheri Williamson Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory Bisbee, Arizona sheri AT sabo.org 520/432-1388 http://www.sabo.orgSubject: AZ, Chandler, Eurasian Collared-Doves From: Linda Long <luvabird AT NETZERO.NET> Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 09:32:12 -0700 While livingroom birding yesterday morning (12/25), I saw 17 Eurasian Collared-Doves in one tree. There were six of them on one street light with a White-Winged Dove on the end that got pushed off. I had 8 Inca Doves in the yard along with the mob of Mourning Doves. A 4 dove day. I stopped by the Loop 202/Kyrene ponds before the rains and saw 31 Double- crested Cormorants on the dike and swimming. No pelican. There were 2 Opspey flying around with one missing feathers in the left wing. I've seen 63 species in these ponds. Unfortunately, most were in 2006 when I first started birding there. Linda Long Chandler, AZSubject: McCormick Ranch (AZ) Pacific Loon From: Pete Moulton <moultonpj AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 08:23:16 -0800 Birders, the Pacific Loon reported at the McCormick Ranch lake yesterday by Claudia Kirscher was still present early this morning. A little patience is required, as it's diving steadily, and a scope will help for diagnostic views because it stays well away from shore. Cheers, Pete Moulton QUESTION AUTHORITY (short form of the Scientific Method)Subject: AZFO - New photos of Orchard Oriole From: Michael C Moore <michael.moore AT ASU.EDU> Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 08:38:32 -0700 Field Ornithologists, Bob Starks contributed photos of the Sweetwater Orchard Oriole. Thanks Bob! Thanks to all who use the online form below to submit photos. It 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 Editor Gilbert, AZSubject: SE AZ: Florida Canyon Christmas Day From: Michael Wienholt <bartholt AT Q.COM> Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 08:11:57 -0700 Jerry Pilny braved the weather yesterday in search of the Rufous-capped Warbler pair, without success. Notable birds he did find were a Painted Redstart near the work center and a White-tailed Kite at the pecan grove west of the bridge on Continental Rd. Michael Wienholt Catalina, AZSubject: Summary of Patagonia, AZ Christmas Bird Count From: Tom Arny <tarny AT THERIVER.COM> Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 08:02:53 -0700 Below are the count totals for the Patagonia AZ, Christmas Bird
Count. I'd like to thank the 53 counters who braved a very windy and
raw day and Abbie Zeltzer for her organizing the count. The total
number of specie seen was 148, including a handful of count week (CW)
species. This info is also posted at azastro.org/PATAZ_count.html
2___Pied-bill Grebe
3__ Great Blue Heron
22__Black Vulture
1_ Turkey Vulture
13__American Wigeon
70__Mallard
2__ Cinnamon Teal
28__Green-winged Teal
11__Canvasback
4___Redhead
6___Ring-necked Duck
15__Bufflehead
166_Lesser Scaup
17__Ruddy Duck
32__Northern Harrier
7__ Sharp-shinned Hawk
10__Cooper's Hawk
CW_Gray Hawk
42__Red-tailed Hawk
CW_Golden Eagle
32_American Kestrel
2__ Merlin
3__ Prairie Falcon
81__Gambel's Quail
100_Montezuma Quail
3__Virginia Rail
1___Sora
2__ American Coot
8__ Killdeer
4_ Wilson's Snipe
9__ Rock Dove
5__Band-tailed Pigeon
21__Eurasian Collared-Dove
40__White-winged Dove
157_Mourning Dove
45__Inca Dove
17__Common Ground-Dove
2___ Greater Roadrunner
1___ Barn Owl
1___ Western Screech-Owl
1__ Whiskered Screech-Owl
3___ Great Horned Owl
1_Broad-billed Hummingbird
7___ Anna's Hummingbird
2__Elegant Trogon
3__ Belted Kingfisher
66__ Acorn Woodpecker
64__ Gila Woodpecker
1___Williamson Sapsucker
24__Red-naped Sapsucker
1___Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
36__Ladder-backed Woodpecker
2__Hairy Woodpecker
15__Arizona Woodpecker
58__Northern Flicker
41__Red-shafted
1___Yellow-shafted
24__Hammond's Flycatcher
10__Gray Flycatcher
24__Dusky Flycatcher
1__Western type Flycatcher
4__ Empidonax sp.
49__Black Phoebe
32__Say's Phoebe
CW_Vermilion Flycatcher
6__ Loggerhead Shrike
5___Plumbeous Vireo
4__ Cassin's Vireo
27__Hutton's Vireo
H_Gray Vireo
13__Western Scrub-Jay
354_Mexican Jay
2___Stellar's Jay
108_Chihuahuan Raven
232_Common Raven
10__Raven sp.
38__Horned Lark
296_Bridled Titmouse
8__ Verdin
122_Bushtit
1__Red-breasted Nuthatch
83__White-breasted Nuthatch
16__Rock Wren
36___Canyon Wren
136__Bewick's Wren
23___House Wren
4____Marsh Wren
CW__Sinaloa Wren
308__Ruby-crowned Kinglet
2____Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
2__ Black-tailed Gnatcatcher
5___ Black-capped Gnatcatcher
29__Eastern Bluebird
173__Western Bluebird
1____Townsend's Solitaire
26___Hermit Thrush
3____American Robin
3____Northern Mockingbird
4____Curve-billed Thrasher
1____Crissal Thrasher
4____European Starling
1____American Pipit
1____Sprague's Pipit
25___Cedar Waxwing
7____Phainopepla
56___Yellow-rumped Warbler
92____ (Audubon's)
9____Orange-crowned Warbler
10___Black-throated Gray Warbler
15___Townsend's Warbler
1___ Common Yellowthroat
3___ Wilson’s Warbler
3___ Painted Redstart
CW__Western Tanager
18_Green-tailed Towhee
29___Spotted Towhee
41___Canyon Towhee
38___Abert's Towhee
1___ Rufous-winged Sparrow
34___Rufous-crowned Sparrow
964__Chipping Sparrow
2____Brewer's Sparrow
1____Black-chinned Sparrow
141__Vesper Sparrow
51____Lark Sparrow
17___Black-throated Sparrow
4___ Lark Bunting
68___Savannah Sparrow
3____Grasshopper Sparrow
CW__Baird’s Sparrow
46___Song Sparrow
88___Lincoln's Sparrow
1____Swamp Sparrow
259__White-crowned Sparrow
1_White-throated Sparrow
454__Dark-eyed Junco
19___ (Oregon)
1___Slate-colored
93_____ (Gray-headed)
65____ (Pink-sided)
6____McCown's Longspur
2____Chestnut-collared Longspur
39___Northern Cardinal
19___Pyrrhuloxia
7____Lazuli Bunting
700__ Red-winged Blackbird
34___Eastern Meadowlark
7____Western Meadowlark
80___Meadowlark sp.
235__Brewer's Blackbird
2___ Great-tailed Grackle
60__Brown-headed Cowbird
1___ Cassin’s Finch
23__ Red Crossbill
229__House Finch
293__Pine Siskin
1___American Goldfinch
259__Lesser Goldfinch
36__House Sparrow
Tom Arny
tarny AT theriver.com
Box 545, Patagonia, AZ
USA
85624
Subject: SEAZ: Benson Sparrow SearchFrom: Homer Hansen <hhansen AT APLOMADO.COM> Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2008 21:48:16 -0700 NO Field Sparrow However, my searching around Commerce Road just north of I-10 off of the Ocotillo Road exit 304 was very fruitful when it came to finding sparrows, 11 species in this area! Following up on Rich's post for the possible Field Sparrow, I found an hour after lunchtime to look around. I walked around the area north and west of the cul de sac, but didn't come across the mixed flock of White-crowned and Lark Sparrows until I went east, where they were in the grassy field just west of the Denny's restaurant. I watched the flock for about 15 minutes without seeing a Field Sparrow come up to perch; however I did see three Brewer's Sparrows and one likely CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (I nabbed a couple of marginal photos from a distance and I think the odds are good). This field was also productive with Vesper, Savannah, and Grasshopper Sparrows. To the north, close to the Motel 8, I also spotted a Green-tailed Towhee, and along the drainage in the thick brush was a Lincoln's Sparrow. West of the drainage where the grass transitioned to mesquite was a skulky CASSIN'S SPARROW. Farther to the west were Black-throated Sparrows. So the mixed habitat is very suitable for sparrows, maybe there is still a chance for a Field Sparrow yet (unless immature White-crowned Sparrows were mistaken for a Field Sparrow). Happy holidays and happy birding, Homer Hansen Willcox/Tucson,AZSubject: Too late now - Blue Grosbeak From: Al Trompler <altromp AT Q.COM> Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2008 21:10:56 -0700 Some birds just never get around to going all the way south for the winter. Male Blue Grosbeak seen 12/24 and 12/25 at Casa de San Pedro, just north of Palominas, AZ. Al Trompler Las Cruces, NMSubject: Phoenix-Tres Rios CBC - Some Highlights From: Troy Corman <aplomado AT COX.NET> Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2008 18:54:58 -0700 I apologize for the tardy post but on 21 Dec., Ramsay Koury and I surveyed a three-mile sections of the lower Salt River for the Phx.-Tres Rios CBC. This included adjacent lands between 91st Ave. west to the Gila River confluence near Avondale Blvd. Unfortunately, access to most of this area is very limited and required prior permission from the City of Phoenix. Highlights of the 102 species we detected in this area included 1 LESSER NIGHTHAWK, 2 LONG-EARED OWLS, 2 LEAST BITTERNS, 19 BLACK VULTURES, 2 YELLOW WARBLERS, 1 SWAMP SPARROW, and 1 first-year GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW. The latter three species were first found while scouting on 19 Dec., but we were unable to relocated either of the 2 NORTHERN PARULAS we had scouted out just west of the Cobble Ponds. We also observed 42 Am. White Pelicans soaring over this area on 19 Dec. Luckily, some other teams picked this species up on count day. I know many of us enjoy participating in area CBCs and I encourage others to share their team highlights for not only this count, but for the many others across AZ (and NM). Happy Holidays and Good Christmas Bird Counting! Troy Corman Phoenix, AZ www.azfo.orgSubject: Canvasbacks From: Lise Anders <lizbugs AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2008 16:56:31 -0700 13 Canvasbacks on the west pond off 28th drive, just south of Cactus. Several Canadian Geese, too. Access to the water by Desert Shores Condominiums driveways. Also check out east pond across the street by commercial building about 200 feet south of that location. Lots of Widgeon and Ruddy ducks common there.Subject: Re: AZ: Scottsdale Christmas Waterfowl From: C kirscher <antclaudia2008 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2008 14:47:25 -0800 I took a break this a.m. to cruise the Scottsdale Pavillions and Back Lake-McCormick Ranch, following what sounds to be the same route as Magill (thank you for directions to the Wood Duck). I won't repeat her postings, having seen pretty much the same birds other than the Cackling-type Goose (thanks again for directions, but did not locate the bird). Scoping the Back Lake-McCormick Ranch behind the Chart House Restaurant, to the middle/southeast part of the lake, I found a diving PACIFIC LOON. Nice Christmas bird ! Claudia Kirscher ________________________________ From: Magill WeberSubject: AZ: Correction Scottsdale Waterfowl From: Magill Weber <magill_weber AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2008 15:13:46 -0700 My earlier report of Giant Canada/Maxima should have actually been Great Basin/Moffitti Canada Geese. In other words, the usual large-form Canadas found around here in the winter. Magill Weber, Phoenix, AZ _________________________________________________________________ It’s the same Hotmail®. If by “same” you mean up to 70% faster. http://windowslive.com/online/hotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_hotmail_acq_broad1_122008Subject: AZ: Scottsdale Christmas Waterfowl From: Magill Weber <magill_weber AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2008 13:36:57 -0700 I spent a few hours checking out waterfowl in some of the local lakes north-to-south along Indian Bend Wash in Tempe and Scottsdale. Most interesting bird of the day was a Richardson's/Cackling-type Goose at Back Lake-McCormick Ranch behind the Chart House Restaurant. Names of lakes are consisent with those in the Thomas Guide for the Phoenix area. Scottsdale continues to be the Wigeon capital of Arizona again this winter. At the Hayden and Indian School pond, the presumptive hybrid Eurasian Wigeon photographed last week by Pierre Deviche, continues in a flock of about 60 American Wigeon, but I failed to locate the 100% Eurasian bird. The flock took off, split, and relanded in the few minutes I was there, and I suspect there is a lot of movement between local lakes, so who knows where this bird is now. Around McCormick Ranch at Playa Lake along Indian Bend Road, I had 84 Common Mergansers, 54 Ruddy Ducks, a few Mallards and Northern Shoveler, along with an impressive flock of 340 American Wigeon. I looked for Eurasians for a while, but didn't find any. At Ranch Lake also in McCormick Ranch, there were 16 Ring-necked Ducks, 128 American Wigeon, and a few Mallards. At Santa Fe Lake, also in McCormick Ranch, there was another huge flock of 241 American Wigeon, and at nearby Indian Bend Lake, there was a flock of 9 Common Mergansers. At Back Lake (behind the Chart House Restaurant) on McCormick Parkway, the aforementioned Richardson's/Cackling-type Goose was in a flock with a large number of giant/maxima-type and 2 Lesser-type Canadas. I spent far too much time picking through Canada Geese of various subspecies and sizes when I lived in Wisconsin, and definitely don't claim to be an expert on Cackling, but this is the first one I've seen in Arizona that even comes close. This mini-goose was probably 60% the size of the maximas in the flock, had a tiny bill and faded pale neck (but not completely white collar). It was very short-necked (particularly relative to the rest of the flock), and compared as only slightly taller than a nearby N. Shoveler. I'm kicking myself for not hauling out the camera gear in the rain, but hopefully someone can relocate. Also at this lake were a male Wood Duck, a Ring-billed Gull, 218 American Wigeon, hundreds of American Coots, a few Ruddy Ducks, a few Shoveler, 27 Double-crested and 2 Neotropic Cormorants and a bunch of Mallards. At Scottsdale Pavillions (Pima and Indian Bend) Shopping Center the HOODED MERGANSER flock continues. I found 4 adult males, 1 immature male, and 4 females. Also present were a pair of Green-winged Teal, 40 Northern Shoveler, a handful of Ring-necked Ducks, 65 American Wigeon, and lots of Mallards. This is also a great urban birding spot for waders, with Black-necked Stilts, a few Great Blue Herons, immature and adult Night Heron, two Green Herons, and a Great Egret present. I also had a Belted Kingfisher. At Scottsdale Community College (101 and Chapparal) one damp Burrowing Owl perched out in the drizzle. I also stopped at ASU Research Park (101 and Elliot) in Tempe to look for the Greater White-fronted Goose, but filed to find it. I did have 46 Ring-necked Ducks, 40 Lesser Scaups (no Greater, not for lack of trying), and lots of Mallards and Coots. Magill Weber, Phoenix, AZ _________________________________________________________________ Life on your PC is safer, easier, and more enjoyable with Windows Vista®. http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/127032870/direct/01/Subject: Tucson Pacific Loon continues From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2008 12:36:50 -0700 Hi Birders, John Higgins reports the PACIFIC LOON and Common Merganser still present at Lakeside Park today. Among the starlings was one with a white tail. Good birding, Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZSubject: Christmas morning stroll in McCormick Park From: John Yerger <john AT ADVENTUREBIRDING.COM> Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2008 14:29:24 -0500 No sign of the Williamson's Sapsucker for us (still), but Morgan Jackson and I had the good fortune to enjoy a COMMON GROUND-DOVE and a bright male VERMILLION FLYCATCHER today right smack in the middle of McCormick Park. Happy holidays and good birding to all, John Yerger Tucson, AZ john AT adventurebirding.comSubject: NM RBA for 12/25/08 From: Pinyonjay AT AOL.COM Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2008 12:19:19 EST RBA * New Mexico Bird Report * December 25, 2008 * NMEX0812.25 Transcript . Hotline New Mexico date: December 25, 2008 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 Pinyin Jay with the New Mexico Bird Report for December 25, 2008 sponsored by the New Mexico Ornitho- logical Society. When phone numbers are given for private property, please call before going to ask . Merry Christmas. Highlights: Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Sparrow, White- winged Scoter, Snow Bunting, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Red-shouldered Hawk . . 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 both 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: . Horned Grebe (Curry) Western and Clark’s Grebes (Sierra) American White Pelican (Sierra) Neotropic Cormorant (Sierra) White-faced Ibis (Chaves) Greater White-fronted Goose (Bernalillo) Ross’s Goose (Chaves, Bernalillo) Snow Goose (Chaves, Bernalillo) Cackling Goose (Curry, Bernaillo) White-winged Scoter (Colfax) Barrow’s Goldeneye (Colfax) Hooded Merganser (Sierra, Chaves) Red-breasted and Common Mergansers (Sierra) Osprey (Sierra) Bald Eagle (Sierra) Northern Harrier (Chaves) Red-shouldered Hawk (Socorro) Red-tailed Hawk leucistic (Doña Ana) Golden Eagle and Ferruginous Hawks (Curry, Sierra, Colfax) Crested Caracara (Doña Ana) Merlin (Santa Fe, Bernalillo, Curry, Colfax) Peregrine Falcon (Bernalillo) Virginia Rail (Chaves) Sandhill Crane (Chaves) Spotted Sandpiper (Sierra) Least Sandpiper (Sierra) Dunlin (Sierra) Long-billed Dowitcher (Sierra) Wilson’s Snipe (Chaves, Sierra) Bonaparte’s Gull (Sierra, Colfax) Herring Gull (Sierra) California Gull (Sierra) LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Sierra) Inca Dove (Sierra) Long-eared Owl (Luna) Broad-billed Hummingbird (Doña Ana) Anna’s Hummingbird (Sierra) Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sierra) Dusky and Hammond’s Flycatchers (Sierra, Eddy) Black Phoebe (Sierra) Eastern Phoebe (Sierra) Loggerhead and Northern Shrikes (Colfax) Winter and House Wrens (Sierra, Eddy) Black-tailed Gnatcatcher (Eddy) Eastern Bluebird (Sierra, Eddy) Mountain Bluebird (Eddy) American Robin (Beralillo) Brown Thrasher (Eddy) Phainopepla (Sierra) Cedar Waxwing (Sierra) American Pipit (Sierra) American Tree Sparrow (Colfax) Field Sparrow (Eddy) Savannah Sparrow (Bernalillo) Fox Sparrow (Sierra) Swamp Sparrow (Eddy) White-throated Sparrow (Socorro, Sierra, Doña Ana, Bernalillo, Eddy) Golden-crowned Sparrow (Bernalillo) Slate-colored Dark-eyed Junco (Bernalillo, Doña Ana) Chestnut-collared Longspur (Doña Ana Lapland Longspur (Colfax, Doña Ana) McCown’s Longspur (Curry, Doña Ana)) Yellow-headed Blackbird (Doña Ana) Rosy Finches (Bernalillo, Taos) SNOW BUNTING (Colfax) Pine Siskin (Sierra) . . In Taos County: GB said no ROSY FINCHES have appeared at the Kandahar Condos at the Taos Ski Valley so far. They did arrive by December 23. . In Santa Fe County: RY on December 12 had a MERLIN at Salvador Perez Park on Alta Vista in Santa Fe. . In Colfax County: DK and JR on December 15 found a SNOW BUNTING at Stubble- fieLd Lake about half a mile north along the dike by a frozen pond to the east. It was seen later by JB and by JP, WW, RV, and later MH on December 16. CW and NP saw it later that day (photo). MB, SNC, and CD saw it on December 17, JL, JO, WW, LL, and PMc on December 19, JO and BMH had it in December 21. On December 21 BH had a WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE on Laguna Lake to the north with two NORTHERN SHRIKES at the nw. edge of the Maxwell Refuge. There was no sign of the scoter on Lake 13. On Stubblefield JP on December 19 had the female Barrow’s four fly over Lapland Longspurs, and a Bonaparte’s Gull. The JP group also had a pair of BARROW’S GOLDENEYES and two fly over LAPLAND LONGSPURS at Stubblefield. On December 19 there was the female Barrow’s but the lakes are mostly frozen. Present were two MERLINS, a GOLDEN EAGLE, TREE SPARROWS, and a LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE. Two GOLDEN EAGLES were on the poles south of Maxwell. VT on December 6 at the Maxwell Refuge on Lake 14 found an adult male WHITE-WINGED SCOTER. DK and JR had the scoter on Lake 13 on December 15. JP, WW, RV, and MH saw it December 16. . In Curry County: CR and RV on December 14 at a Clovis CBC saw two HORNED GREBES at the Sewage Ponds and CACKLING GEESE at a playa a mile east on NM 209 near the Oppliger feedlot and dairy. East of Ned Houk Park north of Clovis there was two MERLINS and an immature GOLDEN EAGLE with several FERRUGINOUS HAWKS. At 1.5 miles past the end of pavement on 7th Street there was 600 MCCOWN’S LONGSPURS. . In Bernalillo County: GS had a MERLIN near the Albertson’s off Tramway on December 5 and 14, also seen near Montgomery. It was still there on December 20. DP had a tan-striped WHITE-THROATED SPARROW on the west side of the Sandia Mts. on December 22 at a home near the Whitewash Trailhead. RY had a PEREGRINE FALCON on December 7 on San Antonio between I-25 and San Pedro. BV on December 7 had another near the Alameda Bridge. JP had three WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, one ROSS’S GOOSE, many CACKLING GEESE, and one SNOW GOOSE in the fields off of Second Street on December 21. DP on December 1 had an GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW at the Alameda Bridge in Albuquerque, where it has been seen in previous winters. DM saw it again on December 14 near the northern brown pumphouse. Also at the Los Poblanos Open Space DP saw four SNOW GEESE and a WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE with Canadas. Also present were two SLATE-COLORED JUNCOS. DM on December 14 saw two SAVANNAH SPARROWS, the four Snow Geese, and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW. BG reported flocks of ROBINS on December 23. On December 21 at Sandia Crest banding of the ROSY FINCHES the NSC team banded ten Blacks, 16 Brown-capped, and five interior and one Hepburns of gray- crowns. The road up was clear. . In Socorro County: At Bosque del Apache Refuge south of San Antonio JP, CW, MB, and NP had a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW at the head- quarters on December 6. JP, WW, and LL on December 13 saw a different WHITE-THROATED SPARROW. BH verified on November 27 that there are two white-throats. JP saw one on December 20. On December 18 BH reported a possible adult RED-SHOULDERED HAWK on the northeast corner of the Farm Loop. . In Chaves County: JSa for the December 8 refuge count recorded 9403 SNOW and 29 ROSS’S GEESE, four HOODED MERGANSERS, a VIRGINIA RAIL, 32 WHITE-FACED IBIS, a SNIPE, and a high of 27 HARRIERS. On a December 10 count there were 6908 LESSER SANDHILL CRANES. . In Sierra County: DC reported a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL at the Rock Canyon Marina of Elephant Butte Lake on December 15-16. It was seen December 17 by DC, JB, and WW and on December 20 by DC, WW, and JP. On the 15th there was five BONAPARTE’S GULLS, two CALIFORNIA GULLS, and nine HERRING GULLS. JL on December 7 on the boat trip to Monticello Point recorded four NEOTROPIC CORMORANTS, over 100 WESTERN/ CLARKS’S GREBES, 14 WHITE PELICANS, a HERRING GULL, and a female HOODED MERGANSER. On NM 27 two miles south of Hillsboro on December 10 DC at Caballo Lake north of Eagle Point at the lake’s north end DC saw two female RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS on December 13 with Commons. DC on December 11 had a DUSKY FLYCATCHER, six DUNLINS, 694 LEAST SANDPIPERS, 318 DOWITCHERS, and a SNIPE. The only thing JP, WW, and LL saw on December 13 was the Dowitcher flock. At Las Palomas Marsh DC and JB saw a red FOX SPARROW on December 17. It was seen December 20 by DC, JP, WW, and JB with an EASTERN PHOEBE and DC had a HAMMOND’S FLYCATCHER. At Riverside Park below Caballo Dam JP, WW, and LL on December 13 saw eight INCA DOVES at the southeast end of the camping area. At Percha Dam SP JP, CW, NP, and MB heard a possible CAROLINA WREN on the east side of the Rio at Percha on December 6. JP had a WINTER WREN at the ditch north of the dam and an immature YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER near the restrooms. CW had a calling DUSKY FLYCATCHER and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW. Also at the east side the group had a calling HAMMOND’S FLYCATCHER. JL on December 9 had two SPOTTED SANDPIPERS, a SNIPE, and 12 AMERICAN PIPITS. There was no sign of the Carolina on December 13 for JP. DC reported the Dusky and Hammond’s flycatchers, two CEDAR WAXWINGS, and six EASTERN BLUEBIRDS December 17. At Oxbow Lake in Truth or Consequences on December 13 JP, WW, and LL had an OSPREY. DC on December 9 had a tan stripe WHITE-THROATED SPARROW beyond the ponds at Paseo del Rio Park below Elephant Butte Lake dam. DC on December 16 had the tan White- throat, a HOUSE WREN,, and a male PHAINOPEPLA.JL on December 17 had BLACK PHOEBE and many sparrows. The immature male ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD, first seen on October 18, continues to make infrequent daily visits to feeders at DC’s home at 107 Mimbres in Elephant Butte through December 23, in spite of cold and wind. At his home JL had a PINE SISKIN. . 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 Luna County: CRi reported five LONG-EARED OWLS at the Pancho Villa State Park at Columbus near a camping trailer with Manitoba plates on December 9. . In Doña Ana County: DKe on December 13 and 15 had a winter male LAPLAND LONGSPUR west of Las Cruces on the Corralitos Road off I- 10 with many CHESTNUT-COLLAREDS and a few MCCOWNS. DG had a huge flock of YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRDS at Swan Pond near Leasburg on December 8. DG reported on December 1 a very white leucistic RED- TAILED HAWK on the south side of US 70 east of the White Sands Missile Range since November 27. (photos). DG reported a second white Red-tail at the White Sands golf course on December 10. He got a report on December 18 of a CARACARA but was unable to re-find it. At his Las Cruces home December 10 DG had a possible WHITE-THROATED SPARROW and a SLATE-COLORED JUNCO. MS and JZ at their home near Radium Springs have had a male BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD present since October 29, still seen on December 21. . In Otero County: At the Holloman Lakes near Alamogordo DG reports there has been changes with a kiosk, a boat ramp, a picnic and camping area, and a birdwatching area. Lagoon G is open to birding again. There is a new sign in front calling it the Raptor Lake Recreation Area. . In Eddy County: CR on December 20 at Six-Mile Dam near Otis had many SWAMP SPARROWS with two BLACK-TAILED GNATCATCHERS at the Loving Landfill. On December 21 at Rattlesnake Springs he recorded 200 MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS, ten EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, seven BROWN THRASHERS, six HOUSE WRENS, a western type WINTER WREN, two FIELD SPARROWS, two WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, and two DUSKY FLYCATCHERS. . . Initials of Observers: JB, Jonathan Batkin; MB, Matt Baumann; GB, Gil Bachman; DC, David Cleary; SNC, Steve and Nancy Cox; CD, Carol Davis; DG, David Griffin;; BG, Bill Groll; MH, Michael Hilchey; BMH, Bill and Mari Howe; DKe, Dick Ketchum; DK, David Krueper; JL, Joe LaFleur; LL, Lane Leckman; PMc, Paul McConnell; DM, David Mehlman; JO, Jerry Oldenettel; DP, Danny Paez; JP, John Parmeter; NP, Nick Pederson; CRi, Carol Riddell; CR, Chris Rustay; JR, Janet Ruth; JSa, Jeff Sanchez; MS, Marcy Scott; GS, Grant Soehnel: VT, Van Truan; RV, Raymond VanBuskirk; BV, Brad Vaughn; WW, Bill Wittman; CW, Cole Wolf; RY, Rob Yaksich, JZ, Jimmy Zabriskie. . . . Field Trips: . Central Audubon in Albuquerque has Thursday field trips. All phone numbers begin with 505. There are no trips on January 1. . This year’s Christmas Counts will be listed on the NMOS web page, (address at the beginning of the RBA). . The SNC team will be banding Rosy Finches on Sandia Crest on Sundays until March 29 beginning at 9:30. . The Randall Davey Audubon Center in Santa Fe on upper Canyon Road has Saturday morning bird walks from 8:30 until 9:30. . JL reports that boats are for rent to look for birds on Elephant Butte Lake. Contact is _http://www.betterbirdwatching.com_ (http://www.betterbirdwatching.com/) or 575-894-2041 and 888-414-2837. . . - End Transcript_[1]_ (aoldb://mail/write/template.htm#_ftn1) ____________________________________ _[1]_ (aoldb://mail/write/template.htm#_ftnref1) **************One site keeps you connected to all your email: AOL Mail, Gmail, and Yahoo Mail. Try it now. (http://www.aol.com/?optin=new-dp&icid=aolcom40vanity&ncid=emlcntaolcom00000025)Subject: SE AZ: Another Jacana "NO"; White-Tailed Kite From: Michael Wienholt <bartholt AT Q.COM> Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 17:28:29 -0700 Visiting Calgary birder Jerry Pilny and I (and fledgling 6-y.o. birder Pasha Wienholt) set out today to find the Northern Jacana, arriving at the Casa Grande location about Noon and searching for nearly 2 hours to no avail. We settled for a Green Heron on the northwest pond. On the way back to Tucson through the Flats, we had a White-tailed Kite hunting the field northeast of Fast Track and Curtis. Also here was a flock of 20-30 White- throated Swifts flying west into the waning sun which Jerry thought contained some Swallows, but the light was in our eyes and the field was posted, so we were unable to give chase and make an ID. Michael Wienholt Catalina, AZSubject: Possible Field Sparrow in Benson From: Rich Hoyer <calliope AT THERIVER.COM> Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:24:05 -0800 Hi All, Some of you may have noticed an eBird report of Field Sparrow on the Google gadget. The observer was unaware of the rarity of the species and did not take detailed notes or photo. But the possibility remains that the bird (or birds; there may have been two) were correctly identified. If anyone would like to give it a shot, it was with Lark and White-crowned Sparrows: "...there's a Days Inn just off of I-10 on a road called "Commerce" - the road goes through a wash and ends with a cul-de-sac in the middle of dry veg. The flock was maybe a hundred yards to the north of the cul-de-sac." The last Field Sparrow for Southeastern Arizona was also found by someone who was unaware of the rarity at the time of the sighting, and it was nearly dismissed as too unlikely to be worth looking for. Please keep us posted if you try for this bird. Good Birding, Rich --- Rich Hoyer Tucson, Arizona Senior Leader for WINGS http://wingsbirds.com ---Subject: Casa Grande Jacana - No From: Phil <phil AT PJKELLY.NET> Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:50:14 -0700 Hello AZ/NM birders, Despite almost 2 hours of searching, we failed to locate the Northern Jacana at Casa Grande. We started at about 3:00pm. Good Birding! -- Phil & Joanne Kelly phil AT pjkelly DOT net Kokomo, Indiana USA Sent from my iPhone Joe Hammond Rio Rico, AZSubject: Re: Peregrine Falcon - Tucson From: John Saba <sabaj AT THERIVER.COM> Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:19:11 -0700 Are you sure it wasn't a Gyrfalcon? --- John Saba Tucson, Arizona Nature Study Is a Grand Adventure! ----- Original Message ----- > 24 December 2008 3:30 PM RT 10 and S. Kolb Rd., Tucson > 1 Peregrine Falcon- circling and flapping over S.Kolb Rd. and Rt 10 at > altitude of 400 feet. Nelson BrieferSubject: Peregrine Falcon - Tucson From: Nelson Briefer <Ebriefer AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:08:40 EST 24 December 2008 3:30 PM RT 10 and S. Kolb Rd., Tucson
1 Peregrine Falcon- circling and flapping over S.Kolb Rd. and Rt 10 at
altitude of 400 feet. Nelson Briefer _ebriefer AT aol.com_
(mailto:ebriefer AT aol.com)
Anacortes, WA Tucson
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Subject: Lakeside Park Loon and Merg---yes & yesFrom: Richard Messenger <vagabondbirder AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:38:59 -0800 Finally got to Lakeside park today and saw both the loon and merganser. The Loon was extremely cooperative as it gamboled casually at mid lake across from the gazebo. I was able to watch it for some time,e at 60X cataloging all of the relevant field marks. The Merg was in the same vicinity and was also quite cooperative. i can really get excited about a Pacific Loon but, having done most of my intensive birding in the Chicago area a Common Merg does nothing for me. However, the interest this bird has caused is proof positive3that all birding is truly local and what one person,s trash bird is another's treasure. undoubtedly the most surprising aspect of this year's Loons is that I would never have thought it possible to get both Pacific and Yellow-billed loons in the same year in Arizona!!! Good Birding Richard Messenger The Vagabond Birder Wherever the RV is parkedSubject: Woo-hoo! Another Cassin's Kingbird! From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 12:28:37 -0700 Hi Birders, Molly and I heard a Cassin's Kingbird calling from trees at Randolph Golf Course in Tucson today, from the exercise path behind the city office at the corner of 22nd and Alvernon. There were a lot more warblers there than on previous visits, but none unexpected. In Reid Park we saw 5 Vermilion Flycatchers, the usual ducks and heard but did not see a Dendroica warbler in pines SW of the southern pond. Good birding, Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZSubject: AZ: Tucson BLACKBURNIAN From: Ken Kertell <teleost07 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 11:02:27 -0800 At about 11 am, after much searching, Rick Taylor, Bill and Barbara Bickel, and
I re-found the BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER in the general area described by Dave and
Andrew, and the same spot where Tom Staudt reported seeing it earlier in the
day. Unfortunately, Jerry Bock, who had turned us on to a CHESTNUT-SIDED
WARBLER about 1/4 mile farther upstream, had by then wallowed to his ride and
was not present to comment on the bird. Also sharing the same stretch of river
as the Blackburnian was the Cassin's Vireo and Nashville Warbler.
Ken Kertell
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