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ARIZONA SEASONAL REPORTS

Spring 2015

Mohave|Coconino|Navajo and Hopi Nations|Yavapai|White Mountains
Southwest|South-Central|Gila|Southeast

(Click on the name of a given reporting region above to jump to its Seasonal Report)

Introduction

 

Most of the state was marked by warmer and drier conditions in March and April than usual and a wetter and cooler May than typically expected. It is not clear how this may have affected migration. There were a good number of rarities reported, including: American Golden-Plover; Blue-headed and Red-eyed vireos; Blue Mockingbird; Ovenbird; Kentucky, Palm, Crescent-chested, Yellow-throated, and Fan-tailed warblers; Slate-throated Redstart; Bobolink; and Streak-backed and Baltimore orioles. The first attempted nesting of Tufted Flycatcher in the state (and the United States) was reported this season. A rare spring and fall migrant, Northern Waterthrush numbers have been increasing in recent years, but were lower this spring than in any of the past four years. In four regions, 18 were observed this spring compared to 2014 (34 in six regions), 2013 (21 in four regions), and 2012 (26 in four regions). Swainson’s Thrush was remarkably sparse across the state this season, especially compared to the spring of 2014 when at least 20 were reported. Two, possibly three, new counties reported nesting of Neotropic Cormorant for the first time, including Yavapai, Gila, and possibly La Paz.

According to Kyle McCarty (AZG&F), a total of 66 Bald Eagles fledged in 2015, the highest total ever. This compares to 52 (2008), 46 (2009), 44 (2010), 56 (2011), 52 (2012), 58 (2013), and 43 (2014). This record year was helped by four breeding areas (BA) that fledged three young each. The 12 young from these sites made up 18% of the season's total fledglings. Overall, productivity was very good at 1.1 young per occupied (BA). Seven new BAs were identified and one historic nesting site was found reoccupied, bringing the statewide total to 76 BAs (59 were occupied this year). The new sites were found in Flagstaff, Buckeye, along the Mogollon Rim, the Colorado R. near L. Mohave, and the Salt and Verde rivers. Eggs were laid at 56 sites; 39 of these attempts were successful and 17 failed. Satellite transmitters were put on two Bald Eagle nestlings at the Canyon de Chelly BA. One of them remains in its natal area, and the other migrated north and made it to Montana by late July.

 

As usual, the spring reports were enriched by hundreds of volunteers who participated in the annual North American Migration Count (NAMC) on 9 May. Organized into teams on a county-wide basis, they collected data in 12 of the state's 15 counties. This year the date coincided with the first eBird Global Big Day, which helped inspire more birders to get into the field that day. The tally for this spring's count will soon be available for viewing at North American Migration Count.

Our regional coordinators have assembled their reports for the spring season from the AZFO seasonal reports database, eBird, the North American Migration Count, Arizona-New Mexico Listserv, Northern Arizona Birding Forum, records submitted to the Arizona Bird Committee, and local sources. There are nine reporting regions, primarily defined by biological and geographical criteria, which can be viewed on an interactive map. This map has been updated since the Winter 2014-15 seasonal report. In this report, documented sightings of species on the ABC Review List and observations of exceptionally large numbers of a species are in boldface. Many of these sightings are hyperlinked to photos on the AZFO web site. All reports of review species have had documentation submitted to the ABC and are “pending acceptance” by the ABC. Species and numbers underlined are species or exceptional reports (accidental or casual) for the specific region or season, and some are documented with photos at AZFO’s online Photo Documentation gallery. The list of cited observers and initials is at the end of the report. Infrequently cited observers are identified in the text by the first initial and last name. —Doug Jenness, Statewide Coordinator, AZFO Seasonal Reports

 

 

Mohave

Compiled by David Vander Pluym

 

 

Abbreviations: Beal Lake Conservation Area, Havasu NWR (BLCA), Bill Williams Delta (BWD), Bill Williams R. (BWR), Bill Williams R. National Wildlife Refuge (BWR NWR), Black Mountain. Power ponds near Yucca (BMP), Bullhead City (BHC), Havasu National Wildlife Refuge (HNWR), Hualapai Mtn. Park (HMP), Island STP, on Pittsburgh Pt. in L. Havasu City (Island STP), L. Havasu City (LHC), Rotary Park in L. Havasu City (Rotary Park), Windsor Beach, L. Havasu SP (Windsor Beach).

 

Though temperature and rainfall varied month to month, overall they were close to average. The recently published third edition of Birds of the Grand Canyon Region, an Annotated Checklist (Gatlin 2013) is an excellent source for the status of birds over most of the Arizona Strip. The Birds of the Lower Colorado River Valley (Rosenberg, K. V. et al. 1991), remains the comparison standard for reports from that area. The Bill Williams R. marks the boundary between the Mohave and Southwest regions, which saw several intriguing reports across the boundary line. Among the highlights this season was a second regional record of Gray Hawk, casual Broad-winged Hawk, long-staying Nutting’s Flycatcher, excellent count of Tree Swallows, and continuing Purple Finch.

Geese are typically early migrants in the region so 29 Snow Geese over Rotary Park, BHC 18 Mar (JPar) and 40 Canada Geese over Katherine Landing 18 Mar (RAu) were good counts for the date. Up to two Canada Geese on the HNWR through 11 Apr (m. ob.) were likely part of a small resident flock, but a single individual flying over Sandy Wash, BWR NWR 26 May (LHar) was likely a very late migrant or attempting to summer. The last lingering American Wigeon was reported from the Island STP 4 May (m. ob.). The high count of "Northern" Mallard x “Mexican” Mallard intergrades was three at the Island STP 27 Mar (DVP, m. ob.). Late Northern Shovelers included two at the north end of L. Havasu (LHar), four at Rotary Park 1 May (BoW, K. Murphy), one at Beal L. HNWR 2 May (DDE, JPar), and 13 at the Griffith Energy Plant near Yucca 4 May (M&PBr). A late Green-winged Teal was reported from Wildband Res. on the Arizona Strip 13 May (SLa). Redheads are rare in May in the region away from the HNWR and the north end of L. Havasu where small numbers breed, so two at the BWD 9 May (DVP) were of interest. A Ring-necked Duck was reported from the BWD on the late date of 16 May (APe). Late scaup included two Greater at the north end of L. Havasu 29 Apr (m. ob.), two Lesser at the Island STP 1 May with one continuing 4 May (m. ob.), and 15 Greater/Lesser at the Boston Lighthouse, L. Havasu 28 Apr (MLe). The high count of Red-breasted Mergansers this season was 17 at Davis Camp County Park 31 Mar (JPar).

A lingering Horned Grebe was in the BWD 27 Mar (LHar, m. ob.). Good counts of Eared Grebes included 600 at the north end of L. Havasu 8 Apr (LHar, DVP, m. ob.) and 2900 there 29 Apr (LHar), and 640 at Pot Cove was one of the higher counts for little covered L. Mohave 5 May (LHar). Increasing throughout the southwest, Neotropic Cormorants still remain rare in the region. This season up to two at the BWD continued throughout the season (m. ob.). Elsewhere five were on Alamo L. 20 Mar (DVP, C. Gonzalez) and two were at Burro Creek CG 17 Apr (D. Bradford). American White Pelican is irregular in numbers and appearance in the region; this season’s highest count was 105 at L. Havasu 15 Apr (MLe, JSw). An adult Brown Pelican made a rare spring appearance at Rotary Park 13-28 Apr (ph. MLe, JSw). Rarely reported but likely regular in marshes in the LCRV portion of the region, an American Bittern was reported from Topock Marsh HNWR 17 Mar (KB, JRi). Rare in recent years in the region four Cattle Egrets were reported from the north end of L. Havasu 29 Apr (LHar).

At least one lingering Osprey was reported from Topock Marsh 19-27 May (LHar). Bald Eagles nested along the Colorado R. near L. Mohave for the first time this spring (fide AZG&F). Cooper’s Hawk is a rare breeder along the Bill Williams R. This season three in potential nesting areas were reported: North Burn BWR NWR 2 May (LHar), Brown’s Crossing at Alamo L. 10 May (APe), and at Black Rail Marsh, BWR NWR 31 May (K. Murphy). Common Black Hawk is a rare and local breeder in the region; this season saw reports of a pair from the Santa Maria R. near its confluence with the Big Sandy R. 19 Mar+ (DVP) and along Willow Cr. east of Kingman 1 May (NHo), both traditional nesting sites for the species. Harris’s Hawk is another local species in the region and this season saw a report of six at Dutchman Flat 7 Mar (ph. M&PBr), likely a continuing family group. This species was also reported from a Kingman yard 22 Mar (ph. S. Grannum) and in Golden Valley near Kingman 30 Mar – 25 Apr (ph. M&PBr). A Gray Hawk, the second for both La Paz and Mohave counties, was heard calling at the Santa Maria R. above the confluence with the Big Sandy R. 19-21 Mar (s.r. DVP), in the same general area where the first report for both counties came from in 2008. With only a few prior reports in the region, a Broad-winged Hawk was a great find flying north along the Big Sandy R. at Wikieup 14 Apr (DVP, C. Gonzalez). Zone-tailed Hawks are rare in the LCRV portion of the region and this season saw two reports, one at BLCA 13 May (JSw) and one off the Interior Rd. HNWR 27 May (DFl, m. ob.).

Though they must overfly the region in migration, Sandhill Cranes are rarely reported, so eight reported flying over Catfish Paradise 8 Mar (KB, JRi) were notable. Early Black-necked Stilts were at Griffith Energy Plant near Yucca and BMP both 3 Mar (ph. M&PBr). Two early American Avocets were at Rotary Park 2 Mar (ph. JWe). Rare in spring, a Snowy Plover was reported from BMP 22-29 Apr (ph. M&PBr). The only Semipalmated Plover reported this season was at Rotary Park 1-2 May (m. ob.). Four lingering Spotted Sandpipers were reported from BMP 14-25 May (ph. M&PBr). Casual in the region, a Whimbrel was reported flying north at the north end of L. Havasu 29 Apr (LHar). Rare in spring, a Sanderling was reported from Windsor Beach 1 May (B. Woodard, A. Harper). The only Dunlin reported this season was likely a spring migrant at Rotary Park 30 Mar (ph. ErH). Caspian Terns are rare in late May so one reported from Topock Marsh, HNWR 27 May (LHar) was noteworthy. Irregular in spring in recent years, the only Black Tern report was of one at Rotary Park 1 May (MLe, JSw). A report of a Forster’s Tern at Rotary Park 29 Mar (m. ob.) was likely an early migrant.

Local in the region, Inca Doves were reported from Rotary Park and two BHC yards in average numbers this season (m. ob.). Rare in the region, two male Common Ground-Doves were reported from Brown’s Crossing above Alamo L. 10 May (APe). An early White-winged Dove was reported from Mesquite Bay, HNWR 4 Mar (JRi). Likely regular in the Hualapai Mtns. but rarely reported, a Long-eared Owl was reported from HMP 1 May (JPz, AWi). Early single Broad-tailed Hummingbirds were at Lime Kiln Canyon in the Virgin Mtns. 22 Mar (S. Burrell) and in the Hualapai Mtns. 26 Mar (PMa). Late for the region, a Lewis’s Woodpecker was at the Mt. Trumbull historic town site in the Arizona Strip 19 May (ph. SLa). Rare in Arizona, a likely wintering Yellow-bellied Sapsucker wasn’t detected until 2-15 Mar at Metcalfe Park in Kingman (M&PBr). Gilded Flicker is declining along the western portion of its range, though in recent years it has expanded slightly at the northern edge of its range. At the very northern edge of its range in the region, one was reported from Meadview 27 Mar (DHen). Though regular in the region, large falcons are only reported in small numbers at best in the LCRV portion of the region. This season saw three reports of Peregrine Falcons between the northern portion of the HNWR and Davis Camp County Park 10 Mar – 12 May (JPar, A. Greene).

A Nutting’s Flycatcher continued at Black Rail Marsh, BWR NWR 23 Mar+ (m. ob.). Increasing in the region, the only report this season of Tropical Kingbird was of one along the Interior Rd, HNWR 29 May (LHar). Another species that has increased in the region, Hutton’s Vireo is now a regular component of the Hualapai Mtns. avifauna and has been increasing in the BWR NWR. This season saw 10 reports from the Hualapai Mtns. 6 Mar – 14 May (m. ob.), a single individual at Black Rail Marsh, BWR NWR 24 Apr (K. Murphy), and two at North Burn, BWR NWR 2 May (LHar). Normally an abundant migrant in spring in the LCRV, last year saw only comparatively small numbers of Tree Swallows passing through. This year there was a resurgence, with a carefully estimated high count of 500,000 at the north end of L. Havasu 8 Apr (DVP, LHar, m.ob.). Casual in the region, a Purple Martin was reported from the Boston Lighthouse, L. Havasu 15 May (BoW). Though regular year-round in the LCRV portion of the region, Northern Rough-winged Swallows are typically reported in only small numbers, this season saw a good count of 110 at Beal L., HNWR 9 May (DDe). Barn Swallows typically don’t move through the region in numbers until after mid-April so a report of 80 in the s. Mohave Valley 8 Apr was a good count for the date (BoW).

More regular in fall than spring, a rare Red-breasted Nuthatch was reported from HNWR 30 Mar (ErH, CV). Rare in the region a Pacific Wren was reported from atypical chaparral habitat off Flag Mine Road in the Hualapai Mtns. 6 Mar (DVP). Cactus Wrens have shown notable declines in the LCRV portion of the region so one reported from Black Rail Marsh, HNWR 31 May (K. Murphy) was of interest. Not known to breed in the Hualapai Mtns., at least two Ruby-crowned Kinglets reported from HMP 14-24 May (BoW, K. Murphy) may have been late migrants. Late American Robins in the LCRV included one in the BWR NWR 20 Apr (KB) and one at Rotary Park where the species has bred in recent years 4 May (ph. BoW, ph. K. Murphy). Up to two continuing Curve-billed Thrashers in a BHC yard were reported 8-9 May (DDe). Irruptive in the region, this season saw average numbers of Cedar Waxwings.

Recently expanding into the Hualapai Mtns., Olive Warbler reports included an early one 6 Mar off Flag Mine Rd. (DVP), and at least two were in HMP 12-24 May (m. ob.). Early for the Grand Canyon region four Lucy’s Warbler were reported from near Separation Canyon, Grand Canyon N.P. 10 Mar (ZeS). An excellent count of 92 Yellow Warbers was a mix of breeders and migrants at Pot Cove, L. Mohave 5 May (LHar). Rarely reported though likely overlooked, intergrade "Myrtle" and "Audubon's" Yellow-rumped Warblers reports included one at Flag Mine Road, Hualapai Mtns. 6 Mar (DVP) and one at Rotary Park 21 Mar (m. ob.). Slightly early Yellow-breasted Chat reports included two along the Big Sandy R. at Wikieup 14 Apr and one at Burro Creek CG 15 Apr (both DVP).

Regular in small numbers in the Hualapai Mtns., eight Fox Sparrows of the "Slate-colored" group were reported from there through 20 Mar (PMa, DVP). Black-chinned Sparrows arrived early to the Hualapai Mtns. (see also the winter report) and by early March small numbers were already present on territory. Rarely reported but likely overlooked a “Slate-colored” Dark-eyed Junco was reported from Deer Canyon in the Hualapai Mtns. 6 Mar (DVP). Rare in the Arizona Strip two Hepatic Tanagers were reported from the vicinity of Mt. Logan 19 May (SLa). At the very western edge of its range the BWR NWR had a single report of Northern Cardinal from Black Rail Marsh 18-31 May (K. Murphy). Always a rare find, a Rose-breasted Grosbeak was reported from Black Rail Marsh BWR NWR 26 May (K. Murphy). Rare in the region, Bronzed Cowbirds were reported from Rotary Park 9 May (DVP) and at Willow L., HNWR 20 May (LHar). Continuing from the winter season the Purple Finch at Rotary Park remained through 29 Mar (MLe, JSw, C. Gonzalez). Cassin’s Finches are not known to breed in the Hualapai Mtns. so a report of one from HMP 14 May (BoW) was late. Irregular as a spring migrant in the LCRV, this season saw two reports of single Pine Siskins at Rotary Park 29 Mar (BoW, K. Murphy) and at BLCA 31 May (LHar, MLe). The only report this season of Lawrence’s Goldfinch was of two at Rotary Park 18 Mar (m.ob.). Casual in the LCRV, a report of a flyover Evening Grosbeak at the southern end of the Mohave Valley 13 Apr (MLe) was of note.

 

 

                                   

Coconino

 

Compiled by Lauren Harter

Abbreviations: Continental Country Club, Flagstaff (CCC), Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP)

Warm weather in the first half of the season transitioned to cooler than average temperatures in May. Precipitation was above average throughout the season, although snowfall totals were below average with the exception of a late snowstorm in early May. The snowpack total for the year was just above 60% of normal by the end of the season.

Overshadowing several reports of casual migrants and highly unseasonal visitors was a new species for Coconino Co., a Yellow-eyed Junco that took up residence at a feeder in Flagstaff. Although this species is a partial elevational migrant, it is rare even in the lowlands of se. Arizona, so its occurrence in n. Arizona is unexpected to say the least!

Rare in the region at any season but only to be expected in winter, a late flock of seven migrant Ross’s Geese flying through Oak Creek Canyon 6 Mar was unusual (T. Logan). Even more unusual was an individual discovered at JD Dam 29 Apr and lingering into the summer (K. VerBerkmoes, ph. AG), likely due to injury. Canada Goose is a common migrant but rare and local breeder in the region. Downy young were reported from two Flagstaff-area locations this season: at Kachina Wetlands 28 Apr+ (CSz, m. ob.) and Walnut Canyon Ponds 9 May+ (RSl, m. ob.). Wood Ducks are uncommon along Oak Cr. and rarely reported within Coconino Co. so two in Sedona 31 Mar (GBo) were of interest. Above the Mogollon Rim, where the species is very rare, two were at Scholz L. 26 Apr (BH).

Cinnamon Teal moved through the region in good numbers, most notably a concentration of 400 at Grass Flat Tank 9 Apr (BH), and 250 there 17 Apr (TL). Most Northern Shovelers depart the region by the end of April and are rare after mid-May, so two lingering at Kachina Wetlands 20 May+ (RAu, m. ob.) and two at Marshall L. 22 May (RSl) were of interest. Northern Pintail also lingered later than usual, with two at Marshall L. 22 May (RSl) and three at Ashurst L. 29 May (TL). Green-winged Teal migration peaked about a week late 9 Apr, when 430 were reported from Grass Flat Tank (BH). Good numbers lingered into late May and through the end of the season, including up to 10 at Kachina Wetlands (m. ob.) and seven at Ashurst L. 29 May (TL).

Two Lesser Scaup at Ashurst L. 29 May were late migrants (TL). A good count of spring migrant Buffleheads, 83 were at Post L. 19 Apr (DSa). A single male Bufflehead was late at White Horse L. 16 May (AG). Reports of rare spring migrant Hooded Mergansers included a male at Cataract L. 5-12 Mar (HKl, AG) and a female there 16 Mar (JCr), two at Lower L. Mary 15 Apr (P. Lueders) and one continuing there to 21 Apr (m. ob.). Typically rare spring migrants, several Red-breasted Mergansers were reported within the expected spring migration window of March and April: three at Grass Flat Tank 25 Mar (BH, TL), and two at Lower L. Mary 11-14 Apr (RSl).

A pulse of migrant Eared Grebes brought a high count of 190 to Sunflower Flat above Sycamore Canyon 1 May (RAu, TL). Uncommon and rapidly increasing in n. Arizona, about eight Neotropic Cormorants were reported from the Flagstaff and Williams areas this spring, including a new early date for the county, with one at L. Elaine 10 Mar (BH) and two there the next day (TL). Good numbers of Double-crested Cormorants were reported from the colony at Scholz L. throughout the latter part of the season, with a high count of 90 there 26 Apr (BH). American White Pelican occurs irregularly as a spring migrant in the region, and the only report this season was of a single bird at Lower L. Mary 21-23 Mar (TL, JCr). A casual adult Brown Pelican was found on the shore of L. Mary, apparently exhausted, 17 Apr (ph. fide APe).

Very local breeders in the region, good numbers of Great Blue Heron rookeries were reported this season. The small rookery at Cave Springs CG was active 16 Mar-13 Apr (m. ob.) and again 30 Apr after a period of inactivity (JGra), and other rookeries were located at Flying M Tank near Mormon L. 18 Apr (APe), on the Kaibab NF above Sycamore Canyon 17 May (JCr), and on the Coconino NF near Lower L. Mary 28 May (RAu). Black-crowned Night-Herons are rare migrants at higher elevations in the region, so one at Kachina Wetlands was of interest 3 Apr (TL).

The first Common Black Hawk of the season arrived slightly early at Cave Springs CG 16 Mar (RSl). A Red-shouldered Hawk was a great find at Picture Canyon 27 Mar (TL), not only casual in the region but also unseasonable, with most records from n. Arizona coming from fall. Zone-tailed Hawks arrived early this season. Whereas the typical first-of-season arrival date falls in the second week of April in the region, this season saw numerous reports as early as late March, the earliest being at Grasshopper Point, Oak Creek Canyon 20 Mar (R. Walker, R. Walker) and on the South Kaibab Trail, GCNP 21 Mar (M. Pruitt). There were also six reports above the Mogollon Rim (m. ob.), well above average.

A very unusual sighting was of a very early Sora walking in a few inches of snow on a downtown Flagstaff sidewalk 3 Mar (fide BHe), well out of habitat and over a month early for a spring migrant!

Spring Black-necked Stilt migration falls primarily from mid-April to mid-May in the region; reports outside of that time frame were of two at Davenport L. 30 Mar (HKl), one at Ashurst L. 7 Apr (TL), and a late individual at Ashurst L. 29 May (TL). Rare at GCNP away from the Colorado R., reports from there included one at the South Rim Sewage Lagoons 25 Apr (BGa) and 18 in a flooded meadow on the Kaibab Plateau 1 May (AG). An American Avocet arrived early at Grass Flat Tank 2 Apr (TL), and reports from GCNP, where also rare away from the Colorado R., were of four on the Kaibab Plateau 1 May (AG) and 21 at the South Rim Sewage Lagoons 2 May (BGa).

Solitary Sandpiper is an uncommon to rare spring migrant, with only three reports this season from a brief window in late April: one at Kachina Wetlands 28 Apr (CSz), one at JD Dam 29 Apr (AG), and one at Jumbo Pasture near East Clear Cr. 30 Apr (J. Smith). Good numbers of Greater Yellowlegs were reported, with two at Rimmy Jim Tank 6 Apr (TL, RAu), two at Grass Flat Tank 9 Apr (BH) and six there 17 Apr (JCr). Another uncommon to rare shorebird migrant, Lesser Yellowlegs were reported from Kachina Wetlands 18-21 Apr, with a maximum count of five on 19 Apr (m. ob.). Rare in Arizona away from Yuma Co. and casual in n. Arizona, a Whimbrel was a great find at Davenport L. 15 Apr (AG). Long-billed Curlew is far more regular but still rare, so one at Kachina Wetlands 2 Apr (ph. TBl) was of interest. The only reports of Marbled Godwits this season were early in their migration window, with up to 23 at Davenport L. 15-18 Apr (AG, m. ob.) and seven at Grass Flat Tank 17 Apr (JCr). Western Sandpiper is a rare spring migrant in n. Arizona. Reports this season were of one at Kachina Wetlands 18 Apr (TBl) and one at Rimmy Jim Tank 30 Apr (TL, BH). Wilson’s Snipe is rare in May, and the only May report this season was of one at Kachina Wetlands 2-10 May (EBr, AG). One Wilson’s Phalarope was reported from GCNP, where considered rare, at Desert View 30 Apr (BGa). A single Wilson’s Phalarope was on the late side at Kachina Wetlands 30 May (J. Wahl, B. Pokorny, R. Coffman). Rare in spring, one Red-necked Phalarope was at Grass Flat Tank 17 Apr (JCr), and two were at Post L. 19 Apr (DNo).

Rare but regular in spring, a good count of 10 Bonaparte’s Gulls was at Mormon L. 9 Apr (BH). The few reports of Franklin’s Gull were of one at Grass Flat Tank 7 Apr (TL), three at Davenport L. 15 Apr (AG), and one at Lower L. Mary 18 Apr (APe). Two Ring-billed Gulls and a California Gull were on the early side 8 Mar at Davenport L. 8 Mar (CoF), and a Ring-billed Gull at Ashurst L. 12 May was late (TL).

A Band-tailed Pigeon arrived early at Williams 23 Mar (CoF). Most White-winged Doves reported this season were near Elden Spring, where a small resident population has persisted in recent years, with a high count of 10 nearby 3 Mar (RAu). Greater Roadrunners have increased in the region in recent decades, and three or four were reported this season: one or two birds were near Twin Arrows 8 and 28 Mar (TL, RAu), one was at Wupatki NM 27 Mar (D. Versaw), and one was at Mormon L. 9 Apr (BH). Casually reported in the county, a singing Elf Owl was described from appropriate habitat on Hwy 260 above Camp Verde 30 Apr (B. Olsen). Very local breeders in the region, Burrowing Owl reports were of one at Buffalo Range Rd. 28 Mar (RAu) and two on Willaha Rd. north of Valle 11 Apr (BGa).

Rare and local Magnificent Hummingbirds were reported only from West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon, with a single bird 13-19 Apr (VN) and two reported 12 May (TL, JGra). Among the few Anna’s Hummingbirds reported in the Flagstaff area this spring, the first of season was near Willow Bend 19 Apr (N. Harris, A. Nichols). Broad-tailed Hummingbirds arrived remarkably early this year. The earliest reports include one in Oak Creek Canyon 9 Mar (RAu), one in Flagstaff 14 Mar (BHe), and a male and female at Desert View 15 Mar (BGa), the latter a new early date for a female at GCNP. Casual in the region, a male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in Flagstaff was also quite late 4 Apr (RSl). Ladder-backed Woodpeckers were again reported at Willaha Rd., where two were seen 12 Mar (RAu, TL). A low-elevation Downy Woodpecker at City Res. in Williams 28 Apr was of interest (ph. HKl, AG), and another lingered at Cave Springs until 29 Apr (GBo). Reports of single Merlins at Desert View 22 Apr (BGa) and Picture Canyon 9 May (TrB) were on the late side.

An early Western Wood-Pewee was at Cave Spring CG 26 Apr (ph. BH). Two Hammond’s Flycatchers at Red Mountain were also on the early side 12 Apr (APe). A Gray Flycatcher at Desert View was very early 27 Mar (ph. BGa); several other individuals arrived early in the area as well, apparently uncommon as early as 12 Apr (BGa). Another early arrival was at Walnut Canyon 7 Apr (ph. P. Fenwick). Always a good find in Coconino Co., a female Vermilion Flycatcher was at Camp Navajo 13 Apr (ph. T. Hauck). Up to five Western Kingbirds on Willaha Rd. was a good count so early in the season 13 Apr (RAu, TL).

Still rare above the Mogollon Rim despite a recent increase in sightings, there were a few noteworthy Hutton’s Vireo reports this spring. At GCNP, individuals were singing at the South Rim Sewage Lagoons 4 Apr and at Desert View 25 May (both BGa), and one was at Kachina Village 21 May (JCr). Not typically arriving until the end of April, a Warbling Vireo was very early at Cave Springs CG 4 Apr (RyC, JCr). Purple Martins were slightly early at Coleman L. 17 Apr, with two males and a female reported (CoF). Two Bank Swallows were also on the early side at Kachina Wetlands 16 Apr (RSl), as was a Barn Swallow there 18 Mar (TL). An early House Wren was singing in lower Oak Creek Canyon 9 Mar (RAu). A Marsh Wren at Picture Canyon 28 May was on the late side (BH).

 

Varied Thrush is rare but regular in the region, but casual in spring; one briefly visited Cave Springs CG this season 14 Mar (ph. J. Tanner). Another excellent find was a rare Gray Catbird at Logan’s Crossing 31 May (TL). Bendire’s Thrashers were reported again from Willaha Rd., with up to four there 11 Apr (BGa). Crissal Thrashers are found mainly below the Mogollon Rim; although they have increased in the past few decades, they remain rare and local in the region. This season, two were at Wupatki NM 5 Mar (CSz), up to five were near Twin Arrows 6-28 Mar (TL), and one was at Willaha Rd. 13 Apr (RAu, TL). Several early Northern Mockingbirds were reported, with the earliest being one near Twin Arrows 28 Mar (RAu).

It was a good season for longspurs in the Willaha Rd. area, following the first report of any longspur for the Grand Canyon region last winter. A visit on 4 Apr to that area produced single Lapland Longspur and Chestnut-collared Longspur (BGa). The only other report of the latter this season was of four at Casner Tank 29 Mar-1 Apr (BH, TL).

A singing Ovenbird was a good find at Cave Springs CG 12-13 May (TL, JGra, ph. SaH). Northern Waterthrush is a rare but regular spring migrant, and two reports was an above-average count: one at Picture Canyon 9-10 May (TrB), and one at Kachina Village 21-23 May (JCr). Rare but apparently increasing above the Mogollon Rim, a Lucy’s Warbler was at Elden Spring 16 May (BHe). Rather early for Virginia’s Warbler, four were reported from Oak Creek Canyon 1 Apr (T. Forwood Jr.). Another rare warbler was a female American Redstart at Kachina Village 20-21 May (TBl). Two Grace’s Warblers were very early 31 Mar on the Rim Road (FR 300) above Strawberry (DShe). A Townsend’s Warbler at Oak Creek Canyon 23 Apr (JLo et al.) was also on the early side, as was a Red-faced Warbler on territory at Schultz Pass 10 Apr (JGr). A Painted Redstart also arrived on territory early, found at Cave Springs CG 14 Mar (J. Tanner). Rare above the Mogollon Rim, a Painted Redstart at Red Mtn. 12 Apr was unusual (APe), and up to two were at Elden Spring 15-27 Apr (BH, RAu). Yellow-breasted Chats arrived early at Havasu Canyon 3 May (K. Wheeler).

A Green-tailed Towhee was on the early side at Logan’s Crossing 9 Apr (RSl). Canyon Towhees were once again reported from the Twin Arrows area 28-29 Mar (RAu, TL). A Chipping Sparrow was early for GCNP 21 Mar at Desert View (BGa). An early Black-chinned Sparrow was in Oak Creek Canyon 28 Mar (BH). A male Lark Bunting was an excellent find at Willaha Rd. 13 Apr (RAu, TL); this irregular migrant has not been reported in the past few years. Fox Sparrow is rare but regular in fall and winter, but there are few spring reports. Two were reported this season: one at Little Spring 13 Apr (CSz) and one at the Museum of Northern Arizona 26 Apr (ARi). The Harris’s Sparrow continuing at Northern Arizona University from the winter lingered exceptionally late, last reported 19 May (ph. JCr). Casual in the region and also quite late for the species, a Golden-crowned Sparrow was a great find in Flagstaff 25-26 Apr (C. Babcock, ph. BH). Perhaps the bird of the season for the region was Coconino Co.’s first Yellow-eyed Junco, which frequented a Flagstaff backyard 11 Apr+ (ph. N. Renn, m. ob.)

With few valid reports from GCNP away from riparian areas, a young male Summer Tanager at Desert View 16-17 May was a surprise (BGa). An excellent count of Western Tanagers for the region, over 100 were at Lonely Dell Ranch 24 May (JCn). Rare but about annual in the region in May, a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak visited a Williams residence 7-8 May (ph. CoF). An Indigo Bunting was on the early side 3 May at Cave Springs CG (TBl). A rare apparent Lazuli x Indigo Bunting hybrid was found in Flagstaff 1 May (ph. RAu).

Most Yellow-headed Blackbirds don’t arrive before April, so of interest were one at Lonely Dell Ranch 21 Mar (G. Holm) and one near Kachina Village 27 Mar (RSl). Also rare before April, a Brown-headed Cowbird was quite early at Mormon Lake Village 11 Mar (SHo, SF, BMe), and 100 was a notable concentration there 29 Apr (SHo). Both rare and local above the Mogollon Rim, a Hooded Oriole frequented the Cheshire neighborhood of Flagstaff 18-31 May (CLR) and Scott’s Orioles of note were at Picture Canyon 10 May (TL) and off Cosnino Rd. 22 May (JCr).

Cassin’s Finches continued to be recorded in good numbers until about mid-May, when reports dropped to more average numbers (m. ob.). The high count was of 60 in Flagstaff 7 Mar (GBo). Red Crossbills were reported in more average numbers, although a high count of 50 from Hearst Tanks was notable 23 Apr (BGa). Pine Siskins were average throughout the season, while Evening Grosbeaks were in slightly above-average numbers, with a high count of 100 from Flagstaff 25 Apr (CSz), and several other counts over 50 reported from the Flagstaff area (m. ob.).

 

Navajo and Hopi Nations

 

Compiled by Jason Wilder

 

Spring on the Navajo and Hopi Nations was relatively mild with above-average precipitation. Although numerous reports of notable birds trickled in throughout the season from the western portion of the region, the vast and remote eastern areas of the Navajo and Hopi Nations received little attention from birders. Well-known migrant traps at Cameron, Pasture Canyon, and Wahweap produced the bulk of notable records. However, exploration of the Little Colorado R. valley upstream from Cameron suggests the entire river corridor, which is quite difficult to access, may produce interesting migrant records.

Gambel’s Quail, which is likely a nonnative introduction to the Little Colorado R. valley, appears to have been expanding its range downstream in recent years. Two were at a cottonwood bosque approximately four miles upstream from Cameron 29 May (BGa, CLR). Snowy Egret is a regular migrant in small numbers; two were in Pasture Canyon 1 May (CSz), and one was there 25 May (AG). Swainson’s Hawk is an uncommon migrant and very local breeder in the region; one was found in the Little Colorado R. Valley four miles upstream from Cameron 29 May (BGa, CLR).

Migrant shorebirds are always noteworthy in this arid region. Black-bellied Plover is a casual spring migrant that is observed less than annually; three found at Wahweap 20 April was an excellent record (J. Straka). Willets are uncommonly observed, but can turn up at virtually any body of water during migration; one was at Pasture Canyon 1 May (CSz). Two Lesser Yellowlegs, which regularly migrate through in small numbers, were found at Cow Springs L. 17 April (ph. LPi). Marbled Godwits are similarly uncommon; two were at Cow Springs L. 17 April (ph. LPi), with one at the same location 25 April (LPi). Four additional Marbled Godwits were at Wahweap 20 April (J. Straka).

Among migrant gulls, Bonaparte's, Franklin’s and California are regular but uncommon visitors to the region. The only individuals reported this season included one Bonaparte’s Gull at Pasture Canyon 18 May (CBab), 14 Franklins Gulls at Pasture Canyon 17 April (ph. LPi), and three California Gulls at Wahweap 20 April (Jason Straka). The only tern report this season was of three Forster’s Terns at Many Farms L. 19 May (CBab). Long-eared Owl is an elusive species that is an uncommon migrant and sparse breeder in the region; one at Tappan Wash 3 April (BH, TL) was an excellent find.

 

Willow Flycatchers were reported with unusual frequency this season. Although annual in small numbers during spring migration, a report of at least five at Pasture Canyon 22 May (RAu, TL) was a high count, with two continuing to 25 May (AG). Additional reports came from Tappan Spring, where as many as three singing individuals were reported 14-29 May ( m.ob.), Cameron Seep 25 May (TL), the Tuba City WWTP 22 May (RAu, TL), and along the Colorado R. in Marble Canyon 25-28 May 9 (V. Schneggenburger). “Western” Flycatchers can be difficult to distinguish during migration, when many birds are silent. Two birds identified by voice as Pacific-slope Flycatchers, which are rare in the region, were at Tappan Spring 24-25 May (JCo, TL).

Red-eyed Vireo is casual statewide and in the region. One reported at the Cameron Trading Post 17 May (ph. CBab) was a good find. Although possibly overlooked among more common Hermit Thrushes, Swainson’s Thrush is an uncommon spring migrant in the region. One was at Tappan Spring 16 May (BGa, CLR), and another was at Pasture Canyon 25 May (AG). Gray Catbird is rare but nearly annual in the region; one was found at Tappan Spring 29 May (BGa, CLR).

Warblers are always a highlight of spring migration and this season did not disappoint. Northern Waterthrush is a rare but regular spring migrant; one was at Tappan Spring 14 May (TL) and again 17 May (AG); another was also at the Cameron Seep 17 May (CBab). American Redstarts are also rare but regular; one was on the early side at Pasture Canyon 8 May (BGa, CLR, EG) and another was at Tappan Spring 16-17 May (BGa, CLR). Palm Warbler is a casual visitor, with fewer than 10 records for the region; one was 13 miles upstream from Cameron in the Little Colorado R. valley 12 May (CLR). Although Yellow-rumped Warblers are abundant migrants in the region, finding an uncommon eastern “Myrtle” warbler among them is always a treat; one was at Pasture Canyon 8 May and another at the Tuba City WTP on the same day (both locations BGa, CLR, EG).

Summer Tanager is an uncommon visitor to the region; one was found at Ganado Wash 20 May (CBab). An Evening Grosbeak at Tappan Spring 16 May (BGa, CLR) was a bit late for this irregular migrant, and one at Keams Canyon 21 May (CBab) was even later.

 

 

Yavapai

 

Compiled by Troy Corman and Carl Tomoff

 

Abbreviations: Willow Creek Reservoir (Willow L.), Sedona Wetlands Preserve (Sedona WP), Page Springs Fish Hatchery/Bubbling Ponds (Page Springs)

Casual spring migrants, a Greater White-fronted Goose and a Ross’s Goose briefly visited Sedona WP 21 Mar with a small flock of Canada Geese (ph. SaH, et al.). Most American Wigeons have departed the region by the first week of May, so of note was an individual reported at Page Springs 26 May (L. Grubbs). Also getting late were two Northern Shovelers at Dead Horse Ranch SP 24 May (RAr et al.). Rare, but regular spring migrants, eight Red-breasted Mergansers were at Willow L. 15 Apr (SDr, StB) and another was at Sedona WP 18-21 Apr (TrB, EGo, et al.).

Common Loons are rare spring migrants in the region, so of note were two vocal individuals in alternate plumage at L. Pleasant 6 Apr with one remaining through 22 Apr (both F. Mayer). Another in alternate plumage was at Sedona WP 26-27 Apr (ph. SaH, m. ob.). The highest concentration reported for Eared Grebes was 240 at Sedona WP 5 May (RAr). The only Clark’s Grebes reported for the season were three at L. Pleasant 28 Mar where small numbers also winter (F. Mayer). An interesting report was of four active Neotropic Cormorant nests in the Double-crested Cormorant colony in the upper Agua Fria R. arm of L. Pleasant 23 Mar (F. Mayer). Although breeding at Willow L. has been suggested in the past, these are the first reported active nests of this expanding species in Yavapai Co. An impressive flock of 146 American White Pelicans was counted at Willow L. 18-19 Apr (ph. StB, CT) and 98 were observed at L. Pleasant 22 Apr (F. Mayer).

Very local breeders in the region, one to two Least Bitterns were at Dead Horse Ranch SP 24 Apr+ (S. & M. Pratt, m. ob.). Cattle Egrets are sparse migrants throughout the region, so of note was an individual at Willow L. 15 Apr (StB, BNo) and another at Sedona WP 16-17 Apr (RAr, ph. SaH, et al.).

Casual to rare spring transients, an adult Broad-winged Hawk was in Cottonwood 26 Apr (ph. S. Padgaonkar) and a likely first-year individual was reported along Lynx Cr. 9 May (ph. MiR). At least one pair of Gray Hawks returned to Date Creek Ranch 26 Mar+ (AA), ph. SaH, et al.), currently the most consistent northern nesting site in the state. Breeding only at the northern edge of the region and seldom reported, a Ferruginous Hawk was noted 15 Apr near Seligman (S. Glynn). Common Gallinules nest very locally in the region. Individuals were reported at Sedona WP 12 Apr (VN, R. Bonner), Dead Horse Ranch SP 16 May (R. Gurule, E. Smith), and Tuzigoot NM 30-31 May (W. Jaremko-Wright).

High water levels at Willow L. this spring were not conducive for concentrating migrant shorebirds as in the past few years, plus viewing access was limited, greatly reducing bird reports there. Elsewhere in the region, the highest American Avocet count was 36 at Sedona WP 15 Apr (VN, SaH, et al.). Under strong blustering winds, the highest concentration of Willets reported this season was 36 hunkered down along the shore at Sullivan L. in Chino Valley 25 Apr (CT). An exceptional concentration of 153 Marbled Godwits visited the Sedona WP 26-27 Apr (ph. SaH, et al.). A late Wilson’s Snipe was detected 23 May at the Sedona WP (M. Crozier). A conservative estimate of 350 Red-necked Phalaropes graced Sedona WP 15 May (RAr), however, less than an hour later, fewer than 50 remained. Rare spring transients, a Bonaparte’s Gull was at Sedona WP 3 Apr (M. Stephenson) and possibly the same there 11-13 Apr (EGo, SaH). Another Bonaparte’s visited Prescott’s water recharge ponds near the airport 19 Apr (CT et al.). Franklin’s Gulls are more expected in spring with a high of 41 counted at Willow L. 15 Apr (SDr, m. ob.) and at least 16 still present 19 Apr (CT). They were also noted at the Sedona WP between 30 Mar and 4 May with a high of 28 on 18 Apr (SaH, m. ob.). Terns are typically casual to sparse spring transients in the region, so of note was a Caspian Tern at L. Pleasant 22 Apr (F. Mayer) and a Black Tern at the Sedona WP 15 May (S. Boots). Forster’s Tern is the most expected species with one at Sedona WP 5 May (RAr, SaH, et al.) and a high of eight there 15 May (RAr). Another was reported at Dead Horse Ranch SP 15 May (G. Campbell).

Long-eared Owls are rather nomadic and unpredictable to their whereabouts from one season to the next, so of note where two at Granite Dells near Prescott 31 Mar (ph. FG). Also likely a local resident, but seldom reported, two Northern Saw-whet Owls were noted south of Prescott in the Bradshaw Mtns. 22 Apr (MiR). Likely a regular transient through the region but seldom reported, five Vaux’s Swifts were noted at Page Springs 24 Apr (P. Watkins). Perhaps approaching their upper elevation breeding limit, three to five Costa’s Hummingbirds were found along Copper Basin Wash west of Wilhoit 23-27 May (FG, CT). Calliope Hummingbirds are casually reported in the region in spring, so of note was an individual reported at Red Tank Draw 8 Apr (EGo, SaH). The only Broad-billed Hummingbirds reported were from the apparent resident population at Black Canyon City and adjacent Agua Fria R. drainage, including six to eight detected there during an AZFO Expedition 11 Apr (TC et al.).

The only Lewis’s Woodpecker of the season appeared on West Spruce Mtn. west of Prescott 10 May (FG). Above its usual elevational range, a Gila Woodpecker was in Grapevine Canyon 23 Apr (FG). A rare visitor, a female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker foraged in Boyle-DeBusk Preserve in south Prescott 5 Mar (CT). Getting late was a Red-naped Sapsucker along the Verde R. near Dead Horse Ranch SP 6 May (AGr).

Suggesting peak passage, 20+ Western Wood-Pewees were noted after a storm at Page Springs 16 May (RR). A minimum of three pairs of Dusky-capped Flycatchers returned to their apparent Pine Mountain Wilderness stronghold where they were noted 29 May (ph. SaH, EGo). Discovered only a few years ago, this is the only known annual breeding area within the region for this flycatcher. Casual in the region and always a noteworthy find in Arizona, a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was discovered at Castle Cr. near L. Pleasant 31 May (ph. KR).

Slightly early for the region, the first Bell’s Vireo reported was noted at Agua Fria NM 13 Mar (MiR). Another Bell’s Vireo at Granite Basin 3-18 April sang in the same territory where a pair fledged young in 2014 for Prescott’s first breeding record (CT); it was not observed after that (CT). A possible new breeding location for Gray Vireo in chaparral north of West Spruce Mnt. was noted northwest of Prescott at Ramsgate 12 April - 31 May (FG). An infrequent transient at Prescott, a singing male was noted in Granite Dells 12 April (WA) and another was at Prescott water recharge ponds 19 April (CT).

An irregular visitor to the Prescott area, one to three American Crows were detected in a downtown Prescott neighborhood 8-23 Apr (MiR, FG, WA). An individual that visited Watson Woods 25 Apr was probably one of the same birds (StB). Interestingly, a small flock of four to six American Crows remained in a Village of Oak Creek neighborhood 2 Apr+ (VN, m. ob.).

Still working out the seasonal status of Pacific and Winter wrens in the state, there were six Pacific Wrens reported this season with two at Grapevine Cr. 7 Mar (MiR, ErH), one along Lynx Cr. below the dam 10 Mar (FG), one continuing from the winter at Granite Dells (Granite Cr.) through 25 Mar (FG, m. ob.), one 12 April at Aspen Cr. in the Bradshaw Mtns. (FG), and one continuing from winter at Granite Basin L. through 19 Apr (BNo, m. ob.). The only Winter Wren reported was noted at Granite Dells (Willow Cr.) 7-11 Mar and compared to the Pacific Wren that was nearby (CT; SHo, S. Fishburn).

The only Golden-crowned Kinglets reported was a high total of 12 in Grapevine Cr. 7 Mar (MiR, ErH). An impressive concentration of 22 Townsend’s Solitaires was noted at Juniper Tank west of Sedona 18 Apr (RAr). A surprisingly rare late spring migrant in the region, the only Swainson’s Thrush reported was in a Lake Montezuma yard 11-12 May (CFu, ph. SaH, RAr). Curve-billed Thrashers may be gradually expanding in the Prescott area. One was observed 1 Mar in north Prescott where an individual had visited in Aug 2014 (SDr). Brown Thrashers are casual visitors in the region, so of note was one in a Sedona neighborhood 5 May (ph. J. Tanner).

Rare but regular migrants, Black-and-white Warbler reports included one along the Agua Fria R. near Black Canyon City 11 Apr (TC et al.) and another at Granite Basin L. 17 May (ph. BPt, KR, et al.). The highlight of the season and contender for the year was the totally unexpected discovery of a singing male Crescent-chested Warbler at Granite Basin L. 16-17 May (ph. CT, ph. StB, ph. DM). Unfortunately, it did not remain long enough to be enjoyed by many other hopeful birders. With 15 prior records for Arizona, this is the most northern occurrence ever reported by far for this tropical bird. A female Townsend’s Warbler noted at Grapevine Cr. 7 Mar (ph. MiR, ErH) was very early for a migrant, so it may have wintered locally, a casual event in the region. An infrequent transient in the Prescott area, a Yellow-breasted Chat was found in Granite Dells 9 May (WA), and another was along Granite Cr. 10 May where a singing male was heard in Watson Woods 16-17 May (DM, StB).

A casual migrant, particularly in spring, a Clay-colored Sparrow was a good find among a flock of Chipping Sparrows near the Forest Service Visitor Center south of the Village of Oak Creek 3 May (VN). Swamp Sparrows are rare winter residents and migrants, so of note was one continuing from the winter near the Forest Service Visitor Center south of the Village of Oak Creek through 17 Apr (VN) and another at Tavasci Marsh 13 Apr (P. Lueders). Following above normal numbers reported in the winter, a minimum of 10 White-throated Sparrows was noted this season, including three together in Yarnell 17 Mar (DShe) and a late individual off Beaverhead Flats Rd. southwest of the Village of Oak Creek 11 May (VN).

A rare visitor, the only Rose-breasted Grosbeak report was a male in Sedona 12 Apr (J. Argo). Not expected until early May, the report of a male Blue Grosbeak along Watson L. 15 March (BPr) was likely the continuing wintering individual noted at Granite Cr. in nearby Watson Woods in January.

Quite unexpected, particularly in the spring, an adult male Painted Bunting was discovered at a Dead Horse Ranch SP feeder 4-5 May (B. Mantell, RAr, ph. BPt, ph. SaH, m. ob.). Oddly, last May a male also briefly visited a feeder in Prescott. The vast majority of these buntings are detected primarily as molt migrants in late summer and early fall in the southeastern corner of the state. So, given the time of year and this being an adult male, a local escaped cage bird can’t be ruled out. A male Indigo x Lazuli Bunting hybrid discovered near Granite Creek Park 2
May (CT) and photographed 25-27 May (FG) remained through the period.

After a winter of relatively high numbers throughout the Prescott area, a few Cassin’s Finches lingered into early May, with one off Williams Valley Rd. 9 May (D&D Iverson) and nine on Mingus Mtn. the same day (SaH). Red Crossbills were present throughout the period at several locations in the Bradshaw and Sierra Prieta mtns. and with good ponderosa pine cone crops may have nested (CT). Irregular winter visitors and migrants, some Evening Grosbeaks were also detected into May with one male at Prescott College 5 May (WA, MiR), one in west Sedona 16 May (H. Kleindienst), and another at Page Springs 19 May (M. Crozier).

 

              

 

White Mountains

Compiled by Eric Hough

 

Abbreviations: White Mountain Apache Tribe (WMAT)

Above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation continued from the winter into the spring, with very little snowpack. Irruptions of Cassin’s Finches and Evening Grosbeaks also continued through the entire spring period.

Increasing in occurrence northward in the state in recent years, a ‘Mexican’ Mallard intergrade continued at Rainbow L. in Pinetop 12 Mar (BMo, NF). Four Buffleheads were lingering migrants at Horseshoe Ciénega L. on WMAT lands 8 May (GW, EWe). A male Dusky Grouse was reported from the seldom-birded west side of the White Mtns. on WMAT lands near McCoy’s Crossing at the N. Fork of the White R. 18 May (GW, EWe). An active Double-crested Cormorant rookery with 42 nests and 70 individuals was reported at Telephone L. near Show Low 15 May (LL), and 97 cormorants were reported at Sunrise L. 17 May (JY). An adult pair of Bald Eagles was reported at Horseshoe Ciénega L. 8 May (GW, EWe), possibly a nesting locality for this species.

Magnificent Hummingbirds continue to be observed above the Mogollon Rim as their range expands, with one male seen behind the Pinetop AGFD office 15 May (LL). An occasional visitor above the Mogollon Rim likely expanding its range, a male Anna’s Hummingbird appeared in Nutrioso 9 May (CPo). A massive migration wave of 2300 swallows was observed over Telephone L. near Show Low 15 May (LL), with 300 Violet-green, 1500 Cliff, and 500 Barn Swallows counted. Uncommon and local into higher elevation mixed conifer habitat, a pair of Bushtits was observed near Hidden Tank southwest of Heber 12 Apr (ErH, BHo). American Dippers have been found to be uncommon and local residents along the N. Fork of the White R. on the west side of the White Mtns., with observations this spring of one along the Diamond Cr. tributary 6 Mar (T&JJ) and three at the Paradise Cr. area near McCoy’s Crossing 7 May (GW, EWe). The male Varied Thrush first found in November 2014 at the Rainbow Forest Museum at Petrified Forest NP continued through at least 6 Mar (IS, m.ob.). Casual in the region, a Brown Thrasher was discovered along the Little Colorado R. at the Becker L. WA river walk trail 26 May (DT).

Rare but regular migrants and a historic breeder in the White Mtns., American Redstart sightings this spring included one male at La Posada Hotel in Winslow 9 May (ph. ASO) and one at Show Low 27 May (AAl). Continuing to be detected above the Mogollon Rim and in the White Mtns. where they are likely uncommon local breeders, Painted Redstart reports included one at Baca Meadow and two at nearby Hidden Tank southwest of Heber 12 Apr (ErH, BHo), one at Tall Timbers County Park in Overgaard 29 Apr (BHo), one along Walnut Cr. at Woodland L. Park in Pinetop 6 May (GW, EWe), two along Corduroy Cr. near Amos Trailer Park west of Pinetop 9 May (GW, EWe), and two along Billy Cr. 20 May (GW, EWe).

Rufous-crowned Sparrows are rare in the region and locally scattered across rocky slopes of the s. Colorado Plateau, with one singing male detected along the S. Fork of the Little Colorado R. 17 May (JY). Surprisingly rarely reported in the region in migration, six Lark Buntings were at Luna L. 24 Apr (BSD). Another species expanding its range onto the Colorado Plateau where it is likely a rare and local breeder, Summer Tanagers were found twice this spring with single males at Taylor 11 May (ph. NW, CWor) and at the Holbrook Indian School 15-16 May (ph. ASO). Casual in the region and most of the state, a male Common Grackle was reported at Taylor 30 Mar (NW, CWor). Also, casual in the White Mtns., a male Orchard Oriole was seen at Holbrook Indian School 11 May (ph. ASO).

This was a major flight year for Cassin’s Finches in the state, with high counts in the region including 125 at Heber 6 Mar (ErH, BHo) and 98 along Buck Springs Tank Rd. near Pinetop 13 Mar (LL). Very rarely irrupting in large numbers across the state as they did this year, high counts of Evening Grosbeaks in the White Mtns. included 90 at Heber 1 Apr (BHo) and 45 at Pinetop 10 Apr (CBi). Sightings of Evening Grosbeaks continued into late spring with eight at Heber 15 May (BHo). Pine Siskins had a moderate irruption into the spring season locally, with numbers of 80 along Corduroy Cr. south of Pinetop 9 May (GW, EWe) and 50 at Sipe White Mtn. WA 16 May (JY).

 

 

Southwest

 

Compiled by Lauren Harter and David Vander Plyum

Abbreviations: 'Ahakhav Tribal Preserve ('Ahakhav), Bill Williams Delta, Bill Williams River NWR (BWD), Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge (BWR NWR), Cibola Valley Conservation Area (CVCA), Laguna Division Conservation Area (LDCA), Solar and Wind Power Ponds near Wellton (SWP Ponds), Yuma East Wetlands (YEW), Yuma West Wetlands (YWW)

This season started out with temperatures well above normal and precipitation well below normal. This trend reversed in May, which was cool and wet. Among many highlights this season were probable firsts for Yuma Co., Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks and a Flammulated Owl; Mohave and La Paz counties' second Gray Hawk; and numerous high counts including over a million Tree Swallows.

Perhaps the most unexpected sighting of the season was of two Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks on a pond just north of the Colorado R. at Yuma 14 May (ph. LHar). Reports of wandering individuals elsewhere in the state indicate that this species was on the move this season, and this report was the first for Yuma Co. and the LCRV. A Greater White-fronted Goose at the SWP Ponds likely continuing from the winter was last reported 10 May (ph. CMc, m. ob.). The last reported Snow Goose was late at Cibola NWR 11 Mar (APe), as was a Ross’s Goose at the SWP Ponds 17 Mar (HD). Possibly the same bird, a Ross’s Goose was there 30 Apr+ (ph. CMc). Snow x Ross’s Goose hybrids are rarely reported, but even more unusual was a hybrid blue goose at Cibola NWR 3 Mar (CKe, ph. J. Anderson). A group of three Canada Geese at Cibola NWR was late 11 Mar (APe). Nearby at the Baseline Rd. Pond in Cibola, the resident flock of four Canada Geese was reported throughout the season.

Although Wood Ducks have been reported regularly at the Baseline Rd. Pond in recent years, the only sighting there this spring was of two on 17 May (ErH). A female Wood Duck was at the Imperial NWR ponds on the late date of 30 May (BoB). Rare but regular, the only intergrade “Northern” Mallard x Mexican Ducks reported were two on the Colorado R. north of Ehrenberg 7 Apr (ErH). A late Northern Shoveler was at the SWP Ponds 2 May (m. ob.). A good count for the date, 300 Northern Pintail were at Hart Mine Marsh, Cibola NWR 4 Mar (LHar, DVP). Reports of late pintails included eight at Imperial NWR 18 Apr (LHar) and one at the SWP Ponds 28-30 Apr (CMc).

Up to seven Redheads lingered at the SWP Ponds through at least 10 May (m. ob.), possibly attempting to summer. Ring-necked Duck migration tapers off after early April, with few left by late April and early May. Late individuals this season included three at BWD 25 Apr (KB), two at the SWP Ponds 28 Apr (CMc), six at Mittry L. 9 May and two there 11 May (A. Eberly), one at the Baseline Rd. Pond, Cibola 9 May (ErH), and one at the Imperial NWR ponds 12 May (LHar). Greater Scaup is rare south of Parker Dam, so notable reports included up to six at the SWP Ponds 3 Mar-30 Apr (HD, SDe) and eight on the Colorado R. north of Ehrenberg 1 Apr (ErH, JTo, MTo). The high count from Parker Dam was of 60 on 4 Mar (LHar, DVP). Lesser Scaup is rare after mid-April, so three at the SWP Ponds 10 May and one at Mittry L. 11 May were late (both J. Salgado, P. Roman, J. Hernandez). Late Common Goldeneye included two on the Colorado R. north of Ehrenberg last reported 9 May (ph. ErH) and one at the Palo Verde Diversion Dam 9 May (LHar). Seven Hooded Mergansers 27 Mar was a good count for late March (LHar, m. ob.), and two at Imperial NWR 2 Apr were late (LHar).

Casual at best in Yuma Co. with no recent records, a Pacific Loon at Martinez L. was also quite late 12 May (ph. LHar). The only Common Loon reported this season was at Headgate Dam 9 May (ph. DVP). Neotropic Cormorant continues to increase in the region. At Alamo L. where the species has occurred in high numbers, 34 was a good count 20 Mar (DVP, C. Gonzalez), and four continued there 9 May, with possible nesting observed (BoW, K. Murphy). Along the Colorado R., there were seven reports of nine birds throughout the season from Parker to Yuma, but concentrated in the southern portion of the region. Double-crested Cormorants were confirmed nesting at Alamo L. this season, with at least two occupied nests 20 Mar (DVP, C. Gonzalez). With no recent spring reports for the region, this was an exceptional spring for Brown Pelicans. Reports were of one adult or older immature at the BWD 4 Mar (DVP, LHar) and two of unknown age there 14 Apr (GK), one at Martinez L. 10 May (m. ob.), and one adult at Alamo L. 20 May (ph. ARi). The high count of American White Pelican for the season was of 68 at Alamo L. 23 Mar (DVP). The Parker Valley heron and ibis rookery was active again this year. An estimated 700 Cattle Egret and 200 White-faced Ibis nests were active 18 Apr (ErH), with a high count of 1750 Cattle Egrets there 9 May (LHar). Good spring counts of White-faced Ibis included 300 at Cibola NWR 4 Mar (DVP, LHar) and 200 at Vicksburg 22 Apr (DVP). Up to nine were reported from the latter location through May and into summer (DVP).

Late migrant Cooper’s Hawks included singles at the Santa Maria R. above the confluence with the Big Sandy R. 9 May (BoW, K. Murphy), at Betty’s Kitchen 10 May (A. Eberly), and south of Ehrenberg 14 May (ErH). The former sighting was in potential breeding habitat so may have been local. A Common Black Hawk was at Cougar Point on the BWR NWR 23 Mar (MLe, A. Eberly, JTo), where the species has bred in recent years. A Gray Hawk, the second for both La Paz and Mohave counties, was heard calling at the Santa Maria R. above the confluence with the Big Sandy R. 19-21 Mar (s.r. DVP), in the same general area where the first report for both counties came from in 2008. Rare but regular Red-shouldered Hawks were in Yuma 10 Apr (A. Eberly) and 30 Apr (HD), and at Betty’s Kitchen 9 May (A. Eberly). Exceptional counts of Swainson’s Hawk came from the Yuma Valley this season, with 113 there 3 Mar, 133 there 7 Mar, and 67 remaining 17 Mar (HD, SDe, AB, B. Buchanan). Rare but regular Zone-tailed Hawks were at 'Ahakhav 18 Apr (MLe) and Mosquito Flats, BWR NWR 18 May (LHar). Apparently a migrant pulse of Ferruginous Hawks in the Yuma Valley, 78 there 7 Mar may have been a new high count for the region (HD, AB, B. Buchanan). Another visit there 17 Mar produced a good count of 13 (HD).

A good count of Sandhill Crane for spring, 365 remained at Cibola NWR 4 Mar, including at least three uncommon Lesser Sandhill Cranes (LHar, DVP). Rare but regular Black-bellied Plovers were reported in good numbers this season, including one at Cibola NWR on the early dates of 3-4 Mar (ph. CKe), one on the Colorado R. north of Ehrenberg 1 Apr (BoB, LHar, ErH, A. Eberly), one at Cibola NWR 23 Apr (CKe), and another there 9 May (R. Cimino). Rare in spring, the only Solitary Sandpipers reported were two on the lower Gila R. 28 Apr (CMc). A late migrant Greater Yellowlegs was reported from the Colorado R. north of Ehrenberg 15 May (ErH). Whimbrel is a fairly common spring migrant in the Yuma area, so the paucity of reports this spring was notable, with only two reported (both HD). An excellent count of Long-billed Curlews was of about 200 in the Yuma Valley 7 Mar (HD, AB, B. Buchanan). Rare in May, straggling Long-billed Curlews included six at Cocopah RV Resort 6 May (CMc) and nine on the Colorado R. north of Ehrenberg 4 May (ErH). Casual in the LCRV, a Stilt Sandpiper was a great find at Cibola NWR 23 Apr-9 May (ph. CKe). A very early Western Sandpiper was at Cibola NWR 4 Mar (ph. DVP, LHar), and a high count of 100 from the peak of migration 22 Apr at Vicksburg (DVP). Rare and irregular in spring, the only Red-necked Phalarope reported was at the SWP Ponds 2 May (CMc).

Rare in spring in the region, the only Bonaparte’s Gull reported was at Cibola NWR 3 Mar (CKe, ph. J. Anderson). A good count for spring, seven Caspian Terns were at 'Ahakhav 12 May (BoW). An early migrant Forster’s Tern was at Mittry L. 14 Mar (Yuma Audubon Society).

Casual in the region with no recent reports, a Band-tailed Pigeon was a surprise at Lincoln Ranch below Alamo Dam 19 Apr (ph. LHar). Apparently increasing on the Bill Williams R., reports of Common Ground-Dove from there included one near the end of Johnson Ranch Rd. 31 Mar (m. ob.), one at Lincoln Ranch 19 Apr (JSw), and up to two near Brown’s Crossing above Alamo L. 9-10 May (CSz). The first White-winged Doves of the season were one in the Gila Valley near Laguna Foothills 3 Mar (HD, SDe) and one at Cibola NWR 4 Mar (K. and K. Parsons). A Flammulated Owl in the Tinajas Altas Mtns. 29 Apr (ph. LP) may be the first report for Yuma Co. There are very few records of this migratory owl during migration from the lowlands or desert mountains of Arizona. Nearly extirpated from riparian habitat in the region, only a few Gilded Flickers breed along the Bill Williams R., mostly above the BWR NWR. The only report from this the BWR NWR this season was of one from the BWR NWR at Mineral Wash 31 Mar (JRi). Eight Peregrine Falcons and four Prairie Falcons were reported throughout the season from the LCRV portion of the region, with most reports likely representing migrants, although both species do breed locally on suitable cliff habitats in the region (m. ob.).

A Gray Flycatcher at Mineral Wash, BWR NWR 12 Mar was likely wintering (JRi), and one at 'Ahakhav 27 Mar (LHar) could have been a continuing wintering bird or a migrant. An excellent count of Pacific-slope Flycatchers, 43, was tallied at 'Ahakhav in about 1.7 miles 9 May (LHar).

The migrations of six regular swallow species can be an amazing spectacle in the LCRV, and there were several notable events reported this season. Northern Rough-winged Swallow is the only species that is regular year-round, but reports of large numbers are rare. A stream of 125 migrating over the Colorado R. north of Ehrenberg 7 Apr was exceptional (ErH). Tree Swallow numbers usually dwarf those of all other migrant birds in the region, and numbers reported this season were above normal. Large roosting flocks are extremely difficult to estimate accurately, but even rough estimates backed up with notes on counting techniques give us very useful information about the migration of Tree Swallows through this essential corridor. The first huge concentration was of 200,000 at the BWD 18 Mar (BoW, K. Murphy). The next was of 1.2 million at Picacho SRA (in both Arizona and California) 15 Apr (LHar, DFl, BoB, A. Eberly), consisting of several megaflocks converging on marshes along the river. This tied the high count for the LCRV. The next evening, a smaller but still spectacular count of 600,000 came to roost (LHar, DFl). The behavior of the flocks, flying in from the south in the evening and flying north just before dawn, strongly suggests that there was very little overlap between nights, giving an idea of how many Tree Swallows use the LCRV during spring migration. A Barn Swallow was early at Cibola NWR 4 Mar (LHar, DVP), and 60 was an excellent count in the Parker Valley 9 May (LHar). A good count of Cliff Swallows early in the season, 75 were at the BWD 4 Mar (JRi).

A late Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was south of Ehrenberg 17 Apr (ErH), and single American Robins were late on the lower BWR NWR 20 Apr (KB) and in Parker 9 May (LHar). This was a good season for Cedar Waxwing, with many reports throughout the season, and a high count of 54 at YWW 30 Apr (CMc).

Reports of rare but regular Black-and-white Warblers included one continuing from the winter at YEW to 3 Mar (HD, SDe), one at the SWP Ponds 30 Apr (HD), and one at CVCA 12 May (JTo). Casual in the LCRV, the presence of two Hooded Warblers this season was exceptional: a male was at 'Ahakhav 21 Apr (ph. JSw) and a female were at Nature Trail, Cibola NWR 5 May (ph. CDo). Both rare but regular, an American Redstart was at 'Ahakhav 12 May (BoW), and a Northern Parula was at the Santa Maria R. above the confluence with the Big Sandy R. 9 May (BoW, K. Murphy). Yellow Warblers arrived very early this year, with 10 singing males already on territory at Mosquito Flats, BWR NWR 23 Mar (LHar, MTo, DHen), and two at Mineral Wash, BWR NWR 24 Mar (DVP). A push of Yellow-rumped Warblers at 'Ahakhav 27 Mar included good counts of three “Myrtle” Warblers and about 200 “Audubon’s” Warblers (m. ob.). The continuing wintering Black-throated Gray Warbler at YEW was last reported 18 Mar (Yuma Audubon Society). Early Wilson’s Warblers included a small flock at Quigley WMA 3 Mar (HD, SDe) and one at YEW 4 Mar (Yuma Audubon Society). A big push of Wilson’s Warblers was observed 9 May, when 125 were estimated at Parker Oasis (LHar). Yellow-breasted Chats are abundant breeders at Mosquito Flats, BWR NWR, and good counts there included an early count of 20 on 17 Apr (MLe), and 125 over 1.1 miles of forest covered on 18 May (LHar).

Recent surveys in the “inland” areas of Yuma Co. have resulted in increasing reports of Lark Bunting, though still rare and usually in small numbers. One in the Yuma Valley 7 Mar was an excellent find for the LCRV (HD, AB, B. Buchanan). A count of 38 was exceptional at Fawn Hills, Cabeza Prieta NWR 13 Mar, and another was at Tule Desert, Cabeza Prieta NWR 2 Apr (both JV). Seldom reported from the LCRV in recent years, a “Slate-colored” Fox Sparrow was also quite late near Yuma 17 Apr (BoB). A rare White-throated Sparrow was in the Tinajas Altas Mtns. 1 Apr (LP). Northern Cardinal is rare and local on the Bill Williams R. and associated upstream drainages in the region, and there were few reports this spring, although three singing males on the Santa Maria R. above the confluence with the Big Sandy R. 18-22 Mar was likely typical in this area (DVP, C. Gonzalez, AA). A male was also spotted at YWW 27 Apr, where one was found last summer (HD), and was likely an escapee. Lazuli Buntings were on the early side in Yuma 10 Apr (A. Eberly) and at s. Cibola NWR 13 Apr, with five reported (ErH). A count of 40 at CVCA 21 Apr was notable (ErH). A male Indigo Bunting arrived early at CVCA 9 May (ErH).

Rare in the LCRV, a Scott’s Oriole was a good find at s. Cibola NWR 13 May (CV). Casual in the region, a Red Crossbill was an excellent find on Harquahala Mtn. 9 May (JAr). This was a good season for Pine Siskins, irregular spring migrants. There were five reports of 10 birds from 19 Apr to 28 May, mostly from the Cibola area and one from the Bill Williams R. (ErH, LHar). There were only two reports of highly irregular Lawrence’s Goldfinches, with a pair on the Santa Maria R. 19-23 Mar (DVP) and one at Cibola NWR 29 Apr (ErH).

 

 

 

 

South-Central

Compiled by Walter Thurber

 

Abbreviations: Arizona State University (ASU), Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, Superior (BTA), Glendale Recharge Ponds, Glendale (GRP), Hassayampa River Preserve, Wickenburg (HRP), Phoenix metropolitan area (Valley), Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, Gilbert (GWR), Tempe Town Lake, Tempe (TTL), Tres Rios Wetlands, Phoenix (TRW). The Granite Reef, Phon D. Sutton and Coon Bluff recreation sites lie within the Lower Salt River Recreation Area, and the Box Bar Recreation Site is part of the Needle Rock Recreation Area, all on the Tonto National Forest.

The South-Central Region includes all of Maricopa Co. along with the portions of Pinal Co. lying north of the Gila R. and west of Casa Grande. Elevations in the region range from 425 feet on the Gila R. near Hyder to 7657 feet atop Brown’s Peak in the Mazatzal Mtns. Hence, there is considerable habitat diversity and a wide variety of birdlife. This spring was warmer and wetter than normal. The average temperature at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport was 75.1°F, 1.8°F above the 30-year average. Precipitation totaled 1.68 inches, 0.30 inches above normal. The wettest day was 15 May, when 0.93 inches were recorded, followed by 4 May with 0.24 inches and 2 Mar with 0.23 inches. This was the second warmest March and the second wettest May on record in Phoenix (US Dept. of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service). This report includes highlights from the annual North American Migration Count (NAMC) held on 9 May. A record high 214 species were found in Maricopa Co. and 157 species in Pinal Co. that day, with a total of 217 species in the region.

A Greater White-fronted Goose was seen at Liberty 9 Mar (CSd et al.), and a very late immature bird was at Kearny L. 26 May+ (ph. TC et al.). The wintering Snow Goose x Ross’s Goose (hybrid) at Anthem Community Park continued to at least 1 Mar (SHos et al.). Wood Ducks were reported from eight locations across the Valley, with the latest sighting of a female at GRP 3-16 May (DC, CSd, D. Strand, m. ob.). The Wood Duck x Mallard (hybrid) that wintered at GWR was spotted 19 Mar (DWi) and 17 May (ph. B. Howe). A continuing male Eurasian Wigeon was noted at the Links GC at Queen Creek 4 Mar (C. VanBoening et al.), and the wintering male at Dos Lagos Park, Glendale continued 11-18 Mar (RMi, SMil, J. Mack, m. ob.). A Eurasian Wigeon x American Wigeon (hybrid) stayed at GRP 15-18 Apr (SHos et al.). “Mexican” Mallards were detected at seven Valley sites, with a high of three at TRW 11 Mar (CSd et al.). A single remained at Kearny L. 12 May+ (DVP, C. Gonzalez et al.). Yet another hybrid, a male Cinnamon Teal x Green-winged Teal continued at GWR to at least 4 Mar (SHos et al.), and a second male was at the 87th Ave. Pond south of Broadway Rd., Phoenix by 4 Apr (ph. CSd et al.). Casual after March, a female Greater Scaup was present at GWR 19 Mar – 17 Apr (DWi, m. ob.). A female Common Goldeneye, casual to rare after March, remained at the Granite Reef Recreation Site 2 Apr+ (DW, m. ob.). A male and female Red-breasted Merganser continued at TTL to 8 Mar (MWe), and a first winter male was seen at GRP 20 Apr (K. Gooby et al.). A very late individual appeared at the Phon D. Sutton Recreation Site 26 May (LSt).

A Horned Grebe was noted at Saguaro L., Tonto NF 11 Mar (LSt et al.). An impressive fallout of migrating Eared Grebes occurred 26 Apr after an overnight storm. The highest reported counts were 231 birds at GRP (M. Bertrand) and 188 at TTL (MWe). Most of the birds departed within the next two days. Six late Clark’s Grebes were observed at Bartlett L., Tonto NF 21 Apr (DVP, C. Gonzalez). TTL remains the most reliable place in the region to find Brown Pelicans. Two adults continued there 1 Mar – 8 Apr (MWe, m. ob.). Two immature birds joined them on 11 Apr (MWe), and one to three individuals were present 12 Apr+ (MWe, m. ob.). Sightings elsewhere included singles at Canyon L., Tonto NF 31 Mar (B. Boesen et al.), GRP 2-3 Apr (LH et al.), the Gila R. below Miller Rd., Buckeye 10 Apr (TC), and Estrella Mtn. RP 11 Apr (CSd, m. ob.). Some of these reports may have been the same individual. Two were noted at the Base and Meridian WA, Avondale 2 May (GKa, MOc). Likely regular but rarely observed due to their cryptic coloration and secretive nature, an American Bittern was present at TRW 8 Mar (C. Hughes).

Nearly 100 Turkey Vultures took to the skies on Welcome Back Buzzards Day at BTA 21 Mar (DPe, MOc, m. ob.). Cooper’s Hawks nested at Comanche Park, Scottsdale for the seventh consecutive year. One adult, an immature bird and two nestlings were observed there 28 May (HBe). Red-shouldered Hawks, casual winter visitors in most lowland areas, are still resident at HRP and nearby. One continued at HRP 6 Mar – 18 Apr (J. Gunn, m. ob.). Two were south of HRP 9 May (TC, JAl, CKS). Just upstream from HRP, two were sighted 15 May (B. Atwood et al.). These observations suggest there were two separate pairs along this section of the Hassayampa R. Gray Hawk has become a well-established, uncommon spring and summer resident species along the Hassayampa R. between Wickenburg and Morristown. The first were reported at HRP on the early date of 7 Mar (ALe), with a high of  eight counted from San Domingo Wash north to the northern edge of HRP  9 May (TC, JAl, CKS). Another individual was just northeast of Wickenburg  at Secret Lakes 9 May (TC, JAl, CKS). Large numbers of migrant Swainson’s Hawks were witnessed along Tuthill Rd., Rainbow Valley, with highs of 700 on 2 Apr (SHos, JHos) and 800 on 4 Apr (MHe).

One to two Black-bellied Plovers, casual to rare spring transients, were noted at GRP 18-27 Apr (ph. DVP, C. Gonzalez, m. ob.), with three present 21-22 Apr (ph. DC et al.) and a single remaining there 28 Apr – 9 May (RBow, m. ob.). An American Golden-Plover visited the 87th Ave. Pond south of Broadway Rd., Phoenix 2-5 Apr (ph. LH, m.ob.). This is a casual migrant in the state, particularly in spring, with this bird appearing earlier than most spring reports. A good count for the region, 39 Willets were at Butcher Jones at Saguaro L. 22 Apr (DVP). The earliest reports of Lesser Yellowlegs were continuing birds at GWR and GRP. One to two (one continuing) were observed at GWR 4 Mar – 22 Apr (J. Ottinger, m. ob.). At GRP, one to two were present 10 Mar – 5 May (RBow, m. ob.), with three there 14 Mar (TBl et al.) and 15 Apr (SHos). Another early report came from the Gila R. at Cotton Lane, Goodyear, where two were found 13 Mar (C. Hughes). One Stilt Sandpiper, a casual to rare spring transient, was discovered along the Gila R. below Sarival Ave., Goodyear 19 Apr (CSd), and one Sanderling, a casual spring visitor, was detected at GRP 26 Apr (ph. M. Bertrand et al.). A Western Sandpiper at GRP 14 Mar (TBl et al.) may have continued from the winter. Typically rare spring transients, many Red-necked Phalaropes passed through locally and across the state. The local influx was confined to GRP, where 82 birds were counted 15 May (ph. M. Bertrand et al.) and 70 on 16 May (ph. MHe et al.). A four day lull followed, with just two or three birds remaining. Then on 21 May, two estimates of 250 were obtained from there (JRz, JMa et al.). A continuing California Gull was noted at TTL 3 Mar (MWe). One Least Tern, a casual to rare spring migrant, was seen at GRP 19 Apr – 5 May (ph. SHos, JHos, SF et al.). One to two were there 6-9 May (ph. M. Bertrand, m. ob.), and a single was noted nearby along the Agua Fria R. at Camelback Rd., Phoenix 21 May (CSd, J. Kafel).

A Spotted Owl, unusual in the lowlands, visited Carefree 11-12 Mar (ph. L. Covey et al.). An early Broad-tailed Hummingbird appeared at Bushnell Tanks, Tonto NF 8 Mar (LBt). A Calliope Hummingbird was detected at BTA 21 Apr (K. Viens et al.), an unusually low elevation for this casual spring transient. Away from BTA where they are resident, Broad-billed Hummingbirds are rare but increasing visitors. One was reported from Johnson Ranch, San Tan Valley 9 Mar (J. Christiansen, M. Christiansen), and a single male was observed at the Box Bar Recreation Site 6 Apr (O. DaRugna). One was present in Kearny 16-18 Apr (M. Cormier, S. Cormier-Aagaard), a female was noted at HRP 17-19 Apr (CSd, m. ob.), and a male was on Mt. Ord 18 Apr (MWe). Singles were spotted in the Superstition Mtns. 19 Apr (A. Bartoli), the Needle Rock Recreation Area 9 May (GCl), and at TRW the same day (JJ).

A Lewis’s Woodpecker continued at the Cimarron Center, Sun City Grand, Surprise 3-19 Mar (DShe et al.); the individual seen at the nearby Desert Springs GC 14 Mar (S. Dunn, J. Hubinger, M. Hubinger et al.) was likely the same bird. Singles were also noted in Paradise Valley 4 Mar (ph. D. Rosenberg), the Reach 11 Recreation Area, Phoenix 21 Apr (K. Corliss), and at Slate Cr. Divide, Tonto NF 30 Apr (JMc). The small resident population of Acorn Woodpeckers in the ASU Main Campus area, Tempe continued through the season. One to four were there 3 Mar+ (JaT, m. ob.), with a high count of five on 19 Apr (JaT). One continued at the Cimarron Center, Sun City Grand, Surprise 7 Mar (DWi); the individual seen at the nearby Desert Springs GC 14 Mar (S. Dunn, J. Hubinger, M. Hubinger et al.) may have been the same bird. Also in the lowlands were singles at TRW 9-15 May (JJ et al.), the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale 22 May (WT, T. Deck, L. Miller), and the Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery, Phoenix 31 May (MWe, CRo). A male Williamson’s Sapsucker was found on Mt. Ord 4 Mar (ErH), and another male at Bushnell Tanks, Tonto NF 10 Mar (BaMc et al.). A male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker continuing at BTA 1-9 Mar (ph. ALe, m. ob.) was seen with a female 8 Mar (SHos, TC). A male “Yellow-shafted” Northern Flicker was present on the ASU Main Campus, Tempe 24 Mar – 7 Apr (JaT), and a female continued in a Mesa neighborhood 27 Mar (JMil). Two were reported from Dobson Ranch Park, Mesa 30 Mar (V. Maglio).

Two Crested Caracaras were reported away from expected areas, with one showing up along Chuichu Rd., Tohono O’Odham Nation 2 Mar (DJ et al.) and another along the Roosevelt Canal at Verrado Way, Buckeye 10 Mar (CSd et al.). The Rosy-faced Lovebird population in the Valley is expanding, with reports now ranging from Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek on the north to Chandler Heights Rd., Gilbert on the south, and from Idaho Rd., Apache Junction on the east to Litchfield Rd., Litchfield Park on the west. An unusually high count of eight Olive-sided Flycatchers at eight locations was reached on the NAMC 9 May (fide TC). The early Greater Pewee present at Bushnell Tanks, Tonto NF 4-8 Mar (ph. ErH et al.) likely wintered there, and another continued in Liberty through 23 Mar (ph. CSd). Single Hammond’s Flycatchers continued at BTA 1 Mar (CT) and HRP 7 Mar (ALe et al.). The early individual at Bushnell Tanks, Tonto NF 8 Mar (LBt) may have been continuing also, as an unusually large number of these flycatchers wintered in the region. Rarely detected during migration, a Gray Vireo was at the Base and Meridian WA, Avondale 29 Apr (CSd, JF et al.). Several Western Scrub-Jays wandered to low elevations. Two were seen at the Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix 14 Mar (S. LeVane), and one returned to nearby Papago Park 15 Mar (C. Loewen). Three were found at Mesquite Wash, Tonto NF 19 Mar (C. Loewen), and a single at BTA 21 Apr (P. Blair). One Purple Martin, a rare spring transient in the region, was noted at BTA 16 Apr (P. Lueders, m. ob.), and two were there 21 Apr (K. Viens, M. Viens, M. Watson). Four were spotted at HRP 9 May (ALe, m. ob.). Tree Swallows were numerous this spring, with a high of 500 encountered at the Arlington WA 27 Mar (MHe).

Six Bridled Titmice were reported from low elevation sites, including two at BTA 7 Mar (MNe), one at Mesquite Wash, Tonto NF 20 Mar (C. Cruzan, M. Cruzan), two in Queen Valley 25 Mar (B. Schiess et al.), and one at HRP 11 Apr (ALe et al.). Irregularly reported in the lowlands, a Red-breasted Nuthatch continued at BTA 3 Mar – 18 Apr (SF, m. ob.). Two were sighted at the Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix 14 Mar (S. LeVane), one continued in a Mesa neighborhood 17 Mar (JMil), and one was seen at the Box Bar Recreation Site 23 Apr (O. DaRugna). Several Brown Creepers remained at lower elevations after their winter irruption, the earliest being two at the Box Bar Recreation Site 3-14 Mar (K. Gooby et al.). Singles continued at the Granite Reef Recreation Site 3-19 Mar (BaMc, m. ob.), and the Coon Bluff Recreation Site 10 Mar (LSt et al.). Two were observed at Papago Park, Phoenix 15 Mar (C. Loewen), one at Mesquite Wash, Tonto NF 19 Mar (C. Loewen), and another at Morgan City Wash, L. Pleasant RP 28 Mar (TC). American Robins, typically casual breeders in the Valley, were found at three places there in late May. Four adults (two males, two females) were noted at the Palmbrook Country Club, Sun City 23 May (S. Finch). Two were spotted at the Arizona Center, Phoenix 30 May (CRo)--possibly returning from two years ago, and a juvenile was seen at McCormick Ranch, Scottsdale the same day (TC). A Gray Catbird was found in Sunflower 5 May (ph. N. Haley). The wintering Brown Thrasher at GWR continued through 27 Mar (V. Maglio, m. ob.), and another appeared at the Phon D. Sutton Recreation Site 9 Apr (C. VanBoening). Both species are casually reported, but almost annual during the past decade in the region.

Single Northern Waterthrushes, a rare but regular late spring migrant, were reported from three localities: Arizona Biltmore GC, Phoenix 30 Apr (ph. A. Kent, G. Kent et al.); Skunk Cr. at 83rd Ave., Peoria 5 May (TDeB et al.); and HRP 9 May (TC, JAl). Single Black-and-white Warblers were observed at the Granite Reef Recreation Site 9 Mar (S. Finch), GWR 25 Mar (BBk), HRP 1 Apr (S. Wetmore), and Mt. Ord 3 Apr (ALe et al.). Lucy’s Warbler, a harbinger of spring, was first reported from a Mesa neighborhood 2 Mar (JMil). A male American Redstart continued in Liberty 9 Mar (CSd et al.). Later singles included a female at Paloma Ranch, Theba 27 Apr (CBab), males at South Mtn. Park, Phoenix 3 May (ph. GKa) and HRP 9 May (TC, JAl), and females on the ASU Main Campus, Tempe 18 May (JaT) and at Bushnell Tanks, Tonto NF 26 May (T. Conlin et al.). Rare but regular, a male Northern Parula was present on the ASU Main Campus, Tempe 15 Mar – 12 Apr (JaT et al.), while a female was noted at Morgan City Wash, L. Pleasant RP 28 Mar (TC). The male Chestnut-sided Warbler that spent most of February in a single cottonwood tree on the ASU Main Campus, Tempe continued 1-22 Mar (JaT et al.). An early or locally wintering male Townsend’s Warbler was found at Bushnell Tanks, Tonto NF 8 Mar (LBt); a second male was present at GRP 10-12 Mar (ph. RBow et al.). A Red-faced Warbler, a casual transient in the region—particularly in the lowlands, was discovered on the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale 9 May (WT, C. Hart, D. Meserve). The early Painted Redstart observed at the Seven Springs Recreation Area, Tonto NF 1-12 Mar (KR, CR et al.) may have wintered there. Also early were the three individuals found on Mt. Ord 28 Mar (ph. GKa). One was seen at Mesquite Wash, Tonto NF 3 Apr (N. Weber et al.), a rarity in the lowlands during migration.

A Clay-colored Sparrow was detected along the Salome Hwy., Buckeye 4 Apr (JaT), and another in Hidden Valley near Maricopa 9 May (ph. NL). This species, casual in the region, was new to the Pinal NAMC. One to two Bell’s Sparrows continued along the Salome Hwy., Buckeye 4-15 Mar (THj et al.). Numerous Lark Buntings were reported, unlike the past two years. The highest count was 100 birds along Riggs Rd., Rainbow Valley 10 Apr (MHe). Fox Sparrows are rare and irregular visitors to the region. Two “Slate-colored” Fox Sparrows were identified at Slate Cr. Divide, Tonto NF 7 Mar (TC), and another continued at GWR 17 Mar (C. Nims et al.). A likely "Sooty" x "Red" Fox Sparrow intergrade was at Single Swamp Sparrows were seen at the Base and Meridian WA, Avondale 4 Mar, and TRW 11 Mar (both CSd et al.). Two were at the Arlington WA 16 Mar (CSd et al.), and one at GWR 9 Apr (B. Trelc Jr.). Four White-throated Sparrows (three tan, one white) were together at BTA 21 Mar (TC, m. ob.), an unusually large concentration for this species. A Golden-crowned Sparrow, casual in the region, was noted along the Salome Hwy., Buckeye 17 Mar (S. Whitebread).

A wintering female Summer Tanager continued at BTA until at least 8 Mar (ALe, m. ob.) and possibly 26 Mar (C. VanBoening). One male Rose-breasted Grosbeak, a rare transient, was reported from HRP 9 May (TC, JAl), and a very early or wintered locally, male Blue Grosbeak was noted along the Salome Hwy., Buckeye 17 Mar (A. Marshall, K. Marshall). A very early female Lazuli Bunting was observed at the Granite Reef Recreation Site 3 Mar (ph. BaMc et al.), and an early individual was seen in Queen Valley 25 Mar (B. Schiess, m. ob.). Only two Indigo Buntings were reported, both from HRP 9 May (CKS) and 30 May (ALe, m. ob.). A male Orchard Oriole wintered in a Sun City Grand, Surprise neighborhood for the ninth consecutive year, where it visited a feeder through 26 Mar (ph. DShe). This species is a casual winter resident and transient in Arizona. Small numbers of Cassin’s Finches remained in ne. Maricopa Co. after their major winter irruption. Two to three were seen at Bushnell Tanks, Tonto NF 4-8 Mar (ErH et al.). One to five were on Mt. Ord 4 Mar – 9 Apr (ErH, m. ob.), followed by 10 on 18 Apr (MWe, CRo). In Sunflower, seven to eight were observed 7-8 Mar (ph. GKa et al.), one to two 31 Mar – 2 Apr (BBk et al.), and a single 2 May (CBab, LH, M. Bertrand, m. ob.). A female was noted at the Seven Springs Recreation Area, Tonto NF 25 Mar (SHos, JHos). The only lowland report was of a male at the Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix 27 Mar (B. Hallberg et al.). Pine Siskins are irregular visitors to the lowlands. One was seen 4 Mar, two to three 7-8 Mar, one 21 Mar, and one to six 22 Apr+ at 10 lowland sites combined. Lawrence’s Goldfinch is an irregular visitor and local breeder in the region. A male continued at HRP 6-29 Mar (ph. J. Gunn, m. ob.), a breeding site for this species since 2009. A male was banded and released there 9 May, and six were noted 30 May (both ALe, m. ob.). At BTA, 18 were counted 9 Mar (DWi), with one remaining the next day (S. Koenen, R. Stripper). The winter irruption of Evening Grosbeaks in the Sunflower area along Sycamore Cr. carried over to the spring. Small flocks continued through March, with highs of 30 on 21 Mar (H. Rodgers et al.), 24 on 1 Apr (SF et al.), and 24 (20 females together) on 4 Apr (ph. SHos et al.). At least two lingered there through 9 May (RBo).

 

 

Gila

 

Compiled by Brian Ison

 

Abbreviations: Mogollon Rim (Rim), North American Migration Count (NAMC), San Carlos Sewage Ponds (SCSP), Pine Cr. Canyon (PCC)

Abundant moisture and cool temperatures were the norm across the Gila region this spring, due to El Niño-fueled storms. The Rim Country in Gila Co. picked up four times its normal rainfall in May, yet still remains in “moderate drought,” while s. Gila Co. is still in “severe drought.”  Many notable sightings were reported from the NAMC 9 May, when 20 observers tallied 177 species and 6750 individual birds in Gila Co., easily surpassing last year’s 151 species and 2,612 individuals reported by 17 observers. San Carlos and Roosevelt lakes were visited more often than usual this spring, boosting the number of gulls, terns, and shorebirds reported. Roosevelt L. was just under 50% full at the end of May, and San Carlos L. stood at about 10% full.

Late Gadwalls included two at the SCSP 24 Apr (DSt), and up to two were also seen there 6 and 9 May (EDu). A single Gadwall reported at San Carlos L. 6 May increased to two 9 May (both EDu). “Mexican” Mallards are steadily expanding their range in the Gila region, although few have been reported thus far. This spring, four “Mexican” Mallards were noteworthy at San Carlos L. 22 May (DJ). Rare Blue-winged Teal this spring included four at Roosevelt L. 3 Apr (J. & K. Keagle), and a lingerer noted at San Carlos L. 24 Apr (DSt). Lingering Cinnamon Teal included four reported at the SCSP 24 Apr (DSt), and up to four were also seen there 6-9 May (EDu). Three Cinnamon Teal were also found at San Carlos L. at the late date of 17 May (JMc). Late Northern Shovelers this season included 38 reported at the SCSP and two at San Carlos L., both 24 Apr (both DSt); and 12 at San Carlos L. 17 May (JMc). A Green-winged Teal hen with eight ducklings was an exceptional find at the Shadow Rim Ranch Girl Scout Camp north of Payson in April (B. Hoffa); this was the first known nesting record for this species in Gila Co. Unfortunately, by the beginning of June only one young survived and fledged and was seen often with the mother throughout June (fide B. Hoffa). The only other Green-winged Teals reported this spring included one at the SCSP 24 Apr (DSt) and a single at San Carlos L. at the late date of 17 May (JMc). Rare in May, three lingering female Common Mergansers were reported 22 May at San Carlos L. (DJ).

Eared Grebes are rarely reported at Roosevelt L. possibly due to a scarcity of threadfin shad, a favorite prey, so 11 probable migrants was a good count there 15 May (SP). Several hundred aechmophorous grebes were reported throughout San Carlos L. this spring, the majority Western. Nesting of Western Grebes was observed there 22 May (DJ), when six pairs of downy young with adults were reported. A nice count of 24 Clark’s Grebes was tallied at San Carlos L. 24 Apr (DSt), and there was evidence of nesting at both Roosevelt and San Carlos L. this spring. One Clark’s Grebe pair with a recently fledged young was detected at Roosevelt L. 5 May (ph. EDu); and 16 were noted at San Carlos L., including fledglings during the NAMC 9 (ph. EDu, R. Barrios, D. Dosela). Neotropic Cormorants are becoming regular in small numbers at both Roosevelt and San Carlos L., and this spring, the highest count was 10 at San Carlos L. 24 Apr (DSt). At least 40 cormorants were nesting on a vegetated island near the Quail Springs boat launch at the east end of San Carlos L., which may have included Neotropic Cormorants 24 Apr (DSt). Neotropic Cormorants were seen on nests in submerged trees near the mouth of the San Carlos R. 15 May (KK, PTer). This may be the first known nesting of this species at San Carlos L. and Gila Co. Most Brown Pelican sightings have been of late summer or fall juveniles, so a first-year individual was unexpected at San Carlos L. 22 May (DJ).

A high count of eight Bald Eagles was tallied at Roosevelt L. during the NAMC 9 May (G. Dunn, E. Hoskins). Seldom reported after mid- to late April in the region, one Sharp-shinned Hawk was discovered in the Pinal Mtns. at Russell Gulch 24 Apr (DPe), the same date and location as one was seen last year; and another was at Sulfide del Rey CG during the NAMC 9 May (NWi, MV). Although a sparse resident in Gila Co., Northern Goshawk is seldom reported, so an individual reported in the Pinal Mtns. 7 May (EDu) was of note. Two Gray Hawks were reported at Winkelman, one of the few sites in the region this species is expected, 22 Apr (M. Cormier, S. Cormier-Aagaard). More unusual was one reported at the SCSP 5 May (ph. EDu). Rarely recorded in migration in the region, three Swainson’s Hawks were found this spring:  one at San Carlos L. 24 Apr (DSt); one at Sulfide del Rey CG 25 Apr (D. Kirschke); and a single at the SCSP 9 May (EDu, R. Barrios, D. Dosela). Three rare Golden Eagles were reported this spring:  a single at Roosevelt L. 3 Apr (J. & K. Keagle) and two in the Sierra Ancha foothills 9 May (GL, JWer).

Rarely reported transient shorebirds in the region included a count of five Semipalmated Plovers at San Carlos L. 24 Apr (ph. DSt) and a single Solitary Sandpiper at Roosevelt L. near the Salt R. inflow 2 May (DVP). A good count of 53 Western Sandpipers was reported at San Carlos L. 24 Apr; and 26 Wilson’s Phalaropes were spotted at the SCSP also 24 Apr (both DSt). Many gulls were reported this spring in the region, starting with a single Bonaparte’s Gull at Roosevelt L. 3 Apr (J. & K. Keagle); three more were also spotted there 15 Apr (P. Lueders). An adult Laughing Gull was a great find at San Carlos L. 15 May (KK, PTer), and will be the third record for San Carlos L. if accepted. Uncommon to rare and irregular spring migrants, four Franklin’s Gulls were counted at Roosevelt L. 30 Apr (DVP); five were spotted at San Carlos L. 6 May (EDu); and one was noted at Roosevelt L. during the NAMC 9 May (G. Dunn, E. Hoskins). Rare spring and fall migrants in the region, two California Gulls were found at San Carlos L. 24 Apr (DSt). A single Least Tern noted at San Carlos L. 15 May was only the third known report in the region (KK, PTer). Rare to uncommon spring migrants in the region, Forster’s Terns showed up in good numbers this season, especially at Roosevelt L.: five were seen there 30 Apr (DVP); two were there 5 May (EDu); and a single was noted there 15 May (SP). Additionally, one Forster’s Tern was counted at San Carlos L. 24 Apr (ph. DSt); four were spotted there 15 May (KK, PTer); and a single was noted at the late date of 22 May (DJ).

A single White-winged Dove was again heard calling at an unusually high elevation (5800 ft) in Pine 2 and 10 May, at the same location where one has been heard many times since May 2013 (both BIs). A rarely reported Northern Pygmy-Owl was heard in the Matzatzal Mtns. at Slate Cr. Divide 9 May (GKa, J. Morgan). A high count of 18 Elf Owls was tallied during a nocturnal survey near Cherry Cr. north of Globe 30 Apr (DVP). Mexican Whip-poor-wills are expected but seldom reported in the region. This season, there were two Whip-poor-will reports, with one calling at Slate Cr. Divide 28 Apr (JMc) and another at Q Ranch near Young 9 May (KFu, C. Perry, T. Russ).

This season, Magnificent Hummingbirds were seen by many birders in their favorite haunts in the Pinal Mtns. (m. ob.). The only reports away from there were a male seen in PCC 5 Apr (BIs) and another male regularly visiting a feeder in Washington Park north of Payson since late April or early May+ (M. Bramley). A rare spring transient, the only Calliope Hummingbird reported was at a feeder at the Q Ranch 9 May (KFu, C. Perry, T. Russ). After the irruption of Lewis’s Woodpeckers this past winter, only two were reported this spring: one just east of Payson along AZ 260 (ErH), and another at Q Ranch during the NAMC 9 May (KFu, C. Perry, T. Russ). Sparse breeders along the Rim in snowmelt drainages, a possible breeding pair of Red-naped Sapsuckers was a rare find at Canyon Cr. Fish Hatchery 11 Apr (ErH). Downy Woodpeckers are uncommon to rare but regular along the Rim in n. Gila Co. but few active nests have been found. However, this spring breeding evidence was confirmed in PCC 9 May, when two active nest cavities were detected, the chicks of both nests apparently being fed some type of small, abundant beetle (ph. BIs). Away from the Rim where they are much rarer, Downy Woodpecker sightings this season included one on Pinal Peak 12 Mar (DPe), only the second known report for the Pinals (fide DPe); and two on Aztec Peak in the Sierra Ancha Mtns. 9 May (GL, JWer). A flyover Merlin was a rare find in Russell Gulch in the Pinal Mtns. 10 Apr (DWi). Two late Dusky Flycatchers were noted this spring with  one in Pine 23-24 May (BIs) and another at Sulfide del Rey CG in the Pinal Mtns. 30 May (DWi). Dusky-capped Flycatchers are seldom reported in n. Gila Co., although small numbers have been noted in Rim drainages in the past and are thought to be expanding their range northward in the region. Away from known breeding areas in the Pinal Mtns. (m. ob.), one calling Dusky-capped Flycatcher was observed in PCC 18 Apr (m. ob.), four were noted there 3 May, and two were there 9 May suggesting possible nesting (both BIs).

A high count of an estimated 4,000-6,000 migrant Violet-green Swallows was at San Carlos L. 9 May (EDu, R. Barrios, D. Dosela). Rarely reported spring transients in the region, eight Bank Swallows were seemingly out of place at Russell Gulch in the Pinal Mtns. 11 Apr (DPe); and a high total of 250 was tallied at San Carlos L. Apr 24 (DSt). A calling Winter Wren responding to playback was a good find near the Sulfide del Rey CG in the Pinal Mtns. 6 Apr (DWi); and this was only the second known report of this species for Gila Co. It was a good spring for American Dippers in the region with sightings at two different locations along the Rim. The first individual detected was a singing male at the Tonto Cr. Fish Hatchery 4-13 Mar (ph. ErH, DWi, JaT, SF); and the second bird was seen visiting a probable nest site at the Canyon Cr. Fish Hatchery 27 Mar and 11 Apr (ph. both ErH). Uncommon to rare Golden-crowned Kinglet reports this season included eight along Upper Tonto Cr. 4 Mar (ErH), two at the Tonto Cr. Fish Hatchery 9 Mar (JaT), two at the Canyon Cr. Fish Hatchery 27 Mar (ErH), and a single at the Sulfide del Rey CG 25 Apr (DWi). A rare or casual migrant in the Gila region, a single Swainson’s Thrush was of interest at Sulfide del Rey CG 25 Apr (D. Kirschke).

A single Orange-crowned Warbler was seen in Pine at the late date of 25 May (BIs); also late was a single MacGillivray’s Warbler at the Jones Water CG northeast of Globe 29 May (S. Freeman). A male Chestnut-sided Warbler observed at Kohl’s Ranch east of Payson 16 May (T. Conlin) was an outstanding find; this was the first known report for Gila Co. A high count of five “Myrtle” Yellow-rumped Warblers was notable at Roosevelt L. 9 May (G. Dunn, E. Hoskins). Lark Buntings are rarely reported transients and winter visitors in the region, and this spring there were two reports on consecutive days in March: the first was of 15 birds along the Coolidge Dam Rd. 21 Mar (NW), and the second was an excellent count of 150 on SR 60 north of Globe (EDu). The only White-throated Sparrow detected this spring was a “white-striped” form at Gisela 7 Mar (BIs). Pyrrhuloxia is locally rare in the region, so one found at the Tonto NM 22 Apr (W. Jaremko-Wright) was notable; and a male and female were reported at the SCSP 9 May (EDu), where a male was photographed a year before. A Blue Grosbeak was reported along Cherry Cr. north of Globe on the early date of 30 Apr (DVP). Most Yellow-headed Blackbird records are in the fall in the region, so one individual seen at Russell Gulch in the Pinal Mtns. 26 Apr (DPe, SF, BBk, et al.) was unusual.

Large numbers of Cassin’s Finches were again reported this spring, a continuation of the winter irruption in the region (m. ob.). Most reports were from the Pinal Mtns. in March, when large flocks of 135 and 65 Cassin’s Finches were reported 12 Mar (DPe). The latest report in the region was a single bird in Russell Gulch 26 Apr (DPe, et al.). Red Crossbills were plentiful in the Pinal Mtns. this spring, where they are perhaps resident (m. ob.). Most were spotted at Sulfide del Rey CG: the highest total of 35 was there 12 Mar (DPe), and the latest report was two there 12 May (DWi).

Irruptive Evening Grosbeaks continued in many locations along the Rim this spring (m. ob.), and 11 were reported at the Gopher Broke Ranch northeast of Young 9 May (R. Orahood), where a flock has been around this winter. Also, a high count of 33 Evening Grosbeaks in several flocks was notable in PCC 9 May (BIs).

    

     

 

 

Southeast

 

Compiled by Mark Stevenson

Abbreviations: Coachline gravel pit, Marana (Coachline), Lake Cochise, Willcox (L. Cochise), Tucson Audubon’s Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Paton’s), Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson (Sweetwater), Whitewater Draw WA (Whitewater)

 

An unusual mid-May low pressure system that brought rain to much of the state dropped only 0.06 inches at Tucson. March was the second warmest on record at Tucson and April the 18th warmest. Conversely, May was the coolest since 1998 and the first time since 1982 that the May average high temperature was below 88º F. Overall, the spring was the 13th warmest on record, the 52nd driest on record (0.75 inches vs. an average of 1.27 inches of rain), and the 10th consecutive spring with below normal precipitation.

 

Hummingbird numbers were reported to be quite low at the many public feeding stations in the region this spring. Many long-time local observers noted low numbers of many migrant warblers this spring, including the usually numerous Wilson’s Warblers. Raw eBird data, unadjusted for observer effort and location selection (that is, interpret this statement with caution and don’t consider it definitive) showed low numbers of most migrant and nesting warbler species compared to recent years, with the exception of Lucy’s Warbler and (the nonwarbler) Yellow-breasted Chat. There were many review species reported (with documentation to the records committee) this season: Least Grebe, Short-tailed Hawk, Buff-collared Nightjar, Eared Quetzal, Tufted Flycatcher, Blue-headed Vireo, Sinaloa Wren, Blue Mockingbird, Yellow-throated Warbler, Fan-tailed Warbler, Rufous-capped Warbler, Slate-throated Redstart, Flame-colored Tanager, Bobolink, Streak-backed Oriole, and Baltimore Oriole.

 

Birding site notes: The road to California Gulch was in good graded condition allowing even some sedans to make the journey, allowing more birder visits. The ephemeral body of water at Coachline gravel pit diminished in size but didn’t dry up. Garden Canyon at Fort Huachuca in the Huachuca Mtns. remained closed due to road damage.

Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks are sparsely distributed in the region beyond the Nogales-Rio Rico area so up to 79 at Amado STP 30 Apr-9 May (LHal) were notable, particularly in spring. They have been rare in Cochise Co. for more than a decade so one at L. Cochise 4 May (S. Santino) and two at Whitewater 8 May (DSt, TJ) were notable. Late in the region was a single Greater White-fronted Goose at L. Cochise 26 Apr (CMc). The only Canada Geese reported were singles at L. Cochise 1 Mar (RBo, MWe) and Amado STP 20 Mar (PC). An imm. male Bufflehead lingered at Benson STP 6-16 May (TJ). The only Red-breasted Mergansers reported were a trio at L. Cochise 26 Apr (CMc).

The calls of a Montezuma Quail from desertscrub habitat on the s. side of the Warren District of Bisbee 21-22 Mar (SW) revealed an out-of-habitat bird. Montezuma Quail was noted to be more numerous than usual in the Chiricahua Mtns. (RWe), and reports appeared to be more frequent in the Santa Rita and Santa Catalina Mtns. as well (fide MSt). A few Wild Turkeys were reported in the lowlands: one along the San Pedro R. at San Manuel Crossing 25 Apr (JMcF), three at Holy Trinity Monastery, Saint David 4 May (LEp), and one near Agua Caliente Park, Tucson 5 May (RCa). (It should be noted that wild-looking turkeys at another Tucson location were reported by their owner to have escaped from captivity.)

The adult Pacific Loon at Amado STP was reported through 22 Mar (m. ob.). A basic plumaged Pacific Loon at Patagonia L. 22 May (DSt) was a casual migrant during the same period in which the few other spring reports have fallen. A Least Grebe was a surprise at a private golf course in the Tucson area 28 Apr-1 May (fide MSt). Though they have spread far and wide in the state, Neotropic Cormorants remain rare in Cochise Co. One was at L. Cochise 17 Mar-2 Apr (RWe et al.) and up to two were at Whitewater 29 Mar-16 May (DSt, TJ). Elsewhere, careful counts of cormorants at Patagonia L. revealed 36 Neotropic and one Double-crested 17 Apr (LHal) and 31 Neotropic and three Double-crested 22 May (DSt). Casual after mid-May, an American White Pelican was at Coachline 24 May+ (ph. CTh) and 83 were at L. Cochise 26 May (B. Brown). Brown Pelicans are most often seen in the region as late summer/fall visitors. Singles were at Peña Blanca L. 3 Mar (GB), L. Cochise 12 Apr (BJo), and Peña Blanca L. again 15 Apr (BLi). Single American Bitterns were detected at their favored locations, Whitewater 17-30 Mar (ph. J. Hodges) and Patagonia L. 20 Apr (LHal), the latter being a late/casual date for the species in the region.

Adding to the small but growing number of reports of Black Vultures from the lower San Pedro R., five were seen over the San Pedro River Preserve, Dudleyville 16 May (DVP). An Osprey lingered at Lakeside Park, Tucson through 17 May (m. ob.) and others were late at Dankworth Pond SP 9 May (ph. D. Drobka) and Evergreen Turf sod farm 9 May (DJ). The season’s first report of Mississippi Kite came from Saint David 6 May (RB), when considered casual. Out of place were single kites at Portal 11 May (ph. D. Logue) and e. Tucson 19 May (PC). The March hawk watch at Ron Morriss Park, Tubac yielded a total of 296 Common Black Hawks (PC; listed at www.hawkcount.org); this compares to 199 in 2014 and 231 in 2013. A Harris’s Hawk seen from Ron Morriss Park 9 Mar (PC) was the first for Collins’ hawk watch there. A Broad-winged Hawk was over the w. flanks of the Rincon Mtns. 16 Apr (ph. PSu). A Short-tailed Hawk was seen on an early date in the lowlands from Ron Morriss Park 1-23 Mar (PC; ph. N. Harris). Another was in the lowlands at Cienega Creek Preserve 20 Mar (ph. PSu). In the mountains, one was seen over lower Florida Canyon, Santa Rita Mtns. 23 Apr-15 May (ph. T. Holland), another over Marshall Gulch, Santa Catalina Mtns. 2 May (JMc); one over Madera Canyon 5 May (ph. LHal) might have been the same as the Florida Canyon bird. The count of Zone-tailed Hawks in March at Ron Morriss Park was around 100 (PC), compared to 82 in 2014 and 47 in 2013. Unusual there in late May, a Zone-tailed Hawk was over Coachline 24 May-1 June (ph. CTh).

 

Taking advantage of favorable conditions, a pair of American Avocets nested at Coachline, first noted 15 Apr (ACo) and eventually hatched young. Marbled Godwits are generally rare migrants in the region. Seven at Patagonia L. 13 Apr (P. Taylor), 43 at L. Cochise 13 Apr (ARi), one at Coachline 18 Apr (J.Williams; ph. ACo), up to 30 at L. Cochise 26-27 Apr (CMc et al.) and one at Sweetwater 16 May (MSt, MPo) made a good showing. Sanderlings are casual spring migrants, with most recent reports from L. Cochise; continuing this trend were two there 26 Apr (CMc) and a single there 6-13 May (TJ, ph. J. Vogt) and 20-25 May (KK). Semipalmated Sandpiper is a casual spring migrant; up to two were at L. Cochise 5-6 May (TJ). Four Dunlins were reported at Whitewater 17-23 Mar (J. Hodges et al.). Also casual in spring, a Short-billed Dowitcher was seen and heard at L. Cochise 16-18 May (DSt). A Wilson’s Snipe was late at Sweetwater 15 May (MSt, ACo). Four Bonaparte’s Gulls were on the early side at L. Cochise 19 Mar (L. Carberry). Quite early were two Franklin’s Gulls at Ajo STP 2 Mar (JV). Heermann’s Gulls were much, much more numerous than usual this season, with reports as follows:

 

Kennedy Park, Tucson  1           17 Mar               (JH; ph. J. Harding)

Coachline                       1           21 Mar               (JMc; ph. ACo)

L. Cochise                      3            2-3 Apr              (ph. RWe)

Coachline                       1           6 Apr                 (JLo, ph. D. Logan)

Ajo STP                          1           3 May                (JV)

Ajo STP                          1           12 May              (JV)

 

Quite casual in spring, a Herring Gull was at L. Cochise 2 Mar (ph. RWe). Least Terns put in a pretty good showing with singles at Sweetwater 15-16 May (ph. ACo), Lakeside Park 16 May (CRo), Coachline 22 May (ph. ACo), and Roper L. 25 May (EW). Casual in spring, three Caspian Terns were at L. Cochise 23 May (DBe). Rare in spring, up to two Black Terns were at L. Cochise 14-17 May (BJo, ARi) and one was at Roper L. 25 May (LSa). Casual in spring, a Forster’s Tern was at L. Cochise 20 Apr-4 May (WJW).

 

Rare in the lowlands, a Band-tailed Pigeon was along the Rillito R., Tucson 21 May (ph. R. Martinez). The only report of Ruddy Ground-Dove was of two along Blue Haven Rd., Patagonia 2 Apr (RBa). Long-eared Owls are rare and irregular visitors to the region. One was along Incinerator Ridge Rd., Santa Catalina Mtns. 28 Mar (RGr), another was along Ash Creek Rd. on the approach to the Galiuro Mtns. 1 May (ErH et al.), and one was late in the lowlands along Arivaca Cr. 29 May (DVP). A Northern Saw-whet Owl heard calling at Alamo Canyon, Organ Pipe Cactus NM 14 Mar (TC) was at an unusual location. A Lesser Nighthawk was early/casual at Marana 23 Mar (S. Roederer). Buff-collared Nightjars were found at multiple locations this season. The first report came early from along the road at the confluence of California Gulch with Warsaw Canyon 31 Mar+ (RHo, M, Brummermann; s.r. ACo, ph. CMe) with up to five reported there by the end of the season. This date is among the earliest detection dates recorded for this species in the region. (Nightjars have been reported from this area before, but it is not the same location as the recently well-known nearby Oro Blanco Mine site.) Nightjar reports from Proctor Rd. at the mouth of Madera Canyon came with a single bird detected 19 Apr-5 May (J. Taylor; s.r. LHal) and again 29 May+ (J. Mann, K. Oeser). A nightjar reported from Alamo Canyon, Organ Pipe Cactus NM 25 Apr (JaT) was surprising as they have not previously been found west of the Baboquivari Mtns. It has been many years since any were detected at Aravaipa Canyon (late 1980s), but one was heard in the traditional area throughout most of May (D. Laush; TC, DJ). It has been years since any were reported along Arivaca Cr. but three were heard 29 May (DVP, C. Gonzalez). A Mexican Whip-poor-will was early/casual in Madera Canyon 28 Mar (JaT).

 

Hummingbird numbers were reported to be quite low at most of the feeding stations in the region this spring. The numbers at Ash Canyon B&B were said to be the lowest there in 21 years of observations (MJB). A Plain-capped Starthroat overshot their usual range in the state and found its way north to a feeder in the Tucson foothills (Pima Canyon Estates) 8 May (ph. J. Woolfenden). Another stuck to a more traditional area, Madera Canyon: initially found away from feeders downstream from Santa Rita Lodge 14 May (D. Muschalek, ph. R. Bowers) it then found its way to the lodge feeders where it was seen through 21 May (m. ob.). The season’s first Lucifer Hummingbird, a male, arrived at Ash Canyon B&B 24 Mar (MJB) and was joined by others through 25 Apr (MJB). A male arrived in lower Ash Canyon 25 Mar+ (RB). An adult male was seen at Kartchner Caverns SP 27 Mar (P. Rudman); although they have been documented in nearby French Joe Canyon, there is as yet no photo documentation of them at the state park. A male arrived at Dancing Turtle Tank se. of Portal 27 Mar and was joined by a female 3 Apr (DJo). A male visited Battiste B&B in lower Miller Canyon 6-12 Apr (TBa) and a female was there 30 Apr (TBa). In lower Ramsey Canyon, a female visited feeders 14 Apr (J&MH). An apparent hybrid Black-chinned X Anna’s Hummingbird was banded at the San Pedro House 18 Apr (SABO fide SW). A female Broad-billed Hummingbird nesting at Casa de San Pedro B&B 31 Mar into late Apr (SW) was notable as nesting is rarely observed in the San Pedro RNCA. A Broad-billed was observed again in Jacobson Canyon, Pinaleño Mtns. 2 Apr (JC) where found for the first time last year. A second year male Broad-billed with retained juv. rectrices at the San Pedro House 28 Apr (SW) was the first spring capture of this species in the 20 years of the SABO banding project there. Well north of typical locations, a male and female Broad-billed were along Bonita Cr., above the fish dam, Graham Co. 10 May (ph. JC). Violet-crowned Hummingbirds are seldom seen north of Santa Cruz Co., so one in the Proctor Rd. area of Madera Canyon 21 Mar (LSa) and another along Tanque Verde Wash, ne. Tucson 29 Mar (ph. PSu) were notable. Others away from typical locations were singles along the Santa Cruz R. at Tubac 6-7 May (ph. L. Kellog) and one banded at Casa de San Pedro B&B 29 May (SW). The latter was a juvenile, the first juvenile of 2015 and only the ninth SABO has banded along the river in their 20 years of effort. White-eared Hummingbirds have a pattern of attending feeders at the Beatty’s in Miller Canyon and the pattern continued, with a female there 25 Apr-10 May (T. Beatty, Jr.; ph. J. Vogt) and a male there 15-25 May (TBe, ph. R. Hoffman).

 

Elegant Trogon reports from unexpected or underreported areas included a single along Blue Haven Rd., Patagonia 18 Mar (RB), two pairs in Peña Blanca Canyon 6-16 May (DJas), two in Cave Canyon, Santa Rita Mtns. 14 May (THj), and most remarkably two in Rattlesnake Canyon, Galiuro Mtns. 23-24 May  (N. Beauregard). There are few prior reports of trogons from the Galiuro Mtns., including one from Rattlesnake Canyon in 2011 and one from Oak Grove Canyon “about 15 years ago”.

 

The annual Elegant Trogon Surveys were conducted again in May (fide RT), with the following results:

 

18          16 May              Atascosa Mtns.

19          23 May              Santa Rita Mtns.

23          30 May              Huachuca Mtns. (no access to Garden Canyon)

10          31 May              Chiricahua Mtns. (all in South Fork, Cave Cr.)

 

The only report of Green Kingfisher was from Kingfisher Pond, San Pedro RNCA 30 Mar (TWo). An Acorn Woodpecker was a rare visitor to the lowlands at Coachline 28 May (BrJo). Also rare in the lowlands, single Williamson’s Sapsuckers were at Reid Park, Tucson 3-5 Mar (P. Fiese) and the Buenos Aires NWR headquarters 17-21 Mar (D. Griffin). One was late/casual in Rustler Park 6 May (HD). The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at McCormick Park, Tucson was last seen 19 Mar (MSt). Singles were at Christopher Columbus Park 5 Mar (MSt, MPo), Patagonia L. 11-16 Mar (RF), Reid Park 13 Mar (MSt, MPo), and Huachuca Canyon 29 Mar (RBe). A female "yellow-shafted" Northern Flicker at Fort Lowell Park 13 Mar (MPo, MSt) showed no apparent signs of intergradation. Wayward Crested Caracaras, all singles were reported as follows:

 

1     Mar                 Ron Morriss Park, Tubac (PC)

1     Mar                 White House Canyon Rd (P. McParland, B. Smith)

13   Mar                 Ron Morriss Park (PC)

24   Mar                 Agua Caliente Park, Tucson (MA)

24   Mar                 Pantano Wash, Tucson (MA)

31   Mar                 Ron Morriss Park, Tubac (PC)

8     Apr                  Continental Wash, Green Valley (ph. LHa)

 

With only three prior records in Arizona and fewer than 10 in the U.S., a Tufted Flycatcher found at 6475 feet elevation in upper Ramsey Canyon 22 May+ (ph. M. Phillips; ph. m. ob.) created quite a stir. Even more amazing, it was observed building a nest (M. Phillips), something never before seen north of Mexico. There were some early sight reports of two birds being present, but these trailed off and the available photographs did not confirm the presence of more than one Tufted Flycatcher during May. Though it did not come to light until 28 May when it was reidentified in photographs, a Tufted Flycatcher had been seen along the trail in upper Miller Canyon about midway between the Beatty’s property and Split Rock 26 Apr (ph. C. Trapani). The timing of this observation leaves open the possibilities that it was either the same bird later found in upper Ramsey Canyon or a different individual. Greater Pewees are rare in the lowlands, so one calling along the Santa Cruz R. near Clark Crossing Rd. 18 Mar (GB) was of note. A calling Hammond’s Flycatcher was late/casual in upper Carr Canyon 20 May (DSt). Similarly, a Gray Flycatcher was along Stateline Rd., Portal 18 May (DSt). Buff-breasted Flycatchers maintained their recent advances into more northern areas. At Rose Canyon, Santa Catalina Mtns. up to five were reported 23 Mar+ (ph. W. Higgins, m. ob.) and at Arcadia CG, Pinaleño Mtns. one was present 25 May+ (ph. JC), where they were first found last year. In mountain ranges where they have been present for years, there were some found in areas where they are seldom reported. In the Santa Rita Mtns., three were in Cave Canyon 22 Apr (WJW) and up to two were in Josephine Canyon 9-23 May (SC, CuS). In the Huachuca Mtns., one was in Hunter Canyon 9 May (RHo). In the Chiricahua Mtns., one was in Pine Canyon 19 May (DSt). Rare migrant Eastern Phoebes were at Luckett Rd., Marana 6-14 Mar (ph. RHo), and San Bernardino NWR 9 Mar (RWe). Six Dusky-capped Flycatchers were along the Santa Cruz R. near Carmen 6 Apr (DSt) near where they were found nesting last year. A Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher was early/casual in Huachuca Canyon 5 May (ph. ARi). Thick-billed Kingbirds returned to Portal for the second year, with two or more present 2 May+ (DSt; ph. MD; RWe).

 

A White-eyed Vireo near the Portal Post Office 19 & 31 May (RWe) may or may not have been different than the one found near the Myrtle Kraft Cottage driveway 23-29 May (K. Miller). Gray Vireos in unusual locations included singles at Kuakatch Wash, Organ Pipe Cactus NM 15 Mar (ph. ErH et al.), below Brown Mtn., Tucson Mountain Park 15 Mar (J. Beck ph. K. Borgman), near Cascabel 28 Mar (ph. R.Evans), King Canyon Trail, Saguaro NP--West 8 Apr (DSt), Loma Alta Trail, Saguaro NP--East 16 Apr (ph. PSu) and Portal 26 Apr (JY). Singing Gray Vireos found along the Arizona Trail in upper La Milagrosa Canyon east of Molino Canyon, Santa Catalina Mtns. 13-21 Apr (ph. PSu) were in potential nesting habitat not far from where they have nested in the past. A Yellow-throated Vireo was a good collateral find in upper Ramsey Canyon 25 May+ (ph. M. Meyers); observations were along the Hamburg Trail between the Overlook and the first stream crossing up canyon. A possible Blue-headed Vireo was n. of Sonoita 27 Apr (ph. K. Cudney); separating this species from boldly colored individuals of the commonly occurring Cassin’s Vireo can be challenging. A Warbling Vireo was early/casual in ne. Tucson 9 Mar (ph. PSu). An American Crow was a surprise in Sierra Vista 20 Mar (SC). Bank Swallows were numerous at Benson STP 16 May (DSt) when 65 were noted. The Winter Wren at Colossal Cave Mountain Park was last reported 3 Mar (m. ob.). Another was sound recorded at Dankworth Pond SP 2-30 Mar (JC). Another was at Cluff Ranch WA 4 Mar (JC) and yet another was in lower Florida Canyon again 13 Mar (ErH, JSw). The Sinaloa Wren along the Santa Cruz R. between Tubac and Carmen was reported through 23 May (m. ob.) and the individual in Huachuca Canyon was reported through 3 May (m. ob.). It remains uncertain if these reoccurring wrens move short or long distances during the periods in which they go undetected. The Black-capped Gnatcatcher population maintained its range in the region. Although there were no newly discovered locations, reports continued from California Gulch, Chino Canyon, lower Florida Canyon and Wash, Madera Canyon (Proctor Red.), Montosa Canyon, Patagonia, Patagonia L., and Salero Ranch near Tubac.

 

Rare visitors to the lowlands, two Eastern Bluebirds were in Continental Wash, Green Valley 4 Mar (LHa), and two were along the San Pedro R. near the San Pedro House 13 Mar (ARi). Eastern Bluebirds in the lowlands of se. Arizona are often of the nominate subspecies instead of the local breeding subspecies. Rufous-backed Robins were relatively numerous. One continued at the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve through 28 Mar (m. ob.). One was seen along the Santa Cruz R. near Clark Crossing Rd. through 29 Mar (m. ob.). One found in “downtown” Portal 13 Mar-12 May (S. Koenon, R. Stripper; ph. NMC) was joined by a second 31 Mar (DJas; ph. D. Parker). Another was at Cienega Creek Preserve 25 Mar-6 Apr (MA). One was in a lower Ash Canyon yard 24-30 Apr (RB; ph. S. Finnegan) and one was in lower Florida Canyon 24-26 Apr (ph. L. B. Gray), for a total of seven. Rare Varied Thrushes were in lower Bear Wallow (near Sunset Trailhead), Santa Catalina Mtns. 2-3 Apr (LF, DT; ph. J. Vogt) and at Gibson Park, Ajo 6 Apr (JV). Rare migrant Gray Catbirds comprised one continuing in Portal through 17 Apr (R. Plage; ph. B. Inman) and one in a Willcox yard 31 May (MJar). A Brown Thrasher was a good find on the east side of the Rincon Mtns. near the turn off to Miller Creek Trail 25 Mar-6 Apr (ph. PSu). A bird photographed in a fruiting mulberry tree at the Folklore Preserve in Ramsey Canyon 21 May (ph. M. Reynolds) was identified on 31 May as a Blue Mockingbird. This is the first occurrence outside of the winter season of this accidental visitor to Arizona. A late Chestnut-collared Longspur called while flying over Stateline Rd. 18 May (DSt).

 

A rare Ovenbird visited a Willcox yard 16-17 May (ph. MJar, L. Jarrett). The Louisiana Waterthrushes that wintered at Sabino Canyon and along the San Pedro R. near the San Pedro House were last reported 19 Mar (m. ob.). During the period 27 Apr-30 May, a total of 11 Northern Waterthrushes were reported. During the period 10 Mar-12 May, four Black-and-White Warblers were reported. A rare migrant male Hooded Warbler was at the cienega at Las Cienegas NCA 8 May (KK). During the period 14-21 May, four American Redstarts were reported. During the period 13 Mar-15 May, four Northern Parulas were reported. A rare Chestnut-sided Warbler was along FR 42 between Turkey Cr. and Onion Saddle, Chiricahua Mtns. 20 May (ph. A VanNorstrand, C. Stanistreet). A rare male Black-throated Blue Warbler was along the South Fork Rd., Cave Creek Canyon 12 Mar-7 Apr (K. Morales). A rare Palm Warbler was at Sweetwater 3 May (LSa). A pair of Yellow-rumped Warblers was found in upper Ramsey Canyon, with the male singing and both adults carrying food into a conifer 29 May (M. Phillips). While the habitat there is appropriate and the species has been known to nest locally in the Huachuca Mtns., this is notable because the species was not found nesting in the Huachuca Mtns. during the Atlas. Apparently the same bird that wintered at various locations in Patagonia, a Yellow-throated Warbler was found in a Patagonia yard 21-23 Apr (R. Moore). Rare in the lowlands, a Grace’s Warbler was along Tanque Verde Wash, Tucson 25 Apr (ph. PSu). A Fan-tailed Warbler was discovered on private property in Ramsey Canyon 31 May (ph. W. Leitner) but could not be reported at the time due to access restrictions. There are eight prior accepted records for Arizona, with one additional report still pending. Rufous-capped Warblers maintained their range in the region. Up to four were in lower Florida Canyon all season (m. ob.) and adults were seen carrying food 20 May (GB). Up to two continued in Hunter Canyon, Huachuca Mtns. 28 Mar+ (RBe; ph. I. Sanchez). One was reported in upper Miller Canyon again 30 Mar and 21 May (RBe). A report of one in Montosa Canyon (at the bottom of the canyon below the 4.5 km marker) 5 Mar (D. Sedgeley) will be reviewed by the ABC. Very rare in the lowlands, a Red-faced Warbler was at an oasis along Hackberry Rd. n. of Sandstorm Lane ne. of Bowie 4 May (JC) and one was at Empire Gulch, Las Cienegas NCA 8 May (KK). Along with many of the more commonly seen migrants, Painted Redstarts were less numerous in the lowlands than they have been in recent springs. Astonishing was a singing Slate-throated Redstart at and near the west end of Prison Camp Rd., Gordon Hirabayashi Recreation Site, Santa Catalina Mtns. 19-20 Mar (ph. PSu). It is the earliest spring occurrence of this casual visitor to the region, the farthest north, the first from the Santa Catalina Mtns., and the second to be documented in Pima Co.

 

Rufous-winged Sparrow remains a rare and localized species in Cochise Co. Reports came from five known locations and a sixth location in Pomarene 13 Apr (LEp). Until the past few years, Botteri’s Sparrows were not known to winter and were not expected to return to the region before May. Botteri’s Sparrows were found at multiple locations in the region on early dates this March and April. The most remarkable report this season was of 37 singing males on a 5.5-mile transect at Patagonia Lake Ranch Estates 13 Apr (ASc), following 0.6 inches of rainfall the day before. Following a winter in which they were plentiful in the region, Clay-colored Sparrows were again reported in surprising numbers. During the period 7-28 Apr, a total of 41 were reported. Standouts among them were an astounding 25 at Kino Springs 21 Apr (D. Irons, S. Finnegan, SC, CuS) and nine continuing at Arivaca Cienega 23 Apr (ph. T. Spahr). Present again in Chino Canyon since 2013, five or six Five-striped Sparrows continued 20 Mar+ (ph. S. Stumbo; DSt et al.). Four Fox Sparrows reported 8-22 Mar (m. ob.). There were a few reports of Swamp Sparrows, with singles along the Santa Cruz R. at Cortaro Rd., Marana 16-18 Mar (ACo), at Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area 4 May (JC) and at Willcox 6 May (TJ). A rare Harris’s Sparrow was at Luckett Rd., Marana 6 Mar-2 Apr (ph. RHo). Golden-crowned Sparrows were more numerous than usual, with six reported:

 

Silver Cr. near Portal                       1                 Mar (RWe)

Florida Canyon, lower                      8                 Mar (ph. GW)

Paton’s                                              29 Mar-20  Apr (THo)

Florida Canyon, lower                      1-15            Apr (LHa)

Portal, Rodriques yard                     26-28          Apr (BRo)

Hackberry Rd. oasis                         4                  May (JC)

Dragoon Mtns, Middlemarch Rd     10                May (ARi)

 

A pair of Flame-colored Tanagers was found along the Bledsoe Loop Trail in Ramsey Canyon Preserve 9 May+ (M. Phillips; ph. M, Schackwitz et al.). The female was observed carrying nesting material and then on the nest 17 May (CRo). This nest was very close to the trail and was abandoned (for unknown reasons) 23 May (B. Berman). Construction of a second nest, farther from the trail, began by 25 May (B. Berman). (Flame-colored Tanagers previously nested in the Preserve in 1993.) A returning apparent hybrid male Flame-colored X Western Tanager was in Miller Canyon 10 Apr-8 May (ph.DSt). An adult male Bobolink made a brief stop along the dry Santa Cruz R. adjacent to Sweetwater 20 May (MSt). A pair of Streak-backed Orioles was found on private property near Dudleyville 15 May (ph. DVP) but could not be reported at the time due to access issues. The wintering Baltimore Oriole continued in the Sweetwater vicinity through 1 Apr (m. ob.) and another adult male was found in Rodrigues’ Portal yard 1 May (ph. D. Cowan, E. Vekoun). Reports of Cassin’s Finches continued in the region into early May (m. ob.), including three along the E. Divide Trail in the seldom birded Galiuro Mtns. 2 May (ErH et al.). Small numbers were found in the lowlands too, continuing at Las Cienegas NCA through 6 Mar, six in Chino Canyon 20 Apr (DSt), one in yellow plumage along the San Pedro R. near Casa de San Pedro 28 Apr (SW), and one at Bud Walker Park, Ajo 2 May (JV). Evening Grosbeaks were seen again in the Santa Catalina Mtns., with up to 14 in lower Bear Wallow 3-8 Apr (MSt) and one at Ski Valley 29 Apr (C. Charlesworth).

 

Cited observers: Moez Ali (MA), Anita Allen (AAl), Joey Alsadi (JAl), Walt Anderson (WA), Alicia Aricidiacono (AA), Rich Armstrong (RAr), John Arnett (JAr), Jean Arrowsmith (JAs), Ron Auler (RAu), Charles Babbitt (CBab), Bob Baez (BoB), Mary Jo Ballator (MJB), Ricardo Barrios (RBar), Tony Battiste (TBa), Robin Baxter (RBa), Harvey Beatty (HBe), Tom Beatty (TBe), Dave Beaudette (DBe), Ron Beck (RBe), Robert Behrstock (RB), Moe Bertrand (MoB), Gavin Bieber (GB), Chuck Bittorf (CBi), Kathleen Blair (KB), Troy Blodgett (TrB), Terence Blows (TBl), Al Borgardt (AB), Gary Botello (GBo), Richard Bowker (RBo), Robert Bowker (RBow), Michelle & Patrick Brock (M&PBr), Babs Buck (BBk), Steve Burk (StB), Laurence Butler (LBt), Richard Carlson (RCa), Sue Carnaham (SC), Dale Clark (DC), Greg Clark (GCl), Jeff Coker (JC), Peter Collins (PC), Tom Conlin (TCo), John Coons (JCn), Andrew Core (ACo), Troy Corman (TC), Joe Crouse (JCr), Ryan Crouse (RyC), Tommy DeBardeleben (TDeB), Maya Decker (MD), DeeDee DeLorenzo (DDe), Henry Detwiler (HD), Suzanne Detwiler (SDe), Christopher Dodge (CDo), Danny Dosela (DDo), Sue Drown (SDr), Betty Sue Dunn (BSD), Ed Dunn (EDu), Gregg Dunn (GD), Lanie Epstein (LEp), Linda Figueroa (LF), Susan Fishburn (SF), Dawn Fletcher (DFl), Joe Ford (JF), Scott Freeman (SFr), Curtis Fultz (CFu), Cody Funk (CoF), Ken Furtado (KFu), Nathan Fyffe (NF), Brian Gatlin (BGa), Eric Gofreed (EGo), Arthur Gonzales (AG), Carlos Gonzalez (CGo), John Grahame (JGra), Jodi Griffith (JGr), Randy Grohman (RGr), Felipe Guerrero (FG), Laurens Halsey (LHal), Brooks Hart (BH), Lauren Harter (LHar),   Brian Healy (BHe), Tim Helentjaris (THj), Dave Henderson (DHen), Melanie Herring (MHe), John Higgins (JH), John & Marty Hirth (J&MH), Nathan Hoeme (NHo), Louis Hoeniger (LH), Tonya Holland (THo), Eric Hoskins (EHo),      Joan Hosmer (JHos), Steve Hosmer (SHos) Bob Hough (BHo), Eric Hough (ErH), Sam Hough (SaH), Rich Hoyer (RHo), Brian Ison (BIs), Tom & Jackie Jackson (T&JJ), Will Jaremko-Wright (WJW), Max Jarrett (MJar), Dave Jasper (DJas), Doug Jenness (DJ), David Johnson (DJo), Tom Johnson (TJ), Betty Jones (BJo), Brian Jones (BrJo), Justin Jones (JJ), Keith Kamper (KK), Doug Karalun (DKa), Gordon Karre (GKa), John & Kathy Keagle (J&KK), Curt Kessler (CKe), David Kirschke (DKir), Holly Kleindeinst (HKl), Glenn Klingler (GK), Chrissy Kondrat-Smith (CKS), Nancy Lange (NL), Larry Langstaff (LL), Shawn Langston (SLa), Chuck LaRue (CLR), Anne Leight (ALe), Michael Lester (MLe), Tom Linda (TL), Bill Lisowsky (BLi), Cathy Loewen (CL), Jim Logan (JLo), Grant Loomis (GL), Jennie MacFarland (JMcF), Paul Mackesey (PMa), Jon Mann (JMa), Janine McCabe (JMc), Chris McCreedy (CMc), Barry McKee (BaMc), Barb Meding (BMe), Charles Melton (CMe), Ron Miller (RMi), Jay Miller (JMil), Shawn Miller (SMil), David Moll (DM), Brett Montgomery (BMo), Narca Moore-Craig (NMC), Jason Morgan (JaM), Muriel Neddermeyer (MNe), Vic Nelson (VN), Brian Nordstrom (BNo), Don Normandin (DNo), Mark Ochs (MOc), Rebecca Orahood (RO), Jan Parrott (JPar), Bryan Patrick (BPt), Dave Pearson (DPe), Anne Pellegrini (APe), Colin Perry (CPe), Lin Piest (LP), Jason Pietrzak (JPz), Sara Pike (SP), Molly Pollock (MPo), Carol Powell (CPo), Bonnie Pranter (BPr), Cindy Radamaker (CR), Kurt Radamaker (KR), Roger Radd (RR), Jan Richmond (JRi), Micah Riegner (MiR), Arlene Ripley (ARi), Jeff Ritz (JRz), Bob Rodriguez (BRo), Chris Rohrer (CRo), Toni Russ (TRu), Luke Safford (LSa), Drew Sattler (DSa), Alan Schmierer (ASc), Dominic Sherony (DShe), Brad Singer (BrS), Roger Sleeper (RSl), Curtis Smith (CuS), Zeke Smith (ZeS), Dave Stejskal (DSt), Irene Stevens (IS), Mark Stevenson (MSt), Lindsay Story (LSt), Caleb Strand (CSd), Anita Strawn de Ojeda (ASO), Paul Suchanek (PSu), Jarrod Swackhamer (JSw), Cheyenne Szydlo (CSz), Jay Taylor (JaT), Rick Taylor (RT), Patty Tersey (PTer), Craig Thayer (CTh), Walter Thurber (WT), Jennifer Tobin (JTo), Michelle Tobin (MTo), Carl Tomoff (CT), Diane Touret (DT), Christina Van Oosten (CV), Curt VanBoening (CVa), David Vander Pluym (DVP), Marceline VandeWater (MV), Joe Veverka (JV), Jim & Betsy Walker (J&BW), Magill Weber (MWe),  Richard Webster (RWe), Jennifer Werrell (JWer), George West (GW), John West (JWe), Ellen West (EWe), Bobby Wilcox (BoW), Darrel Wilder (DWi), Nathan Williams (NWi), Sheri Williamson (SW), Erika Wilson (EW), Anne Winters (AWi), Don Witter (DW), Tom Wood (TWo), Nick Worth (NW), John Yerger (JY).         

 

 

 

Seasonal Reports Archive

Abbreviations for AZFO Seasonal Reports

ABC=Arizona Bird Committee
AOU=American Ornithologists' Union

Atlas=Arizona Breeding Bird Atlas

AZFO=Arizona Field Ornithologists
AZG&F=Arizona Game and Fish Department

B&B=Bed and Breakfast

BBS=North American Breeding Bird Survey
CG=Campground
CBC=Christmas Bird Count
+ (preceding a date)=continued through end of season

Cr.=Creek
FR=Forest Road
GC=Golf Club

IBA=Important Bird Area

L.=Lake
LCRV=lower Colorado River valley

m. ob.=many observers

Mt.=Mount

Mtn.=Mountain

Mtns.=Mountains

NCA=National Conservation Area
NF=National Forest

NM=National Monument

NP=National Park

NRA=National Recreation Area

NWR=National Wildlife Refuge

NAMC=North American Migration Count
fide=on the authority of

ph.=photographed
Res.=Reservoir
RNCA=Riparian National Conservation Area

R.=River

Rd.=Road
RP=Regional Park

STP=sewage treatment plant, WTP (water waste treatment), or EOP (Environmental Operations Park) when those are the specific local sewage treatment plants as at Roger Rd. WTP or Sierra Vista EOP

s. r.=sound recording submitted to ABC or AZFO

SP=State Park

AZ 79; AZ 88; etc.=state highway
v. r.=video recording submitted to ABC

WA=Wildlife Area



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