Subject: [Tweeters] Tucson area recs?
Date: Apr 13 11:06:42 2012
From: Guy McWethy - lguy_mcw at yahoo.com


Hi all,
The Patagonia Rest Area is a must stop.
Classic spot for Thick-billed Flycatcher.?? Once home (and sometimes still) to Rose-throated Becard.? Yellow Grosbeak, Five-strip Sparrow have been seen.
This is one of THE spots for finding mexican rarities in the US.
Amazing what they have seen there over the years.
Lake Patagonia - East end, outlet, has great riparian habitat, and marsh and lake.? Not common habitat down there ;)? Regular reports of Green Kingfisher.? Northern Beardless Tyranulet and Black-capped Gnatcatcher are somewhat regular.
Sonoita Creek Preserve and the Pattons are a required stops in Patagonia for Violet-crowned Hummingbird ...
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Also, if you are in Patagona, you must have a meal at the Velvet Elvis.
Amazing Calzones, and the Limonida Rosa is awesome (Hibiscus lime).? Yum.
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Sierra Vista - Try to visit all 3 canyons: Ramsey, Miller and Ash.? Miller probably has the most hummingbird species, but Ash has (or had) the only regularly occuring Lucifer Hummingbirds.? Ramsey has its own suite of hummers, and the canyon is very birdy.? Nesting Sulpher-bellied Flycatcher.? While there in Sierra Vista, also try to get up into Garden and Sawmill canyons on the Huachaca Military Base.? Get a pass at the front gate (ID, registration, proof insurance?etc required).? Buff-breasted Flycatcher at the top at Sawmill.? Greater PeeWee.? Mexican Spotted owls in? Scheelite Canyon.
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There is also the San Pedro House, on the San Pedro River, that can be a great stop.? Good riparian habitat.? Reports of Green Kingfisher occasionally.

So MANY great birding places down there !!!

Guy McWethy
Renton, WA
mailto: lguy_mcw at yahoo.com