Size: 3.0 sq. mi.
GENERAL: Mostly on foot, walking on mostly flat ground. The Guy Tobin Trailhead intersects the de Anza Trail at the Santa Cruz River and following it in either direction will yield good birds.
NOTES: Coordinate with Sector #1 leader about the counting of the ag fields to the east. Birds seen by both teams can be assorted blackbirds, raptors, and vultures. In 2020, an area adjacent to the Nogales WTP on the south end of the section was "added" to this section. This area should be coordinated with the Sector Leader for Sector #20. It is described as follows:
"The southern boundary of this sector will be approximately 200+ yards south of the railroad track to include the outfall of the Nogales Sewage Plant and the small surrounding area. This area is most easily accessible from section #21 through unlocked pedestrian gates on both the north and south sides of the railroad and does not require crossing over any rancher’s land.
South Boundary = The east/west fence located at the northern edge of the sewer plant. The fence is about 60/70 yards south of the sewage outfall; West Boundary = The railroad track; East and North Boundary = The dry, sandy, true river bed of the Santa Cruz River.
When the water leaves the outfall pipe of the sewage plant it does not enter directly into the river bed. Instead the water travels northward in a new (possibly man-made) channel which intersects the true river bed a short way north of the railroad track."
TARGET SPECIES: Clay-colored and White-throated Sparrows, Ruddy Ground Doves, and Green Kingfisher have been seen south of the trailhead. Also south, sparrow and goldfinch flocks can be expected (Lawrence’s Goldfinches some years). South of the RR tracks can be very productive near the outflow of the Nogales WTP. To the north, wintering species along the river/trail include flycatchers, sparrows, vireos, and warblers (rarities: White-eyed Vireo, White-throated Swifts, and Wild Turkeys). If crops are planted, the fields leading to Pendleton on Rio Rico Rd can be good throughout the day. The Double R Arena and old ruins off Stable Lane can increase species count.
