"Any old post in a storm."
Promontory Point, Sunday,
August 1, 2010:
I've been rather lazy about posting. Sunday I went up to the Promontory area and since there was a big nasty thunderstorm right over Promontory Point, I decided to dive into Salt Creek WMA and see what was happening. The recent rains had raised the ground water level enough in the first dry lake bed to warrant a gull convention. That's all I could see in there but I didn't have a scope to check further. The WESTERN KINGBIRDS had a batch of babies out and about learning flying techniques and loud chattering. Also flying around were new batches of LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES. They were also making noise and perching on fences.
The most prolific living beast I found was the Banded Argiope Orb Weaver. There were thousands of them. The most I've ever seen in one day, and that was on Antelope Island, was two. I took some pictures of the spiders as lightning was striking around me. I finally bowed to the Gods of Rain and Thunder and got back into the car. It is the spider's domain right now and they are devouring the grasshoppers as fast as possible. It's no wonder these orb weavers are one of the largest spiders in Utah and they are gorgeous! Who needs chemical grasshopper deterrents when you have hungry spiders. Right now the Promontory area's obvious number one spider is the Banded Argiope Orb Weaver with the Aculepeira Orb Weaver coming in a close second.
I didn't find any mosquitoes in the Promontory area, thank goodness, and that's a real blessing because that area at times can be brutal with them. As I was driving towards the cutoff to Promontory Point, I saw a SHORT-EARED OWL flying across the wetlands to my right and when I drove down the road leading to Promontory, just past the cutoff, I saw another SHORT-EARED owl hunting in the rabbitbrush. The babies must be hungry! In the area I also spotted a beautiful BURROWING OWL but it didn't let me take any pictures - it flew off as soon as I landed.
I didn't find any weird species of birds, just the regulars - BREWER'S SPARROW, LARK SPARROW, SAGE THRASHER, TURKEY VULTURE, 17 SANDHILL CRANES in a field (down by Bear River WMA), HORNED LARKS, NORTHERN HARRIER, RED-TAILED HAWK, SAY'S PHOEBE, NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW, CANADA GOOSE, CLIFF SWALLOW, CROW, MEADOWLARK, RAVEN, KESTREL, SWAINSON'S HAWK, BARN SWALLOW, and a possible FERRUGINOUS HAWK, etc., etc. Since I didn't do a write-up on my July 11 visit up there, I wanted to report that I saw a singing GRASSHOPPER SPARROW along the road going out to the Spiral Jetty cutoff. It was adding the beautiful warble to the end of its song that I'm always thrilled to hear. I think it was a juvenile. This is the first time I've seen a grasshopper sparrow at Promontory.
The photo above is a WESTERN KINGBIRD nest I found in the area on July 11. You can just barely see the face of the kingbird in the shadow.
I've been rather lazy about posting. Sunday I went up to the Promontory area and since there was a big nasty thunderstorm right over Promontory Point, I decided to dive into Salt Creek WMA and see what was happening. The recent rains had raised the ground water level enough in the first dry lake bed to warrant a gull convention. That's all I could see in there but I didn't have a scope to check further. The WESTERN KINGBIRDS had a batch of babies out and about learning flying techniques and loud chattering. Also flying around were new batches of LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES. They were also making noise and perching on fences.
The most prolific living beast I found was the Banded Argiope Orb Weaver. There were thousands of them. The most I've ever seen in one day, and that was on Antelope Island, was two. I took some pictures of the spiders as lightning was striking around me. I finally bowed to the Gods of Rain and Thunder and got back into the car. It is the spider's domain right now and they are devouring the grasshoppers as fast as possible. It's no wonder these orb weavers are one of the largest spiders in Utah and they are gorgeous! Who needs chemical grasshopper deterrents when you have hungry spiders. Right now the Promontory area's obvious number one spider is the Banded Argiope Orb Weaver with the Aculepeira Orb Weaver coming in a close second.
I didn't find any mosquitoes in the Promontory area, thank goodness, and that's a real blessing because that area at times can be brutal with them. As I was driving towards the cutoff to Promontory Point, I saw a SHORT-EARED OWL flying across the wetlands to my right and when I drove down the road leading to Promontory, just past the cutoff, I saw another SHORT-EARED owl hunting in the rabbitbrush. The babies must be hungry! In the area I also spotted a beautiful BURROWING OWL but it didn't let me take any pictures - it flew off as soon as I landed.
I didn't find any weird species of birds, just the regulars - BREWER'S SPARROW, LARK SPARROW, SAGE THRASHER, TURKEY VULTURE, 17 SANDHILL CRANES in a field (down by Bear River WMA), HORNED LARKS, NORTHERN HARRIER, RED-TAILED HAWK, SAY'S PHOEBE, NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW, CANADA GOOSE, CLIFF SWALLOW, CROW, MEADOWLARK, RAVEN, KESTREL, SWAINSON'S HAWK, BARN SWALLOW, and a possible FERRUGINOUS HAWK, etc., etc. Since I didn't do a write-up on my July 11 visit up there, I wanted to report that I saw a singing GRASSHOPPER SPARROW along the road going out to the Spiral Jetty cutoff. It was adding the beautiful warble to the end of its song that I'm always thrilled to hear. I think it was a juvenile. This is the first time I've seen a grasshopper sparrow at Promontory.
The photo above is a WESTERN KINGBIRD nest I found in the area on July 11. You can just barely see the face of the kingbird in the shadow.
~~~
Antelope Island, Tuesday,
July 6, 2010:
I got kind of a late start this morning but the weather was beautiful and just a little windy. Temperatures were in the upper 70's and low 80's. We are really being spoiled this summer so far but I'm sure the hot, hot days will be coming soon.
GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS, BREWER'S SPARROWS, SONG SPARROWS, SAGE THRASHERS, and WESTERN MEADOWLARKS were singing all along the road to Garr Ranch. The Grasshopper Sparrows have even been singing with that little warble on the end of their song. I can't blame them all for being so vocal after having such a cool spring and then having a great last half of June and first of July.
The last two years have not been good for DAMSELFLIES AND DRAGONFLIES in Northern Utah. This year, however, is a banner year for them. I was shocked to see so many on the island. I think mosquito abatement takes its toll on the dragonflies but this year they managed to survive. It's great to see them flying around.
On the way off the island, there were a group of five birds along the shore that I stopped to investigate. Three of them were LONG-BILLED CURLEWS and the other two were MARBLED GODWITS. It's always nice to see some GODWITS.
Other birds seen: GULLS, GULLS, GULLS, AVOCETS, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, GULLS, GULLS, GREAT BLUE HERON, EARED GREBES, LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, COWBIRDS, BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS, MAGPIES, TURKEY VULTURES, BURROWING OWLS, WESTERN KINGBIRD, and I heard some BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS.
I got kind of a late start this morning but the weather was beautiful and just a little windy. Temperatures were in the upper 70's and low 80's. We are really being spoiled this summer so far but I'm sure the hot, hot days will be coming soon.
GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS, BREWER'S SPARROWS, SONG SPARROWS, SAGE THRASHERS, and WESTERN MEADOWLARKS were singing all along the road to Garr Ranch. The Grasshopper Sparrows have even been singing with that little warble on the end of their song. I can't blame them all for being so vocal after having such a cool spring and then having a great last half of June and first of July.
The last two years have not been good for DAMSELFLIES AND DRAGONFLIES in Northern Utah. This year, however, is a banner year for them. I was shocked to see so many on the island. I think mosquito abatement takes its toll on the dragonflies but this year they managed to survive. It's great to see them flying around.
On the way off the island, there were a group of five birds along the shore that I stopped to investigate. Three of them were LONG-BILLED CURLEWS and the other two were MARBLED GODWITS. It's always nice to see some GODWITS.
Other birds seen: GULLS, GULLS, GULLS, AVOCETS, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, GULLS, GULLS, GREAT BLUE HERON, EARED GREBES, LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, COWBIRDS, BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS, MAGPIES, TURKEY VULTURES, BURROWING OWLS, WESTERN KINGBIRD, and I heard some BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS.
~~~
North Arm Viewing Area of
Pineview Reservoir, Sunday, July 4, 2010
Pineview Reservoir is still full and it's nice to see some of the areas along the roads that don't usually have water still flooded. People were fishing right next to the road and the Western Grebes and other water birds were calling out and seemed to really be enjoying all the extra swimming areas.
North Arm is a great place to bird because it is so beautiful and peaceful. I really enjoyed walking under the huge trees but I suffered later on from allergies caused by the shoulder-high grasses producing waves of visible pollen. Even my camera was covered with it.
Some people are lucky enough to have a bluebird on their shoulder and then there are the people, like me, that only get the bird poop on their shoulder. After walking around the path under the huge trees at North Arm, I saw few birds but one managed to drop a present on my left shoulder. It made me lough out loud. Oh, the irony! Although I didn't see a lot of birds, they were singing with gusto! The loudest singers of all were the CATBIRDS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, and FOX SPARROWS. I have to say, though, that the fox sparrows won the singing contest hands down.
There were YELLOW WARBLERS, OSPREY, a DOWNY WOODPECKER, GREAT BLUE HERON, NORTHERN FLICKER, WESTERN GREBE, TERNS, SONG SPARROWS, three SPOTTED SANDPIPERS along the river, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES, TURKEY VULTURE, RED-TAILED HAWK, a bunch of unidentified HUMMINGBIRDS, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, BREWER'S SPARROWS, and COWBIRDS. I found a new me a new species of spider and that really made my day. The mosquitoes were out in numbers but I didn't get bitten, thank goodness. It was a gorgeous day with a little wind. It's nice to have the temperatures so low in July (70's).
I went up to the top of Powder Mountain and birds were singing in the bushes the entire way up. The lookout point at the top of the mountain where the road ends is where I heard my first Olive-sided Flycatcher years ago. It's one of those moments that will forever be etched in my memory along with the beautiful view.
Pineview Reservoir is still full and it's nice to see some of the areas along the roads that don't usually have water still flooded. People were fishing right next to the road and the Western Grebes and other water birds were calling out and seemed to really be enjoying all the extra swimming areas.
North Arm is a great place to bird because it is so beautiful and peaceful. I really enjoyed walking under the huge trees but I suffered later on from allergies caused by the shoulder-high grasses producing waves of visible pollen. Even my camera was covered with it.
Some people are lucky enough to have a bluebird on their shoulder and then there are the people, like me, that only get the bird poop on their shoulder. After walking around the path under the huge trees at North Arm, I saw few birds but one managed to drop a present on my left shoulder. It made me lough out loud. Oh, the irony! Although I didn't see a lot of birds, they were singing with gusto! The loudest singers of all were the CATBIRDS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, and FOX SPARROWS. I have to say, though, that the fox sparrows won the singing contest hands down.
There were YELLOW WARBLERS, OSPREY, a DOWNY WOODPECKER, GREAT BLUE HERON, NORTHERN FLICKER, WESTERN GREBE, TERNS, SONG SPARROWS, three SPOTTED SANDPIPERS along the river, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES, TURKEY VULTURE, RED-TAILED HAWK, a bunch of unidentified HUMMINGBIRDS, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, BREWER'S SPARROWS, and COWBIRDS. I found a new me a new species of spider and that really made my day. The mosquitoes were out in numbers but I didn't get bitten, thank goodness. It was a gorgeous day with a little wind. It's nice to have the temperatures so low in July (70's).
I went up to the top of Powder Mountain and birds were singing in the bushes the entire way up. The lookout point at the top of the mountain where the road ends is where I heard my first Olive-sided Flycatcher years ago. It's one of those moments that will forever be etched in my memory along with the beautiful view.
~~~
Wasatch County, Utah,
Sunday, June 27, 2010
When I first arrived at the BOR wetlands below Jordanelle Dam there was a beautiful little FOX SPARROW singing its heart out and no other bird came close to the vigor of this bird. A Fox Sparrow's song is one of the best in nature and hearing it made my day. I didn't care what came next. There were CATBIRDS, YELLOW WARBLERS, BULLOCK'S ORIOLES, CLIFF SWALLOWS, VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS, AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES, BARN SWALLOWS, NORTHERN FLICKERS, TURKEY VULTURES, KESTRELS, SONG SPARROWS, WESTERN TANAGERS, COWBIRDS, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK. It was an absolutely perfect day, not too hot, not too cold.
Next I hightailed it up to Strawberry Reservoir because I had to get back to Salt Lake early in the afternoon. One of the first birds I saw was an ever-gorgeous SWAINSON'S HAWK and then a TURKEY VULTURE, both riding the currents around the reservoir. MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS were flashing their colors and zooming across the road in front of me and the wildflowers were just really beginning to bloom. I saw something very unusual. It was a male Mountain Bluebird kiting in the wind in the fields by the lake. It would hover and then dive for insects like an combination bird such as a "Kestrel Flycatcher". I was going to take a movie of it but, of course, by the time I got my movie camera out, it had flown the coop. Maybe next time.
I found bugs, like the Ornate Checkered Beetle above, and a few spiders. Give it another couple of weeks for the flowers to really get going and it will be stunning up there! No more beautiful place exists in Utah on a good day at Strawberry. Of course, having a day with afternoon thundershowers (which I didn't have) really makes a trip up there special.
When I first arrived at the BOR wetlands below Jordanelle Dam there was a beautiful little FOX SPARROW singing its heart out and no other bird came close to the vigor of this bird. A Fox Sparrow's song is one of the best in nature and hearing it made my day. I didn't care what came next. There were CATBIRDS, YELLOW WARBLERS, BULLOCK'S ORIOLES, CLIFF SWALLOWS, VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS, AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES, BARN SWALLOWS, NORTHERN FLICKERS, TURKEY VULTURES, KESTRELS, SONG SPARROWS, WESTERN TANAGERS, COWBIRDS, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK. It was an absolutely perfect day, not too hot, not too cold.
Next I hightailed it up to Strawberry Reservoir because I had to get back to Salt Lake early in the afternoon. One of the first birds I saw was an ever-gorgeous SWAINSON'S HAWK and then a TURKEY VULTURE, both riding the currents around the reservoir. MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS were flashing their colors and zooming across the road in front of me and the wildflowers were just really beginning to bloom. I saw something very unusual. It was a male Mountain Bluebird kiting in the wind in the fields by the lake. It would hover and then dive for insects like an combination bird such as a "Kestrel Flycatcher". I was going to take a movie of it but, of course, by the time I got my movie camera out, it had flown the coop. Maybe next time.
I found bugs, like the Ornate Checkered Beetle above, and a few spiders. Give it another couple of weeks for the flowers to really get going and it will be stunning up there! No more beautiful place exists in Utah on a good day at Strawberry. Of course, having a day with afternoon thundershowers (which I didn't have) really makes a trip up there special.
~~~
Antelope Island, Tuesday
June 15, 2010:
One of the first things I saw after starting along the causeway at Antelope Island was a PEREGRINE FALCON flying about 50 yards to the north. It was flying parallel to the road and had what looked like a medium-sized bird (maybe a duck) in its talons. It was constantly trying to reposition it with its beak as it gained altitude. What a thrill that was! The water was overflowing with waterfowl so I'm sure no one noticed when the falcon swooped in and took one of their comrades away.
There were the usual birds on the island and it was nice to see a TURKEY VULTURE circling overhead. Single CORMORANTS (still looking) and groups of cormorants were constantly scooting across the water from their nests. I saw a ton of GREAT BLUE HERON wafting across the area (it's so nice to finally start getting some nice weather so we can get down to birding). I saw quite a few juvenile LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE. It's not hard to tell the juveniles because they have that recklessness about them. They're not that afraid of people who drive right up to them and their flight can be erratic at times. One time I watched a very young one struggle to get some air under his wings and as he crossed the road in front of me I couldn't help but think how lucky he was that I wasn't driving faster.
A large puddle from the recent rains became a bird bath for BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS, MEADOWLARKS, DOVES, and MOURNING DOVES. I watched some Brewer's Blackbirds splash around for a short while and then spend long leisurely minutes preening, shaking their feathers and all the while glancing skyward in case a Peregrine was eying them for breakfast. It's so relaxing watching them--kind of like watching goldfish swim around. I should try envisioning that when
I'm
struggling
for
sleep
at
3:00
a.m.
One of the neatest finds of the day was when I headed south down the dirt road that takes off from the pavement leading to the buffalo corrals. As I started scanning the bushes for insects, I noticed there were a lot of single white flowers dotting the landscape: SEGO LILIES! I've never seen so many and I think the spring rains must have done that. The most amazing flower explosion occurred on the west side of the island by the flushing bathrooms. The sand is overflowing with DESERT PRIMROSE. It's eye candy! It's even in the sand bars between the parking lot and the road. If you haven't been out there, get out this week to see the primrose but wear the bug hat and spray the bug spray because the island is overrun with BITING MIDGES and tiny, tiny FLYING WEEVILS. I hope the weevil thing was a one-day wonder because if you get out of your car, especially on the road to Garr Ranch, the little suckers are all over you. I couldn't roll down my window even a little or the tiny things would fly in by legions. One time I was using my movie camera, which they were crawling all over, and at the same time one of them was crawling down my back inside my shirt. EWWWW! They don't bite or anything, it's just creepy. I've never seen this before in all the years I've been going to the island and, again, I think this must be weather related. They are on all the plants, where I normally find them mainly on Mullein.
If you're a strong-minded individual who just takes adversity in stride, go to the island. It's worth it. Garr Ranch, usually an oasis in a sea of bugs, is your best option, after you stop and see the wildflowers, of course.
One of the first things I saw after starting along the causeway at Antelope Island was a PEREGRINE FALCON flying about 50 yards to the north. It was flying parallel to the road and had what looked like a medium-sized bird (maybe a duck) in its talons. It was constantly trying to reposition it with its beak as it gained altitude. What a thrill that was! The water was overflowing with waterfowl so I'm sure no one noticed when the falcon swooped in and took one of their comrades away.
There were the usual birds on the island and it was nice to see a TURKEY VULTURE circling overhead. Single CORMORANTS (still looking) and groups of cormorants were constantly scooting across the water from their nests. I saw a ton of GREAT BLUE HERON wafting across the area (it's so nice to finally start getting some nice weather so we can get down to birding). I saw quite a few juvenile LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE. It's not hard to tell the juveniles because they have that recklessness about them. They're not that afraid of people who drive right up to them and their flight can be erratic at times. One time I watched a very young one struggle to get some air under his wings and as he crossed the road in front of me I couldn't help but think how lucky he was that I wasn't driving faster.
A large puddle from the recent rains became a bird bath for BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS, MEADOWLARKS, DOVES, and MOURNING DOVES. I watched some Brewer's Blackbirds splash around for a short while and then spend long leisurely minutes preening, shaking their feathers and all the while glancing skyward in case a Peregrine was eying them for breakfast. It's so relaxing watching them--kind of like watching goldfish swim around. I should try envisioning that when
I'm
struggling
for
sleep
at
3:00
a.m.One of the neatest finds of the day was when I headed south down the dirt road that takes off from the pavement leading to the buffalo corrals. As I started scanning the bushes for insects, I noticed there were a lot of single white flowers dotting the landscape: SEGO LILIES! I've never seen so many and I think the spring rains must have done that. The most amazing flower explosion occurred on the west side of the island by the flushing bathrooms. The sand is overflowing with DESERT PRIMROSE. It's eye candy! It's even in the sand bars between the parking lot and the road. If you haven't been out there, get out this week to see the primrose but wear the bug hat and spray the bug spray because the island is overrun with BITING MIDGES and tiny, tiny FLYING WEEVILS. I hope the weevil thing was a one-day wonder because if you get out of your car, especially on the road to Garr Ranch, the little suckers are all over you. I couldn't roll down my window even a little or the tiny things would fly in by legions. One time I was using my movie camera, which they were crawling all over, and at the same time one of them was crawling down my back inside my shirt. EWWWW! They don't bite or anything, it's just creepy. I've never seen this before in all the years I've been going to the island and, again, I think this must be weather related. They are on all the plants, where I normally find them mainly on Mullein.
If you're a strong-minded individual who just takes adversity in stride, go to the island. It's worth it. Garr Ranch, usually an oasis in a sea of bugs, is your best option, after you stop and see the wildflowers, of course.
~~~
Heber Valley Fields, Jordanelle Dam wetlands, Rock Cliff Nature Center, Sunday, June 6, 2010
I was kind of disappointed as I first made my way into the Heber Valley fields. I saw the usual RED-WINGS, SWALLOWS, BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS and COWBIRDS. I thought it was going to be a boring morning until I found a female WESTERN TANAGER in some of the small blooming trees. After that I saw seven TURKEY VULTURES floating in circles over the fields, a few SNIPES (and heard a lot more), a GRASSHOPPER SPARROW, SAVANNAH SPARROW, GREAT BLUE HERON, and KILLDEER. I was disappointed that I had not seen any BOBOLINKS and then I heard one, and then two, and then finally I found a field that sounded like it was full of them. Then a male flew in and made my day as he disappeared into the long grass. Just seeing one of them makes the trip to the fields worth it for me. And the GRASSHOPPER SPARROW sighting didn't hurt, either.
At the Jordanelle wetlands I saw AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, MALLARD, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, FLICKER, ROBIN, YELLOW WARBLER, WILSON'S WARBLER, BULLOCK'S ORIOLES, and some insects that tended to hold my interest. It was starting to warm up quite a bit by then but I was surprised to find little mosquito activity.
The river at Rock Cliff was scary. I kept imaging myself falling into it and drowning within 5 seconds. It was flowing so fast and deep and it had completely inundated the closest campground to the entrance (on the other side of the river). Every year it takes a different course and the lady at the Center said last year it tried to take out the last bridge and they had to fortify it with large boulders to save it. It didn't discourage the birds, however, and there were the usual CASSIN'S FINCHES at the feeders, along with all kinds of HUMMING BIRDS. I saw a HAIRY WOODPECKER, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, YELLOW WARBLERS, BARN SWALLOWS, PINE SISKIN, and the usual small birds but the best find of all that really topped off my day was an OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. It was calling in the trees by the Entrance Station. I showed the lady my pass and then thought that I'd wait until I drove out to stop and see the flycatcher, somehow believing in my feeble mind that it would wait for me to come back. Well, of course, even though I wasn't more than 45 minutes, the bird was gone. But the WEEE-HOO call (that's what I call it) will remain in my mind for a long time. It's great call that belongs to a bird I hardly ever get to see and have never gotten to photograph.
~~~
Bear River MBR, Salt
Creek WMA, Promontory
Point, Sunday, May 31, 2010
I think that my life will end before we again have full access to Bear River MBR. This project has been dragging on for about three years now. I'm fast aging so I hope they get their act in gear this year and finish the project.
Now that I have that out of my system, Bear River was beautiful on Sunday with a deep blue sky and fluffy white clouds spaced willy-nilly throughout. There were a lot of birders there since they knew it was the last day to visit for the entire summer (woops, I'm digressing). I was pleased to find three SPOTTED SANDPIPERS and the following regulars: SAND-HILL CRANE, BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON, KILLDEER, CORMORANT, IBIS, BLACK-NECKED STILT, AMERICAN AVOCET, WESTERN KINGBIRD, EASTERN KINGBIRD, NORTHERN HARRIER, TERNS, GULLS, CINNAMON TEAL, NORTHERN SHOVELER, MALLARD, SNOWY EGRET, GRASSHOPPER SPARROW, GADWALL, SAVANNAH SPARROW, LARK SPARROW, HOUSE SPARROW, BREWER'S SPARROW, GREAT BLUE HERON, lovey-dovey WESTERN and CLARK'S GREBES, EARED GREBE, PIED-BILLED GREBE, AMERICAN COOT, VIRGINIA RAIL, PELICAN, etc., etc.
I decided since I was full of vim and vigor, I would take a short trip up to SALT CREEK WMA and PROMONTORY POINT. I was shocked to see almost all the ponds at Salt Creek devoid of water. I'm wondering if they're not going to fill them or if the runoff hasn't started yet. It was spooky. There were hardly any dragonflies, either. I did start to notice birds flitting through the brush and saw LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE, SAGE THRASHER, AMERICAN TREE SPARROW (heard it sing), 2 ROCK WRENS, and then one the way out I spotted what seems to be the bird of the year--a WESTERN TANAGER--shooting the breeze with a WESTERN KINGBIRD, EASTERN KINGBIRD, and a COWBIRD. There are hardly any flowers in bloom because of the late snows so I think God has given us the Western Tanager to brighten up the state. Thank goodness!
I didn't see anything unusual at Promontory, except a herd of cattle being drive down the middle of the road by a group of cowboys and cowgirls. EEEEHAW!
As an added note: This morning, June 1, I got up early and went out into my yard in Taylorsville and low and behold, guess what birds were bouncing through the trees behind my house? That's right, WESTERN TANAGERS! Holy cow! I think we're being invaded. It must be too cold for them to go to the mountains since there's still so much snow up there so they're biding time in the valleys. I love it! What a year!
I think that my life will end before we again have full access to Bear River MBR. This project has been dragging on for about three years now. I'm fast aging so I hope they get their act in gear this year and finish the project.
Now that I have that out of my system, Bear River was beautiful on Sunday with a deep blue sky and fluffy white clouds spaced willy-nilly throughout. There were a lot of birders there since they knew it was the last day to visit for the entire summer (woops, I'm digressing). I was pleased to find three SPOTTED SANDPIPERS and the following regulars: SAND-HILL CRANE, BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON, KILLDEER, CORMORANT, IBIS, BLACK-NECKED STILT, AMERICAN AVOCET, WESTERN KINGBIRD, EASTERN KINGBIRD, NORTHERN HARRIER, TERNS, GULLS, CINNAMON TEAL, NORTHERN SHOVELER, MALLARD, SNOWY EGRET, GRASSHOPPER SPARROW, GADWALL, SAVANNAH SPARROW, LARK SPARROW, HOUSE SPARROW, BREWER'S SPARROW, GREAT BLUE HERON, lovey-dovey WESTERN and CLARK'S GREBES, EARED GREBE, PIED-BILLED GREBE, AMERICAN COOT, VIRGINIA RAIL, PELICAN, etc., etc.
I decided since I was full of vim and vigor, I would take a short trip up to SALT CREEK WMA and PROMONTORY POINT. I was shocked to see almost all the ponds at Salt Creek devoid of water. I'm wondering if they're not going to fill them or if the runoff hasn't started yet. It was spooky. There were hardly any dragonflies, either. I did start to notice birds flitting through the brush and saw LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE, SAGE THRASHER, AMERICAN TREE SPARROW (heard it sing), 2 ROCK WRENS, and then one the way out I spotted what seems to be the bird of the year--a WESTERN TANAGER--shooting the breeze with a WESTERN KINGBIRD, EASTERN KINGBIRD, and a COWBIRD. There are hardly any flowers in bloom because of the late snows so I think God has given us the Western Tanager to brighten up the state. Thank goodness!
I didn't see anything unusual at Promontory, except a herd of cattle being drive down the middle of the road by a group of cowboys and cowgirls. EEEEHAW!
As an added note: This morning, June 1, I got up early and went out into my yard in Taylorsville and low and behold, guess what birds were bouncing through the trees behind my house? That's right, WESTERN TANAGERS! Holy cow! I think we're being invaded. It must be too cold for them to go to the mountains since there's still so much snow up there so they're biding time in the valleys. I love it! What a year!
~~~
Antelope Island, Tuesday,
May 25, 2010
The day was gorgeous and I figured that things could only get better when a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON flew up from a tiny wetlands area along I-215 and wafted across the road in front of me. That has to be a first. I still think the oddest thing I ever saw was when my sister-in-law and I saw a Double-crested Cormorant standing on a power pole on I-215 a few years ago.
The next odd thing I saw was the presence of many Western Kingbirds flying along the sides of the causeway. Looks like they were catching insects close to the water. That was odd enough, but things really got strange when I stopped in a drab part of the island to identify a sparrow that had zoomed past. When I checked it out through the binoculars, I noticed a flash of bright color and there, hanging around in the weeds, were these two Western Tanagers (this week on Utahbirds.org many people have reported seeing Tanagers). Well, I had to stay for a few minutes and just watch these beauties and I couldn't help but think that the landscape right now could do with a little fancying up, although some of the wildflowers are starting to pop out. I hope the Tanagers keep coming. There are few birds around here that show more beautiful colors than the Western Tanager in the spring, but the Wilson's Warbler with its bright yellow, black cap, and smudge of orange around it beak, comes in a close second.
Besides busloads of school kids on field trips, Garr Ranch was hopping with birds. There were WILSON'S WARBLERS and little Flycatchers in every nook and cranny and I saw BARN SWALLOWS, HERMIT THRUSH, GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE, YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, SONG SPARROW, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, CHIPPING SPARROW, LARK SPARROW, SAY'S PHOEBE, MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER, GREAT HORNED OWL, MOURNING DOVE, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, YELLOW WARBLER, AMERICAN ROBIN, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, and HOUSE WREN. One bird that puzzled me was a larger vested flycatcher with a splash of soft yellow on the belly that was hanging around in the trees. It wasn't an Ash-throated or a Olived-sided (at least I don't think so), but I guess its ID will remain a mystery. SAGE THRASHER, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, PELICAN, EARED GREBE, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, CHUKAR, and WILLET were also seen on or around the island. In fact, I was driving along the road listening to the numerous bird songs when I heard a Willet making a loud, loud noise. I could tell at once that it was screeching about a predator. I hurriedly drove to the site and the Willet was circling the area in obvious distress. There on the ground below it was a crow or raven with a large egg in its beak. I was too late to chase off the pest. I wish we could do something about the presence of corvids on the island. Ever since they started showing up in large numbers, it seems the quantity of RED-TAILS and NORTHERN HARRIERS has taken a nose dive. I can't imagine how Willets could possibly keep their nests safe from corvids.
Anyway, I picked a perfect day to go to Antelope Island. The air was cool, clear and full of bird songs. It was truly a spring high.
The day was gorgeous and I figured that things could only get better when a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON flew up from a tiny wetlands area along I-215 and wafted across the road in front of me. That has to be a first. I still think the oddest thing I ever saw was when my sister-in-law and I saw a Double-crested Cormorant standing on a power pole on I-215 a few years ago.
The next odd thing I saw was the presence of many Western Kingbirds flying along the sides of the causeway. Looks like they were catching insects close to the water. That was odd enough, but things really got strange when I stopped in a drab part of the island to identify a sparrow that had zoomed past. When I checked it out through the binoculars, I noticed a flash of bright color and there, hanging around in the weeds, were these two Western Tanagers (this week on Utahbirds.org many people have reported seeing Tanagers). Well, I had to stay for a few minutes and just watch these beauties and I couldn't help but think that the landscape right now could do with a little fancying up, although some of the wildflowers are starting to pop out. I hope the Tanagers keep coming. There are few birds around here that show more beautiful colors than the Western Tanager in the spring, but the Wilson's Warbler with its bright yellow, black cap, and smudge of orange around it beak, comes in a close second.
Besides busloads of school kids on field trips, Garr Ranch was hopping with birds. There were WILSON'S WARBLERS and little Flycatchers in every nook and cranny and I saw BARN SWALLOWS, HERMIT THRUSH, GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE, YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, SONG SPARROW, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, CHIPPING SPARROW, LARK SPARROW, SAY'S PHOEBE, MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER, GREAT HORNED OWL, MOURNING DOVE, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, YELLOW WARBLER, AMERICAN ROBIN, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, and HOUSE WREN. One bird that puzzled me was a larger vested flycatcher with a splash of soft yellow on the belly that was hanging around in the trees. It wasn't an Ash-throated or a Olived-sided (at least I don't think so), but I guess its ID will remain a mystery. SAGE THRASHER, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, PELICAN, EARED GREBE, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, CHUKAR, and WILLET were also seen on or around the island. In fact, I was driving along the road listening to the numerous bird songs when I heard a Willet making a loud, loud noise. I could tell at once that it was screeching about a predator. I hurriedly drove to the site and the Willet was circling the area in obvious distress. There on the ground below it was a crow or raven with a large egg in its beak. I was too late to chase off the pest. I wish we could do something about the presence of corvids on the island. Ever since they started showing up in large numbers, it seems the quantity of RED-TAILS and NORTHERN HARRIERS has taken a nose dive. I can't imagine how Willets could possibly keep their nests safe from corvids.
Anyway, I picked a perfect day to go to Antelope Island. The air was cool, clear and full of bird songs. It was truly a spring high.
~~~
Bear River, Sunday, May 10,2010:
Wow! What a gorgeous day it was at Bear River MBR. The road in was a bit rough in spots, but if a sports car (yes, there was one) can make it, any vehicle can. I saw 52 species of birds during my trip which included a short stop at Farmington Bay.
My first good bird of the day was a Swainson's Hawk that settled on a power pole just off the exit to Bear River. I won't name all 52 birds because most of them are just your every day birds, but I did see groups of Long-billed Dowitchers at both refuges. I also found a Spotted Sandpiper at BRMBR along with Sandhill Cranes, Savannah Sparrow, Common Mergansers and a Grasshopper Sparrow. I didn't see any Western Kingbirds until I was leaving Bear River and then they were everywhere. I love those birds.
I got a laugh as I was driving down the last loop of the refuge. A fuzzy, pudgy Marmot was rolling its way along the road between me and the canal. It kept trying to outrun me and it was just becoming more panicky. I finally just buzzed past it. That's a first for me - I can add Marmot to my BRMBR life list. Anyway, the refuge was packed with birds of all kinds and the bugs weren't that bad until you got to the southwestern and southern sides of the route. I didn't even get bit once by anything. That has to be a record in and of itself!
I'd suggest taking a drive out to the refuge while you still can since it seems it is again scheduled for closure all summer, except for private tours.
Wow! What a gorgeous day it was at Bear River MBR. The road in was a bit rough in spots, but if a sports car (yes, there was one) can make it, any vehicle can. I saw 52 species of birds during my trip which included a short stop at Farmington Bay.
My first good bird of the day was a Swainson's Hawk that settled on a power pole just off the exit to Bear River. I won't name all 52 birds because most of them are just your every day birds, but I did see groups of Long-billed Dowitchers at both refuges. I also found a Spotted Sandpiper at BRMBR along with Sandhill Cranes, Savannah Sparrow, Common Mergansers and a Grasshopper Sparrow. I didn't see any Western Kingbirds until I was leaving Bear River and then they were everywhere. I love those birds.
I got a laugh as I was driving down the last loop of the refuge. A fuzzy, pudgy Marmot was rolling its way along the road between me and the canal. It kept trying to outrun me and it was just becoming more panicky. I finally just buzzed past it. That's a first for me - I can add Marmot to my BRMBR life list. Anyway, the refuge was packed with birds of all kinds and the bugs weren't that bad until you got to the southwestern and southern sides of the route. I didn't even get bit once by anything. That has to be a record in and of itself!
I'd suggest taking a drive out to the refuge while you still can since it seems it is again scheduled for closure all summer, except for private tours.
~~~
Antelope Island, Tuesday, March 16, 2010
I think the strangest thing I saw today at the island today was a NORTHERN HARRIER cavorting with 2 CORVIDS. They were riding the thermals and just weaving in and out amongst themselves. No aggression. I've never seen that before with a harrier. Today marked the first day of spring as far as I was concerned because I actually saw some insects! Yes, it's official--spring has arrived! I saw a jumping spider (phidippus audax), more jumping spiders (zebras), lots of ground beetles (Carabids), a lizard, a diving beetle, wolf spiders, some bee flies, midges (even some biting kind), butterflies (commas and whites), and a milkweed beetle. Birds seen were the usual--nothing exciting. The owls were hiding at the ranch and it was pretty quiet there over all except for the juncos and goldfinches who were having a party somewhere in the middle of the little forest. The ravens were quite noisy, too. I don't know what was going on with them.
No one could have ordered a nicer day.
Utah County, Friday, March 12, 2010
My first stop in Utah County was the Provo Marina. I saw AMERICAN KESTREL, GULLS, MALLARDS, SONG SPARROW, NORTHERN HARRIER, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, HOUSE FINCH, HOUSE SPARROW, CANADA GOOSE, BALD EAGLE, and CINNAMON TEAL. On the way over to Lincoln Point I saw another BALD EAGLE and more NORTHERN HARRIER. My best find was at Lincoln Beach. There was a HORNED GREBE grazing along the edge of the dike in the water. Other birds there were more GULLS, CINNAMON TEAL, KILLDEER, and old coots fishing. My last stop on my short trip was Flowserve Pond and the only exciting thing I found there was a group of AMERICAN WIGEON. It was a beautiful day and I enjoyed just driving around the county. It has been quite a while since I birded anywhere but Antelope Island.
I don't know if they can pump water fast enough to keep the dike at the Provo Marina from going under, but it was fun to be able to drive out on it again. It's therapeutic just to stand there and listen to the waves lap around the rocks and breathe in the moist air. Glad I went birding and especially glad I found the Horned Grebe!
Antelope Island, Monday, February 8, 2010
I thought today would be an excellent day to go to Antelope Island because it was supposed to be pretty clear and I believed with the bright sunshine I might see a bug or two (besides birds). My first stop was at the first bridge and just for the heck of it I looked for spiders. I wasn't disappointed--I found three different species in freezing cold weather (32 degrees). How remarkable! They were moving very slowly, but they were still moving. There were even little flying insects, about one every half mile, that could provide a little food for the spiders. As I was standing there taking pictures, I heard the faint howls of a coyote, either on the island or out on the ice. It was nice!
One of my best finds of the day was a few MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS at the buffalo corrals. There was a gorgeous luminescent male that stood on one of the fence posts just long enough for me to turn on my camera and then it flew away. I then journeyed down toward the water on the dirt road between the paved road and the ranger station and pulled over to see if there was a bug on one of the bushes. I was just about to drive away when I got that feeling that someone was watching me. There must be a soul-to-soul invisible ray that radiates from eyeballs because, sure enough, I looked down at the ground about three feet away and there was the little rabbit you see in the photo above. It was scared enough that it didn't move even when I spoke to it. Very cute!
Other birds seen today were ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, RED-TAILED HAWK, AMERICAN KESTREL, HORNED LARK, WESTERN MEADOWLARK, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, NORTHERN HARRIER, COWBIRD, RING-TAILED PHEASANT, NORTHERN SHRIKE, CANADA GOOSE, SONG SPARROW, SORA (only heard), AMERICAN ROBIN, NORTHERN JUNCO, AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, EUROPEAN STARLING, NORTHERN FLICKER, my regular BURROWING OWL (still there), COMMON GOLDENEYE, BALD EAGLE, RAVEN, and I was absolutely thrilled to see a LONG-EARED OWL hunting for food in the grasses behind the Ranch in the area where they usually nest.
The Meadowlarks were really starting to sing around noon and the Horned Larks were singing as well. The bird noise at the ranch was loud by the phragmites--Spring is imminent and the birds can feel it. Spring--the most beautiful time of the year--it's coming!
~~~
Birding wasn't the best today, even though the day was gorgeous. The storm had scoured the sky of all pollution and the air was fresh and the sky blue. I found some Red-tailed Hawks on the way to the island along the Legacy Highway and a couple of other hawks I didn't stop to identify. On the island I found the usual winter birds like Northern Harrier, Horned Larks, American Pipits, American Kestrels, Starlings, Red-winged Blackbirds, Magpies, Ravens, Eagles and gulls. There were probably a few more birds at the Ranch but I didn't look. On the way out I decided to stop at the first bridge because there were some larger ducks there. When I stopped, I noticed one duck stood out among all the rest - it was a male Canvasback. I've only see a few of these in all the years I've been birding so to see one today was a real treat. This duck was gorgeous! I'm glad I took the time to go birding.
Antelope Island, Sunday, January 3, 2010:
| The first bird I saw on the island was a Northern Harrier stroking its way through the dense fog that covered the causeway leading to Antelope Island. I saw a lot of harriers this day and they were all busy hunting for food. The next birds that dared me to run over them were Horned Larks. I looked for Snow Buntings but was unable to find any. White-crowned Sparrows were my next find and some lazy Ravens. Coyotes are are always easy to spot in the winter and today was no exception and the Bison were plentiful but not as close to the road as they usually are. My most exciting find of the day was a Prairie Falcon--I never get tired of seeing those. There was also a Rough-logged Hawk, a Red-tailed Hawk, numerous Kestrels and what could have been a Cooper's Hawk (too far away to identify). Other birds seen were Chukar, American Tree Sparrow, Loggerhead Shrike, American Pipit, Starling, Bald Eagle, Northern Flicker, Common Goldeneye and bird-brained hunters way too close to the causeway to be hunting. In honor of the Peanuts cartoons, I am posting this photo below of a "ducky" (could be a Ruddy) I found in the clouds on my previous trip to the island on December 11, 2009. It's nice to top off any birding day with fine cloud formations, Charlie Brown. |
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