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Other NP's |
Other National Parks
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South Rim of Grand Canyon looking towards Grand Canyon Village |
California Condor |
The main
purpose of the visit to the Grand Canyon was to mutter in wonder at this
geological marvel, which was duly done. However, despite the fact that no
specific birding was done here, some nice birds were spotted anyway. The most
obvious one is California Condor. These are most reliably seen from Lookout
Studio within Grand Canyon village, along with the many chattering tourists who
also want a piece of the vulture action. This is the second site to the Big Sur
in California to have released captive birds, and they have now bred
successfully on 7 occasions.
Also
within the confines of the village are many breeding Brewer's Blackbirds,
which cannot be missed. A
Black-throated Grey Warbler was edging its way along the bushes on the South
Rim of the village.
Within
the pines, Western Bluebirds and Lesser Goldfinches abound, along with a few
singing Dark-eyed Juncos and Black-capped Chickadees.
The
viewpoints towards the East Entrance are also worth checking. After a party of
Blue-grey Gnatcatchers, 1-2 families of Townshend's Solitaires were chanced
upon.
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Cliff Chipmunk |
Rock Squirrel |
Birds seen in vicinity of Mayor's House, Moab
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Black-billed Magpie |
Western Kingbird |
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American Robin |
White-winged Dove |
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This is
one of the most stunning and amazingly formed of the regions parks, with not
only the arches to see, but many other rock formations in the rich red coloured
rock. The Delicate Arch walk was tackled - about a 2 hour uphill hike alongside
the aged and child buggies. In addition to the arch, Violet-green Swallows were
joined at the trail head by an American Kestrel. The car park of the Devil's
Garden, at the apex of the park, held Juniper Titmouse, with Black-tailed
Gnatcatcher on the trail, and small numbers of White-throated Swifts overhead. |
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This spot
formed a good stopping off point for the Moab to Bryce Canyon journey. The
cliffs along the North-eastern edge are as usual picturesque, and a Golden
Eagle was spotted from the drive. However, the picnic area shortly after the
entrance offers wooded shade and the chance for one or two birds. In addition
to the obvious American Robins and Brown-headed Cowbirds, we saw Common
Flicker, Western Kingbird and a singing Yellow Warbler while stuffing ourselves
with a Subway sandwich. |
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Other NP's |
