October 18: Jake Mohlmann on his recently completed tour, Arizona and Utah: Fall Migration in the Canyonlands
We just wrapped up another journey through the amazing Colorado Plateau. Many scenic wonderlands were explored including colorful Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, water etched Antelope and Salt River Canyons, and of course world-famous favorites Monument Valley and Grand Canyon.
Sunset view of Monument Valleys Mittens
We had some amazing views of raptors this year with several close encounters with Golden Eagles at eye-level, very good looks at four species of falcon including both Prairie and Peregrine, as well as a score of other hunters like Swainson’s, Sharp-shinned, and Zone-tailed Hawks.
A Zone-tailed Hawk passes overhead
Every year we try hard to find the majestic California Condor and we were successful on two days; it was hard to decide whether the full grown adult soaring over the bright red Vermilion Cliffs or the full-sized chick at a cave entrance in Zion’s towering cliffs was the more exciting experience.
Not to be outdone by the larger birds the passerine show was also exciting. Warblers were in high demand and many of them showed up for the elated group. One specific migrant flock in the expansive pine forests of central Arizona contained Grace’s, Black-throated Gray, Townsend’s, and an amazing five Olive Warblers. Painted Redstarts definitely added a color flare to the flock and the diminutive Hutton’s Vireos sang repetitively. A pair of Hepatic Tanagers here stopped us in our tracks while we observed them feeding in an oak tree.
A Townsend’s Warbler searching for insects
Even a couple rarities stuck around for us to add them to the overall tour list including point-blank views of two different White-eyed Vireos and a young Tricolored Heron that decided to make Phoenix it’s winter home.
A very uncommon White-eyed Vireo
Everywhere we went we found flocks of birds. Whether it was dozens of Pinyon Jays soaring by in their raucous clouds, Yellow-headed Blackbirds swirling around the sky before plummeting into the marsh for the night, countless ducks like Ruddy, Cinnamon and Blue-winged Teal, or Western and Clark’s Grebes comparing facial patterns. Sentinel species often announced the presence of a tempting flock for us to invesigate. Anytime we heard Mountain Chickadees, Pygmy Nuthatches, or even Juniper Titmouse we knew there was excitement ahead.
A Juniper Titmouse sounds the alarm
Mammals were also well represented with 19 species seen, with the major highlight when we approached a huge bull Elk downwind and managed to get within 50 meters before he noticed the onlookers.
An enormous bull Elk, the mammal highlight of the tour!
Our group’s good sprits (and remarkable hiking ability) made this a particularly delighful tour. We covered an unusual amount of ground without rushing, finding as a consequence 202 species of birds, and all the while enjoying perfect weather.
Our excellent group overlooking the Grand Canyon
Posted: October 18, 2016