Chilly this morning (upper-30s (F)), with a clear blue sky and a bit of breeze. Lots of birds moving about—the usual suspects mostly—but some interesting finds.
Most interesting was a newly constructed gnatcatcher’s nest directly above a shady section of trail. I heard the birds first, then saw an active pair scolding Captain Jack and me, then noticed that one of the pair was sitting on a nest. Not wanting to disturb, I took a few quick photos, then we continued on our way.
(That little nest, though—so complete and well-constructed. Truly a lovely thing.)
Grandeur Peak Area List Beginning at 8 a.m., I hiked several hundred feet up a mountain.
Compared to Maine, with its dozens of colorful warblers, Utah’s only got a handful. The state’s got plenty of other exceptionally cool birds—many of which I’d never before seen the likes of—but not a lot of warblers.
Today I saw four (of I think just five I’ve seen here so far). Even got decent photos of a couple of them. But I dipped on two others I heard singing unfamiliar songs. (One was possibly a bunting—those guys have a wild, diverse repertoire of warbler-sounding tunes.)
This felt like a successful day, warbler-wise. (And I’m sure I will see more.)
Grandeur Peak Area List Beginning at 8 a.m., I hiked about 1,200 feet up a mountain.
1. Black-billed Magpie* 2. American Robin* 3. Black-capped Chickadee 4. Spotted Towhee (v) 5. Yellow-rumped Warbler 6. Pine Siskin (v) 7. Lazuli Bunting* 8. Broad-tailed Hummingbird** (v) 9. Black-chinned Hummingbird 10. Mourning Dove (v) 11. House Finch* 12. Woodhouse’s Scrub-jay** 13. Black-headed Grosbeak (v) 14. Chipping Sparrow 15. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 16. Black-throated Gray Warbler 17. Golden Eagle 18. Orange-crowned Warbler 19. Common Raven 20. Virginia’s Warbler 21. California Quail* 22. Song Sparrow* (v)
Elsewhere
23. Lesser Goldfinch 24. Eurasian Collared Dove
Mammals
Mountain Cottontail
(v) Voice only *Also elsewhere **Voice only elsewhere
Last summer, soon after my move to Salt Lake City, on an early hike up the mountainside with my dog, I spotted my first lifer here: a Lazuli Bunting. In particular, a male bunting feeding a fledgling up in the scrub oak. It was my only sighting of the species in 2019.
Last summer, soon after my move to Salt Lake City, on an early hike up the mountainside with my dog, I spotted my first lifer here: a Lazuli Bunting. In particular, a male bunting feeding a fledgling up in the scrub oak. It was my only sighting of the species in 2019.
I figured I’d see more come spring—but I had no idea how many more. They’re friggin’ everywhere. (Nearly all singing males.)
Today, in a couple hours, I saw or heard at least thirteen. Their bright voices sounded warbler like at first, but now I’m getting to know their and pitch and cadence and phrasing. It’s hard not to find a photogenic one. (Although I do hope to get a female to pose eventually.)
My sighting of the day, though: a Mountain chickadee.
Mountain Chickadee.
Grandeur Peak Area List Beginning at 8 a.m., I hiked several hundred feet up a mountain.
