Modified
Tuesday, December 14, 2004

Archived bird sightings: November, 2004
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Compiled by Bill Fenimore
Wild Bird Center, Layton, Utah
Box Elder
11/19 — Bridget Olson, Wildlife Biologist at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge conducted the water bird and Raptor Survey. The count was 155,782 total ducks. This is down from 200,000 on November 1. 30 percent of birds were seen from the tour loop and 10 percent within the hunt units. This is right on the long-term average of 152,000 ducks. The units holding the most birds are in the interior/closed portion of the Refuge. Above average numbers of Bald Eagles and Harriers for this time of year: Tundra Swan, 13,362; Snow Goose, 4; Canada Goose, 2,253; Mallard, 23,047; Pintail, 35,752; Green-winged Teal, 15,920; Shoveler, 27,993; Gadwall, 16,216; Wigeon, 13,179; Canvasback, 9,288; Redhead, 2,271; Scaup ,656; Common Goldeneye, 3,007; Bufflehead, 1,864; Common Merganser, 2,964; Ruddy Duck, 3,625; Pied-billed Grebe, 2; Eared Grebe ,541; Western Grebe, 3; American White Pelican, 2; Double-crested Cormorant, 6; Great Blue Heron, 97; Great Egret, 1; American Avocet ,164; Greater Yellowlegs, 89; Long-billed Curlew, 2; Bonaparte's Gull ,383; Ring-billed Gull ,796; California Gull ,214; Coot, 1,468; Bald Eagle, 15; Northern Harrier, 43; Red-tailed Hawk, 1
11/14 — Bill Fenimore and Jim Poulter of the Layton, Wild Bird Center, reported seeing a late flock of White-faced Ibis and American Avocet, as well as Ring-necked Duck, Redhead, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Bufflehead, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Mallard, American Wigeon west of Corrine.
11/10 — Bridget Olson, Wildlife Biologist at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge (Brmbr) submitted the following counts on waterfowl and conditions at BRMBR: Total Duck count of 206,000 today 11/10/04. This is higher than the long-term average of 185,000 for this time of year. 25 percent of birds seen were from the tour loop. Only seven percent were in the hunt units. Highest Northern Harrier count for this time of year. Swans continue to use Unit 1 in high numbers. This is the unit on the North side of the tour loop. They are at a distance from the road so best observation is with a spotting scope. Other species observed from the tour loop include Canada Goose, Mallard, Shoveler, Wigeon, Coot, Clark's Grebe, Eared Grebe, Gadwall, Common and Red-breasted Merganser, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Northern Harrier, possibly Bald Eagle (deep in Unit 1), Great Blue Heron, Long-billed Curlew, Ring-billed and California Gulls.
Tundra Swan: 18,369, Snow Goose: 45, Canada Goose: 2,443, Mallard: 25,595, Northern Pintail: 52,815, Green-winged Teal: 18,825, Shoveler: 31758, Gadwall: 24,845, Wigeon: 26,950, Canvasback: 7540, Redhead: 2,035, Scaup: 521, Comm. Goldeneye: 3936, Barrow's Goldeneye: 5, Bufflehead: 2167, Common Merganser: 1,959, Red-breasted Merganser: 97, Rn Duck: 12, Ruddy Duck: 6889, Pied-billed Grebe: 4, Eared Grebe: 663, Western Grebe: 5, Clark's Grebe: 3, American White Pelican: 11, Double-crested Cormorant: 4, Great Blue Heron: 124, American Avocet: 599, Greater Yellowlegs: 40, Long-billed Curlew: 26, Bonaparte's Gull: 721, Ring-billed Gull: 1158, California Gull: 174, Coot: 2918, Bald Eagle: 5, Northern Harrier: 46, Kestrel: 1
11/07 — Tim Gorman reported 32 white-phase Snow Geese on Unit 1A of the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, other birds observed along Unit 1A included: Cattle Egret:1, Ruddy Duck: hundreds, Short-eared Owl: 7, Ring-necked Pheasant: 6, Long-billed Curlew: 6, House Wren: 1, Savannah Sparrows: several, Lesser Goldfinch: 10
11/05 — Kris Purdy birding at Mantua Reservoir observed Barrow's Goldeneye at the boat ramp and on the southeast side. Additionally, Kris reported a pair of Hooded Mergansers, Greater Scaup, and a juvenile Northern Shrike. The trees that ring the reservoir produced Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, Northern Flickers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Dark-eyed Juncos, Song Sparrows, and 5 Brown Creepers. Other species in and around the reservoir included Gadwall, American Coots, American Wigeons, Mallards, Northern Shoveler, Canvasback; Redheads, Ring-necked Ducks, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Common and Red-breasted Mergansers, Ruddy Ducks, Ring-necked Pheasant, Common Loons, Pied-billed and Western Grebes, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Greater Yellowlegs, Pine Siskin and American Goldfinches.
11/04 — Kris Purdy reported that the Red-necked Grebe previously found and reported by Kris is still at The Narrows area of Pineview Reservoir. Lee and Paula Shirley, Lynn Carroll and Kris saw the grebe from a pullout at about mile 14.5 on Ut Hwy. 39. The number of Pacific Loons has now doubled.
11/03 — Tim Gorman reported five Short-eared Owls along a short stretch of the auto tour loop at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. Take the tour route clockwise, the birds were in the first two miles of the route, between the bridge and the first parking area. They stayed along the south side of the road cruising the cattails. Additionally, Tim observed a Savannah Sparrow and Lesser Goldfinch
Cache County
11/30 — Kris Purdy birding at Smithfield Cemetery reported observing a Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Flicker, American Crow, Black-capped and Mountain Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Townsend's Solitaire, Cedar Waxwings, Cassin's Finch, Red Crossbills, and Pine Siskins.
11/24 — Bill Fenimore observed a late Cattle Egret in the meadow of the Usu Dairy Farm on the south side of Ut. Hwy. 89, across from the Historical Farm and American Heritage Center, as you leave Sardine Canyon, heading toward Logan.
11/20 — Bridgerland Audubon Chapter birding at Hyrum Reservoir observed six Trumpeter Swans at the southeast inlet of the reservoir. Two Swans had yellow neck tags, numbers 8Y3 and 9Y3. And both had underparts of wing painted pink. The other four birds were not tagged or marked in any way. Other birds of interest at Hyrum Reservoir: Surf Scoter, Pacific Loon, Red Throated Loon, Green-winged Teal, Barn Owl, Double-crested Cormorant, Northern Shrike (juvenile).
11/10 — Eric Huish, Grant and Dellamae Jense reported that the Red-throated Loon is still at Hyrum Reservoir hanging out near the dam. There are still Horned Grebes at Mantua Reservoir.
11/09 — Kris Purdy Merrill Webb and Glenn Barlow saw the previously reported Red-throated Loon at Hyrum Reservoir. Kris reported that the best representation of this loon can be found in Kaufmann's Focus Guide, Birds of North America. The bird appears to be a juvenile. The Red-throated Loon remained on the south side of the reservoir across from the main boat ramp and day use parking area. It swam slowly back and forth across the south bluff (above which you'll see a line of large homes), and was rather inactive other than the swimming. In addition to the loon, there were two White-winged Scoters at the beach srea as previously reported by Lu Giddings, a Surf Scoter along the south shore and a male Barrow's Goldeneye keeping company with a male Common Goldeneye near the beach area. Other birds observed in and around the reservoir: Bufflehead, Common Merganser, Ring-necked Pheasant, Common Loon, Western Grebe, Clark's Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, American Coot, Ring-billed Gull, Belted Kingfisher, Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Spotted Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco
11/07 — Sue Drown reported Red-breasted Nuthatches, Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Steller's jays and Brown Creepers on the trail by Logan Golf Course. At Hyrum Reservoir, she observed 2 Ross' Geese showing blue colors, and a male Hooded Merganser. Three Long-tailed ducks and several Bonaparte's gulls were seen at the Logan Sewage Ponds.
11/06 — Ron and Larry Ryel, Melanie Springs, Brian Dixon, Jean Lown and Jack Binch observed a Red-throated Loon at Hyrum Reservoir with some Western Grebes and two White-winged Scoters at the West end, near the dam. The Red-necked Loon is a second-year bird changing into winter plumage. Five Surf Scoters were seen at the northeast portion of the reservoir. A juvenile Pacific Loon was seen at the east end, near the inlet and along east shore.
11/06 — John Morgan saw the previously reported Blue Jay visiting the back yard bird feeder at Tom Gordon's home at 211 S. Main in Clarkston.
11/06 — Carol Gwynn reported he Pacific Loon continues to be seen at close range at Hyrum Reservoir. Common Loons were also present, along with four female Red-breasted Mergansers.
11/04 — Bill Fenimore reported Cattle Egrets along Hwy. 89 on the south side, near the Festival of the American West building and Usu Experimental Dairy Buildings. A Belted King Fisher was also seen.
11/04 — Donna Thorum reported that the Blue Jay is still coming into the back yard feeders in Clarkston at the yellow house at 211 S. Main.
11/02 — Jim Poulter, Layton Wild Bird Center Manager, reported observing several White-winged Crossbills and Red Crossbills along Cinnamon Creek drainage which is west of Ant Flat Road off Ut. Hwy. 39 (turn off for Hardware Ranch).
Carbon County
11/06 — Dennis Shirley and Lu Giddings visited Scofield Reservoir and reported Pintails, American Wigeon, Lesser Scaup, Eared Grebe, Barrow's Goldeneye, Bonaparte's Gull and 29 Tundra Swans, American White Pelican and a Double-crested Merganser.
Davis County
11/28 — Tim Avery reported a male Greater Scaup in full breeding plumage about 300 yards from the main parking lot in the safety zone. This bird was with a large raft of about 75–100 Lesser Scaup. Additionally, there were 10,000-plus Northern Shovelers, 1,000s of Gadwall, 1,000s of Lesser Scaup, and many Northern Pintail and Redhead.
11/24 — Tim Avery reported that there is a Harris Sparrow visiting a feeder at the Antelope Island visitor center, as well as American Tree Sparrows.
11/10 — Eric Huish, Grant and Dellamae Jense birding Antelope Island Causeway reported observing a Long-tailed Duck. It was a female on the north side of the Causeway between the marina and the last bridge. They also saw the three species of scoters, previously reported. The Black Scoter was in the same area as the Long-tailed Duck, in the marina and near the end of the causeway. The White-winged Scoter on the south side of the causeway near the island. The Surf Scoter was on the South side of the causeway toward the middle section of the Causeway.
11/13 — Brain Currie birding the Antelope Island causeway reported observing the White-winged Scoter (male) and Black Scoter (female) that have been seen over recent weeks, feeding along the south side of the causeway. They are between the bridge closest to the island and about 100 yards from the island. They like to hang near the shore while feeding, so it is easy to miss them if there is a small drop-off or vegetation near the shoreline.
11/10 — Paul Higgins reported a Ross' Goose with a flock of Canada Geese, along Antelope Dr., just West of 2000 W. on the north side of the road in a corn stubble field.
11/09 — Bill Fenimore observed the White-winged Scoter (Male and Female) and Black Scoter (adult female) previously reported, along the south side of the Antelope Island causeway. The scoters were between the last bridge before reaching the island and the marina. Additionally, a Loggerhead Shrike was seen on the causeway in the same vicinity.
11/07 — Joel and Kathy Beyer observed the beautiful White-winged Scoter on the Antelope Island causeway reported by Jack Binch. They also saw a juvenile Surf Scoter and an adult female Black Scoter. The Black Scoter was keeping company with a pair of Lesser Scaups. All of the Scoters were on the south side of the causeway, within shouting distance of the second bridge (the one closest to the island).
11/07 — Bill Fenimore reported a Merlin being harassed by a pair of American Kestrels along Glovers Lane, just east of the Radar site.
11/06 — The Wild Bird Center birding group reported observing 3 Brown Creepers along the Riverdale Parkway.
11/04 — Ed Leite birding at Antelope Island, reported 8 Black-bellied Plovers around mm 4 on the north side of the Causeway, along with 4 Bonaparte's Gulls.
11/03 — Bob Huntington observed a juvenile Harris's Sparrow at Fielding-Garr Ranch. It was in the trees by the pond south of the ranch house and in the large brush pile that is south and east of the ranch house. A Golden-crowned Kinglet was in the trees along the south fence line.
11/02 — Jolene Hatch reported that the Prairie Falcon has returned to hunt the Antelope Island causeway. The Falcon has been near the second bridge hunting waterfowl and Eared Grebes. A pair of Golden Eagles were soaring on the north end of the island this morning. Northern Harriers and Kestrels have also returned to hunt the causeway.
Duchesne County
11/14 — Joel and Kathy Beyer checked out the section of the Mirror Lake Highway up to the Provo River Falls (around mile 24). Mountain bird species were common between Samak and Soapstone. They observed several times a large flock of over 100-plus Bohemian Waxwings that was flying around the area, settling in the trees for less than a minute before taking to flight again. Smaller groups of Bohemians were also seen many times, probably breakaways from the main group. Some of the other birds seen were incredible numbers of Townsend's Solitaires, a Goshawk, Cooper's Hawk, Golden Eagle and White-breasted Nuthatches. All these birds were seen between mile markers 10 and 14.
Emery County
11/06 — 11/6, Dennis Shirley and Lu Giddings saw a pair of Bald Eagles at Electric Lake
Morgan County
11/23 — Kris Purdy birding at East Canyon Reservoir reported Hooded Mergansers in the east arm (two drakes and a hen) and another drake at the south end. In addition, there were at least a dozen Barrow's Goldeneyes present. A Pacific Loon paired up with a Common Loon on the west side of the reservoir across from about mile marker 17 of SR-65. Bald Eagles, and a Golden Eagle were also seen.
11/07 — Kathy and Joel Beyer reported observing a juvenile Pacific Loon in the east arm of East Canyon Reservoir.
11/03 — Glenn Barlow reported that the Green Heron is still at the Morgan County sewage lagoon. Arnold Smith and Glenn also saw a White-throated Sparrow while looking for the Green Heron.
11/04 — Pomera Fronce and Ed Leite reported a dozen Common Loons, Common Mergansers, Common Goldeneye, Loggerhead Shrike, three Bald Eagles, six Hooded Mergansers and one Barrow's Goldeneye at East Canyon Reservoir.
Salt Lake County
11/27 — Sylvia Gray, birding at the Salt Lake City Cemetery, 1050 E. and 10th Ave., reported observing two Red Crossbills. Additionally, there were many Mountain Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Solitaire and two Brown Creepers.
11/26 — Tim Avery Checked birding at Decker Lake reported that the two Snow Geese were still present, as well as a Prairie Falcon. On the Jordan River, Tim observed 40–50 Common Goldeneye, and four Barrow's Goldeneyes.
11/24 — Tim Avery reported 2 Snow Geese, 3 Cackling Geese and a Herring Gull at Decker Lake. At Lee Kay Ponds he found 3 Great-tailed Grackles.
11/03 — Pomera Fronce reported that the participants in the monthly GSLA survey located a Surf Scoter this morning. The bird was on Mountain Dell Reservoir which flanks the golf course and can best be viewed by driving to the north edge of the reservoir on Utah 65 and looking west onto the water.
10/31 — Tim Hicks reported an Anna's Hummingbird visiting a nectar feeder in his back yard at 4537 Fortuna Way, Salt Lake City.
11/02 — Jules Dreyfous reports that he has a Blue Jay coming to his feeder in Holladay. His phone number is (801) 277-2311 for additional information.
Sanpete County
11/06 — Dennis Shirley and Lu Giddings saw a Lewis's woodpecker in Fairview.
Summit County
11/23 —Rockport Reservoir had two Tundra Swans and a juvenile Ross's Goose.
11/20 — Steve Carr reported the Great Salt Lake Audubon found two large flocks of Bohemian Waxwings, along with a couple of individual Cedar Waxwing. One flock of about 50 birds perched in a cottonwood tree on the east edge of the city of Kamas. Then, coming up the East Canyon highway at mile post 11.2, across from the Dutch Hollow Ranch, a large flock of between 120–150 Bohemians was seen covering several scrub oaks at the edge of the road. Over a dozen Townsend's Solitaires were seen on the Mirror Lake highway.
11/16 — Glenn Barlow and Merrill Webb observed a flock of about 30 Bohemian Waxwings this in Kamas near the post office at 100 North 100 West. There are some Cedar Waxwings mixed in with them.
Uintah County
11/22 — Diane Penttila, biologist at Ouray National Wildlife Refuge made the following general water bird survey. The following birds were seen within the survey route: Canada geese, 1,400, Snow goose, 1, Greater white-fronted goose, 3, Tundra swan, 1, Mallard, 1,347, Gadwall, 80, Northern shoveler, 154, Green-winged teal, 2,511, Pintail, 480, Wigeon, 35, Ruddy duck, 7, Scaup, 1, Common Goldeneye, 1, Common merganser, 3, American coot, 98, Pied-billed grebe, 5, Eared grebe, 6, Sandhill crane, 76, Golden eagle, 1, Red-tailed hawk, 3, Northern harrier, 5, Sharp-shinned hawk, 1
11/14 — Clay and Cliftia Johnson birding at Steinaker Reservoir (North of Vernal) reported: Barrow's and Common Goldeneye, Common Loon, Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup and two juvenile White-winged Scoters.
11/05 — Diane Penttila, biologist at Ouray National Wildlife Refuge (Onwr) reported an Eurasian Wigeon was seen in Leota Bottom at Onwr. The brown/rust colored head and cream colored forehead really made the bird stand out. If interested in seeing the bird see the directions that follow the General Water Bird Survey. The following birds were seen within the survey route: Canada geese: 1,383, Mallard: 326, Gadwall: 124, Northern shoveler: 42, Green-winged teal: 825, Pintail: 346, Wigeon: 41, Bufflehead: 2, American coot: 1,150, Pied-billed grebe: 3, Great blue heron: 1, Sandhill crane: 100, Bald eagle: 2, Red-tailed hawk: 1, Northern harrier: 2, Eurasian wigeon: 1. The Eurasian Wigeon was in L-8 of Leota Bottom. Leota is open for waterfowl hunting, so it is hard to say how long the bird will stick around. To get to L-8: Turn south on Hwy. 88 from Hwy. 40. Hwy. 88 is 14 miles west of Vernal and 13 miles east of Roosevelt. Go about 13 miles on Hwy. 88 past Pelican Lake; the Refuge entrance road is clearly marked. Stop at the kiosk (won't be anyone in the office on Sat. or Sunday) to pick up a map of the Refuge. Proceed on the main entrance road towards the hatchery. Leota Bottom is before the hatchery. Once you get to the Bottom go to the third gate and park (The first gate has an outhouse in the parking lot and is the start of Leota Bottom). You will have to walk in from there. A scope is needed. Waterfowl hunters may be present, use caution. L-8 is the only unit with substantial water so most of the hunters are going there. Walk down the dike in between the two wetland units. L-8 is on your right. The unit has very little emergent vegetation so the birds are easy to see but they can be far away. You may need to walk down to the dike at the bottom of L-8 between L-8 and the canal.
Utah County
11/30 — Eric Huish reported observing Black and Gray-crowned Rosy-finches, along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail in Orem near the north rim of the mouth of Provo Canyon. He found a group of about 50 birds feeding between patches of snow on a steep rocky hillside. When the flock flew Eric estimated the flock was about 75 percent Black Rosy-finches. To get to the trail head for this section of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail turn north off 800 N. in Orem onto 800 E., then turn right immediately after the cemetery (there is a brown 'Bonneville Shoreline Trail' sign on a telephone pole), then turn left before the water treatment plant. Eric saw the birds about 1/2 mile east (towards Provo Canyon) along the trail/road.
11/23 — Eric Huish found a a Northern Saw-whet Owl in Dry Canyon, about one quarter mile up the trail. It was on a scrub oak, perched near the trunk, just a foot and a half off the ground and less than 30 feet from the trail.
11/13 — Larry Draper reported observing an immature Harris' Sparrow at River Lane, just as the dirt road meets the Spanish Fork River, approximately 75 feet before you get to the cattle guard, as you are heading west toward the lake. It was in the trees with a group of White crowned sparrows on the north side of the dirt road.
11/06 — Lu Giddings reported 25 Sandhill cranes in a freshly turned Payson field.
11/05 — Matt Williams reported two Red-breasted Nuthatches in some pines to the north of the creamery on 900 E., just east of the BYU Campus.
11/05 — Lu Giddings reported two cattle egrets in the fields west of Olson's in Salem.
11/04 — Tuula Rose reported a male Red Crossbill at the Provo Cemetery on top of a tall evergreen near Center & Main (the "streets" inside the cemetery). Other birds seen: Mountain Chickadee, Junco, Brown Creeper, Cedar Waxwing, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
Washington County
11/30 — Charlie Sheard reported observing a female Black-and-white Warbler in Leeds. It was foraging in willows on the West side of I-15. Turn west on Center Street, go under I-15 through a narrow tunnel. Continue past three log homes and there are the willows and cottonwoods. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker previously reported by Cordell Peterson was relocated behind the church. There was a nice flock of Evening Grosbeaks and three Steller's Jays too.
11/27 — David Taylor reported that a male Prairie Warbler flew in and made a brief appearance at a private residence in Leeds. The Prairie Warbler was chased away by a Yellow-rumped Warbler. David said, "The cold front blew through on Saturday evening and I did not see the bird on Sunday morning." This bird seemed to be ranging all around the center of the town so it could be just about anywhere. It seemed to prefer the cottonwoods and willow trees the most.
11/23 — Rick Fridell and Kevin Wheeler reported seeing a pair of female White-winged Scoters at Sand Hollow State Park near the north dam, and a Blue Jay in Springdale, behind the Zion Park Inn. Hooded Mergansers were seen at Quail Creek and in Springdale. Wood Ducks were seen at Wilson Pond in LaVerkin.
11/16 — Charlie Sheard observed 4 Red Crossbills along Main Street in Leeds. The birds were perched on top of a very large Utah juniper, singing. The elevation at Leeds is approximately 3600 feet and the nearest ponderosa pine is eight miles away.
11/10 — Rick Fridell reported that he observed a Blue Jay fly overhead at the Springdale Pond near Zion National Park.
11/13 — Larry Trip reported Golden-crowned Kinglets at Mathis Park and a Northern Goshawk and a late Wilson Warbler at Lytle Ranch.
11/11 — Rick Fridell reported the Blue Jay reported earlier was along the Virgin River just north (upstream) from the Springdale Pond. It was very vocal. There was an adult male Surf Scoter at Quail Creek State Park and the female Black Scoter remains below the Southwest dike at Sand Hollow State Park.
11/07 — Larry Tripp reported yet another species to add to the invasion of montane birds showing up at lower elevations this fall. He has a flock of 20-plus Evening Grosbeaks in his yard in Central.
11/07 — Lu Giddings, reported that the Black Scoter, previously reported by Rick Fridell and Larry Tripp is still at Sand Hollow State Park. Lu recommends driving 0.3 mile past the Sand Hollow fee station to the top of the dike. Follow the dirt road where the sign indicated beach access. Drive southwest on this road as far as your vehicle will permit. The bird was approximately 300 yards from this vantage point.
11/05 — Larry Tripp reported a Rose-breasted Grosbeak in the orchard at Lytle Ranch.
11/04 — Dan Nonne reported an American Dipper at Moody Creek north of Gunlock Reservoir.
At Grafton today, a pair of White-breasted Nuthatches were seen, and six Wood Ducks at Wilsons Pond in La Verkin.
11/03 — Cameron Rognan saw a Greater White-fronted Goose, a Canvasback, and a Great Egret at the Springs Park Pond in Washington Fields.
11/01 — Tami Clayton saw an American Dipper on the Virgin River just upstream from the La Verkin Creek confluence. A pair of Vermilion Flycatchers were seen at the pond at the Bloomington Golf Course pond.
Weber County
11/20 — Jerriann Ernstsen reported a Blue Jay near her home at the mouth of Weber Canyon. It was approximately 1/2 to one mile east of Ut Hwy. 89 and one mile north of I-84.
11/13 — Bill Fenimore reported that the Layton, Wild Bird Center Saturday morning birding trip to Beus Pond offered some interesting birds, further demonstrating the irruption occurring with some higher elevation species. The group saw several Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch and Brown Creeper. Occasionally, you could see in the same field of view, Brown Creepers and both Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatch passing one another, as they moved up and down tree trunks seeking insects. Several beautiful drake Wood Ducks with tremendous plumage displays were on the pond, along with many of the usual waterfowl suspects.
11/07 — Joel and Kathy Beyer birding at Pineview Reservoir reported that the 2 Pacific Loons and the Red-necked Grebe previously reported were still present.
11/05 — Kris Purdy reported 7 pairs of Wood Ducks and two Brown Creepers at Beus Pond in Ogden.
11/02 — Kris Purdy and Glenn Barlow observed a Pacific Loon and a juvenile Red-necked Grebe at Pineview Reservoir in The Narrows area just east of the dam. The birds were between mile marker 14 and 14.5 on Ut Hwy. 39, approximately 1/2 mile east of the dam on the south side of the Reservoir. The grebe was a juvenile as evidenced by two black stripes through its white cheek. The bird appears very similar to the juvenile Red-necked Grebe depicted in big Sibley, p. 26, although the cheek of today's grebe was whiter than shown in the field guide. In addition, the bill was fairly bright yellow with the upper mandible showing mottled black on the dorsal side. The crown appeared mostly rounded and sometimes showed a slight point toward the back. The sides of the neck were a washed-out rusty color. The rust extended in faint patches around the back of the neck where the color alternated with dusky gray. The body was the same dusky gray.
To report bird sightings and/or hear recorded information, please call the Utah Bird Line at (801) 538-4730. You may also send e-mail to: frnatent@earthlink.net or BirderB@aol.com.
Wild Bird Center
1860 N. 1000 W.
Layton, Utah 84041-1858
(801) 525-8400
www.wildbirdcenter.com/lay