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Modified
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Archived bird sightings: January, 2005 Return to main bird sightings page Compiled by Bill Fenimore Box Elder 01/03 — Kris Purdy reported a Harris's Sparrow in a scrubby line of russian olives bordering a teasel-choked field and was generally in the company of White-crowned Sparrows. This bird was along the eastern border of Willard Bay WMA. The sparrow wore the classic juvenile Harris's Sparrow plumage depicted in Sibley's Field Guide. Two Prairie Falcons were seen on the high-tension towers that run north-south toward Willard Bay. To reach this area, take I-15 to exit 354 and turn west/southwest at the end of the exit ramp. Several hundred yards later, turn right (west) onto 4000 N in Farr West—almost directly across from Smith & Edwards. You'll also see the sign for Willard Bay's South Marina at this intersection. Drive west until you see the sign pointing south to the rail trail. You'll find parking at the trail head. Continue west on 4000 N and turn right (north) when the road ends at a "T" intersection. Notice the sign for Willard Bay WMA on the left. This road is muddy, potholed, rocky, and not suitable for 2-WD passenger cars at this time. Drive north .7 miles until the Russian olive trees close in tightly on either side of the road. The Harris's Sparrow was on the west side. 01/01 — Tim Avery birding at Mayors Pond observed 2 Greater Scaup and a Lesser Scaup. Cache County 01/08 — Barbara Middleton reported a Varied Thrush that was making an appearance this weekend in a back yard apple tree. Her home is on the southeast corner of 1200 E. and 2300 N. in North Logan. The house address is 2290 N. 1200 E.; it's a tan house with a silver horse trailer in the driveway. Birders wishing to see the Varied Thrush can call Barbara at (435) 752-6954 to see if she has seen the bird lately. Barbara has extended an invitation to birders to enter onto her property, if she is not at home. You may hop the gate on the west side of the home. Look around the apple tree in the back yard that has still lots of fruit remaining. The thrush is feeding on the apples. It has also been seen in the tops of the aspens behind the apple tree. Davis County 01/26 — Marjean Muhlestein on a pre birding trip scouting report for the Layton, Wild Bird Center at Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area reported observing American Tree Sparrow, White Crowned Sparrow, and Western Meadowlark singing away, on the road just before you enter Farmington Bay. There were two Red-tailed Hawks sparring over some food that one had captured in this same area. There were Down Woodpeckers at the first turn on the dike system, on the left side in some Russian olive trees, 11 Bald Eagles in the large dead cottonwood trees south of the west-running dike and several Northern Harriers. 01/24 — Bob Huntington and Jack Binch reported observing the following birds:
01/22 — Joel and Kathy Beyer observed Herring and Thayer's Gull, a first-winter Glaucous Gull and a first-winter Glaucous-winged/Herring hybrid at the Bountiful landfill. 01/22 — Bruce Robinson birding at Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area reported 6 Bald Eagles. He observed a Greater Yellowlegs in the first pond on the east, just before the restroom. At the first right angle turn there were a couple American Tree Sparrows and a Downy Woodpecker. 01/22 — Bill Fenimore led the Saturday Bird Walk from the Layton, Wild Bird Center to Farmington Bay. The group observed the following birds: Bald Eagles, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Greater Yellowlegs, Herring Gull and California Gull. 01/19 — Cynthia Brantt and Lauren Morse, a sharp eyed young birder observed Ring-necked Ducks on the Kaysville Ponds, at the Usu Botanical Gardens in Kaysville. 01/09 — David Jensen birding at Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area reported a Mute Swan and a female Red-breasted Merganser 01/18 — Mike Johnson birding at the Kaysville ponds saw an adult male Cinnamon Teal and Hooded Mergansers. 01/15 — Steve and Cindy Sommerfeld reported seeing 50 Bohemian Waxwings and 50 Cedar Waxwings in the trees near the landscaped waterfall and pond in the general area of Bountiful Blvd. and 1500 South in Bountiful. At the Bountiful Landfill they reported a Lesser Black-backed Gull and Thayer's Gulls. 01/08 — The Layton, Wild Bird Center regular Saturday morning walk noted 16 Hooded Mergansers and 12 Ring-necked ducks in the Kaysville Ponds at the Usu Botanical Gardens. 01/07 — Tim Avery birding at Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area reported a single adult Thayer's Gull near the parking area for the main unit. Along the dike heading west, were several hundred if not thousand American Pipits. Additionally there were a wide variety of raptors: Peregrine Falcon, American Kestrel, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Rough-legged Hawk, and Red-tailed Hawk, all within the refuge boundaries. 01/04 — Bridget Olson, Wildlife Biologist at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge conducted a survey of conditions and bird observations. The majority of the wetland units around the auto tour loop are frozen. However, you still may see a variety of birds around the tour-loop including: Red-winged Blackbird, Goldfinch, Western Meadowlark, Marsh Wren, Raven, Great Blue Heron, Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Rough-legged Hawk, Short-eared Owl, and Tree-sparrow. Unit 1, or the unit on the north end of the loop has a little open water again so there are still a number of duck species and swans around too.Count from 01/04/05: Tundra Swan, 2,321; Canada Goose, 323; Mallard, 6460; Pintail, 3,514; Green-winged Teal, 2,423; Shoveler, 710; Gadwall, 949; Wigeon, 1342; Canvasback, 798; Redhead, 156; Scaup, 207; Goldeneye, 1,684; Bufflehead, 23; Common Merganser, 9; Ring-necked Duck, 333; Great Blue Heron, 44; California Gull, 4; Coot, 16; Bald Eagle, 34; Harrier, 26; Red-tailed Hawk, 3; Rough-legged Hawk, 11; Peregrine Falcon, 2 01/04 — Kris Purdy reported an Orange-crowned Warbler in Layton, along Kays Creek at Layton Commons Park today. This warbler is classified as a rare winter species on Utah's 2004 checklist. The warbler seemed to be traveling in a mixed flock with Black-capped Chickadees, a pair of Brown Creepers, and Dark-eyed Juncos. The specific location along the path was next to the Weldon Snow Field bubble. 01/03 — Tim Avery and Today Ken Behrens reported a first Winter Lesser Black-backed Gull, an adult Glaucous-winged Gull, California Gulls, and Herring Gulls on the pond to the north of the Bountiful landfill. At Farmington Bay, Tim reported a second winter Mute Swan. The bird was a Mute swan, with an orange bill, and small black knob, yellowish washed neck, and white body. The knob was not fully developed as an adult would have, but not as tiny as a first year bird. This bird was about 500 yards east of the main road, about a mile south of Egg Island, in the safety zone for waterfowl. Also at Farmington Bay along the north shore of the safety zone was a mixed flock of Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs — about 36 birds: 20 Lesser, 16, Greater, and 4 Wilson's Phalarope. At Antelope Island they found one Juvenile Harris's Sparrow at the feeder at the visitor center, along with several American Tree Sparrows. Also near the visitor center were 2 Rock Wrens. On the road to Fielding-Garr Ranch, we found a lone Northern Mockingbird, 1,000-plus Goldfinch and Siskins, and at least 10 Short-eared Owls in the trees about a mile or two past the road to Fairy Peak, just on the east (left) side of the road. Tim reported that 11 Hooded Merganser's were seen at Kaysville ponds. 01/01 — Tim Avery reported a Greater White-fronted Goose in a flock of about 150–200 Canada Geese. This bird was in a field just east of the Kaysville ponds, southeast of the intersection of Sego Lily and 50 W in Kaysville. There were 5 Hooded Mergansers on the Kaysville Ponds. At Farmington Bay there are large numbers of Bald Eagles. Morgan County 01/24 — Bob Huntington and Jack Binch reported seeing Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle and Prairie Falcon at East Canyon Reservoir. Salt Lake County 01/24 — Deedee O'Brien reported 3 Evening Grosbeaks eating Russian olives by the path heading north from the parking lot in the duck pond park behind the Senior Center (access from Murray-Holladay Rd, 4800 S. between Highland Dr. and 1300 E.). Five Red Crossbills were feeding on the cones at the top of the tallest pine in Deedee's Holladay backyard. 01/28 — David Jensen birding at the Salt Lake City Cemetery, 4th Avenue and Center St, observed 6 Red Crossbills, 6 Golden Crowned Kinglets and a Hairy Woodpecker. 01/23 — Joel and Kathy Beyer reported 25 Gray-crowned and 4 Black Rosy Finches at the feeders on the Alta bypass road in Big Cottonwood Canyon 01/10 — Time Avery, birding at the Lee Kay ponds, reported observing two Thayer's Gulls on the main pond directly out from the gazebo. 01/04 — Dave Hanscom reported a flock of Red Crossbills in the tops of some evergreen trees feasting on cones, at the cemetery at 950 E 400 N in Salt Lake City. 01/02 — Two Winter Wrens were found in City Creek Canyon. One bird was observed about 200 meters above area #5 on the north side of road. There is a large seep nearby. The second bird was about 200 meters further up and near the creek itself. There are three recently felled cottonwood trees in this area. Also observed were a large number of Brown Creepers (~15) and Golden-crowned Kinglets (~20). 01/01 — David Jensen reported a Say's Phoebe at the Marina, south of Saltair and Pink Floyd, the escaped Tracy Aviary Chilean Flamingo, along the shore between Saltair and the Marina. Summit County 01/23 — Joel and Kathy Beyer reported that the White-throated Sparrow (previously reported)was still in Francis. It was seen along 1000 East about 50 yards before reaching 01/22 — The Utah County Birders reported on their birding trip to the Heber-francis-kamas area via Provo Canyon. They reported seeing a White-throated Sparrow in Francis. When approaching Francis from the west on SR-32, just below the hill, turn right on Lower River Rd. It meanders following the Provo River past a few houses. Take the first road to the right, 1000 E. About a block or so there is a white house on the left with feeders in front of the windows. The sparrow was seen in the bushes left of the house by the fence in front, and later in the cottonwoods before you come to the house by the dog pen (two big white dogs). There were Black Rosy Finches on Lower River Road. Red Crossbills on the Mirror Lake Highway. Near Soapstone Basin they observed Townsends Solitaires, Mountain Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches and Brown Creepers. 01/21 — Kris Purdy reported four Horned Grebes at Echo Reservoir. Echo Reservoir had Canada Geese, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallards, Northern Pintails, Green-winged Teal, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, and a pair of Pied-billed Grebes. On the ice or roosting in trees at the resort were 2–3 dozen Bald Eagles. Past the gates of a yellow-signed Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit (CWMU) east of the reservoir were 8 Wild Turkeys. Kris reported Bohemian Waxwings in the town of Peoa, north of Oakley. Peoa is located on SR-32. The highway is actually the main street through town. The Bohemians were feeding in a heavily-laden crab apple tree in the front yard of a small white house numbered 5627, on the west side of the road. 01/07 — Lu Giddings reported 35 Gray-crowned Rosy Finches (no Black Rosy Finch) were seen in the trees at 235 W. Lower River Road in Francis. The house sits well up above the road. Several feeders are in trees behind the home. Lower River Road may be found about 1.75 miles beyond the entrance to Rock Cliffs State Park at Jordanelle Reservoir. It is on the right just as you begin to climb the hill up into Francis. Uintah County 01/03 — Diane Penttila, Biologist at Ouray National Wildlife Refuge provided the following list of birds seen during the General Water bird Survey: Canada Geese, 241; Mallard, 2,100; Green-winged teal, 50; Northern Pintail, 100; Common Merganser, 50; Bald Eagle, 12; Red-tailed Hawk, 2; Northern Harrier, 4; Cooper's Hawk, 1; American Kestrel, 2; Prairie Falcon, 1 Utah County 01/27 — Dennis Shirley has completed a birding "Big Year" for Utah in 2004. He has set a new record for observed Aba bird species in one year in Utah. Dennis saw an incredible 332 bird species. The previous record, set in 2001 was held by Larene Wyss with 327 species. 01/25 — Dennis Shirley has a "tan striped," White-throated Sparrow at his backyard feeder. It was mixed in with the usual feeder birds: finches, juncos, house sparrows. Dennis welcomes calls at (435) 423-1108, if you want an update or would like directions to try to see the bird. 01/23 — Leena Ogden observed several Black-crowned Night Herons on Heron Island at East Bay Golf Course. Mountain Chickadees were seen at the southwest corner of Provo Cemetery along with some American Crows. 01/09 — Sue brewer reported Great-tailed Grackles at the Wal-mart parking lot in American Fork. 01/20 — Amanda Williams reported 70–80 Cedar Waxwings between the Asb and Moa buildings on the BYUu¬ campus. Without glasses she was unable to say whether there were any Bohemian Waxwings present. 1/15 — Merrill Webb reported a male Barrow's Goldeneye at Lincoln Point (further north and around the bend from Lincoln Beach). 01/02 — Brad Wahlin reported observing four Cackling Geese at East Bay Golf Course To reach this area, take I-15 to the University Ave. Exit in Provo. The ramp will wind around and head east. Just follow the road east and the golf course will be on your right-hand side. Washington County 01/28 — Ray Smith and Gene La Bear, birding at the St. George Bird Festival saw the Red-headed Woodpecker previously reported at the Wilson Reach & Pecan Orchard near the Hurricane Sewage ponds on Ut Hwy 9. 01/17 — Rick Fridell reported the Common Moorhen remaining at the pond in St. George; drake Wood Duck and a Great Egret at the Sunbrook Golf Course middle pond; male Vermilion Flycatcher in the fields north of Riverside Drive; Greater White-fronted Goose, Ross's Goose, and another Great Egret at the Springs Estate Pond. 01/16 — Charlie Sheard reported on the Red Cliffs' community outreach winter raptor trip to Cedar Valley. Species seen were: Common Raven, Brewer's Blackbird, Golden Eagle, Bald Eagle, Ferruginous Hawk, Black-billed Magpie, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, White-crowned Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, Northern Flicker and, of course, House Sparrows and European Starlings. 01/15 — Rick Fridell, Larry Tripp, Marshall Topham, Cameron and Melody Rognan reported observing the Red-headed Woodpecker at the Wilson Pecan Orchard previously reported near Hurricane. At Sand Hollow State Park they observed a Greater Scaup, female Red-breasted Merganser, and the pair of White-winged Scoters (remaining since mid-october, usually below the main dam). In Virgin and they observed the adult male Williamson's Sapsucker at the old Town Hall. This is only the second wintering Williamson's Sapsucker record for Washington County. The bird spends a lot of time on the flag pole. 01/14 — The Dixie birders reported observing the following birds: Greater Scaup and Hooded Merganser at Straton Pond; Black Scoter and Bald Eagle at Sand Hollow; Ferruginous Hawk, Golden Eagle Common Ground Dove at Wilson's Peach and Pecan Orchard near Hurricane; Long-eared Owl and Verdin at Hurricane Fields 01/06 — Lu Giddings, Merrill Webb and Dennis Shirley observed the Common Ground Dove previously reported at Wilson's peach and pecan farm, which is located southwest of Hurricane and south-southwest of the Hurricane sewage ponds. In Virgin, they observed red-naped sapsucker and a Williamson's Sapsucker (RW) in the pine trees, south of Virgin's town hall. 01/05 — Rick Fridell reported a Ross's Goose has joined the wintering Greater White-fronted Goose at the Springs Estate Pond. Snow Geese are at the Hurricane (SR-9) Sewage Ponds. 01/06 — Judy Coryell reported a Northern Pygmy Owl, south of the Narrows in Zion National Park. 01/02 — Joel and Kathy Beyer observed Red-headed Woodpecker and the Common Ground-dove, previously reported at Wilson's orchard. 01/02 — John and Mike Schijf reported Wood Ducks (2 males and 2 females) at Mathis Park in St. George. 01/01 — Steve Summers found a Harris's Sparrow in the back corner of the orchard of the Wilson's peach and pecan farm, which is located southwest of Hurricane and south-southwest of the Hurricane sewage ponds . Also in the orchard near the main house was a flock (ca. 20) of Chipping Sparrows. Weber County 01/24 — Kris Purdy birding in Ogden Valley reported observing a Northern Saw-whet Owl, Canada Geese, Common Goldeneye, Pied-billed Grebes, Bald and Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Rough-legged Hawk, American Kestrels, Prairie Falcons, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flickers, Western Scrub Jays, American Tree Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrow, Pine Siskin and American Goldfinch. 01/03 — Kris Purdy reported a juvenile Harris's Sparrow along a canal that intersects the Weber County Pathways Rail Trail and about 1/2 mile south of the trail head. The sparrow was hanging out with a small group of White-crowned Sparrows in russian olives along the canal and a couple hundred feet east of the rail trail. This Harris's showed the pink bill outlined with a fine line of black on the face, buffy-brown face without additional markings, dark crown, blackish line outlining the lower malar area, white chin and mottled black along the sides and center of the upper breast. The remainder of the breast and belly were clear and light. The sparrow turned briefly before flying away and showed very narrow white wing bars that were much less distinct than those of the juvenile White-crowned Sparrows in its company. 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 (801) 525-8400 |
