[Birdnet] Gray-crowned Rosy Finches at Alta

[groushawk at aol.com]

Utah Birders,
 
Following Kristin Purdy's expert advice, I waited until after yesterday's snowstorm to go looking for rosy finches.  Following her excellent directions, I found them at the exact location she described, behaving just as she predicted they would.  There were 45-50 rosy finches (both Gray-crowned and Black) staging in the pines just to the west of the "Ben Hame" house and circling down to the feeders at the back of the house.  The house is located on the south side of the Alta Bypass Road.  Thanks Kristin!
 
I also had a fantastic raptor day at Swede Lane in Utah County on Wednesday, December 27 (sorry for the late post - I have had difficulty getting access to a computer).  In addition to the not-unexpected Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, Bald Eagle and American Kestrel, I had great looks at a Prairie Falcon and an uncountable Merlin.  The Merlin was a first winter columbarius bird being flown on a lure by a falconer.  To top off the day, I had a very cooperative Barn Owl that made a couple of close passes over a field and then perched up nicely for photos.  Thanks to Tim Avery for suggesting this location.
 
Continuing the raptor theme: Yesterday, Thursday, December 28, I watched two Golden Eagles soar low overhead from the west at the Timpanogos trail head above Sundance.  They caught a thermal above the parking lot and I watched them disappear into the clouds high above my head.  Thanks to Josh Kreitzer for the directions.
 
Dad wants to see the rosy finches, so I will try for them again tomorrow, then on to Lee Kay and Antelope Island.  Thanks for all your help.  Utah birders rock!
 
James McKay
Mesa, Arizona
(temporarily in Provo, UT)
 
"If you trust everyone you meet, you will occasionally get robbed; but if you distrust everyone, you will spend your whole life surrounded by thieves."  Anonymous
 
 
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