[Birdnet] Zone-tailed Hawk, Spotted Owl, etc...

[Tim Avery]

Over the past few days I spent some time around Washington and Kane Counties
working, and birding.

Perhaps the most intriguing sighting was of a large hummingbird that flew by
where the road crosses Beaver Dam Creek just below Lytle Ranch last night
(06/27).  I saw the bird for about 5 seconds as it flew by and off into the
hunting preserve to the south.  As it flew by I was immediately aware of its
large size for a hummer.  The thing that stood out  the most was how slow it's
wings appeared to be moving as it coasted by.  The other obvious characteristic
that stood out was that the birds was dark on the back and the front.  As it
passed it was about 8' away, and I was able to get binoculars on it as it
headed away.  The final field mark that struck me was the dark appearance of
the rump and tail.  The tail appeared almost black in great sunlight, against
the green back.  As I struggled to put things together, I thought it had to be
either a Magnificent or a Blue-throated Hummingbird based off what I saw.  The
size alone was astonishing, and coupled with the other field marks I would have
to favor BLUE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD.  I hesitate to say for sure that it was a
Blue-throated, but I can't fathom what else it could have been... Such is life.

I was able to spend a few hours at Kolob Terrace earlier in the week, and was
rewarded with great looks at at least 2 different ZONE-TAILED HAWKS.  The birds
were seen in several locations: At Kolob Creek Crossing where the creek plunges
over the cliffs, and along the road to Lava Point over the pond and fields. 
Here are a few shots:

http://timaverybirding.com/photos/june07/ztha_01.jpg
http://timaverybirding.com/photos/june07/ztha_02.jpg
http://timaverybirding.com/photos/june07/ztha_03.jpg
http://timaverybirding.com/photos/june07/ztha_comp.jpg

Also seen in the area were 12 CALIFORNIA CONDORS, many of which perched within
100' of the road for excellent viewing. The birds when soaring by seemed more
numerous than the Turkey Vultures.  Here are a few pics:

http://timaverybirding.com/photos/june07/caco_01.jpg
http://timaverybirding.com/photos/june07/caco_02.jpg
http://timaverybirding.com/photos/june07/caco_03.jpg (ADULT)

Early Wednesday morning (around 1:00am) I was able to relocate the SPOTTED OWL
originally reported by Larry Tripp in Stout Canyon.  The bird started barking
shortly after 1:00 am and I listened for about 15 minutes before heading
out.

Yesterday afternoon at Lytle Ranch I was able to view 3 COMMON BLACK-HAWK, one
of which was a nestling that wasn't quite "black" yet.  Here is a shot:

http://timaverybirding.com/photos/june07/cbha_01.jpg

I camped at Zella Tank last night, hoping for another Lesser Nighthawk show, but
was left just that, hoping.  I saw one bird and heard another, neither of which
decided to use the tank as a feeding area.

More pictures and some cool video to come later tonight!

Good Birding

Tim
Salt Lake City, UT
tanager at timaverybirding.com
http://www.timaverybirding.com