[Birdtalk] Saint George area birding

[KC]

    Well I birded Saint George in July. Wow that is some heat going on. But I actually got a life bird out of it. I finally identified a Lesser Nighthawk. There were a few of them hanging out just north of the Tonaquint Cemetery on Dixie Drive in an empty parking lot with lights at night. They were swooping over my head. Was quite the excitement and a life bird.
     The first morning was spent at Snow Canyon State Park where the bird activity was not abundant, but fun nonetheless. Later in the evening we went to Zions Canyon in the park in hopes of what anything we could find. Fun sightings were of course the Wild Turkey and birds like American Dipper were a delight to watch at the Emerald Pools. 
     The best day was of course at Lytle Ranch. We went out there Tuesday morning. It was hot, but the birds were very active. Some surprised included three juvenille Black Hawks about 2 or so miles up the wash from the ranch house. Saw one Peregrine Falcon and was wondering if anyone knew if they nested in the wash at all? Also a pair of active Great Horned Owls were a ranch first for me. Very beautiful. Also was quite surprised to see a White-faced Ibis down there. Also Black-crowned Night Herons and Great Blue Herons provided great displays as well. Other specialties like Bell's Vireo, White-winged Dove, Gambel's Quail, Black Phoebe and many other southwest specialities were wonderful to enjoy. The person I went with was into reptiles and amphibians, so made birding a little slow going with other focus, but still great.Over 50 species seen and some wonderful hiking. Just if it could cool down a little. ( another reason was to hike Zions for going )

KC Childs

 		
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