[Birdtalk] GSL Bird Festival: Trip #2, Marathon Birding

[Glenn B. Barlow]

Today at about 6:00 a.m. at the Davis County Fairpark seven hardy birders
met with Mark Stackhouse, our leader, to enjoy a day or birding Northern
Utah.  Our goal was to see as many birds as possible, before returning to
the Fairpark after nightfall.

 

We started in Olympus Cove, then went to the golf course at East Canyon,
with the intent of going over the top to East Canyon Reservoir and then into
Ogden Valley and subsequently, Antelope Island.  Change of plans—the road
over the top to East Canyon Reservoir was closed!  So, we headed to Wasatch
County and birded the area below the Jordanelle Dam, then to Charleston,
Deer Creek Reservoir and Midway.  On the way to Echo Canyon Reservoir we
again changed plans and decided to spend the afternoon and evening at
Deseret Ranch.

 

We had a wonderful, full day of birding, and achieved our goal with the
sighting of 138 species of birds in one day!

 

The Bird of the Day was undoubtedly the White-rumped Sandpiper, we all saw
at Blue Grass Pond!  This was a LIFE BIRD for all, except Mark.  Also seen
keeping company with the White-rumped, were a Semipalmated, Western, and
Least Sandpipers.   Fortunately we were able to share these sightings with
the birders in Bill Fenimore’s Deseret Ranch tour group.  Also present at
the pond were Sanderling, Long-billed Dowitcher, Marbled Godwit and a flock
of over 300 Red-necked Phalarope.

 

Previously we visited the ranch headquarters, where we sadly noted that the
guest house had burned to the ground.  The effects of the fire were evident
in the melted siding on the office building, the melted parts on the back
vinyl fence, and highly charred nearby trees.

 

At the ponds near the headquarters building we had the pleasure of seeing a
Northern Waterthrush and a few warblers.  On the north side of the
residential area, in the tangle of bushes, we were greeted with a very
fortunate sighting of a male American Redstart in bright breeding plumage!

 

At the large Neponset Reservoir we saw a pair of Greater Scaup diving near
the dam, two Greater Egret, and a Bonaparte’s Gull.  Unfortunately we were
not able to find the Pacific Loon previously seen by Bill Fenimore’s group.

 

We ended our busy day with a brief visit to a Prairie Falcon’s eyrie, where
we were dutifully scolded by both parents.  Then to a nearby canyon where
after a long, cold search we finally located a very cooperative Flammulated
Owl.  It was then 11:30 p.m.  After a stop in Evanston for gas, we finally
arrived back at the Fairpark at 1:30 a.m.

 

Thanks to Mark for a great day of birding.

 

Participants were Don Rathbun of Santa Barbara, CA; and the following Utah
birders: John Griffin, Geoff Hardiess, Phil Helsley, Dr. John Richards,
Dennis Williams, and yours truly.  (If any of the names are spelled
incorrectly, I apologize.)  Of particular note, the Flammulated Owl was #698
AUO Area Bird for Don Rathbun.  Congratulation, Don.  Other participants had
as many as 10-12 life birds from the trip.

 

Thanks to all participants for a great birding experience!  Be sure and
visit other events of the Festival!

 

Glenn B. Barlow


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