[Birdtalk] Scott's Oriole and other Basin Birds

[Brian Maxfield]

Each year I pick up a couple of *Scott's Orioles* out in the Uinta 
Basin.  I thought the time had come and gone until yesterday.  I say a 
single adult male in the desert shrub on the southwest side of Pelican 
Lake.  It quickly flew back into the cottonwoods near the boat ramp.  
First time I have seen in this area.

Also, found six *burrowing owl* nests in one day while conducting 
surveys for prairie dogs.  The nests were not in the same areas but 
scattered throughout the areas south of Myton and Pelican Lake.  Even 
got a quick glimpse at a few chicks before they darted down the burrow.

*Loggerhead Shrike* also seem to be more abundant than in past years.  I 
have observed them throughout the southern edge of the Basin this summer 
in many areas where I have not observed them before.

A bit of a late posting but recently I observed a single *Indigo 
Bunting* and a single *Black Phoebe* along the Green River in 
Desoloation Canyon.  The Indigo Bunting was only a mile or so downstream 
from the Sand Wash boat ramp but the Black Phoebe was smack in the 
middle of the canyon.  I neglected to post early because of the remote 
nature of these sightings.  This is the first Black Phoebe I have 
observed in this area but I generally see Indigo Buntings every time I 
go down the river.

bdm