[Birdtalk] The Gray Vireo and a Road Trip

[STEPHEN T CARLILE]

This morning I thought a would try for the Gray Vireo.  It would be a Lifer for me.  Following Dennis' directions I found the spot and when I got out of my car the vireos were singing along with some Lazuli Buntings.  However, the birds took off through the junipers.  I got fleeting glimpses and proceeded to chase their singing around and in the junipers.  After about an hour (I don't have the equipment for calls) and after still hearing but not seeing the vireos (though I did see several singing Black-throated Sparrows, Lazuli Buntings, Lark Sparrows (lots), Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, and Pinyon Jays calling in the distance) I gave up.  As I rounded a juniper heading back to my car I was almost hit in the head by a small flying gray bird.  The bird landed about 25 feet in front of me.  You guessed it.  I got my Gray Viero.  I was lucky this time.  Dennis, thanks for sharing.

Looked for the Indigo Bunting, but it was not singing and I couldn't find it.  Walked/drove up and down the road from the beginning of the road to the tunnel, but only Lazulis.  I was at the right spot, but unless I am blind, Dennis' ribbon was gone.  Also saw at the "bunting spot" several Black-throated Sparrows, Brewers Sparrows, more Lark Sparrows (they almost became my nusiance bird for the day), Common Raven, and a Red-tailed Hawk.

Back tracking on Highway 68 saw a Ferrugionous Hawk, Turkey Vulture, and Several Swainson's Hawks.  Though it was getting hot took a trip along Chimney Rock Road.  Only more Lark Sparrows, but did see a Prairie Falcon at the "stock" pond.  Also the Burrowng Owls are still there, south of mile marker 7 on Highway 68.

Took the long way home through Eureka, Vernon, cutting over west on Highway 199 to Dugway (stopped a Paul's Clover Springs Campground - nice little place), Iosepa, Timpie, and I-80 home.  Not much seen after the Tintics, too hot I think.  But did stop at Horseshoe Springs on the west side of Highway 196, between Isoepa and I-80.  A fair amount of water for a small place.  Only saw a Spotted Sandpiper and Cliff Swallows.  Might be a good place in the spring and fall.

Here is the list, 40 species seen:
 
Swans, Geese and Ducks-Canada Goose (12+), Mallard (3), Redhead (2)

Pelicans and Cormorants - Double-crested Cormorant (12+)

Vultures - Turkey Vulture (1)

Hawks and Falcons - Swainson's Hawk (3), Ferruginous Hawk (1), Red-tailed Hawk (1), Prairie Falcon (1)

Rails and Cranes -  American Coot (2)

Plovers and Sandpipers - Killdeer (1), American Avocet (2), Black-necked Stilt (1), Spotted Sandpiper (1)

Gulls, Terns an Alcids - California Gull (50+)

Doves and Pigeons - Mourning Dove (12+)

Qwls - Burrowing Owl (5)

Flycatchers - Western Kingbird (3)

Vireos - Gray Vireo (1)

Jays and Crows - Common Raven (24+), Pinyon Jay (audible only)

Larks - Horned Lark (3)

Swallows - Tree Swallow (1), Cliff Swallow (24+), Barn Swallow (2)

Gnatcatchers - Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2)

Starlings - European Starling (24+)

Sparrows - Chipping Sparrow (3), Black-throated Sparrow (5), Brewer's Sparrow (3), Lark Sparrow (24+)

Grosbeaks and Buntings - Black-headed Grosbeak (1), Lazuli Bunting (5)

Blackbirds and Orioles - Red-winged Blackbird (2), Western Meadowlark (1), Yellow-headed Blackbird (1), Brewer's Blackbird (3), Brown-headed Cowbird (2)

Finches - House Finch (3)

Weaver Finches - House Sparrow (3)

 

Thanks,

 

Stephen
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://secureserver.securesites.net/pipermail/birdtalk/attachments/20090706/7b35f5a4/attachment.htm