[Birdtalk] Ruffed Grouse and Swainson's Thrush - American Fork Canyon

[STEPHEN T CARLILE]

Timpooneke Campground and Road, American Fork Canyon, Utah County - 13 July 2009

 

Eric Huish's post of a couple of weeks ago mentioned Pine Grosbeaks he saw on the Timpooneke Campground Road in American Fork Canyon. After some additional discussion with Eric I decided to check it out.  Be aware that there is a $6.00 dollar per vehicle charge to enter American Fork Canyon.  But, the beautiful drive alone is worth the six bucks.

 

I birded several campgrounds at Timpooneke, around the Timpooneke Guard Station/trailhead and on the dirt road at the end of the campground circuit that eventually goes around to the western face of Mt. Timpanogos.  It is a great place to bird, particularly on a Monday as there are very few people.  No Pine Grosbeak, but did see Ruffed Grouse and Swainson's Thrushes.  21 species were seen.  Here is the full list with some additional detail:

 

Pheasants, Grouse and Quail - Ruffed Grouse (3 - momma and at least two well-grown chicks.  Found 1.5 mile on the dirt road (literally on the road) mentioned earlier that goes around the edge of Mt. Timpanogos.  A high clearance vehicle is recommended for this road.  Just keep going on the paved Timpooneke Campground Road and it turns in to the dirt road.)

Vultures - Turkey Vulture (1)

Doves and Pigeons - Mourning Dove (3 - lower in the canyon)

Hummingbirds - Broad-tailed Hummingbird (6+ - the flowers are out at the birds are aggressive)

Woodpeckers - Red-napped Sapsucker (1), Northern Flicker (1)

Vireos - Warbling Vireo (2)

Titmice, Verdin and Bushtit - Mountain Chickadee (4)

Nuthatches and Creepers - Red-breasted Nuthatch (2)

Kinglets - Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2)

Thrushes - American Robin (6), Hermit Thrush (4 - 1 seen, 3 audible), Swainson's Thrush (8 - 2 seen, 6 audible).  The Swainson's thrushes were everywhere, but concentrated around the Timpooneke Guard Station/trailhead.  A great place to explore, but as it is the trailhead to the peak of Mt. Timpanogos I am sure it is a "zoo" on the weekend.

Warblers - MacGillivray's Warbler (3), Yellow Warbler (2), Yellow-rumped Warbler (1)

Tanagers - Western Tanager (3)

Sparrows - Chipping Sparrow (6+), Lincoln Sparrow (1), Dark-eyed Junco (gray-backed) (3)

Grosbeaks and Buntings - Lazuli Bunting (1)

 

Thanks,

 

Stephen
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