Utah 2006

We met with Glenn again this morning—a little late, because Glenn had to have his van towed to the shop. But, then it was off to nearby Farmington Bay Wildlife Management Area (run by the State of Utah). We saw a Brewer’s Blackbird as we approached some of the western ponds. On those ponds were many species of ducks, including Ring-necked, Canvasback, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Mallard, Gadwall, Cinnamon Teal, Green-winged Teal, Common Goldeneye, Redhead, and American Wigeon. Unfortunately, we could not locate the Eurasian Wigeon that had been seen there the day before. We did see a huge structure that supported a Great Blue Heron rookery.

Then it was off to the mountain valleys east of Ogden. First we stopped at a local ski resort (Snow Basin) where Joan spotted our first bird at that elevation: a Steller’s Jay. Then, we saw a Dark-eyed Junco, Slate-colored. Before the trip, I had given Glenn a list of birds I wanted to see. On it I had marked that I wanted any junco other than the Slate-colored. Oh well!

We then descended to the lower valley where the large Pineview Reservoir was still very much clothed in ice. Then we crossed the valley to the other side where Glenn found us our life Lewis’s Woodpecker. Pink belly, green back and wings, green and red head. What a gorgeous bird! We watched it leave its perch and return while flycatching.

Next further on into Morgan County near the Greater Sage-Grouse lek, but our interest was Canyon Wren. Finally, after two attempts we got one to descend and pose for us on a pedestal, where we had a great view for about 10 minutes. It finally flew off and we were well-satisfied for our efforts. All the time it posed for us it seemed to be singing its heart out. Lovely little bird!