Jun 2010

Jerry Liguori (14 Jun 2010) - Just thought I'd mention, there are several Bobolinks at Wingpointe Golf Course [by SL International Airport]

Rich Young (9 Jun 2010) -  I spent a pleasurable day in a shady location on Mill Race Pond in Taylorsville, documenting 6 [Neotropic Cormorants], along with a smaller number of Double Crested cormorants. Today produced a spectrum of apparent ages of Neotropic Cormorants, based on plumage and sizes, that range from an adult in breeding plumage on down...

Jeff Bilsky (8 Jun 2010) - [Willow Lake is a somewhat steep hike that is accessed on the North side of the Big Cottonwood Canyon road past Silver Fork Lodg]  The sounds of a RUFFED GROUSE drumming are brilliant; felt like my ear drums wanted to burst. I've heard it before, but it never gets old. Lots of SPOTTED SANDPIPERS around the Lake. The HERMIT THRUSHES were singing in force...

Alan Rogers (2 June 2010) - [Parley's Nature Park] - I saw a GRAY CATBIRD this morning (6/2/10) in Parley's Nature Park, in Salt Lake City. It was in the first Gambel's Oak SW of the S end of the concrete bridge. (About 40 yards from the S end of the bridge.) It was singing, so it should be easy to find.

Jeff Bilsky (2 June 2010) -  Working from home today (Bryan Ave in Sugarhouse) and was surprised to see a Red Crossbill on the ground under my feeders. The bird was heavily streaked indicating a juvenile.... there is a beautiful Western Tanager male munching on some grape jelly. Continued presence of a lone Cassin's Finch and fledgling Starlings (whiners) and House Sparrows (not so whiny). 

May 2010

Tim Avery (29 May 2010) - This evening while hiking along the creek west of La Caille at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, Sam and I came upon a 2nd year male ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.  ... The bird was skulking along the creek  west of Wasatch Blvd., staying low in the oaks below the trail.

Utah Birds (29 May 2010) [Fort Union]  ... a Western Tanager, and a Western Bluebird at feeder today.

Edson Leite (23 May 2010) - Beth and I just saw a female Prothonotary Warbler at Parleys Nature park (Tanners Park, Salt Lake City). It was on the main trail about 100 yards from the park regulations sign, on the right side there is a downed tree which I placed a stack of rocks on where we saw the bird.

Bryant Olson (21 May 2010) - [Millcreek Canyon] This evening,Friday 5-21-10,I heard and then saw a Northern Saw-whet Owl in the parking lot of the Terraces trail head.  ...  Also heard my FOY Flammulated Owl in the same area, but it wouldn't respond to a recording of their call to give me look.

Matt Schamberger  (12 May 2010) - Birded Liberty Park (primarily around the pond) and Tracy Aviary this AM. Bagged two lifebirds, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH and a male/female pair of WILSON'S WARBLERs...

Tim Avery (8 May 2010) - Jeff Bilsky and I looped the north half of Salt Lake County this morning ... 5000 West Utah Power Sub Station: 1 - NASHVILLE WARBLER ( in the southwest corner near Perkin's) - ;
     Mill Race Park Highlights: 1 - Neotropic Cormorant, 2 - Caspian Tern, 1 - Forster's Tern; Mountain Dell Reservoir Highlights: 1 - male WOOD DUCK (unexpected and nice treat up there), 2 - Osprey building a nest on the north side of the lake...

Steve Coleman (5 May 2010) - For the second year I have had a Green-tailed Towhee coming to my yard for the last week...

Deb Drain (4 May 2010) - I know that Sora's are not uncommon, but it I think it might be uncommon for a Sora to be present at the Brighton Meadows Park (storm water retention basin park between 45th and 48th South at appx 15th East).  I walk in this park almost every day, and the past week I am fairly certain I have heard a Sora calling.  ...I also saw a Vesper Sparrow this eve at the park, another unusual sighting.

Rich Young (2 May 2010)  - For those of you who have been following the saga of the Neotropic Cormorants at the Sandy Pond, I have some bad news, then some good news.  First the bad news. I have been monitoring the Sandy Pond for the past 3 days; and the birds are history there. Now the good news. I just located them again further north on the Jordan River Parkway ...  Here is the location:... Millrace Pond, at 5400 South, 1200 West, Taylorsville, Ut...

Jeff Bilsky (1 May 2010) - FIELDS EAST OF CAUSEWAY - Marbled Godwits and White-faced Ibis
CAUSEWAY - Sanderlings, Western, and Semi-Palmated Sandpipers and a Wilson's Phalarope at the rock jetty and a Peregrine taking a stab at them briefly. - Long-billed Curlews, Snowy Plover, lots of Swallows, Kingbirds, Eared Grebes
    ISLAND - Several Loggerhead Shrikes, singing Grasshopper Sparrow
    RANCH - Green-tailed Towhees, Lazuli Buntings, Say's Phoebe, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Geoff Hardies (1 May 2010) - I took an hour or so to bird Parley's this afternoon. The north side of
the stream was dead, the south side east of the wooden bridge was quite productive. The highlight was 3 black-throated gray warblers and 2 lazuli buntings. I also saw about 20 virginia warblers and 34+ orange-crowned. Also saw my first TV for SL cnty this year.

Apr 2010

Mark Mossing (23 April 2010) Finally saw the 2 Neotropic Cormorants at the Sandy Fish Pond.  Thanks to Rich for the heads-up.

Tim Avery (20 April 2010) Western & Spotted Sandpipers at Sandy fishing pond.

Jeff Blisky (20 April 2010) On the eastern side of Little Dell Reservoir this evening there were 2 COMMON LOONS and a pair (M+F) of RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS. Not much else around. 

Tom Fletcher (18 April 2010) - Good day of birding at Lee Kay Ponds this morning. Highlights were a drake Blue-winged Teal and some waders - Marbled Godwit, Willet, Greater Yellowlegs, Black-necked Stilts - all in the west pond. Other good birds included a Belted Kingfisher, Black-crowned Night Heron, and a couple of Great-tailed Grackles. I also birded Wasatch Hollow Park (17E & 17S, SLC), which had a lot of bird activity. Highlights were FOY Chipping Sparrows, a fly-over from a Swainson's Hawk, and four finch species.

Bob Walters (12 April 2010) - [Downtown Salt Lake City Peregrine Falcons] -  ....  unfortunately, to this date, the SLC Peregrine Falcon adults have shown no interest in [the nest box]. My last report of a peregrine adult in the downtown area was April 5.

Dave Wheeler (12 April 2010) - Both Gray-crowned and Black rosy-finches were at the east (uppermost) portion of the Alta Bypass Road in Alta, visiting feeders. On the east side of the road, either side of the turn off road right next to the bridge. 

Bryant Olsen (12 April 2010) - [City Creek] -  we did manage 15 species, including 3 species of owls, GREAT HORNED OWL (heard), NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL (heard) and WESTERN SCREECH OWL (heard and seen). Here is the complete list: MALLARD, CANADA GOOSE, R.N. PHEASANT (heard), COOPER'S HAWK, R.T. HAWK, FALCON SP, G.H. OWL, W. SCREECH OWL, N. SAW-WHET OWL, BELTED KINGFISHER, B.C. CHICKADEE, WINTER WREN, A. ROBIN, SPOTTED TOWHEE, SONG SPARROW    

Mar 2010

Deedee O'Brien (31 March 2010) - I should say, one Band-tail Pigeon is back, as that's all I've seen. The bird was first seen in our yard yesterday afternoon (March 30). .... You're welcome to come by if interested and knock at our door if you can't see him. Address: 4527 S 2995 E; Holladay

Tim Gorman (31 March 2010) - While driving down Big Cottonwood Road (along Old Mill) a lone Chukar scurried across the road. This was about a 1/4 mile west of the entrance to the canyon.

Mark Mossing (22 March 2010) - Took a drive out to Saltair and the Marina area today....  saw two interesting nesting sightings: There is a large Kennecott “pond” south across I-80 from the road that goes from Saltair to the marina. About halfway between the two, you can see a small island (I call it a lump island) inside the pond with a small tree on it. There are Great Blue Herons nesting in that small tree. ... Just west of that island a short distance is a long narrow rock island that runs east/west. This island now has about 30 Double-crested Cormorants along with a lot of gulls.

Carl Ingwell (20 March 2010) - [Lee Kay Ponds] - There was a great amount of waterfowl at Lee Kay Ponds this morning.  The most numerous were Green-Winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Pintails and Redheads.  There were also a few Amercan Wigeon, Lesser Scaup, Ring-Necked Ducks, Northern Shovelers, Canvasbacks, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, and Common Mergansers.  A few Double Crested Cormorants have shown up and ... around 150 American Avocets on the ponds.  A Belted Kingfisher was flying around .... There was a Vesper Sparrow and a White-Crowned Sparrow in the surrounding area. Also heard a Yellow-headed Blackbird ...

Bryant Olsen [18 March 2010] - Saw what looks to possibly be a hybrid between a Mallard and a Mexican Duck drake in Sugarhouse Park SLC, and what may be a hen Mexican Duck with it? She had as solid olive bill.

Bob Walters (16 March 2010) - (4) Sandhill Cranes foraging with Canada geese just north of 2704 N. off 2200 W. in Salt Lake City ... look to the west from 2200 W. in the area of a row of cattle troughs ... Sandhill Cranes have been observed at this site in previous years as well.

Bryant Olsen (8 March 2010) - [Neff's Canyon] - I was able to relocate the N. PYGMY OWL I heard a few days ago up Neff's Canyon (S.L. county) ...  Other interesting birds around were a juvenile COOPER'S HAWK, STELLAR'S JAYS, and a singing TOWNSEND'S  SOLITAIRE.

Jeff Bilsky (9 March 2010) - ...  I have had 2 new yard birds: Song Sparrow and Eurasian-Collared Dove. My yard often has 20+ Mourning Doves but this is the first of the ever-expanding Eurasian. Also, I have a few Pine Siskins .... I am on Bryan Ave between 11th and 13th East. 

Bryant Olsen (8 March 2010) - [Neff's Canyon] This evening I heard, and then saw, a Northern Pygmy Owl up Neff's Canyon, Salt Lake County. It was on the top of a Fir about 1 1/2 mile up canyon from the trailhead.

Bryant Olsen (3 March 2010) - Went to check on the Peregrine Falcons in downtown SLC, and found  2, presumable the breeding pair, on the top of the Key Bank building, exhibiting courtship behavior.

David Wheeler (3 March 2010) - Last night I took a wee night hike on the Desolation Trail in Millcreek Canyon.  I was rewarded with lovely views of a singing Saw-whet Owl .... When you live in the dark, sound is even more important than visual cues.  I urge you all to go out some night this spring to enjoy the silence and the song.

Feb 2010

Jeff Bilsky (26 Feb 2010) - [Parley's Creek Mitigation area] New birds seen: Mallard, Western Scrub Jay, Dark-eyed Junco.

Jeff Bilsky (23 Feb 2010) - [Parley's Creek Mitigation area] Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Golden Eagle, American Kestrel, Northern Flicker, Black-billed Magpie, Townsend's Solitaire, American Robin, European Starling, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow.

Carol Gwynn (21 Feb 2010) - Just to report something besides crows, there was an early or over-wintering Yellow-rumped Warbler at Red Butte Gardens yesterday.

Carl Ingwell (21 Feb 2010) - There are 2 Cackling Geese and 1 Merlin behind the Rocky Mountain Power building in Lake Park.

Carl Ingwell (21 Feb 2010) - This morning, at Nibley Golf Course (2700 S 700 E in SLC), I found 1 Cackling Goose mixed in with 150 Canadas.

Bryant Olsen (16 February  2010) – I saw one of the Peregrine Falcons today in Temple Square, perch on a ledge just below the golden trumpeter, ... Then I headed up City Creek, where I saw a Golden Eagle and heard 2 Northern Saw-whets and some Western Screech Owls.

Tim Avery ( 13 Feb 2010) - [Lee Kay Ponds] was open water today. Mostly California with a good number of Ring-billed and a handful of Herring Gulls. Several 1st winter Thayer's Gull were present along with a 1st winter GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL and an adult MEW GULL. ...The Jordan River was running high and at 2300 south there were a few Barrow's Goldeneye hanging out.

Glen Warchol (2 Feb 2010) - Peregrine at main and 700 south, SLC.

Bryant Olsen (1 Feb 1 2010) - Last night I went owling up City Creek (SLC). Heard  Northern Saw-whets. ... I heard them near picnic area 8, 11? or 12? (the one with the bathrooms, grove of junipers and spruces) and mile post 2. Also Western Screech Owls (also near the bathrooms), and a Great Horned Owl (near mile post 2).
 

Jan 2010

Tim Avery (4 Jan 2010) - Today I had most of the afternoon off so I took advantage of the sun and did a little birding. I started on the Jordan River at 12600 South where I found a single LONG-EARED OWL in a Russian Olive patch about 1/2 mile south of 12600 South... I decided to head towards Decker Lake, stopping at Lake Park, where I probably scanned through 2,000 Canada Geese hoping to find the Greater White-fronted that continues to elude me through 3 stops there this year. During the scanning I was able to pick out 2 CACKLING GEESE again...Heading out to 7200 West and up towards I-80 there was a lone MERLIN perched on a power pole...Lastly I swung through the International Center where there was a NORTHERN SHRIKE just west of Hunter-Douglas on the Frontage Road where Jeff Bilsky and I had one last week.

Tim Avery (9 Jan 2010) - The 1st winter Western Gull and an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull were at Decker lake with "schmorgesborg" (in the words of Jeff Bilsky) of around 3500 gulls. Very few ring-billed gulls, and only a couple herrings mixed in. No thayer's...

Keeli Marvel (7 Jan 2010) - Around noon today there was a Greater White-fronted goose and a Mandarin duck (yes Mandarin!) mixed in with a couple hundred Canada geese feeding on the northeast end of Nibley Golf Course (in the Sugarhouse area about 2700 S. 700 E.).

Tim Avery (2 Jan 2010) - [Lesser Black-backed Gull] On west pond.

Tim Avery (1 Jan 2010) - Jeff Bilsky and I headed to Lee Kay Ponds this morning for gulls. There were none at Lee Kay so we headed to Decker Lake where there were over 1500 gulls on the lake. Highlights:  1 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulll; 1 2nd winter Lesser Black-backed Gull; 4 Thayer's Gull; 1 very pale gull with barred tertials. Could have been the dark end of a Kumlien's ICELAND Gull but was pretty far out.
Fly by Merlin and Peregrine Falcon as well as flyover American Pipit and 2 CACKLING GEESE on the pond.
 

Dec 2009

Jeff Bilsky (20 Dec 2009) - Birded Lake Park with Carl Ingwell this morning. We found a CACKLING GOOSE and the aformentioned GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. The Greater White-fronted was towards the South end of Lake Park...

Tim Avery (20 Dec 2009) - Headed up to Antelope Island State Park this morning. At the ranch there was a pretty big group of siskins in the trees in the picnic area. A pretty good covey of around 20 or so California Quail were at the brush pile, and 4 Virginia Rail were working the edges of the spring...The highlight of the day was a beautiful Long-eared Owl perched in a snowy russian olive.

Bryant Olsen (18 Dec 2009) - Been out and about this week scouting for birds, or really warming up my brain and getting it in search mode, and had some OK birds. Some that may be of interest for the Salt Lake City CBC are, EURASIAN COLLARD DOVES, several in a tree on about 10th E and 5th S. a MERLIN in the SLC cemetery, west end near 7th av. and N st., and a WESTERN SCREECH OWL up city creek cny, near picnic sight #1...

Tim Avery (13 Dec 2009) - [Possible 2nd winter ICELAND GULL at Lee Kay Ponds]  Was on the far west pond along with A 1st winter Glaucous-winged, 1st winter Thayer's and numerous), Herring and California Gulls.  The iceland type was last seen heading west into a snow storm...

Cindy Sommerfeld (5 Dec 2009) - We did our survey for Antelope Island today. Not the best conditions for birding. It was windy, cold and snowy... We did see 5 Long-tailed Ducks, 2 male 3 female (at the bridge). On the road to the ranch we saw a beautiful Northern Shrike. Our most unusual sighting was a pair of Tree Swallows at mm 4 on the causeway. Steve thinks it's strange to see them here so late. I prefer to
think it strange that they are here so early. Our species count was 35...
 

Nov 2009

Martha Veranth (30 Nov 2009) - There was a Ross's Goose in with all the Canada geese feeding by the canal at 4646 Lake Park Blvd around 2:00 this afternoon.

Jeff Bilsky (29 Nov 2009) - On the causeway at Antelope Island today, there was an AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER hanging out with some Killdeer around MM4...

Keeli Marvel (25 Nov 2009) - This morning I saw a male Barrow's Goldeneye keeping company with 12 Common Goldeneye, a Hooded Merganser, and a few Lesser Scaup in the canal that runs in between the east and west sides of Glendale Golf Course...

Bryant Olsen (8 Nov 2009) - I just saw what I believe to be a 2nd winter Iceland Gull in Liberty Park,SLC. It was mixed in with all the hordes of begging California and Ring-billed Gulls on the south end of the big pond. It was very tame and I got very close and got some good photos...  It was extremely pale, almost pure white, with pink legs and bill, and stood out like a sore thumb.  (Possible albino Ring-billed Gull - Photos by Jerry Liguari)

Pomera Fronce(5 Nov 2009) - On Wednesday, the GSLA group located a Lewis's Woodpecker on their monthly Mountain Dell survey. It was seen only briefly before it disappeared.  I relocated the bird on Thursday morning. It was working the scrub oak on the west side of State Highway 65 from the northern edge of Mountain Dell Reservoir and ranging to the north maybe a half mile.

Matt Schamberger (2 Nov 2009) - My wife and I made our first visit to Lamb's Canyon today (we have not lived in Utah long) and it did not disappoint. We were able to observe a Northern pygmy Owl for approximately 15 minutes; a lifer for us! I believe this specie's face appears much more serious or fierce than the "confused" look of an alert Saw-whet owl.
 

Oct 2009

Jeff Bilsky (30 Oct 2009) - Birded Lamb's Canyon..The first bird I found was a WINTER WREN that was noisily hopping around down by the river. Hiked up the canyon for a bit and came across a flock of GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS and BROWN CREEPERS. A STELLAR'S JAY made its raspy call in the background and hiking back down I found a HAIRY WOODPECKER. That's it for birds seen up there. It was quiet, cold, and beautiful.

Jerry Liguori (19 Oct 2009) - Forgot to mention...had some birder friends in town for 10 days and we had a Black Phoebe in the yard. Good yard bird for sure...

Pomara Fronce (19 Oct 2009) - I observed two Surf Scoters on the west end of the west pond Monday afternoon from 3:00 to 4:00.

Pomara Fronce (4 Oct 2009) - There was a Great Egret and a Horned Grebe at Lee Kay Ponds on Sunday morning.

SUMMIT COUNTY

 Jim Ure (18 Oct 2009) - Had three male Barrow's Goldeneyes land on one of the small lakes at Four Lakes condominiums in Park City. Watched them, crescent eye-patch and all, for about 30 minutes before they left. Lovely, distinct and well-defined markings.

Kimberly Roush (10 Oct 2009) - [Park City (Pinebrook)]   I have WESTERN BLUEBIRDS cruising through the private properties behind mine. If anyone wants to see them call to confirm they are still here and I would have to walk you back to the location.
 

Sep 2009

Jack Binch (25 Sep 2009) - Strange day today at Jupiter Hill... we sat in the cold wind until  10:07 when a medium hawk went over the ridge from the north. It was low and  fast until it got over the ridge and started up on the thermals. As luck  would have it, it was a juvenile light phase Broad-winged Hawk...

Joel Beyer (22 Sep 2009) - I found a Northern Waterthrush this afternoon along Mill Creek, in the appropriately named Millcreek township in SLC. The location was about 3550 So. Oakwood Drive (2550 E.).

Tim Avery (7 Sep 2009) - Female [Scarlet Tanager], between the Canal and the Railroad Tracks along Wright Brothers Drive.

SEVIER COUNTY

Travis Cooper,  San Diego, CA (30 Sep 2009) - There was a 1st year Hooded Warbler this morning along Clear Creek about 5 miles west of Fremont Junction along Hwy 70 in the Fishlake National Forest. The bird was foraging low among willows and other dense vegetation along the creek calling conspicuously and constantly fanning its tail giving views of its white outer rects. I only stopped for a moment this morning on my way out of the forest, the bird was seen about 8am and as seemed to be working its way down stream. The only other birds seen were i male Wilson's Warbler and two kinglets though they all seemed to been in the same small foraging flock.
 

Aug 2009

Kristin Purdy (23 Aug 2009) - Pomera Fronce and I saw an adult NEOTROPIC CORMORANT in a pond along the Jordan River near the intersection of 5400S. and 1070W. in Murray, Salt Lake County, early this afternoon. The pond is a newly constructed or renovated fishing pond located on the west side of the river and northwest of the intersection mentioned above...

Deedee O'Brien (13 Aug 2009) - Apparently Band-tailed Pigeons nest in the Wasatch. I saw the first juvenile of the year in mid-June. Now several a day come by, but don't get large numbers of adults or young this summer (most was 11, usually 4 or 5 OR 1 alone). They're usually gone by the end of September, but a few years some have stayed until snow and a couple years ago one wintered over...

Stephen Carlile (1 Aug 2009) - [first seen last month]  It took several tries but I finally got it. I saw the adult Neotropical Cormorant ... at Lee Kay Ponds in Salt Lake County. The bird was seen at the main pond, with the viewing platform, on the far island to the south east. I picked out the bird based on size using binoculars, but I used my scope to verify the identification. I appreciate to those who continue to post after a rare sighting is first posted. I can't always drop everything to chase the birds.
 

Jul 2009

Alan Rogers (3 Jul 2009) - Yesterday evening (July 2, 2009) about 8pm I heard the distinctive sound of a NORTHERN BOBWHITE QUAIL singing from my backyard (1826 E Logan Ave,
Salt Lake City). I got no clear look, but at one point I got a quick look as he flew straight over my head about 20 feet up. The bird was clearly a quail, and clearly had the russet coloration of a bobwhite. Took me back: I grew up in the east and used to hunt them.

Pomera Fronce (19 Jul 2009) - Late last evening I found an adult Neotropic Cormorant at Lee Kay Ponds. He was huddled with about 20 Double-crested Cormorants.
    Roberta and I watched the bird for a couple of hours this morning (Sunday). Jack Binch joined us and got some photos. The bird was quite active. We initially found him on the big main pond. When we left at 9:45, the bird was on the eastern most pond with 10 of his cousins and feeding alongside the pelicans. 
 

Jun 2009

Tim Avery (6 Jun 2009) - This morning (06/06) Jeff Bilsky and I hiked from Silver Lake up to Twin Lakes and down the maintenence road to Brighton...  Heading up the trail to Twin Lakes there wasn't a whole lot until we passed the rock face over looking Silver Lake. From the trail here we heard a single RED CROSSBILL calling as it flew through the trees. As soon as we came out onto the flat just above this area in the spruce and aspen things started to pick up. OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE were both singing, and Jeff spotted a CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER feeding a couple feet off the ground. The COFL was very cooperative and I was able to ge t a few nice shots. While I was photographing it I heard a PINE GROSBEAK call. We ended up hearing 2 singing and I got some shots of one while he sang just over our heads in an Aspen. There were a few CLARK'S NUTCRACKER on the ridgetops, and they were making a bit of noise most of the time.

Stephen Carlile (26 Jun 2009) - At a non birding event I saw a Northern Goshawk this evening, Friday, before the downpour at the Spruces Campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Seen swooping down trying to catch ground squirrels at the overgrown ball diamond in the group camping area at the east end. Good look but did not see the bird again. Also saw Hammond's Flycatcher, Hermit Thrush, Mountain Chickadee, Song Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and Broad-tailed Hummingbird.
 

Apr 2009

Keeli Marvel (2 Apr 2009) - Today I saw a Red-breasted Merganser on the pond at Sugarhouse Park, hanging out with Canada Geese, domestic/Mallard ducks, pigeons, and various gulls. I also flushed a drake Wood Duck from the pond at Nibley Golf Course.

Shelly Spencer (8 Apr 2009) - Out during lunch this afternoon and spotted the Peregrine Falcon's and from the looks of it we should see eggs pretty soon.

Tim Avery (15 Apr 2009) - [In Cottonwooe Heights]... As I was getting ready to leave I caught a glimpse of two large dark birds chasing each other around in the air on the west side of the pond. After grabbing my binos. I watched as they swooped and flew around in circles for a couple minutes. To my surprise the birds were Common Grackles!

Ann Neville (16 Apr 2009) - Today out at the ISSR I saw a White-faced ibis (1), Marbled Godwits (10), Wilson Phalarope (1), Peeps (7) Savannah Sparrow singing away (2) ...

Tim Avery (19 Apr 2009) The Harris's Sparrow previously reported along the Jordan River between 3100-3200 South was still present this morning. To make things even more interesting the bird was actually singing when I arrived!

Ann Neville (22 Apr 2009) - I saw a Lewis's woodpecker on Kennecott property on a power pole. If it is still there you may be able to see if from 9400 West and ~3500 South. It caught my eye when it did a swoop turn then perch.

Richard Young (22 Jul 2009) -  In April, 2009, I regularly visited a location in Salt Lake County known as Winchester Park to photograph birds. On a couple of occasions, I photographed cormorants there, not knowing until now that they are Neotropic Cormorants; and I assume, a notable find. (Photos)

Kimberly Roush (25 Apr 2009) - Male & female RED CROSSBILLS at feeder in Pinebrook this am. The majority of the pine siskin flock finally moved on so the crossbills stayed to eat a bit.

Joyce Morgan  (305 Apr 2009) - I have what I am pretty sure is a Painted Bunting visiting my feeders right now. My field guide says their habitat is in the south and they migrate east. Is it pretty unusual to see them in Utah?  (at feeders Rose Park, Salt Lake City)
 

Mar 2009

Tim Avery (24 Mar 2009) - 3 calling flyover White-winged Crossbills near 9000 south and Wasatch Blvd.

Susan Ogilvie - Last Friday, March 20 I saw a pair of White-winged Crossbills here in Silver Fork in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Pomera Fronce (8 Mar 2009) - Jack, Roberta and I birded the Jordan River Parkway south of 12600 South today. The best bird was a Sage Sparrow with a Cackling Goose and Cliff Swallow coming in second and third.  All three birds were seen in the general area of the mitigation site which is the wet area on the east side of the paved trail before you get to the silo.

Martha Veranth (3 Mar 2009) - If you missed the Greater White Fronted Goose at Lake Park in January, there was one grazing with the Canada Geese on the golf course at 4646 Lake Park Blvd (WVC) around 1:45 today. Take highway 201 westbound to Bangerter exit (13); turn left at the top of the ramp; turn right at the entrance to Lake Park Corporate Center (there's a sign); turn left at the T junction and follow the road about 1 mile to 4646 Lake Park Blvd. The GWFG was with a flock of Canada Geese
 

Feb 2009

Pomera Fronce (18 Feb 2009) - Roberta Wherritt and I birded the Alta Bypass Road (Little Cottonwood Canyon) today. We watched a flock of about 50 Gray-Crowned Rosy-Finches for a couple of hours and with apologies to Dave Hanscom, finally found one Black Rosy-Finch amongst them. We also got stunning looks at three male and three female White-winged Crossbills.

Jon Watkins (16 Feb 2009) - For our GBBC observation, my son Kendall and I went up to Alta--the Rosy-finches did not disappoint! Amidst light snowfall, they were out in abundance at the curve in the bypass road just east of the Ben Hame home (at a feeder on back deck of a condo, easily observed from the road). Both Black and Gray-crowned were present, mixing with a large flock of Pine Siskins. Estimated around 100 Siskins, and 50-60 Rosy-finches...

Kathleen Robins (7 Feb 2009) - Just observed (8:00 a.m. Saturday) 4 Sandhill Cranes flying low and headed east then turning south at approximately 27th South and 3000 East in Salt Lake City (close to Parley's Nature Park). They were flying toward the rising sun into a pink sky - beautiful.

Pomera Fronce  (6 Feb 2009) - Roberta Wherritt and I found a Lesser Black-blacked Gull in the open water on the west side of the SL County Landfill at 11:00 a.m. today.  The lone Pygmy Nuthatch is still present at the SLC Cemetery and is still in the same general area of 330 North and Center Street.
 

Jan 2009

Geoff Hardies (24 Jan 2009) - The Winter Wren is still in City Creek Canyon. we found it today above picnic area number 6. Not much for activity there today with the only other sightings being an American Dipper and a Belted Kingfisher.

Tim Avery (10 Jan 2009) - This morning I led a hardy group of 5 out on a freezing field trip around Salt Lake County. We birded Lee Kay Ponds, Lake Park, Decker Lake, and the Jordan River. The goal was gulls, and for the most part we missed out on many of the species that had been seen in the past weeks. We of course had plenty of California and Ring-billed Gulls at pretty much all our stops. In all we might have had 6 or 7 Herring Gulls between Lee Kay and Decker Lake. Only 2 Thayer's Gulls (1-1W & 1-2W) at Decker Lake, and one gull that I figure had to be hyrbid. It was larger than Herring Gulls nearby and had a honking big bill. The iris wasn't yellow, but a light brown and still kind of pale. I thought it might have been a Glaucous-winged X Herring Hyrbid, but couldn't be sure. ... At Lake Park where previously reported was a Greater White-fronted Goose.

Carl Ingwell (8 Jan 2009) - ...I drove over to Lake Park. Immediately after turning into Lake Park, I saw a Greater White-fronted Goose feeding with the Canada. There was a huge amount of Geese hanging around.

Colby  Neuman (7 Jan 2009) - Numbers and diversity of bird species seem to be up from last winter. On Monday, I was in Mill D North (Big Cottonwood Canyon - Salt Lake Co.) and had a flock of 50 PINE SISKIN, MOUNTAIN CHICKADEES, HAIRY WOODPECKER, several PINE GROSBEAKS in the aspens and 3 flyover White-winged Crossbills (betweeen Tom's Hill and Reynold's Peak). Three RUFFED GROUSE that were buried in the snow flushed from ~5 ft away...giving me the usual near heart attack.   -  Yesterday I went up Grizzly Gulch (near Alta in Little Cottonwood Canyon - Salt Lake Co.) to Twin Lakes Pass and I came across a flock of ~50 crossbills that allowed me to get within 10-20 feet of them as they frantically fed. There were approximately 3 RED CROSSBILLS for every White-winged Crossbill in the flock.

Stephen T Carlile (1 Jan 2009) -  ...but did visit Parkway Business Park located at Parkway Blvd. (2650 S.)/Bangerter Highway. Also visited Decker Lake. Saw 29 species, with the highlight being five Cackling Geese along the Parkway canal and two at Decker Lake. All very close and lengthy observations, with great comparisons to the Canada Geese. Though I have not had any real experience with Cackling subspecies, I will take a crack at it.  One at Parkway was very small and dark, with a creamy (not white) cheek patch; B. h. minima, "Cackling"?.  One of the others had the "white neck ring" mentioned in the guides common to B. h. leucopariea, "Aleutian", sometimes present the other subspecies; B. h. hutchinsii, "Richardson's".  The "white neck ring" bird was about two thirds the size of the Canada Geese.  The others were Cackling, but who knows where they fit or if I am right about the others.
 

Dec 2008

Donna Thorum (28 Dec 2008) - Yesterday I was doing my Project Feeder Watch count for Cornell University. It was a good day because we had so much snow the last two days. As I was checking trough the birds feeding on the ground, what to my wondering eyes should appear? A White-throated Sparrow! I stood up and Cheered! Wow! a new yard bird!

Tim Avery (27 Dec 2008) - The past two years the days following Christmas have been simply amazing at Lee Kay Ponds. With that in mind I was out in the freezing temps with my scope this morning scouring through a clump of 2500 birds on the west pond. And I was not disappointed: 1 Western Gull - adult could be the same bird again! 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1 ad. And 1 first winter 1 Glaucous Gull - 1st winter 2 Mew Gull - both adults 4 Thayer's Gull 70 Herring Gull 400~ Ring-billed Gull 2000 California Gull There was also one bird that could have been a first winter Western, that was probably a hybrid. It never stood up so I could could get a great look at it though. What appeared to be an adult Glaucous-winged X Herring Gull. It had strange primaries that were gray and black. I think next year we should have a weekend after Christmas gulling party at the ponds!

Tim Avery (24 Dec 2008) - This morning there were 2 Pygmy Nuthatches near the intersection of 330 North and 990 East in the cemetery. I imitated a pygmy-owl and was mobbed by these birds as well as Red-breasted Nuthatch, Mountain and Black-capped Chickadee, a tone of Pine Siskin, House Finches, several Cassin's Finch, Dark-eyed Junco and a lone Yellow-rumped Warbler.

Colby Newman (22 Dec 2008) - I did a quick trip into Grizzly Gulch near Alta (Little Cottonwood Canyon - Salt Lake Co.) yesterday afternoon, and I had a number of birds including several MOUNTAIN CHICKADEES and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES. A couple of RED CROSSBILLS flew over as well. The most exciting observation was a flock of 19 White-winged Crossbills flying overhead. The flock headed over Twin Lakes Pass towards the Brighton area.

Tim Avery (21 Dec 2008) - Yesterday was the Salt Lake Christmas Bird Count. Colby Neuman, Carl Ingwell, Jeff Bilsky and I took on the Airport and the Bountiful Quadrants for the day. The count total for the entire CBC topped 100 species... Heading back to the International Center, Carl and I dropped Colby and Jeff off at another entrance to the duck club. They hiked in while we went out to cover some more ground. We also slipped away to Lee Kay Ponds for a minute to go through a flock of about 2,000 gulls on the ice. Despite being close to the road and there being a slit of open water, the only goodies we could find were 2 first winter Thayer's Gulls (including a very pale bird) and a few Herring Gull. At about the time we were going to leave the pond Colby called to inform us that they had come across a seep where they counted 11 Virginia Rails!!! But the real treat was a Swamp Sparrow! I can't beleive I traded Thayer's Gull for missing a new county bird.. Oh well.

Pomera Fronce (17 Dec 2008) - Roberta Wherritt and I located a lone Pygmy Nuthatch in the Salt Lake City Cemetery today at 1:30. It was located in the southwest quadrant from the intersection of 330 North and Cypress Avenue (1060 East). After getting a great look at the bird sitting out on the end of a branch in the sun, it flew and we were unable to locate it again.

Tim Avery (1 Dec 2008) - This afternoon I decided to spend my lunch time in Big Cottonwood Canyon... The best bird was a Northern Pygmy-Owl that was "singing" at the Ledgemere Picnic Area (the first picnic area on the right (south) side of the road heading up the canyon). At one point I thought there may have been two dueting, as I kept hearing what sounded like a 2nd bird further up the hill side. The river was just a tad to much noise to be sure.

Nov 2008

Jeffrey Saffle (30 Nov 2008) - My wife and I walked the first 3 miles of City Creek Canyon Saturday. Best bird by far was a Winter Wren just above campsite number 5.

Jack Binch (25 Nov 2008) - I just drove by the pond across from the Flying J station on 21st. South and about 850 west. Little bitty guy [Cackling Goose] with a bunch of regular Canada Geese.

Tim Avery - This morning (11/22) Jeff Bilsky and I birded around Salt Lake County. We stopped at Glendale Golf course where 8 HOODED MERGANSER were on the pond visible from 2100 south and about 1300 east to the north. ...we stopped at Lee Kay Ponds where 1000's of gulls were present, including numerous Ring-billed and Herring Gulls. A first-winter Thayer's Gull was present on the west pond as well.

Tim Avery - Apparently there was a Common Redpoll seen in Salt Lake City on the 20th. A sighting by Jay Langford from a personal location was listed on the ebird google app.

Tim Avery (9 Nov 2008) - This afternoon, Sam and I headed out to Great Salt Lake State Park / Saltair Marina to see what was floating around. Our first pass through the parking east parking area produced a seemingly late SAY'S PHOEBE near the host trailer. After passing through once and heading to the west side of the marina we went back to the easy lot and put to the lookout point. As we we're sitting in the car a large white-winged gull flew past heading west. I hopped out and took a few shots. It appeared to be a Glaucous-winged Gull but I wasn't sure. Luckily it landed about 200 yards off shore with a few other birds. We got the scope out and took a look at the large gull which had pale gray primaries, a smudged up head and a nice big bill. It was an adult and was with 3 other birds, a Herring Gull, a California Gull and what looked to be an adult Mew Gull. There were 1000's of gulls along the shore and on the lake. Probably at least 5000 birds. There were 1000's of Eared Grebes on the water too and at least 2 Horned Grebes as well.

Val Stock (3 Nov 2008) - Saturday, I had a flock of approx. 10 Bohemian Waxwings fly in and perch, briefly, in my backyard in Bountiful. I had been looking at a group of Robins, so had binoculars in hand. Is this a little early for Waxwings?

Oct 2008

Lu Giddings (24 Oct 2008) - I spent about 90 minutes at Lee Kay earlier this morning. Notable observations include a pair of Greater Scaup and my first herring gulls of the season. It was also nice to see lesser scaup, ring-necked ducks, and bufflehead, which I'm still not yet finding in Utah county.

Tim Avery (18 Oct 2008) - Did some birding around the south shore of the Great Salt Lake this morning. Highlights were as follows: 1 juvenile Sabine's Gull - vicinity of Lee's Creek.

Tim Avery (5 Oct 2008) - This morning Jeff Bilsky and I headed out to Saltair to do a lake watch, hoping that the wind and rain would push some goodies along the shore. ...There were 3 Blue-winged Teal... We next headed to the International Center where we checked for the Swamp Sparrow reported by Mark last week, but came up empty. I would say there were hundreds of Yellow-rumped Warblers present today. We then stopped just south of the Gas Station, near the Perkin's restaurant and the first bird I spotted on the ground was what looked like a Clay-colored Sparrow. At the same time Jeff was getting out of the car and spotted a warbler that looked to be a Black-and-white Warbler. And at the same time my phone rang, as Colby was showing up trying to find us. In all the turmoil, combined with what seemed like a high volume of traffic for a Sunday at the IC, the sparrow flock flew off, and by the time I got out of the car to see the warbler it had flown off. Colby found a Clay-colored Sparrow about 15 minutes later on the south side of the large field just north of the restaurant (on the east side of the hotel that it is connected to).

Sep 2008

Mark Stackhouse (28 Sep 2008) - David Wheeler and I birded the Salt Lake International Center this morning looking for migrants. There was a fair amount of activity, with sparrows being the highlight. A Clay-colored Sparrow was amongst some Chipping Sparrows (there were lots of these today) at the junction of Wiley Post Rd. and Admiral Byrd Rd. There was a Swamp Sparrow along the brushy canal at the southwest corner of the complex. Other than that, there were lots of Yellow-rumped Warblers, with Orange-crowned Warblers next most numerous, but not much diversity in the warblers. ...David and I also have concluded that we saw a first year female Magnolia Warbler on Sunday morning at the International Center. It was at the east end of the large parking lot along Admiral Byrd Rd. just north of Wiley Post Rd. We puzzled over the i.d., and not having any advanced resources with us, were hesitant to make the i.d., even though we both were thinking Magnolia. Having reviewed additional materials, we've concluded that that's indeed what it was.

Bryant Olsen (27 Sep 2008) - The bright red male Summer Tanager was relocated today around 4:00 by one of our guests (Sorry I forgot your name,but you know who you are). It was hanging out in the same general area as original seen, near the Burrowing Owl barn, and Sun Conjures, high in the Elm trees. ...

Bryant Olsen (26 Sep 2008) - Today there is a Summer Tanager at the Tracy Aviary, in SLC. It was in a Plumb and Elm tree near our Eagles. See photo at www.flickr.com/photos/bryanto/2889753607/
Good Birding

Tim Avery (25 Sep 2008) - I just talked to Jeff Bilsky who is near Guardsman's Pass and reported seeing at least 5 White-winged Crossbill feeding in the trees to the west of the pass with siskin and Red Crossbills. Last week I had two flying over at Jupiter Peak in the same area.

Tim Avery (22 Sep 2008) - This morning while conducting a survey on private property along the Great Salt Lake I observed two juvenile Sabine's Gull. Apparently there were at least 4 seen yesterday at the causeway, but they were not reported for some reason.

Tim Avery (21 Sep 2008) - At 1:15pm I had a light adult Broad-winged Hawk pass over the cliffs to the south of Little Cottonwood Canyon in Bell Canyon. About 5 minutes later I received a phone call from Jerry Ligouri who has had several pass over the Grandeur Peak area near Millcreek. And as I write this I just had a second bird that appeared to be a juvenile pass. Looks like this weekend holds true as the best for Broad-wingeds in. Salt Lake County.

Tim Avery (12 Sep 2008) - This afternoon I observed a female/1st fall type Magnolia Warbler in the trees around the residence on the east side of 8000 west just to the north of SR-201. It is the only house there the rest of the property around us owned by Kennecott.

Bryant Olsen  (11 Sep 2008) - Today at the Tracy Aviary, In Salt Lake City, we had a Northern Waterthrush at one our ponds, which we are draining to clean and renovate.

Aug 2008

Tim Avery (31 Aug 2008) - Jeff Bilsky, Paul Lombardi and I found a flycatcher along Wright Brothers Drive between Amelia Earhart and Harold Gatty that appearred to be a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. The bird was very YELLOW with a rather short and stout bill. It had basically no primary projection and a stub of a tail. My first thought was of a 'Western Flycatcher' but the bird lacked a tear drop and instead sported a thin pale eye-ring. I ran back to the car and got my camera while Jeff and Paul stayed on the bird. However, it soon flew and headed north to the area at the corner of Harold Gatty and Wright Brothers Drive where luckily I was able to get about a dozen shots before the bird flew off. ...We were able to relocate the bird about 100 yards to the west of Wright Brothers Drive on Harold Gatty before it flew back to Wright Brothers and headed back south in the general direction it was originally found. It seems very skittish as with all the migrants out here today, and not letting us get anywhere near it.

Geoff Hardies (24 Aug 2008) - I visited the International Center by the SL airport at 8:30 Sunday morning...  The only thing unusual sighting was a Great-tailed Grackle on 5600 West near Nichol's Foods. It looked similar the one in Sibley's, but the breast and throat were a lighter brown with some speckling. There was a Common Grackle near by which was a little smaller and didn't have as prominent a bill or as long a tail. They were gorging themselves on dead dragonflies in the ditch.

Jeff Bilsky (17 Aug 2008) - I took a stroll up to Willow Lake towards the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon this evening, birding along the way. Seems like a pretty good spot - there was a lot of bird activity. The highlight was a beautiful, male, White-winged Crossbill calling from the top of a conifer.

Tim Avery (15 Aug 2008) Yesterday I was conducting a survey in Northwest Salt Lake County on private property near the Great Salt Lake when I had an apparent adult Glossy Ibis flyover twice. I flushed the bird off a canal and it flew away to the north before looping back and passing. On the first pass I saw what looked like a blue facial skin but didn't have time to snap a shot. The bird circled and then flew by yet again, this time I was able to get a nice clear shot as it passed over and out into a marsh. The bird was with 3 White-faced Ibis, but there were at least 500 White-faced Ibis in the area.  Although the area is private, it may be worth checking the Lee's Creek Area along I-80 between 7200 West and Saltair.  Other birds of note were a Common Tern...

Cindy Sommerfeld (10 Aug 2008) - This morning Steve and I went to Big Cottonwood Canyon hoping to fill a couple gaps in our year list. Our target birds were Swainson's Thrush and Goshawk. Our first stop was Donut Falls trail head. We walked about a hundred yards back down the road from the parking lot and I heard White-winged Crossbills singing. We were able to locate them an had some great looks. For the next several hundred yards we came across even more. All totaled we saw at least ten.   Next stop was Silver Lake. Just west of the parking lot, again we found White-winged Crossbills. This time only about four. At the hummingbird feeders near by. Steve spotted a Calliope Humming bird along with Broad-tailed and Black-chinned.

Jul 2008

Colby Neuman (29 Jul 2008) - I heard at least two White-winged Crossbills singing in the conifers on the south side of the Big Cottonwood Canyon road about 50 yards below the lower entrance to the Solitude Ski Resort.

Tim Avery (19 Jul 2008) - This afternoon,  Jeff Bilsky and I spent some time birding along the south shore of the Great Salt Lake in the vicinity of Lee's Creek. ...Solitary Sandpiper 2... With the small flock of dowitchers were two birds that struck me as odd. There appeared to be 2 juvenile birds, that in plumage and shape fit Short-billed Dowitcher. I took some pictures and will upload them later tonight.

Tim Avery (15 Jul 2008) - I went up to Silver Lake this morning ...highlights: ...4 American Three-toed Woodpecker...

Jeff Bilsky (10 Jul 2008) - Carl Ingwell and I hiked the Silver Lake, Twin Lakes, Lake Solitude loop this evening. Highlights are a Three-toed Woodpecker (we found an active nest),... and a couple of Williamson's Sapsuckers heard drumming.

Jeff Bilsky (8 Jul 2008) - I decided to see if I could see some of the reported species up Big Cottonwood this evening. I started by hiking past Silver Lake and up to Twin Lakes. ... Not much to report on the way down towards Solitude or at Solitude itself. However, heading back towards Silver Lake I ran across a nice female Williamson's Sapsucker and then I saw a pair (male and a likely female - I got a better look at the male) of White-winged Crossbills! They wouldn't sit still long enough for me to get a pic, but I was able to distinctly make out the wing bars, coloration and size...

Tim Avery (6 Jul 2008) - This morning, Steve & Cindy Sommerfeld and I hiked the loop from Brighton by Silver Lake, up to Twin Lakes, down to Lake Solitude and back to Brighton...Near Twin Lakes we had a female Williamson's Sapsucker, and a male American Three-toed Woodpecker. Just over the divide that drops from the ridge, down to Lake Solitude 2 ATTW could be heard drumming, one likely the same bird that we saw. About 150 yards down the trail from the top I heard what sounded like White-winged Crossbills giving flight calls. After a little work 2 flew over giving the the distinct chatter. A lone bird was visible on top of a spruce several hundred feet away.

Jun 2008

Tim Avery (29 Jun 20008) - Having the ABA convention in town this past week was a great excuse to get out birding. I was the local help on 2 field trips, both to Brighton and the ISSR, on Thursday and Saturday.... Some highlights included: ...2 White-winged Crossbills in Brighton ...2 Northern Goshawk at Silver Lake...

Scott Root (24 Jun 2008) I saw some Evening Grosbeaks along Parley's Creek today while we electroshocked the spawning cutthroat trout. I saw the grosbeaks on both sides of hwy 65 as I stood on the road and looked down towards the creek. Saw the birds on both the east and west side of hwy 65. Take East Canyon exit from parleys canyon and drive north about 1/2 mile to where Parley's Creek goes under the hwy. this is located between Mtn. Dell Golf Course and Mtn. Dell Reservoir.

May 2008

G. Lind (1 June 2008) A first spring male Indigo Bunting visited my feeders in Sandy several times on 5/31/08. Apparently, this species has been visiting the west for over 25 years according to Behle. However it's a first for my yard.

Tim Avery (31 May 2008) - I hit the IC this morning to see what was bzzing around...  the best bird of the morning was a Common Grackle that was chattering up a storm in a russian olive near the south pond...

Tim Avery (29 May 2008) -  We made a quick stop at Lee Kay Ponds on the way out west where there was a beautiful male Greater Scaup...

David Wheeler (20 May 2008) - The Common Grackles that have made their home in Fairmont Park for several years (including raising a chick last year), are back. I heard then saw a pair along the creek running through the north end of the park. As in previous years, they seem to be frequenting the stretch of stream between the large pines growing near the N parking lot and upstream to the little house near the duck pond.

Tim Avery (16 May 2008) - Yesterday, (May 15), I was joined by Michael Bateman, Ned Bixler, Dave Hanscom, Larene Wyss and our driver Steve Kirkham for 16 hours of birding in northern Utah..... We received permission to bird Kennecott's Inland Sea Shorebird Reserve, thanks to Ann Neville who happened to share that her field trip out there earlier in the day had found 4 Whimbrel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We made our way onto the property ...We arrived at the location where Ann told us the Whimbrel were, but did not see any :( ... Until we turned around to head back and one of the Whimbrel could be seen with 3 Long-billed Curlew. As we were watching the bird, 3 more Whimbrel flew through and landed in a field nearby. An awesome sighting in Utah! Thanks Ann! ...

Tim Avery (5 May 2008) - This afternoon and evening I spent some time in the yard where a male Calliope Hummingbird was enjoying blooms in the apple tree.

Kimberly Roush (5 May 2008) - The Red-necked Grebe was on Little Dell April 28, 29 and May 3. I spend a few hours with it each time. It primarily stays on the opposite end from the dam between the lower parking lot directly below the entrance and the stream that flows into the reservoir. It will go back into the little cove and be hard to see if you do not walk through the mud, or walk the higher ground, in order to see it. It is quite tame compared to clarks' or westerns.

Tim Avery (4 May 2008) - This evening while strolling along the creeks above the pond at Sugarhouse Park I found a singing Red-eyed Vireo near the horseshoe pits. This area is about 150 yards from 1700 East.

Apr 2008

Kimberly Roush (5 May 2008) - The Red-necked Grebe was on Little Dell April 28, 29 and May 3. I spend a few hours with it each time. It primarily stays on the opposite end from the dam between the lower parking lot directly below the entrance and the stream that flows into the reservoir. It will go back into the little cove and be hard to see if you do not walk through the mud, or walk the higher ground, in order to see it. It is quite tame compared to clarks' or westerns.

Stephen Carlile (26 Apr 2008) - The Red-necked Grebe is was still at Little Dell Reservoir this morning, Saturday, at around 8:00 a.m. It was at the northeast end of the reservoir at the stream inlet, mixed with some Ring-necked Ducks.

Deedee O'Brien (22 Apr 2008) - About 1 hour ago I too saw the Red-necked Grebe at Little Dell just where Jeff Bilsky reported it plus most of the other birds reported by Jeff Langford today.

Jeff Bilsky (21 Apr 2008) - A breeding Plumage Red-necked Grebe was present at the Little Dell Reservoir this evening. Little Dell is the upper reservoir and the grebe was on the East side (inlet side) and staying mostly towards the North Shore, near where a small embankment juts out into the water.

Ben Palmer (19 Apr 2008) - This morning I took a short hike at Mueller Park in Bountiful. The highlight was a Varied Thrush.

Tim Avery (12 Apr 2008) - This afternoon Colby Neuman and I decided to make a quick loop through the northwest part of Salt Lake County and see what was on the move. ...At Lee Kay Ponds we were shocked to find a female Long-tailed Duck still in mostly winter plumage near the west shore of the furthest west pond hanging out with 2 Common Goldeneye. I managed to snap a shot as the bird flew away from us and left the pond shortly after we found it! This is the first time I can think of a Long-tailed Duck being at Lee Kay, and at this date that makes it a late one at that. - Also at Lee Kay Ponds was what Colby and I believe was a Thayer's Gull moulting from 1st winter to 1st summer plumage. It was a strange gull that stuck out even amongst the see of California Gulls. ...At Lee's Creek along the frontage road between 7200 West and Saltair were 2 Great Egret feeding a hundred or so yards out from the road.

Feb 2008

Jeff Bilsky (23 Feb 2008) - This morning Carl Ingwell and I headed up to City Creek Canyon to find Winter Wrens and we got a great look at one.

Kris Purdy (18 Feb 2008) - I just got a call from Tim Avery (11:15 am, Monday) who has found a first-year White-winged Crossbill in a flock of Red Crossbills at Salt Lake City Cemetery, Salt Lake County. Tim's (and the flock's) location was along Center Street, also called 990E., and between 205N. and 300N. At last look, the flock appeared to be moving somewhat east.

Tim Avery (16 Feb 2008) - With what looked like great weather and the Great Backyard Birdcount happening, the Sommerfeld's, Jeff Bilsky and I decided to put together a Salt Lake County mini big day... The morning started below freezing a mile and a half up City Creek Canyon in the dark. ...As it started to get light we made our way back down canyon and just before MM1 were 2 Winter Wren, with at least one bird being a male singing up a storm (after we cheated by playing a tape).  ...After deciding to scrap plans to go to the International Center we hit Lake Park along the golf course where there was a Richardson's subspecies Cackling Goose (same bird as last month?) and another small goose, with a thin and long bill that I wouldn't have called Parvipes, but am unsure of which subspecies it may have been. ...We hopped on SR-201 and arrived at Lee Kay Ponds a few minutes later and Steve picked out 4 TUNDRA SWAN sitting on the bank of the east pond, a first for all of us at the ponds. On the main pond we were greeted by a large mass of gulls on the far east end of the pond in a nice large patch of open water. Quickly scanning through we were able to pick out a number of goodies including an adult Mew Gull, a 1st winter Lesser Black-backed Gull, a 2nd winter Glaucous Gull, nearly a dozen Thayer's Gulls, all but 1 being 1st winter, and of course the regular Ring-billed, California, and Herring....

David Jensen (13 Feb 2008) - Found one Cackling Goose among +-60 Canada Geese in Sugar House Park in Salt Lake City.

Jan 2008

Stephen Carlile (28 Jan 2008) - I had a different, but new yard bird for me today in West Valley City. A lone Common Grackle spent an hour or so today "sparing" with the juncos and sparrows. It seemed to be after the cracked corn that is part of the seed mix I use.

Tim Avery (24 Jan 2008) -  Yesterday ...At Lee Kay Ponds there was also a nice flock of gulls on the ice. From the observation deck/gazebo several of us were able to get pretty good looks at 2 - 1st winter Lesser Black-backed Gulls, as well as several Thayer's Gulls. A Harrier flushed all the birds, and a beautiful 1st winter Glaucous Gull flew past and circled a couple times before heading off to the dump.

Tim Avery (20 Jan 2008) -  2 Cackling Goose - Lake Park Facility. I saw one in the A.M. and another in the P.M. with Colby Neuman and Steve Sommerfeld (the latter appeared to be a different bird) - 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull - Decker Lake (yep that's right), the same 3rd year bird form Lee Kay Ponds (seen with the Sommerfelds in the A.M.) - 4 Thayer's Gull - Decker Lake, 3 1st winter and one adult...

Tim Avery (13 Jan 2008) - This morning Steve and Cindy Sommerfeld and I located an adult Mew Gull at Decker Lake. This afternoon at 12600 South and 5000 West we found a flock of an estimated 10,000 HORNED LARK. This flock had a smattering of Lapland Longspurs and we were able to pick out 15-20.

Tim Avery (5 Jan 2008) - This afternoon Steve and Cindy Sommerfeld and I birded Lee Kay Ponds, 7200 West, and the frontage road along Lee's Creek in western Salt Lake County. At Lee Kay we were joined Jeff and Susan Saffle to scan through the gulls. The flock probably numbered around 2200 birds this afternoon and numbers and highlights are as follows: 1 or 2 Mew Gull (1 for sure 1st winter bird. A 2nd was seen later that may have been the same bird) - 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull (1st winter bird which may have an injured foot now, and one 3rd winter/adult bird - hard to judge the age on this one) - 1 Glaucous-winged Gull (same 2nd winter bird as the last 2 weeks) - 11 Thayer's Gulls (ALL 1st winter birds ranging from light pink white to dark individuals-- several very close to Kumlieni)... After Lee Kay we headed to the frontage road along I-80 that heads to Saltair. In the vicinity of Lee's Creek we observed a Northern Shrike.

Rob Fergus (3 Jan 2008) - I only had a short time to check out Lee Kay Ponds this afternoon from 4:30-5:00pm. When I got there, about 2000 gulls were on the ice and in the small area of open water. Before I could scan the whole flock a Red-tailed Hawk flushed them all and only about half of the birds returned. While I didn’t see all the birds I could have hoped for, I did see seven gull species: Western Gull—1 adult - Lesser Black-backed Gull—1 2nd winter bird - Glaucous-winged Gull—1 1st winter bird - Thayer’s Gull—1 1st winter bird - Herring Gull—8 various ages - Ring-billed Gull—150 - California Gull—1200

Dec 2007

Tim Avery (31 Dec 2007) - I went out to Lee Kay Ponds this morning to look for the dark-mantled 3rd winter Western/Slaty-backed Gull, but it did not make an appearance while I was present. I was joined by Steve Carr and Stephen Carlile. We did however observe the adult Western Gull, as well as an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull, LBBG that appeared to be an advanced 3rd winter, or an adult without little to no white in the primaries, as well as a 1st winter LBBG. There were also 5 - 1st winter Thayer's Gulls. At one point 4 were together showing a variety of plumages.

Brad Wahlin (30 Dec 2007) - Today in Riverton there was a Greater White-fronted Goose in the field that I reported the snow goose in yesterday. It was with about 200 Canadas and was right next to the road on 13400 s. and 2700 w. It did not have dark bars on its belly but still a nice looking bird!!!

Tim Avery (29 Dec 2007) - So I am going to go out on a limb here to potentially get anyone interested out to Lee Kay to look for the large dark-mantled gull I found today. I posted the pics to ID-frontiers and have thus far had people who think the bird is either a Western Gull or as I thought a Slaty-backed Gull. I have been going over references this evening trying to find similar looking birds for either species. ...Other gulls of note were: 1 - adult Western Gull (I would assume this is the same bird from last winter) 2 - adult Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 or 2 - 1st winter Lesser Black-backed Gull,  1 - 2nd winter Glaucous-winged Gull, 1 - 2nd winter Glaucous Gull, 2 - adult Mew Gull, 4 - 1st winter Thayer's Gull, 115 - Herring Gull, 750 - Ring-billed Gull.  I spent so much time looking at the Black-backed Gulls that I didn't get a chance to go through the flock thoroughly to see what maybe hiding in terms of white-winged gulls.

Tim Avery (18 Dec 2007) - This afternoon I spent an hour at Lee Kay Ponds going through the gulls. I was unable to locate the Glaucous, Glaucous-winged or the two strange gulls from Saturday, but there were 3 first winter Thayer's Gulls present, including one very light bird on the main pond. A darker individual was also on the main pond and another typical THGU was on the west pond.

Pomera Fronce - Salt Lake CBC Coordinator (17 Dec 2007) - You may have heard the rumor of a possible Snowy Owl sighting on the Salt Lake CBC last Saturday. Let me tell you what I know. The bird was not seen by any of the CBC participants. It was reported to the CBC team in the area by a hunter they happened to encounter while they were out counting. So at this time we have an unconfirmed sighting. I am in the process of trying to determine who the observer was so I can approach him about documenting his sighting to the National Audubon Society and the UOS Records Committee. Unfortunately, the birding community at large will not have the opportunity to look for this bird. The area where it was seen is all private property and the landowners do not plan to "throw open the gates for birders." The area is also fraught with security and sensitive-species issues. The birding community is now on good terms with the people who own this land. They usually graciously allow our CBC count team access to their property each year for one day only although for some reason not this year. We don't want to do anything to jeopardize our relationship with these folks. Thank you for your understanding and for being respectful of this situation.

Tim Avery (15 Dec 2007) - Of all the birds I could have expected to come across during the Salt lake CBC this morning, a hummingbird was not on my list. Yet just before 9:00am as I pished near a thicket on the north side of the Bountiful Cemetery, a small "tip-tip tip tip" call and the flutter of a very small bird emerged from the thicket. I was stunned to see a hummer and hurried to get it in my binos. The bird had dark central patch on the gorget, a bold white line above the eye, and a flash of green down the flanks. I was fairly certain it was a female Anna's Hummingbird. The bird landed in the tree and I hollered for the rest of my team to scurry over... It took 5 or 6 minutes but with a little squeaking, the bird emerged yet again, and 3 out of the other 4 members of the group were able to see the bird. My second look confirmed my initial thought. The bird again disappeared rather quickly and was not seen again. ...During the CBC potluck another group mentioned that they also had a Hummingbird sp. in Salt Lake County... In any event, the bird in Bountiful was near the cement building on the north side of the cemetery, on the east side of the building. ..Also at Lee Kay ponds was a 2nd winter Glaucous-winged Gull, a 2nd winter Glaucous Gull (found by Pomera Fronce), an apparent hyrbid Glaucous-winged x Western Gull and another hybrid that I think may be a Herring x Glaucous/Glaucous-winged.

Tim Avery (14 Dec 2007) - I was doing a little scouting this morning for the North Salt Lake Bountiful quad of the Salt Lake CBC. There wasn't much out and about... except for WAXWINGS! Several blocks from where Jeff Bilsky reported them last week, I found a flock that I estimated had around 400 birds in it. However, being curious I decided to count the birds in a flight shot I took and came up wit at least 553 individuals in the flock, with a 10:1 ratio for Bohemian to Cedars, not a bad little flock. This area was between Davis Boulevard and 400 East, from 2450 South to 2600 South. The birds were moving between several yards, and trees, and often worked in smaller flocks. Several blocks away I had another flock of about 50 Bohemian Waxwing feeding in a crab apple tree. And out of the Cont Circle on Mills Drive/Lane 13 Bohemian Waxwing were in an ornamental Juniper.

Jerry Liguori (1 Dec 2007) - I just had a juvenile gray Gyrfalcon fly past me headed south as I was shoveling my driveway (I live along the foothills north of Mill Creek), it flew out of sight then 10 minutes later headed back north. Look out for it at Farmington Bay, Cache Valley or any other good habitat it might show up at. Absolutely the best yard bird I've ever had.

Nov 2007

Tim Avery (28 Nov 2007) - This afternoon (4:00pm) while coming out of the Albertsons on 2100 South and2300 east in Salt Lake a flock of ~20 Bohemian Waxwing were swirling over the neighborhood just to the north of the parking lot. The birds were quite vocal.I believe this is the first time I have seen this species in the county.

Geoff Hardies (25 Nov 2007) - A trip up City Creek was fairly quiet, but we were able to find the Winter Wren just below picnic area 4.

Tim Avery (23 Nov 2007) - Today (11/23) I birded several Salt Lake County lakefront locations. I started at Decker Lake where a 1st winter Thayer's Gull was present. I next stopped at Lee Kay Ponds, which was teeming with gulls, but nothing of note. I drove along the south end of the landfill, and took 7200 West to I-15. Along 7200 West about 200 yards south of the railroad tracks a flock of about 50 Horned Lark flew across the road. I pulled over to look through them and as I rolled down my window I heard the rattling I had hoped to hear of a Longspur. It took about 5 minutes looking through the flock to find a winter plumaged Lapland Longspur. I then headed to Saltair and sat for a short lakewatch. Lots of gulls were moving east to west, and a few ducks were darting back and forth through the waves. An adult male Long-tailed Duck passed the marina heading east around11:30am. Next I had to conduct a survey on property in northwest Salt Lake County. I was able to locate yet another Lapland Longspur with a flock of Horned Larks. I also managed to pick out a "Bewick's" Tundra Swan from a flock of Tundra Swan.

Tim Avery (15 Nov 2007) - I made a loop around the northwest quarter of Salt Lake County this afternoon ...highlights included a juvenile Thayer's Gull on the main pond at Lee Kay. The bird was near both juvenile California and Herring Gulls for a nice comparison.

Tim Avery (9 Nov 2007) - Thanks to Kris Purdy for posting my report of the RED PHALAROPE at the Great Salt Lake State Park Marina (a.k.a. Salt Air Marina). When I initially saw the bird, I wasn't sure what it was. ...Luckily the bird soon floated out of the ripple onto the glassy surface of the lake, giving the clear appearance of a Red Phalarope. It then took a short flight only helping reaffirm the initial thought...

Oct 2007

Tim Avery (29 Oct 2007) - Some more highlights from Saturday afternoon and Sunday. 1 Greater White-fronted Goose - Lee's Creek in SL County ...1 Snow Goose - Lee's Creek in SL County...

Tim Avery (26 Oct 2007) - This afternoon I snuck in 9 holes at Mick Riley Golf Course in Murray and on the3rd hole, had a Winter Wren chattering away. I tracked the bird down near the pond on the NE side of the fairway working its way through a Russian Olive (must have been a good flight for WIWR last night!).

Tim Avery (26 Oct 2007) - I headed over to Parley's Gulch to try and photograph the Screech-Owl that Deedee found earlier this week... but no owl... However, while we were standing there, at the cement barrier on the left, and where the metal poss cross the river, a Winter Wren came across the path and landed in the brush on the river bank.

Mark Stackhouse (18 Oct 2007) - Blackburnian Warbler seen again‏ - Pat Jividen stopped by my house between 8:45 and 9:15 this morning and apparently saw the warbler again, at first foraging under the gutter at the back edge of my roof, and then for time at greater distance when it flew to the top of a large Catalpa tree behind my yard. I wasn't able to see it from my office window, nor have I seen it at all today, but there's lots of trees here and I don't have the most open view. It seems that it's still around. I'll post any other sightings as soon as I learn of them.

Mark Stackhouse (17 Oct 2007) - At about 8:30 this morning I saw a first-fall female Blackburnian Warbler outside my bedroom window. David Wheeler and I have been looking for it since the initial sighting (it was sitting 15' outside my window for 5 minutes), so far without success. There's a lot of activity here this morning. This brings my yard list to 106 species...

Tim Avery (9 Oct 2007) - Spent about 40 minutes a Lee Kay Ponds this afternoon. Highlights are as follows: ...1 Horned Grebe (in SW corner of the west pond)2 Eared Grebe (on main pond)...

Tim Avery (8 Oct 2007) - I did a quick check of our Salt Lake County reservoirs this afternoon ...At Little Dell, which is usually dreadfully dead, I was shocked to see little dots all along the north shore from the overlook just off the road before the turnoff to Emigration Canyon. However, 95% of the dots turned out to be American Coots, around 100. The were however 8 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 12 MALLARD,1 EARED GREBE, 10 RING-NECKED DUCK, 4 LESSER SCAUP and the highlight of the afternoon, 3 Greater Scaup. A bit early but I guess on cue with a number of other early arrivals this fall...

Dave Hanscom (7 Oct 2007) - Today I had to go out to Sears on 5600 West, so I decided to check out Lee Kay Ponds. It was an amazingly good morning, with 36 species in about an hour. Highlights: - Peregrine Falcon, Great and Snowy Egrets, Horned Grebe, a bunch of Turkey Vultures, White-faced Ibis, Black-necked Stilt, lots of Ruddy Ducks, and a Western Wood-peewee that must have missed his southbound bus...

Colby Neuman (6 Oct 2007) - Tim Avery and I birded Sugarhouse Park, the Salt Lake International Center, Antelope Island Causeway and Saltair today.
Highlights were 2 different Sabine's Gulls and 3 American Golden-Plovers... Salt Lake International Center - Sabine's Gull - 1 juvenile - worked the ditch that is to the southeast of the intersection of Wright Brothers and Harold Getty Drives...the bird eventually flew off to the southwest and we could not refind the bird ... Antelope Island Causeway - American Golden-Plover - 3 juveniles - both sides of causeway  - Sabine's Gull - 1 juvenile on north side of causeway between MM 2-3...

Tim Avery (2 Occt 2007) - This evening at the Salt Lake International Center I found a couple interesting birds. The first was an apparent female/1st Winter Indigo Bunting. The bird was quite cinnamon colored on it's head, back and wings. It also showed a pale throat, and streaked breast....The other interesting bird, and perhaps even rarer than the bunting was what I believe was appeared to be a hybrid Red-breasted x Red-naped Sapsucker. The bird initially flew past me, and appeared to have a lot of red on its head. When I located it in the tree it flew to I could see the red extending form the throat, onto the breast, as well as onto the face and neck. From behind the bird had a lot of red from the forehead all the way to its back. Otherwise, the back and wing pattern as well as tail looked like a fairly typical RNSA...

Sep 2007

Tim Avery (30 Sep 2007) - I spent a couple hours at the IC this evening...The most interesting bird was an empid that I fit the "bill" (no pun intended) for Least Flycatcher.  The bird was hanging out on the north side of the Compeq building along the fence line that is the northern edge of the IC. This area has been one of the most consistently productive areas at the IC, and has produced several good birds. There is an east-west line of conifers here, along a ditch with some small Russian Olive trees. To get to this area, take the 5600 West exit off ofI-80 and go north to Harold Gatty Drive. Turn Left and follow the road till it comes to a "T" at John Glenn Road. Turn right and drive to the dead end and park. The tree line is on your right and stretches about 150 yards.

Colby Neuman (25 Sep 2007) - It was our first WEST trip of the season where we take ~60 kids on a cruise boat about 5-6 miles out into the lake where we teach the kids about the Great Salt Lake ecosystem... I was literally asking the kids, "what eats brine shrimp and brine fly larvae?" when one of the kids shouted out seagulls, which was immediately followed by another student asking, "what's that dark gull flying alongside the boat?". I was about the say a young California Gull, but I quickly realized it was a jaeger. I didn't hide my excitement too much, and told the kids that it was a pretty rare bird in Utah. Based on my limited experience with Parasitic Jaegers and my nonexistent (to very slight experience depending on who you ask) experience with Long-tailed and Pomarine Jaegers, I think it was pretty consistent with Parasitic Jaeger. The size, shape and flight pattern all seemed to point in that direction. The barring on the undertail coverts was actually pretty noticeable and reminded me a lot of the bird Willard Bay bird from a couple years ago. Unfortunately, I never watched the bird through any optics because I had to continue teaching. Either way, I thought it was pretty cool. - Tim did indeed find the bird flying about 800 yards to a mile north of the marina at Saltair earlier this afternoon. So it is certainly possible to see this bird from the shoreline. It seemed to be harassing gulls on the lake consistently.

Tim Avery (24 Sep 2007) - This evening form 6:30-7:30 pm I birded the International Center with Steve and Cindy Sommerfeld. ...we headed to the far west end and around to the north side of the Compeq building, which is lined with conifer. About 60 feet into the trees I spotted an adult White-throated Sparrow (white-striped edition) on the fence line on the north side of the trees.

Tim Avery (23 Sep 2007) - This evening, after 6:00pm Colby Neuman and I saw 3 Sabine's Gull along Lee's Creek in northwestern Salt Lake County. The highlight was not the number of birds, but the fact that 2 were adults still in breeding plumage.

Tim Avery (16 Sep 2007) - It appears the International Center is proving its potential yet again! This evening I spent the 2 hours before sunset birding the area, and had several exceptional finds. A very bright first winter Blackpoll Warbler was seen just to the north of the intersection of 5600 West and Harold Gatty Drive. This is on the opposite side of the center from where the Prothonotary was seen last weekend. Back on the other side of the center, at the intersection of Wright Brothers Drive and Amelia Earhart, was a large flock of spizella, roughly 400 birds, including at least one, and maybe even 2 very striking adult Clay-colored Sparrow, in non-breeding plumage. I was able to get a shot of one on the ground with numerous Chipping Sparrow.

Geoff Hardies (16 Sep 2007) - The Green Heron is still at the little pond off of the Jordan River. Also seen were: Nashville, Townsend's, Wilson's, Yellow-rump and a male an female Yellow Warbler, Belted Kingfisher, Common Nighthawk, Cedar Waxwing and the usual crew.

Colby Neuman (10 Sep 2007) -Tim and I went back to the Salt Lake International Center yesterday afternoon and spent a considerable amount of time searching the trees and bushes around the complex. We did briefly see the Prothonotary Warbler in the same location previously described. We came up with quite a list of migrants that included 8 warbler species...

Colby Neuman (8 Sep 2007) - ... talked Tim into going out to the Salt Lake International Center (SLIC) this evening. ... It certainly paid off! ...we came across the Prothonotary Warbler. This was just south of the junction of 575 North and Wright Brothers Drive (4000W). ... Kris Purdy, Glenn Barlow and the Summerfields were all able to make to the SL International Center and see the bird this evening as well. The bird moved along the trees for several hundred yards in the N/S direction of the intersection several times. However, the bird was refound twice in the Russian Olive that's on the southwest corner of the intersection of 575 North and Wright Brothers Drive (4000W).

Jack Binch (8 Sep 2007) - Bob Huntington and I went to the Jordan River Parkway at 5400 South and 1040 West to look for a Green Heron that Bob found earlier in the week. We walked past the pond and did not see the heron on the first pass. We went north almost to the end of the trail and got into a bunch of warblers. ...We both got on what seemed to be a Warbling Vireo, but when it got out into the open a little it was much too yellow. ... The overall appearance was that of a Philadelphia Vireo according to Sibley. ...On the way back by the pond, the Green Heron was on the west bank.

Aug 2007

Rob Fergus (11 Aug 2007) - ...this evening we found a juvenile female Summer Tanager at the entrance gate to the Inland Sea Shorebird Reserve west of the 7200 W exit on I-80 in Salt Lake County. It was actually perched on the right side of the gate down near the fragmites. After about a minute it flew off to the east down the canal and into the fragmites. It was quite a shock to see this bird here in northern Utah at this date, and in such seemingly atypical habitat (not a tree to be seen anywhere).

Jun 2007

Bob Huntington (24 Jun 2007) - This afternoon I was sitting at the table looking out at my feeders. In the feeder feeding with two morning doves, one Eurasian Collard-Dove and one White-winged Dove at one time. The white-wing was a first for my yard as well as salt lake county. A beautiful bird.

Tim Avery (23 Jun 2007) - This afternoon while golfing at Glendale Golf Course in Salt Lake City, one of my buddies asked why the "little seagulls" were "fighting". I looked over to see one Tern fervently pursuing another around the main pond between the 1st fairway and the 9th fairway.  ...In any event the "Smaller" tern was an Adult Least Tern in breeding plumage. I watched the two birds for about a minute before the Forster's gave up and dove for a fish while the Least continued floating around. There were 3 Forster's Terns in the area and later, while playing near the 6th I observed the Least on another pond!

Colby Neuman (4 Jun 2007) - I went on a hike up Neff's Canyon (Salt Lake Co.) on Saturday afternoon for a couple hours. We hiked up towards the north chute on Mt. Olympus where a Winter Wren was singing both on the way up and down the canyon.

May 2007

Tim Avery (14 May 2007) - Birded along the lakefront today... Lee Kay Ponds 8:15 - 8:45am...1 - Common Tern (Alternate plumage with a ton of black in the primaries)

Apr 2007

Tim Avery (16 Apr 2007) - Of note also were numerous Greater Scaup at 3 different locations. In all I counted 59!!!! Greater Scaup between Lee Kay Ponds, The Willard Spur and Bear River NWR. 27 of the birds were at Lee Kay, and outnumbered the Lesser Scaup 3 to 1.

Kris Purdy (12 Apr 2007) - This morning, a Horned Grebe was swimming at Little Dell Reservoir in Salt Lake County in the small inlet on the west side adjacent to mm 2 of SR-65. The bird had gained most of its spring gold-striped football helmet head plumage, but the body still looked positively wintry. A smattering of common waterfowl and a Lesser Yellowlegs picking delicately along the grebe's shoreline rounded out the bird life there.

Joel Beyer (1 Apr 2007) - We've seen Eurasian Collared Doves in many places around the state, but didn't see our first in SL County until the first of this year. So I was quite surprised just now to see one at our bird feeders here in Sugarhouse.

Feb 2007

Pomera Fronce (1 Feb 2007) - The...Varied Thrush, is still hanging around the Kennecott Nature Center along the JRP. Steve Carr and I observed her this morning.

Jan 2007

Pomera Fronce (28 Jan 2007) - Roberta, Jack and I walked along the Jordan River Parkway trail at 12600 South today. We saw lots of nice birds with the most unexpected being a Mountain Bluebird. We also got to study a Northern Shrike from a very short distance.

Pomera Fronce (22 Jan 2007) - Roberta Wherritt found a female Varied Thrush along the Jordan River Parkway south of the 4800 South trailhead on Monday around 1:30 p.m. She and I relocated the bird in the same area at 3:30.  If you walk straight out from the Kennecott Nature Center, you will see the beginning of a wooden fence. There is an opening there where you can see across the river. The bird was working the bank on the far side of the river. She stayed low the entire time we watched her and in typical fashion would come to the water's edge and then scurry back under the overhanging tree branches.

Kristin Purdy (20 Jan 2007) - Tim Avery just called (11:30 am, Saturday) with a report of great gulls at Lee Kay Ponds in Salt Lake County. Tim and Dave Slager have only been gulling there for about 20 minutes and already they've seen the Western Gull, two Glaucous Gulls, one first-winter Glaucous-winged Gull, one apparent first-winter Lesser Black-backed Gull and a NELSON'S GULL (Glaucous x Herring).  In addition, Tim and Dave visited the Ben Hame house on the Alta Bypass Road this morning and saw approximately 180 Gray-crowned and Black Rosy-finches. Both Hepburn's and Interior races of Gray-crowned were present with Hepburn's in the majority.

Joel and Kathy Beyer (14 Jan 2007) - Both the Western Gull and the second winter Glaucous Gull were seen on the main pond late this morning (11:30-noon) at Lee Kay Ponds.

Joel and Kathy Beyer (6 Jan 2007) - An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was found at Lee Kay Ponds this morning by Steve and Cindy Summerfield. We also observed the bird. It was seen at the west end of the main pond. A second winter Glaucous Gull was on the westernmost pond. The "thaylandic" gull was also on the west pond, and was flying around quite a bit, giving us nice views of the wings and tail. There seemed to be too much of a brown tail band for an Iceland Gull, so the four of us non-experts think it's probably a Thayer's Gull (a very light one). The Western Gull was not seen.

Lu Giddings (2 Jan 2007) - Dennis Shirley and I arrived at LeeKay ponds at about 11:40 a.m. and stayed until about 3:30 p.m. The Western Gull was spotted by Dennis almost at once in the company of a small group of gulls (75-100 birds) near the east end of the west pond, near the small finger of land that pokes out into the pond from the south bank. The bird stuck around until 1:29 p.m., five minutes before Bryan Shirley arrived. While we were watching it and waiting for Bryan, Dennis spotted a Glaucous Gull, also in this same small flock of gulls, which stuck around, sleeping on the ice and preening, until around 3:30 p.m.

Dec 2006

Tim Avery (31 Dec 2006) - I headed out to do a survey in northwestern Salt Lake County on private property... A flyover Cackling Goose with a flock of Canada Geese was the highlight of the morning:

Tim Avery (29 Dec 2006) - Alright to spare myself angry emails later I will post this right now as a precautionary measure. This afternoon while sharing my pictures of what was a presumed pale 1st winter Thayer's Gull photographed at Lee Kay on the 27th, several expert "gullers" believed the images depicted a Kumlien's Gull. ......... The ID frontiers list has been lighting up with responses to the pictures I have posted. Many viewers believe this bird is inside the normal range for a Kumlien's type Iceland Gull (not currently on the Utah list).  However, others insist that it is within the range for Thayer's Gull.  And yet other insist that this is likely an integrade and who knows???  For anyone out looking for the Western Gull this weekend, keep your eyes peeled for this very light gull.  It basically looks like a tiny 1st winter Glaucous Gull, but with an all dark bill.  If you have a camera try to get pictures of the tail and any open wing shots in flight would be nice.  I will hopefully make it out in the afternoon.  Comments and pictures of this gull can be viewed here:

Colby Neuman (28 Dec 2006) - Tim Avery just called me to say that Jack Binch and himself have refound the probable Western Gull on the west pond of Lee Kay Ponds. I'm headed down there now.  So far, the few west coasters that have responded have been in favor of the bird likely being a 'pure' (I say that because we will never really know) Western Gull.

Tim Avery (27 Dec 2006) - Thanks to Glenn Barlow for posting the sighting of the possible Western Gull at Lee Kay Ponds this afternoon. Colby and I found the bird and spent some time photographing and studying it before Larene Wyss, Glenn Barlow, and Pomera Fronce arrived to view the bird. At around 4:15 pm the bird headed N-NW over the dump with 1,000's of other gulls to roost for the night. We suspect it will likely return tomorrow as this is where the gulls tend to congregate during the day.

Bob Huntington (25 Dec 2006) - Yesterday (Sat.) I was sitting in my kitchen drinking my first cup of coffee (not fully awake yet). I was watching the birds at my feeders when I noticed a pretty white-crowned sparrow. After the second cup of coffee ( awake now ) I looked closer at the sparrow. Sure enough it was a White-throated Sparrow.

David Wheeler (16 Dec 2006) - Today during the SLC CBC Larene Wyss, Doug Stark, and I found three Winter Wrens in City Creek Canyon. The first was just a few hundred feet up from the gate, the second was just below the Elbow Turn picnic area, and the third way up above the water plant up in a conifer below Area 20 (or was it 22?--oops). The road is plowed to the Rotary Club monument. We think there may have been a Pygmy owl getting mobbed by chickadees near the plant, but didn't get a good enough look to be sure.

pdggray (6 Dec 2006) - A group from GSL Audubon were surprised and thrilled to see a female Long-tailed Duck on Mountain Dell Reservoir this morning. Most of the reservoir was frozen so it was pretty quiet but at the very west end there was some open water. This is where we found the Long-tailed Duck along with Ring-necked Ducks, Common Goldeneye, American Wigeon and Bufflehead.

Nov 2006

Edson Leite (14 Nov 2006) - Today around 4pm there was a Cackling Goose in sugar house park west of the pond.

Oct 2006

Tim Avery (25 Oct 2006) - ...I decided to make a run out to Saltair/South Shore Marina... The grebe situation was interesting. I originally saw 3 Horned Grebes from] inside my vehicle, but after getting out I could see 6 birds just off the north breakwall. Likely a migrating group.

Jack Binch (24 Oct 2006) - Bob Huntington just called me to report a Red-necked Grebe at Little Dell Reservoir. To get there, take I-80 up Parley's Canyon to exit 134. Go 1.9 miles from the exit to the small turn off. Bob says it is marked no parking but everyone does. The grebe was by the dam and requires a spotting scope.

Sep 2006

Jack Binch (24 Sep 2006) - Bob Huntington and I went searching for the Broad-winged again...We went to the Jupiter Peak area and climbed the hill on the northeast side of the parking lot. It is a very steep hill although not to long. We got to the peak about 9:30 AM and saw our first hawk at 10:15. Yes it was a Broad-winged Hawk....Next we saw a kestrel, then a Coopers Hawk, Sharp-shinned, then we had a ten foot walk by from a Ruffed Grouse. Next was another Broad-winged. This one was over the county line into Salt Lake County for Bob's list. Then another Coopers, Kestrel, Sharpie, four Sharpies, a dark falcon that we both think was a Peregrine, our third and last Broad-winged at 12:00...

Bob Huntington (15 Sep 2006) - This morning about 10:30 I spotted a Chestnut-sided Warbler on jorden river parkway north of 5400 south. There is a steel foot bridge no. of 5400 so. Go across to the west side between the river and a small pond. It was feeding with a large flock of yellow-rumps.

Dave Slager - I found a first-fall Magnolia Warbler this morning (Saturday, 9/9/06) in Salt Lake County. I saw the bird at about 9:30am at Parley's Natural Area. To get here, take I-80 East (only) to the 2300 E exit, and after leaving the freeway take a left immediately on 2760 South. Just after Tanner's Park on the left there is a cul-de-sac on the left where the trail to the natural area begins. Stay on the wide trail going down the hill. Turn left before the foot bridge over the creek, and you'll be on another wide gravel trail. The bird was working along the creek, between the foot bridge and the electrical substation, with a mixed flock of chickadees, a Warbling Vireo, and a Plumbeous Vireo. Good luck!

Pomera Fronce (9 Sep 20006) - Anne and I located a Northern Waterthrush along the Jordan River Parkway this morning. From the parking lot just north of 5400 South, cross the river to the west and walk north along the dirt path that parallels the river. You will see a long skinny pond on the west side of the path. The bird was favoring the north end of the pond.

Dave Slager (2 Sep 2006) - I found a Blackpoll Warbler this morning in Salt Lake County. The location is along the west bank of the Jordan River north of the 5400 S bridge. From the foot bridge on the north side of 5400 S, walk the gravel trail along the west bank of the river. I saw the bird along the river near the large brush pile at 7:15am. I wasn't able to relocate it during the next 2 hours.

Aug 2006

Pomera Fronce (24 Aug 2006) - Roberta and I walked along the Jordan River this morning starting at 5300 South and traveling north. The area around the bridge was very active. The dead tree south of the bridge and on the west side of the river was loaded with birds. This is where we first saw the Northern Waterthrush. It was sitting low in the tree, doing what it does best, bobbing its tail. Eventually, it found cover in the brush near the tree.

Cindy Sommerfeld (23 Aug 2006) - Around 4:00 this afternoon Steve and I stopped by Decker Lake. We found a White-rumped Sandpiper! We observed it for three and a half hours. Fortunately Pomera and Anne were willing to come by and help us verify and take photos. The bird was on the farthest west mud flat on Decker Lake. It flushed a few times so you could its white rump. It seemed to stay in the same area. There was also a Least Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, and a number of Yellow Legs.

Jul 2006

Joel and Kathy Beyer (23 Jul 2006) - Today at Brighton we saw a female Varied Thrush. The location was about 1/2 mile up the Snake Creek Pass trail, just beyond where the ski lift crosses the trail, in the swampy area to the left (at the largest of the small ponds). It was first seen flying less than 10 feet away, and then viewed for about 15 seconds sitting on a branch before it flew to cover. All the field marks (orange eyebrow, orange throat, orange and grayish-black wing pattern, gray chest band) were well seen. Varied Thrush is often seen in fall through spring but I didn't remember any summer reports, and a check of the sightings on Utah Birds lists only two others (both in June). We looked for but did not refind the thrush on the way back down the trail. Also, this seems to be a good year for woodpeckers in the Brighton area. We saw at least 5 Three-toed Woodpeckers and 12 Williamson's Sapsuckers today. We saw lots of Red Crossbills as well, but no White-winged (drat!).

Bob Huntington (21 Jul 2006) - Today I read Kristin's email about the crossbills in Little cottonwood canyon. I went up about noon to see what I could find. I hiked the upper trail around the cliffs. I spotted one male White-winged Crossbill and watched it for about 2 minutes. When it flew it went down towards the camp grounds.

Kris Purdy (20 Jul 2006) - Here's another recent report of White-winged Crossbills from the DWR bird sightings hotline; this one in Salt Lake County: 7/15 — David and Ingra Mccoy reported observing a male and female White-winged Crossbill in Albion Basin on a side trail that starts not far from the trail head to Secret Lake.

Colby  Neuman (8 Jul 2006) - A couple of friends and I went for a run up to Dog Lake from the end of the Millcreek Canyon road today. I heard at least two Winter Wrens singing along the way. The first bird was heard singing on the coniferous hillside (the beginning of the trail) immediately to the south of the highest parking lot. The second bird was much higher in elevation near where there is a 4-way junction (I think with the Big Water Trail).

Mike Johnson (7 Jul 2006) - Tom Brennan and I saw a pair of Williamson's Sapsuckers at Lake Solitude on Friday morning around 10 a.m. Both the male and female were flying to and from the nest, actively feeding their nestlings. The nest is in the biggest dead tree on the south side of the lake, a little less than halfway up the tree on the tree's northwest side. They frequently flew across the lake and down somewhere along the ski run, then returned to the nest. We were able to get excellent looks from a distance.

Carol Davis (6 Jul 2006) - For years I've had the Common Grackles coming to my yard to bathe and feed occasionally. I knew they had nests in the neighborhood but this year I didn't know if any actually stayed to nest. This week, however, I have been having some young large birds come to the birdbath that I suspected were young common grackles, but they lacked the bright eye color and beautiful body colors. Well, yesterday it was confirmed they are indeed juvenile common grackles because one of the parents was with them.

Jun 2006

Pomera Fronce (26 Jun 2006) - When's the last time you saw six species of woodpeckers in three hours. It happened to the GSLA group this morning on our field trip to Brighton and Redman. There were some other interesting birds as well. Here's our list:... Northern Goshawk... Williamson's Sapsucker... American Three-toed Woodpecker... Pine Grosbeak...

Pomera Fronce (16 Jun 2006) - My memory is not good on the initial sighting of the Hooded Oriole in the avenues. I believe Mark Stackhouse found him in 2003. Unbelievably, the bird is still there. I watched him for about thirty minutes today around 1:00.

Pomera Fronce (5 Jun 2006) - At noon on Sunday, Jack Clark and I found a pair of Three-toed Woodpeckers at Redman in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Apr 2006

Pomera Fronce (30 Apr 2006) - Have I mentioned how much I like the Jordan River Parkway south of 12600 South :). It continues to produce excellent birds!...On our way back to the parking lot, Steve picked out a bird in the bushes which turned out to be a Black-throated Sparrow. This was a beautiful fresh spring bird and we got excellent looks. This was an exciting find as I have never seen this bird outside of Washington County. Our last good bird before we left this area was a Great Egret which was coursing along the river. ...The last bird we added to our list today was the Band-tailed Pigeon in Holladay.

Colby Neuman (23 Apr 2006) - Tim Avery and I went to the mitigation area south of 126th S along the Jordan River today and we were not disappointed. Highlights were a Baird's Sandpiper, the continuing male Blue-winged Teal, continuing or a new Solitary Sandpiper, and a Western Kingbird in the sagebrush patch just north of the ponds (possibly the first in the county this year?).

Pomera Fronce (20 Apr 2006) - The Jordan River Parkway going south from 12600 South produced some wonderful birds today. The new mitigation site about 1.5 miles south from the parking lot is really bringing in some good birds...Blue-winged Teal...Solitary Sandpiper...The Harris's Sparrow I reported on March 29th is still hanging around the same area.

Joel and Kathy Beyer (16 Apr 2006) - Yesterday evening we checked out Lee Kay Ponds (SL Co.) and saw a Horned Grebe in breeding plumage. It was with Eared Grebes in the westernmost pond. A single Bonaparte's Gull was also here, along with many swallows...

Glenn Barlow (5 Apr 2006) - Thanks to an escorted tour by Pomera, my friends from CT and I were able to get great views of both the Gray-crowned and Black Rosy-finches at Alta. We parked in the cul-de-sac near Susan Thomas’ place, then walked around the corner and immediately saw a...Rosy-finch at a feeder on the railing of a house across the street from the Thomas’ house. We saw several more go out of sight underneath the feeder.

Colby Neuman (3 Apr 2006) - I spent the day ski touring from White Pine Drainage to Hogum Fork of Little Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake County... Along the way, I heard a Northern Pygmy-Owl around noon in Maybird Gulch (at ~8500ft)...

Mar 2006

Pomera Fronce (29 Mar 2006) - Roberta and I birded the 12600 South segment of the Jordan River Parkway today...Easily the prize bird of the day was a Harris's Sparrow with a Say's Phoebe running a close second.

Pomera Fronce (24 Mar 2006) - After looking for many months, I finally located a Winter Wren at Mountain Dell. Walk the paved road toward Washington Park, take the fork to the right that goes down by the stream, and walk upstream about 50 yards. The bird was in the general vicinity of the bridge with the big red rock on it.

Mark Stackhouse (17 Mar 2006) - So my son and I were leaving the house yesterday afternoon when I heard the shrill cries of Cedar Waxwings overhead. Looking up, I saw about a dozen Cedars, but no Bohemians, in the maple tree above us... Today there were about twice as many waxwings, with at least two Bohemians amongst the Cedars...

Jack Binch (4 Mar 2006) - Bob Huntington just called me to report both Gray-crowned and Black Rosy-finches in Alta at the Thomas House.

Feb 2006

Sylvia Gray (12 Feb 2006) - Bohemian Waxwings seem to be everywhere right now but for those who live in the Salt Lake City area there are some close to home. Bill and I saw a flock of around 50 in Mountain Dell Recreation Area near Washington Park Picnic Area this afternoon.

Jan 2006

Pomera Fronce (31 Jan 2006) - At the Salt Lake City Cemetery on Tuesday, I found two Bohemian Waxwings mixed in with a flock of about 30 cedars. They were working the juniper trees near Baby Pearl's grave just west of the intersection at 990 East (Central) and 330 North.

Jim Bailey (28 Jan 2006) - Judy & I saw a Northern Pygmy-Owl at 10:45 this morning. It's a hundred yards or so west of the Millcreek Canyon fee station on a bare branch overhanging the road on the south side. There's a little pulloff on the south side of the road. The owl was just west of this pulloff.

Colby Neuman (23 Jan 2006) - ...I was rewarded (albeit driving by at 40mph) with a Northern Pygmy-Owl perched in a cottonwood at the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake County at about 5:20-5:30pm.

Glenda Cotter (23 Jan 2006) - I visited George Washington Park on Saturday afternoon...I was able to relocate the Varied Thrush reported by the Beyers. It was feeding with robins in bushes south east of the main parking lot and was extremely secretive. ..Also in the area was a mixed flock of Cedar and Bohemian Waxwings, though the latter were the more abundant species!

Terry Sadler (18 Jan 2006) - A Common Grackle visited my backyard bird feeder this afternoon, Jan.18. I was able to get get a photo and sent in on to Utah Birds for posting. I live fairly close to the Jordan River in Murray. I had a Common Grackle at my feeder about 5 years ago. I believe it was in the springtime.

Joel & Kathy Beyer (16 Jan 2006) - We found another Varied Thrush this morning, this time at George Washington Park at Mountain Dell in Parley's Canyon. It was seen where the stream crosses under the road, just down the hill from the closed entrance gate. A Northern Pygmy Owl was also seen in the park, near golf course hole #16.

Pomera Fronce (13 Jan 2006) - Jack Clark and I found a Horned Grebe on Little Dell Reservoir today around 11:00. The bird was toward the south end of the water and working near the west shore. The best way to view this area of the reservoir as you are traveling north on UT 65 is to pull off the road right after the water comes into view and look for the raft of ducks. This is before (south of) the parking area/pay station.

Pomera Fronce (7 Jan 2006) - There were some nice birds at Lee Kay Ponds today, the best being a Great Egret. He was in the west pond when I initially found him. Eventually, he flew to the east and I didn't see where he came down.

Jim Bailey (7 Jan 2006) - Judy and I spotted a White-throated Sparrow up City Creek Canyon this morning around 11 am. It was all by itself, looking very lonesome and lost. ...The location was just below picnic area #12, which is the spot on the left, right before where the covered reservoir used to be.

Tim Avery (6 Jan 2006) - Based off a tip from Pomera Fronce I ran over to City Creek Canyon and picked up a Winter Wren (not literally, but that would be nice), just above site # 5 on the south side of the creek...

Tim Avery (4 Jan 2006) - On a tip from Edson Leite I headed to 106th south along the Jordan River to look for a Harris's Sparrow seen during the Jordan River CBC. Despite construction where the bird was originally seen, I managed to find it about 200 yards north of the original location. I began pishing and it immediately flew to the top of the bushes along the west side of the path.

Sylvia Gray (4 Jan 2006) - The first Wednesday of every month GSL Audubon does a bird survey in Mountain Dell Recreation Area, in Parley's Canyon. This morning it was pretty quiet and we had seen only 12 species until Jack Clark noticed a round lump sticking out on the end of a bare branch.... moving forward cautiously we were able to get very close to the tree and sure enough a Northern Pygmy-Owl it was! What a cutie. This was by the stream that forms the northern edge of the recreation area. ...we wandered back towards the car ...I saw a small flock high up on a bare tree....there were 17 Evening Grosbeaks, both male and female. This was in the Washington Park area. Another treat, we couldn't believe our luck. We have been surveying this area for a little under two years now and had seen 100 species before today. The owl made it 101 and the grosbeaks 102. I wonder what 103 will be?

Joel and Kathy Beyer (1 Jan 2006) - We found a Varied Thrush this morning near Millcreek Canyon, on the east side of Salt Lake. From Wasatch Boulevard, drive east on Millcreek Canyon Road (3800 South) to the 4-way stop. Turn left (north) onto Millcreek Road. Drive to the 3-way stop sign. Turn right onto Gilroy Road. Start looking. The thrush was seen in the yards on both sides of Gilroy Road, before it flew to the yards on the adjoining Gilroy Circle.  There were about 100 robins in the area, as well as some 20 other species.

Dec 2005

Susan Prescott (29 Dec 2005) - I had a Varied Thrush in my backyard, which is in the foothills on the east side of Salt Lake City near the mouth of Emigration Canyon. My husband and I watched and photographed the bird for about 15 minutes before it flew away.

Kristin Purdy (28 Dec 2005) - Pennsylvania visitor Win Shafer persistently watched the feeders at the house named Ben Hame on the Alta Bypass road above Alta in Little Cottonwood Canyon/Salt Lake County this past week, and was rewarded with sightings of Black Rosy-finches. Win said a flock visited the feeders repeatedly and there may have been other species of rosy-finches present.

Barbara Watkins (22 Dec 2005) - A first winter Harris Sparrow was in a small flock of White-crowned Sparrows at 700 North Desoto Street in the Salt Lake City avenues area on Saturday, December 17th. This is the last house on the street and there is a field on the north side. The sparrow was in shrubs on the fenceline of house and field.

Pomera Fronce (19 Dec 2005) - A Harris's Sparrow visited our backyard feeders today for about ten minutes.  He was in loose company with a very small flock of White-crowned Sparrows.  This is the second time this beautiful bird has graced us with his presence since we moved to Holladay. 

Tim Avery (17 Dec 2005) - This morning at 7:20 am I spotted a lone Cackling Goose with around 500 Canada Geese at Decker Lake. At 8:30 I returned with Jim Rafferty who also was able to see the bird...We also saw a female Hooded Merganser, and a pair or Cinnamon Teal near the Oxbow on the Jordan River.

Pomera Fronce (14 Dec 2005) - Jack Clark and I thought we saw a Winter Wren last Sunday in City Creek Canyon, but could never get a clean look at the bird. We went back today to check it out and the looks we got left no doubt...Sunday we saw the bird above area 5 by the red bridge. Today it was working the stream just above area 4. Beautiful little bird!

Tim Avery (13 Dec 2005) - Yet again the Barrow's Goldeneye are back along the Jordan River for the winter. I just took a quick stop at around 2300 south and saw 1 male Barrow's Goldeneye, 1 male Common Merganser, 1 male Lesser Scaup, several Common Goldeneye, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, and several 100 Canada Goose.

Nov 2005

Deedee O'brien (29 Nov 2005) - I was shocked Sunday afternoon when a Band-tailed Pigeon showed up at my feeder in Holladay! Hadn't seen any since Nov 6th, so had assumed all had migrated. He's still coming around each day.

Tim Avery (25 Nov 2005) - I took a quick trip out to Lee Kay Ponds and Saltair this morning. At Lee Kay I noted one adult and one 1st winter Thayer's Gull on the main pond out from the gazebo. There were also around 25 Herring Gull, 100~ Ring-billed Gull, and probably around 5,000 California Gull. I scanned as much as my eyes could take but couldn't pick anything else out.

Tim Avery (1 Nov 2005) - This morning I headed out to Saltair to see if there were any signs of bird life... A big fat negative...However, on the way out along SR-201 just past the 5600 West exit to Lee Kay Ponds was a light juvenile Broad-winged Hawk. This seems like a rather late migrant, okay a VERY LATE MIGRANT, but several have been seen over the last 2 weeks still coming through Wyoming so... The bird was perched right along the highway on top of a large silver box, literally just past the on-ramp to SR-201 westbound from 5600 West. A silver lining to a birdless day... I watched the bird for about 5 minutes, before continuing on my way.

Oct 2005

Terry Sadler (16 Oct 2005) - I had a White-winged Dove visit my backyard feeder this afternoon, October 16. My home is in Murray near the Jordan River at appox, 50th So. and 9th West. I was able to get a photo...

Tim Avery (4 Oct 2005) - This afternoon I birded Lee Kay ponds where there were at least 3 Common Tern circling over the first pond to the east. shorebirds were practically non existent, seeing just 1 Greater Yellowlegs. Another good bird was an early adult Herring Gull in the main pond with the 1,000's of California Gulls.

Sep 2005

Joel and Kathy (25 Sep 2005) - About noon today we saw a juvenile Broad-winged Hawk from the ridge between Guardsman Pass and Jupiter Peak (top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake Co.) It circled several times before heading southeast. Also seen flying over the ridge were Goshawk, Osprey, Golden Eagles, Peregrine Falcon, SS and Cooper's Hawks, RT Hawks, Swainson's Hawk, Kestrels and Turkey Vultures. Other notable birds seen in the area were 2 Blue Grouse, a male Three-toed Woodpecker, and a Vesper Sparrow(!).

Aug 2005

Jack Binch (28 Aug 2005) - Bob Huntington and I were at it again this morning...and we got the Green Heron at the Jordan River Parkway just north of the Oxbow Jail. Must be the easiest target bird of  the year. We took Steve Sommerfeld's advice and went upstream. It was maybe a couple of hundred yards to the curve that overlooks the river and five minutes there and along flies an adult Green Heron (7:25 AM).

Jun 2005

Joel and Kathy (21 June 2005) - Sunday...while heading back south through Salt Lake we saw a Least Tern at the ponds around 2100 South and I-15. Caspian and Forster's Terns were also there.

Jim Bailey (20 June 2005) - Judy & I had dinner...this evening at the Silver Fork Lodge up Big Cottonwood Canyon. We dined out on the deck at the southeast corner table. All of the feeders were well stocked... Also on hand was a male Evening Grosbeak.  The grosbeak only showed up 3 times over the course of a couple of hours, so you may have to invest in a meal to see him.

Mar 2005

Deedee O'Brien (19 Mar 2005) - Band-tailed Pigeon in Holladay... This single pigeon was in our trees when I went out to feed the birds around 7:15a.m. He finally came into feeder, as well as getting a drink from the bird bath, then hung around for about an hour...

Mark Stackhouse (10 Mar 2005) - Yesterday I went out for a day of birding with a birder from near Galveston, Texas. ...Some of the highlights were: Both Black and Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches at Alta...

Tim Avery (10 Mar 2005) - There were at least 2 Great-tailed Grackles at Lee Kay Ponds this afternoon...

Feb 2005

Pomera Fronce (25 Feb 2005) - ...I was out strolling in the sun and came upon a little flock of White-crowned Sparrows right along the side of a road in my neighborhood....I was able to tell that there was a different bird in the bunch. I went home, got my eyes and came back to find a beautiful Harris's Sparrow. The bird was in the general area of the Cottonwood Mall in Salt Lake City and was observed between 4:00 and 5:00...

Jan 2005

Deedee O'Brien (24 Jan 2005) - Around 10:30 this morning 3 Evening Grosbeaks were eating Russian Olives by the path heading north from the parking lot in the "duck pond park" behind the Senior Center accessed from Murray-Hollady Rd (4800 S between Highland Dr. and 13th E). This is the 2nd time I've seen them in the park in a week. Came home to find a new yard bird. 5 Red Crossbills were feeding on the cones at the top of the tallest pine in the backyard!! Both males and females.

Joel and Kathy Beyer (23 Jan 2005) - At the feeders on the Alta bypass road in Big Cottonwood Canyon we saw about 25 Gray-crowned and 4 Black Rosy Finches this morning (11 a.m.)

Jack Binch (17 Jan  2005) - ...We then went to Alta at the upper bridge on the bypass road and found Pine Siskins, Mountain Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Clark's Nutcrackers, Steller's Jays, Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches, and one Black Rosy-Finch (a lifer for me). (11:30 AM)

Tim Avery (10 Jan 2005) - At Lee Kay ponds...was...two large flocks of mostly California Gulls on the main pond directly out from the gazebo. There were a number of Ring-billed Gulls mixed in, and I picked 2 Thayer's Gulls out of the group...

Dave Hanscom (4 Jan 2005) - I stopped by the [Salt Lake] cemetery yesterday to get a start on my 2005 list and was very surprised to see a flock of Red Crossbills in the tops of some evergreen trees feasting on cones. I didn't realize they hung out down here in town. They were moving around quite a bit, but I saw them at about 950 E. 400 N.

skalicky - This morning (Sunday, 1/2/05) I observed two Winter Wrens in City Creek Canyon. One bird was observed about 200 meters above area #5 on the north side of road. This is a large seep nearby. The second bird was about 200 meters further up and near the creek itself. There are three recently felled cottonwood trees in this area. Also observed were a large number of Brown Creepers (~15) and Golden-crowned Kinglets (~20).