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Grasshopper Sparrows have returned to the field
northwest of the Nucor Steel Plant in Plymouth, Box Elder County. Lynn
Carroll, Jack Rensel and I saw and heard hmmmm...maybe 3-5 individuals this
morning as we stalked them over the northernmost part of the field.
The field lies fallow this year as opposed to being
planted with nice, dark, green (and helpful) alfalfa as in previous years.
The color of the gray/brown grassy-weedy covering causes the birds to be
even more difficult to detect when perched on low weeds. Singing birds
that faced us and teed up on weeds were nearly invisible. However, we
continue to follow their maddening song and saw several sparrows in profile or
back views. We watched them sing through a spotting scope
or binocs. One bird perched on a dead sunflower plant a foot or two
higher than the dull grass and it was a nice treat to see him
clearly.
We also saw a lone Sharp-tailed Grouse in this
field.
To reach this area, take I-15 north to exit
394. Turn west. After crossing the Malad River zig north and zag
west around the steel plant and then turn left (south) at 7600W. This turn
is 2.3 miles from the north-bound exit ramp. The Grasshopper Sparrows
are in the field on your right as you drive south on 7600W.
Kris
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