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1 California \ Las Vegas (Nevada) \ Grand Canyon (Arizona) July 2016 Wilton Farrelly This is a summary of key birding (and other wildlife) sightings from a family holiday / road trip to California and Las Vegas from the 1st to 17th July 2016. As is typical of a family holiday, birding time is at a premium and restricted. In general I would try and get an hours birding in first thing in the morning, before everyone gets up, and try and push for stops that suit birding along the way. Visits were also made to national and state parks which also provided opportunities to bird. However it is frustrating to also have to drive by good birding habitat eg grasslands or coastal marsh, which are not of interest to the family! The itinerary of this holiday was: Los Angeles / Manhattan Beach - 3 nights Big Sur / Cambria - 1 night Monterrey - 2 nights San Francisco - 3 nights Yosemite - 2 nights Lee Vining - 1 night Furnace Creek, Death Valley - 1 night Las Vegas - 3 nights
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Page 1: Grand Canyon (Arizona) July 2016 Wilton Farrelly · PDF file1 California \ Las Vegas (Nevada) \ Grand Canyon (Arizona) July 2016 Wilton Farrelly This is a summary of key birding (and

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California \ Las Vegas (Nevada) \ Grand Canyon (Arizona)

July 2016

Wilton Farrelly

This is a summary of key birding (and other wildlife) sightings from a family holiday / road trip to California and Las Vegas from the 1st to 17th July 2016. As is typical of a family holiday, birding time is at a premium and restricted. In general I would try and get an hours birding in first thing in the morning, before everyone gets up, and try and push for stops that suit birding along the way. Visits were also made to national and state parks which also provided opportunities to bird. However it is frustrating to also have to drive by good birding habitat eg grasslands or coastal marsh, which are not of interest to the family! The itinerary of this holiday was: Los Angeles / Manhattan Beach - 3 nights Big Sur / Cambria - 1 night Monterrey - 2 nights San Francisco - 3 nights Yosemite - 2 nights Lee Vining - 1 night Furnace Creek, Death Valley - 1 night Las Vegas - 3 nights

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As I have birded the eastern U.S. and visited Vancouver in summer, I mainly focussed on birds missing from my life list and in particular range restricted species. I was also keen on picking up general wildlife, all without falling out with the family and making sure they had time for their own holiday activities. Prior to travelling, I had booked all accommodation well in advance. Car hire was a RAV4 from Hertz that cost $854 for 17 days. Thanks to the Brexit vote, costs in the U.S. went up about 12% for us in a matter of days! Our exchange rate was about £1 to $1.30. In terms of birding research in advance, I used the superb eBird website to target locations of specific species and to make contact with some local birders. Knowing what to look out for and where, specifically in July and when I only have minutes available to bird, makes success much more likely. Also the excellent Cloudbirders (http://www.cloudbirders.com/) website has some great reports including a very good one from David Blair (http://www.cloudbirders.com/tripreport/repository/BLAIR_California_0809_2014.pdf) A summary of the sightings, locations and birds is as follows: 2/7 Los Angeles, Sand Dune Park, Manhattan Beach (2 minutes walk from our accommodation, Sea View Inn) Black Phoebe, House Finch, Orange-crowned Warbler, Hooded Oriole, Allens Hummingbird, Mourning Dove, Brown Pelican, Western Grebe, Elegant Tern, House Sparrows, Western & odd California Gulls. We cycled along the beaches south of Manhattan Beach. This was excellent and Heermans Gull was very common and a couple of Caspian Terns were seen. Elegant Terns were off-shore but I was not 100% certain if Royals were also present. Double-crested Cormorant, Pacific Loon (in winter plumage) were at Hermosa Beach. At Redondo Beach I had Willet (the Western ‘sub-species’, possibly a separate species?), Black-crown Night Heron, Barn Swallow and Great Blue Heron and it was worthwhile cycling as far south as here.

Figure 2 Heermans Gulls

3/7. LA. Sand Dune Park, Manhattan Beach again. Nothing new. Confirmed Allens Hummingbird ID with a nice male. Went to Sunset Boulevard (Parrots over), Holywood Walk of Fame, then on to Griffith Park. At Griffith Park Cafe Terrace I had Spotted Towhee, Junco, Western Scrub Jay, Wrentit, Housefinch, Red-tailed Hawk, Raven and Bewicks Wren, all whilst enjoying a nice coffee. The Cafe was very expensive but there were plenty of birds around it and again, I could easily bird with the family enjoying themselves.

Figure 1 Black Phoebe

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Figure 3 Wrentit

The whole of Griffith park was extremely busy (it was a Sunday). At 9:30am we had to park well down the road from the main Observatory car park. It was very difficult to bird in many of the immediate areas as it was so busy and hot - it was in the mid 30's. The only other habitat I was able to cover was around a make-up shop near Beverley Hills (Morphe) that I had to take my daughters to. The adjoining street had loads of Northern Mocking Birds and a superb male Hooded Oriole. The afternoon was spent at Santa Monica. No birds were seen! In the evening a Snowy Egret flew past our hotel. 4/7 - Independence Day. Los Angeles \ Malibu \ Ventura \ Cambria Went first thing again to Sand Dune Park, Manhattan Beach and had a male Anna's Hummingbird and California Towhee. Otherwise nothing new. We checked out and headed north on a drive to Malibu. Had American Kestrel, Rough-winged Swallow and Hudsonian Whimbrel at Malibu as well as Royal Tern on the beach. On the way north also Great White Egret. Western Grebes and plenty of Brown Pelicans north of Malibu.

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Figure 4 Western Gull, Heermans Gull and Royal Tern

Stopped at Camarillo Outlets shopping and had Brewers Blackbird, Cliff Swallow and Violet-green Swallows. 4 hours later we left for Highway 101. The first stop was one I had told the family I was going to do as compensation for the four hours shopping - Ventura Harbour! To the east of the harbour are two lagoons behind the fence. My target was Cinnamon Teal and I had 6 on the second lagoon further away from the beach. 4 were males so thankfully easy to identify as I have no scope on this trip. I also had plenty of eclipse Blue Winged-Teal, Ruddy Duck, Mallard, American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe and Least Tern as well as Great-tailed Grackle. We then continued north on Hy 101 and the next planned stop was Los Alamos Park on Drum Canyon Road. It was only 2 minutes off Hy 101 and the target was Yellow-billed Magpie with perhaps any other species in the oak habitat. After 30 mins searching I located 5 Yellow-billed Magpie just along the road at the Cemetery. However I was constantly distracted with numerous other birds. I must have had 10+ Acorn Woodpeckers which were everywhere. I also had Western Bluebird and Ash-throated Flycatcher. This was a superb site and I wish that I could have spent more time at it as it was clearly full of birds and with many mature oak trees.

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Figure 5 Acorn Woodpecker

After the days long drive, we spent overnight at Cambria Pines Lodge, arriving in the evening. The day was one of the longer drives \ days of the trip and we had covered a lot of ground. 5/7 – Cambria Pines Lodge \ Big Sur to Monterey First thing I birded some of the extensive gardens around the Cambria Pines Lodge. I had California Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Anna's Hummingbird, Dusky Flycatcher, Bushtits. Pacific-slope Flycatcher. A Turkey (the only one of the trip) was also heard calling. The amount of habitat deserved more time but I had to move on after breakfast. The first stop was Moonstone Beach and the boardwalk - I had Song & White-crowned Sparrows, Cliff Swallows, Hudsonian Whimbrels, Semipalmated Plover, Surf Scoter and a small flock of Least Sandpipers. This was a nice scenic walk and I would recommend it if in the area.

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Figure 6 Hudsonian Whimbrel

Next we continued north to Pedras Biancas, the Elephant Seal colony. This is right next to the road and was a great experience for the whole family. Seen close by were a Red-shouldered Hawk and Song Sparrow.

Figure 7 Elephant Seal (In July all the Elephant Seals on the beach are young males)

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Figure 8 Turkey Vulture

We continued the drive to Big Sur with our next stop to look for Californian Condor at Juilian Ffeifer Park. I looked for them from the flagpole (recommended in many reports)and a walk out to waterfall, but I had no luck after 45 mins in the area. However the best 'find' was two Black Swifts which flew out from the area of the waterfall in to the sea. I had not expected to see this species, although they are not the most exciting! I also had our first Sea Otter here. I then drove about 1 min north of the 'flagpole' and noticed a potential Condor flying high and stopped immediately at a pull in. There were actually two Condors and both drifted over towards where we had come from. A great sight and a magnificent bird. Other potential Condors were seen close to Big Sur but I was pushing my luck if I asked the family to stop again! Also in the wider area I picked up Olive-sided Flycatcher, Stellers Jay, Black Oystercatcher and Wilsons Warbler.

Figure 9 California Condor

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A bit of advice, on the drive from Cambria to Big Sur / Carmel - it is busy, the road is narrow and slow and there are few places to eat (and those that are, are very expensive) and no 'snack' stops. With better planning we would have had some decent food supplies to make the journey more enjoyable! We reached our motel for the next two nights at Lone Oak Motel, Monterey. (I would highly recommend this motel and we had a roomy 'cottage'). 6/7 – Moss Landing / Monterey Peninsula First thing was a whale watch departing Moss Landing, 20 mins north of Monterey. It was with Sanctuary Whalewatch and departed at 9am. Whilst waiting in Moss Landing, just east of the bridge I had Black-necked Stilt, Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, two Brent Geese, Great White Egret, and Snowy Egrets. I wanted more time to bird but the boats skipper called. Out on the boat, the birding was disappointing (which primarily reflected the time of year). Best was a single Cassins Auklet and 3 White Pelican (the latter over the harbour). There were a few Sooty Shearwaters and plenty of Common Murres. The cetaceans were however very good with a close pod of Common Dolphins (possibly Long-beaked Common Dolphin?), a single huge male Orca and 4 Humpbacks, including two that were breaching. Unfortunately we spent over an hour following the Orca which meant that we did not make it very far out. I could see other boats much further out but as winds were light, I am not sure that they would have had any more birds. Blue Whale was not seen and none had been seen for a few weeks. Overall a good experience although nothing new for me.

Figure 10 male Orca

Figure 11 Common Dolphin – possibly Long-beaked Common Dolphin?

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That afternoon we then did the 17 Mile Drive in the direction of Monterey to Carmel. Starting in Monterey, I had a very close male Surf Scoter at Fishermans Wharf. Around the coast were Brandts and Pelagic Cormorants, hundreds of Sooty Shearwaters were passing offshore. There was a hybrid Cliff / Barn Swallow, Black Oystercatchers, 20+ Hudsonian Whimbrel and Red-shouldered Hawk. Harbour Seals and plenty of Sea Otters were also seen. Overnight Monterey.

Figure 12 drake Surf Scoter

7/7 – Monterey \ to San Francisco I got up early and went down to the Laguna Grande Park, just behind the Holiday Inn Express in Monterey and only a 5 minute drive away. I had Violet-green Swallow, Canada Geese, Red-winged Blackbirds, Pied-billed Grebes, two female Blue-winged Teal, Northern-rough Winged Swallow, Cliff and Barn Swallow. We went to Monterey Aquarium for the 9:30 opening. When I went before circa 25 years ago, I remembered been fascinated by the captive birds. This was no different and I had Red-necked Phalaropes, Grey Phalarope, Semi-palmated Plover, Short-billed Dowicher & Snowy Plover amongst others. Off shore, wild Pigeon Guillemots, Brandts and Pelagic Cormorants were close by. Off the beach, Surf Scoter, Common Dolphins and Humpback Whale were seen.

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Figure 13 Semi-p Plover - as close as you could get……

Leaving for San Francisco in the early afternoon, a White-throated Swift flew across the road. We also made a stop about 40 miles south of SF at a ‘Vista Point’ and a local told us that it overlooked the San Andreas Fault. Overnight at the Seaside Inn, Lombard Street, San Francisco. 8/7 – San Francisco City An early morning walk down and around to Fort Mason and I realised that the micro-climate in San Francisco was different to what we had been experiencing in LA. It was very windy, there was low cloud and it seemed that rain was not far away. Birds seen included Sharp-shinned Hawk, American Goldfinch, Black-capped Chickadee and Slate-coloured Juncos. After breakfast we cycled across Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, getting the ferry back. This was much longer than we expected but birds seen included a Red Knot, Brown-headed Cowbird, Brewers Blackbirds, Surf Scoter, Caspian Terns, American Robin and Western Grebes. One Porpoise was seen in the bay. That evening we went to a SF Giants baseball game. As the game neared the end, loads of Western Gulls congregated on the roof in anticipation of the free food spilt in the stands! 9/7 - San Francisco City Due to the previous late night, I did not have the energy to get up early. We had however booked an Alcatraz, 10am sailing (note you need to book these months in advance). On the island were breeding Western Gulls, Brandts Cormorants, Snowy Egrets and Black-crowned Night Heron but not much else. However I was not the only 'birder' to frequent the island!

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Figure 14 Robert 'The Birdman' Stroud, Alcatraz

A walk round Pier 39 and there were only about 8 Sea Lions showing. Rest of the day was spent shopping (or paying for the shopping) with no birding. 10/7: Berkley \ Livermore \ Yosemite We left San Francisco before 9am and went to see Berkley, University of California. It has impressive grounds. There was nothing new for me but there were eg Bushtits, California Towhee and Black Pheobe. From there we went on to Livermore Outlet Stores, again for more shopping...... The only important info for a birder on this 'site' is that they have Columbia and North Face store! Eventually we set out on a 3.5 hour journey to Yosemite. I decided to take the route via Mariposa. Shortly after entering the park we stopped at a vista next to the Merced River. Absolutely no birds were seen and I hoped that this was not a sign of things to come in the park. However at the next vista point I enjoyed watching an sub-adult Golden Eagle in flight for 5 minutes, high up over a peak. Then next stop was at the El Capitan viewing point where I had Black-headed Grosbeak and White-throated Swift. The views were superb but it soon became clear that Yosemite in summer is not a quiet place. By now it was close to 5pm and we had to endure the queues for registration in to Half Dome Camp (formerly Curry Camp). We had a tent for the next two nights and this accommodation was booked about six months in advance. These tents are very basic but fine, although we under-estimated how cold it gets in them at night. We ate in the camp restaurants which were actually reasonable value and as it is buffet, there is something for everyone. However the shock for us in Yosemite was how busy and chaotic it was.

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Figure 15 Black-headed Grosbeak

That evening we decided to take a run out along the roads in the hope of spotting a Black Bear or perhaps an Owl. However the high volume of people and cars in Yosemite Valley made sure this was not going to happen. Birds picked up included a calling Flammulated Owl and Pacific-slope Flycatcher. Frustrated by how busy it was and to cap it all, we had a bad nights sleep due to the noise in the camp and the cold! We have travelled to many national reserves / parks and it is clear that the U.S. could learn something from how South Africa manages (and restricts) visitor numbers to its parks. So many of the visitors seem to be treating the place as a holiday resort and not as a proper national park. 11/7 Yosemite With the national park clearly struggling to cope with the number of visitors and me becoming frustrated by it, we decided to all get up at first light, and go out on a few short hikes, in an effort to try and avoid the crowds. We left Half Dome Village shortly after 5am and headed to Glacier Point. Half way there, on a beautiful wildflower meadow, we had a Black Bear - all to ourselves. A fantastic experience and worth getting up early for.

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Figure 16 Black Bear

At Glacier Point I had White-headed Woodpeckers, Stellars Jays, Blue / Sooty Grouse, Oregon Junco, Hermit Thrush, Fox Sparrow, Pileated Woodpecker and more Black-headed Grosbeaks. Mountain Chickadees were very common. A Peregrine was picked up on the rock face at Glacier Point. This bird was very different to European Peregrines in that it was much darker, and the hood more complete. Indeed at the time I was not even sure it was definitely a pure Peregrine! However, there was not a sniff of Clarks Nutcracker, my main target for the area.

Figure 17 Pileated Woodpecker

Figure 18 Peregrine

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Heading back from Glacier Point, we did a walk to Taft Point from the designated car park. This was a pleasant walk but not for the faint hearted at the end. Other birds seen included Pygmy Nuthatch, Lincolns Sparrow, Golden-crowned Kinglet and the ever present ‘Oregon’ Juncos. I talked the family in to going back to Glacier Point as I wanted a Nutcracker. On reaching the point (it was mid morning), it was very busy and it was clear that I would not see anywhere near the number of birds that I had seen earlier that morning. My advice if going here is therefore get up as early as you can. Heading further back down to Yosemite Valley, we also did McGurks Meadow and had similar species as before including Yellow-rumped Warblers and Lincolns Sparrows. We got back down to Half Dome Village for a lunch of pizza and a mid afternoon sleep. I was then woken to the call from Kate that one of them 'Coyote things' was outside and just walked passed and was under a nearby tent. I got up and had a look to find a Bobcat (Lynx rufus) staring straight at me. Those tufts on the ears will not be forgotten. I watched it for about a minute and then it came out in to the open, running behind other tents. I was taken back by how big it was but what a sight and so unexpected. A truly magical and special moment. Around the tented camp I had White-headed Woodpecker and Black-headed Grosbeak. Late in the afternoon we decided to take a short run to a nearby beach on the river. An hour later we had managed to travel about 1 mile. The traffic was awful. Whilst I would not have swapped the Bobcat sighting, it is at times like this that you wish you were out of it. Overnight was spent in the tent and this time we had plenty of blankets. 12/7 Yosemite to Lee Vining I failed to have the energy to get up early but after Breakfast in the dining room, we checked out and headed out on Highway 120 via Crane Flat, Tulohomue and Tioga Pass. The main target for me was still Clarks Nutcracker with an outside chance of my other key target, Pine Grosbeak (the latter I have missed in a number of previous foreign birding trips). The first stop was the Fire Lookout at Crane Flat. This gave great views but the only new bird was Lazuli Bunting (a male). We then drove on and stopped to do a walk to Lukens Lake. This was a superb walk of circa 90 minutes, away from the crowds and with species such as Cassins Finch, Williamsons Sapsucker, Swainsons Thrush, Nashville Warbler, Mountain Chickadee, Stellers Jay and loads of other birds, was fantastic. However when returning from the lake, Kate who had led from the front, stopped to sit on a rock and said that there were birds moving in the trees. I then looked up to see a pair of Pine Grosbeak moving through the pines – times like this you appreciate being a birder!

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Figure 19 Lukens Lake

Figure 20 A happy birder at the start of the Lukens trailhead.

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Back on the main road, we then drove on to Tuolumne Meadows. We did the walk out to the Soda Springs (circa 1 mile). It was very hot but I had a Townsends Solitaire in the area. Then at the springs, I had a bird that puzzled me for a while but which I am convinced was a juvenile Lark Sparrow which was drinking close to the springs. Was it migrating through? The Tuolumne area is however very busy as well although scenically very different to Yosemite Valley. On our way out of the park I kept continually scanning for the Nutcracker but no luck. At Olmsted Point on Tioga Road they even put up a board with a nice picture of one for me! We drove on to Lee Vinning and checked in to El Mono motel for the night. The feeders at the motel had House Finch and American Goldfinch. I then squeezed in a quick visit down to Mono Lake whilst the kids stayed in the Motel to use the WiFi. At Mono Lake there were hundreds of California Gulls, American Avocets and Ospreys (3) but the temperature was now very hot indeed. A local birder told me that all the phalaropes were at the opposite end of the lake, probably 30 mins away – there was no way I could push my luck and drive that far. Arriving back at the motel, it was time for dinner so we decided to walk up the street to the Epic Cafe (it is at the south end of Lee Vinning). It had a few tables and gardens outside it. After ordering, we went to a table outside and as I was sitting down I heard a loud call that I had not recognised. I walked round the corner of the cafe and on the line was only a Collared Dove. Then out of the blue, a Clarks Nutcracker flew up and across the road. Thankfully it sat on top of a pine for a minute. It did come back again briefly later but I really could not believe my luck. What a superb days birding (not to mention the scenery). Overnight, El Mono Motel, Lee Vinning. 13/7 Bodie, Death Valley and Furnace Creek A quick walk at the back of Lee Vining in the morning and I had Bullocks Oriole and Lesser Goldfinch. Tree Swallow was nesting out the back of the Motel in a nest box. It was then off north, past the Mono Lake Tufa to the old western town of Bodie. I was after two specialities there - Mountain Bluebird and Greater Sage Grouse. We left Lee Vining just after 8am and travelled up the mountain road. Bodie opens at 9:30 and I had a Nightawk on the way in. Then good luck set in again when I pulled over 200m from the pay hut to find a party of Sage Grouse, on exposed sand:

Figure 21 Sage Grouse

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When we paid and made our way to the car park, I immediately had a Mountain Bluebird. I thought that they would be common but this turned out to be the only one. Also present was Sage Thrasher, Green-tailed Towhee, Prairie Falcon, Brewers and Sagebush Sparrow and loads of Cliff Swallows. After a few hours in the unique surroundings of Bodie, we commenced the drive to Furnace Creek (Death Valey) via Stovepipewells. When we reached Death Valley, it was 48 degrees and I was wondering if the car would survive in the conditions. The only bird in 70 miles of driving in the Death Valley area was one Turkey Vulture. We eventually arrived at Furnace Creek Ranch in the sweltering heat. Birds seen in the last hour of daylight were limited with only Great-tailed Grackle, Collared Dove and House sparrow. However the spring swimming pool was great for a dip! 14/7 Death Valley to Las Vegas At Furnace Creek the heat and exhaustion caught up. However I went for a walk around the palms / along the golf course after breakfast. I found a female Yellow-headed Blackbird amongst a large Brewers Blackbird flock, 2 White-faced Ibis, Kildeers, Turkey Vultures, Mourning Doves, Verdin, Grays Vireo and 3 Coyote. In the pond I had Ruddy Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Pintail and probably one moulting female Cinnamon Teal. There was also a Spotted Sandpiper and a Red-tailed Hawk. I was now regretting that I had not got up earlier to spend more time in the field.;

Figure 22 Coyote, Furnace Creek

We then set out to Las Vegas. Whilst still in Death Valley, we stopped at Dantes View but no birds were present. However on the way down I pulled in to an unused RV park and got out to scan the area. I had a nice Black-throated Sparrow which rarely came out in the open, instead favouring shade under the bushes. We arrived in Vegas and did the sign and drove the strip before checking in to our hotel for the next three nights, the JW Marriott Resort.

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15/7 Las Vegas \ Grand Canyon We decided that we were going to drive to and from the Grand Canyon in a single day. The helicopter tours are circa $450 per person so desperately expensive for a family but I also wanted time to explore a few areas on foot. A long day and drive was ahead and we set off at 7am, had breakfast in Kingman and reached the Grand Canyon Visitor Centre around 12:30. I thought that there were some decent habitats on the way and do regret not stopping at a few, even for just a few minutes. In the Grand Canyon I had limited birds with eg Juniper Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch and Western Bluebird. I did not see any Condors but believe they were nesting in a cave in the 'battleship', as seen heading to Hermits Rest. I did see plenty of Turkey Vultures which many visitors were mistaking for the Condors. On the way back we stopped at Williams for dinner and enjoyed this town. We returned to Las Vegas that evening in the dark and got back to our hotel around 11:30pm. 16/7 Las Vegas Due to the strenuous day before, I stayed in bed until 9. This day was set aside for sightseeing and shopping in and around Las Vegas. It was again around 40 degrees so difficult to get active. In the afternoon we took a run out to Hoover Dam. The only birds of note were three Eared Grebe on the Lake Mead side of the Dam. That evening I headed off to Floyd Lamb Park, on the northern edge of Las Vegas. I was specifically after Roadrunner, Gambels Quail, Aberts Towhee and Burrowing Owl. After 90 minutes in the evening heat I only had the Roadrunner (1) and the Quail (reasonably common). I did also pick up Lesser Nighthawks (at dusk), Black-chinned Hummingbird, Western Kingbird and Verdin.

Figure 23 Western Kingbird

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However for me the sighting of the day was not a bird but a Rattlesnake that I nearly stood on. Initially quite a fright as it made clear its annoyance at my presence before it headed down a hole. I then had to head back to the hotel for evening dinner with the family.

Figure 24 Rattlesnake, Floyd Lamb Park, Las Vegas

17/7 This was my last morning in the U.S. and after dipping the Owl and the Towhee the night before, I headed up again to this area just after 7am. Not that far from the entrance to Floyd Lamb Park, I got up to the nearby Gilcrease Orchard for Burrowing Owl at 7:15am as this is another site for them, recommended to me by Justin Streit. I eventually located one Burrowing Owl, in the ground at Balsam Street / Whispering Sands Drive. Also present here was a Roadrunner and a Horned Lark in the Orchard.

Figure 25 Burrowing Owl, Las Vegas

Page 20: Grand Canyon (Arizona) July 2016 Wilton Farrelly · PDF file1 California \ Las Vegas (Nevada) \ Grand Canyon (Arizona) July 2016 Wilton Farrelly This is a summary of key birding (and

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I then went to Floyd Lamb Park. It was already 108 degrees. I drove to the back of the park and was specifically looking for Aberts Towhee. Not a spectacular bird but one that is very range restricted. After about 90 minutes I was nearing the end of my permitted birding time when I found a pair in the wood at the rear of the park. This species was my final lifer of the trip. Also in the area were Phainopepla, Western Kingbird, Bells Vireo, Coyote and more Gambels Quail. All in a superb trip with 50+ lifers. As well as the variety of bird life, the wildlife sightings including Orca, Humpback, Elephant Seal, Black Bear, Bobcat and Rattlesnake were magnificent. Special thanks to a number of people for advice including Paul Kelly (www.irishbrdimages.com), Justin Streit and Darlene Feener. Lifers: White-faced Ibis Cinnamon Teal California Condor Prairie Falcon Greater Sage-Grouse Blue Grouse Gambels Quail Marbled Godwit Least Tern Elegant Tern Greater Roadrunner Flammulated Owl Burrowing Owl Lesser Nighthawk White-throated Swift Black Swift Black-chinned Hummingbird Anna's Hummingbird

Allens Hummingbird Acorn Woodpecker White-headed Woodpecker Williamsons Sapsucker Pacific-slope Flycatcher Black Phoebe Ash-throated Flycatcher Western Kingbird Bell's Vireo Western Scrub-Jay Clark's Nutcracker Yellow-billed Magpie Juniper Titmouse Mountain Chickadee Verdin Bushtit Pygmy Nuthatch Wrentit

Mountain Bluebird Western Bluebird Townsends Solitaire Sage Thrasher Phainopepla Lazuli Bunting Black-headed Grosbeak Abert's Towhee California Towhee Green-tailed Towhee Black-throated Sparrow Brewer's Sparrow Hooded Oriole Bullocks Oriole Yellow-headed Blackbird Great-tailed Grackle Cassins Finch Lesser Goldfinch Pine Grosbeak

Wilton Farrelly wilton.farrelly (at) live.co.uk


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