A few interesting birds

[Merrill Webb <merrill_webb at byu dot edu>]

I spent the early morning in Wasatch County.  The following birds may be of 
interest: Common Loons (2) on Deer Creek Reservoir, Common Grackle (2) at 
Charleston Park, Sage Grouse (20) in Strawberry Valley on a lek (still 
strutting at 8:30 A.M.).  Using Dennis Shirley's rationale on the location 
of the Long-eared Owl nest not being broadcast to one and all I shall avoid 
referring to specific location of the Sage Grouse lek.  And per Mark's 
interest the grouse were observed from a safe distance of over 300 yards 
away with a spotting scope to avoid disturbing them.
Strawberry Reservoir had a rich diversity of waterbirds including grebes (3 
species), pelicans, cormorants, heron, gulls and terns (2 species each), 7 
species of ducks; and in the sagebrush steppe habitat: sandhill crane, 
sparrows (3 species) and sage thrasher.
When we arrived at the reservoir there was steam rising off the water.  In 
the early morning sunlight it was just really nice to be out and 
about.  (Just thought I would add that last part for the enjoyment of the 
stay-at-home feeder watchers who are seeing such beautiful birds as well.)
Merrill Webb