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Rufous-backed Robin

Greetings,
Lou, Bryan and I made a late last night decision to try for the RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN reported in Springdale, Washington County, inspite of the private property situation as reported
earlier.  We left at 4:30am, arrived at 8:55am, spotted the bird at 9:05am, each had it in our spotting scopes at 9:08am, and then had it fly back away from the highway at 9:10am, never to be seen by us again. We did get great looks at it, even if it was for just a few minutes. We were very lucky, but a chance is better than none at all. The property owners will not allow any access to their orchards and other areas, so don't even ask. The Park Service, DWR, and CBC
counters don't want to jepardize the relationship they currently have.
There a deffinate chance of seeing the bird through the property fence along the highway. It's an ABA Mexican rarity even in border states like Arizona, so its worth a try.
The apple orchard it's been seen three times in is on the right side of the highway just as you are entering Springdale, having gone around a couple of turns after leaving Rockville. There is an 8ft high green field fence separating the property from the highway. Go to the north end of the property, past a fruit market[which is also on their property and therefore shouldn't be used to park in or bird around], and park on the west side of the road across the street from two locked gates. Looking through the fence/gates will be apple trees on the right and pecan trees on the left of a gravel driveway leading to a bridge and homes farther back away from the road.
The bird has been seen feeding on the fallen apples in the first few rows of trees. It was between row three and four for us. It appears to be easily spooked so be careful.
The property owners have said they don't mind birders outside the fence looking in, but again don't want people wandering around their property. It's probably a once in a lifetime bird for Utah so go if you're at all interested. There's a good chance it will stick around awhile, and at best even winter in the area. When one has shown up in Arizona it sometimes stays the winter. Thanks goes out to those who looked close enough to I'D it., and put the word out.
 
Merry Christmas To All,
It's been at Great Year,
Dennis Shirley  

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