Painted Redstart - Zion NP

["Rick Fridell" <rfridell at redrock dot net>]

This afternoon (4/18) I had the opportunity to visit Zion National Park,
Washington County, UT and located the singing Painted Redstart on the
Gateway to the Narrows trail.  Ted, thanks for passing along the report.
This is likely the same bird that was seen by Paul Pasano on 4/7/02.  To
reach the spot, take the shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava (upper end of
Zion Canyon).  The Redstart was singing/foraging up the trail about 1/3
mile, in the vicinity of the large alcove arch/ hanging garden/ springs to
the right of the trail (alcove with large pools is right of the trail,
Redstart was on the left side).  It is easiest to locate the Redstart by
listening for its distinctive song.  I first heard it across the river on
the opposite side of the canyon.  It worked its way through Ash, Boxelders,
and Cottonwoods downstream about 100 meters, where it treated me and a
couple of Missouri birders to fine close looks.  It was very vocal calling
approximately every 30 seconds.
Also I was very surprised to see an Osprey flying in Zion Canyon in the Big
Bend area.

Complete list of birds seen/heard in Zion Canyon on 4/18/02; all seen in the
upper canyon area except as noted.

Mallard
Osprey
Wild Turkey (Lodge area)
Mourning Dove (4 visitor's center)
Black-chinned Hummingbird (nesting)
Hairy Woodpecker
Plumbeous Vireo
Western Scrub-Jay
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee (nesting)
Canyon Wren
House Wren (nesting)
American Dipper
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
American Robin
Virginia's Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Gray Warbler
Painted Redstart
Lincoln's Sparrow (visitor's center)
Dark-eyed Junco (gray-headed)
Lazuli Bunting

Do not hesitate to contact me if I can provide any clarification on these
directions.
Good luck and enjoy the spring birding!

Rick Fridell
Hurricane UT