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Red Cliffs Audubon's May 25th field trip to the
Virgin River/LaVerkin Creek confluence turned out to much more than
anticipated. This was a new area for us, previously a private holding only
recently purchased by the county. The primary habitat is riparian with some
agricultural and scrub around the edges. Birds are plentiful! An
astonishing abundance of Orioles, especially the Hooded Oriole. Also abundant
were the Warblers, five species, altho nothing unusual. Several Ladderback
Woodpeckers. One little "carrot top" was busy defending his tree top against an
American Kestrel. A Vermillion Flycatcher and several Blue Grossbeaks provided
additional color. Best of all was a first summer Green Heron, in a tree, in the
company of a pair of Hooded Orioles. Weather was perfect, birds were abundant,
the company was great and all agreed that this trip is worth repeating. Species
seen are listed below:
Rough-winged Swallow, House Finch, Blue-Gray
Gnatcatcher, Blue Grossbeak, Yellow Warbler, Bewick's Wren, Mourning Dove,
European Starling, Lesser Goldfinch, Northern Mockingbird, Bullock's Oriole,
Vermillion Flycatcher, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Ash-throated Flycatcher,
Ladderback Woodpecker, Yellow-rumped Warbler, American Kestrel, Black-headed
Grossbeak, Costa's Hummingbird, Northern Flicker, Lucy's Warbler, Song Sparrow,
Gray Flycatcher, Brown-headed Cowbird, Gray Vireo, Western Flycatcher, Warbling
Vireo, Mallard Duck, House Sparrow,Green Heron, Hooded Oriole, Phainopepla,
American Robin, Verdin, Scott's Oriole, Red-tailed Hawk, Western Kingbird,
Plumbeous Vireo, Chipping Sparrow, Brewer's Blackbird, Western Tanager, Gambel's
Quail, Wilson's Warbler and Orange-crowned Warbler. (Charlie
Sheard)
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