Washington Co. Birds (Hermit Warbler, Condors, Sanderlings)

["Rick Fridell" <rfridell at burgoyne dot com>]

Hello,
Today (8/27) Kevin Wheeler, Larry Tripp, and I went to the Lava Point area
of Zion NP (Washington Co., UT). Our goal was to help Kevin find a Hermit
Warbler.  We searched through several huge flocks of birds but were unable
to locate our target.  Unfortunately Kevin had another commitment and had to
leave about 12:15, and you guessed it, Larry and I found a first year female
type Hermit Warbler at about 12:25 (sorry Kevin).  As typical, the Hermit
was in a mixed flock mostly comprised of Mountain Chickadees and RB
Nuthatches.  Other warblers present included Orange-crowned, Virginia's,
Nashville, and Townsends.
We also saw 8-9 California Condors, first perched in large Ponderosa Pines
below the Lava Point north overlook, then soaring around the valley.  Other
highlights included a Northern Goshawk, Peregrine Falcon, and a first-year
Lewis's Woodpecker (at the Kolob Creek crossing).  At Lava Point, I also saw
my first Rufous Hummingbird this fall in Washington Co.  I don't know where
these guys are this fall as our feeders have been dominated by Rufous H. the
past 10 or so Augusts.

And finally, in shorebird barren Washington Co. (where a Western or Least
Sandpiper would be big news this fall) Kristen and I were stunned to see two
Sanderlings at the SR-9 (Hurricane) Sewage Ponds just before sunset.

Best Regards,

Rick Fridell
Hurricane, UT

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