Comments on: The Grand Circle: The National Parks of Utah, Grand Canyon, and Mesa Verde – May, 2008

By: St. George Lodging

St. George Lodging — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 05:28:37 +0000

If you visit the Grand Canyon again – you should go to the north rim. It is less visited and the california condor is easily seen. The vermillian cliffs is only miles from the entrance of the north rim of grand canyon where the birds nest. The california condor has the biggest wingspan of any bird in north america. They are such a beautiful bird to see.

By: Grant McCreary

Grant McCreary — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:59:04 +0000

Thanks, Pat!
I was so relieved and happy to get those Grays. I have to admit that I got pretty lucky. I put in a good bit of time looking and listening for them, but it could’ve taken much longer, and I just didn’t have much more time to look for them given our busy schedule. Glad to hear that it worked out for you, too!

By: Pat O'Donnell

Pat O'Donnell — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:55:49 +0000

Great report trip and a very good itinerary for trips done with the non-birding spouse. Congrats on finally getting the Gray Vireo! I was relieved and pleased that you finally did get tickable views. Your experiences with this dainty ghost of the canyonlands reminded me of the trials and tribulations I had with this bird while working in Colorado. I saw plenty of Plumbeous Vireos, but it wasn’t until birding at the Hovenweep Ruins that I finally saw my lifer (and only) Grays.

By: Grant McCreary

Grant McCreary — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:18:27 +0000

LOL
Wow, talk about dashed hopes

By: Patrick

Patrick — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:22:29 +0000

Sounds like an amazing trip. Your condor story reminded me of my trip to Vegas in 2004. We took a bus trip to the west rim of the Grand Canyon. The very boisterous driver shouted, “There’s a California Condor!” It was a darn Turkey Vulture. I didn’t have the heart to spoil it for the people on the bus.