Cactus Kate

Hi, everyone.

I hope everyone had a great holiday season!

Today, I went into downtown Moab (ha ha ha) to do a little after-Christmas shopping (ha ha ha).  I managed to buy 6 strings of lights for half price, and that’s about it.  However, on my way by a big open field, I saw birds that looked different from the usual, so I stopped to check it out.  I saw a Say’s Phoebe (which is only supposed to be here in the summer, but this was DEFINITELY a Say’s Phoebe), and a yellow-rumped warbler (Audubon’s variety).  I added the phoebe to my birdlist, because I am positive that’s what it was.  I saw other birds, but knew right away I needed my camera.  I went home, dropped off my light strings, got my camera, and went back.  Unfortunately, the Say’s Phoebe had taken off, as had the warbler.

I walked up the highway next to the field, and found a small opening in the snow where there was water.  There were 2 northern pintail ducks (which are new to my birdlist), 1 green-winged teal duck (also new to my list), 1 mallard duck, a bunch of American robins, 5 western bluebirds, a bunch of European starlings, a bunch of white-crowned sparrows, and a killdeer (new to my list).  This was a very good birding day for me, but I was starting to freeze (it was about 24° F outside), so I walked back to the car.

I left that parking lot, and as I passed another parking lot on the opposite side of the highway, I saw a bunch of big birds.  I thought “Oh, boy!  More ducks!”, so I pulled off the highway.  When I got out with the camera, I realized they were something FAR more exciting than ducks.  They were Chukars!  There were 8 of them!  Another new addition to my birdlist.  I am so excited that I saw chukars!

Tomorrow afternoon, my mom and I will be heading to the Matheson Wetlands preserve here in Moab, to do some more bird-watching.  I am inspired, and I want a photo of a Say’s phoebe!

Thanks for visiting!