Rock Wren at Grand Canyon National Park

Rock Wren sitting on a rock on the South Rim at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, U.S.A.

On our first day in Grand Canyon National Park, after gaining a bird’s eye view of the spectacular world-famous canyon from a helicopter, we set off to explore the South Rim trails.  In the afternoon, we caught a shuttle bus to the extreme western end of the trail at Hermit’s Rest.  An impromptu exploration below Hermit’s Rest Lookout turned up a fleeting glimpse of this Rock Wren.

Hermit's Rest gift shop on the South Rim at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, U.S.A.

Hermit’s Rest is a humble stone building designed so that it appears to sprout from the earth itself.  At one time, it served as a way station for tourists headed to Hermit Camp, a luxury campsite once operated by the railroad and found at the 7-mile mark along Hermit Trail.

Jean hiking to Hermits Rest on the South Rim at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, U.S.A.

About one-quarter mile (0.4 km) below Hermit’s Rest is the trailhead for Hermit Trail, which leads to the Colorado River.  It was too late in the day to undertake the full hike, but Bob and I ventured along that first section.

Utah Agave growing on the South Rim at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, U.S.A.

Impressively tall spikes of Utah Agave had us wandering off the trail in order to check out the pretty yellow blossoms.  Utah Agave plants bloom only once every 15 to 25 years, and when ready to produce flowers, a plant sends up a wooden stalk from its spiky base.

Bob standing beside an Utah Agave growing on the South Rim at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, U.S.A.

Yellow blossoms sprout all along the wooden stalk that can reach 14 feet (4.2 m) in height.  When the flowers fade, the plant dies.

Park Botanist Dave on the South Rim at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, U.S.A.

What a delight to happen upon a Park Botanist, David, at work with his assistant there along the approach to Hermit Trail.

Botanists collecting mormon tea plant seeds on the South Rim at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, U.S.A.

Interestingly, they were collecting seeds from Mormon Tea plants to help populate their native plants garden.  David explained that efforts are being made to restore native plants in Grand Canyon National Park because invasive species are crowding out native plants more noticeably in recent years.

Botanist collecting mormon tea plant seeds on the South Rim at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, U.S.A.

Mormon Tea plants are fascinating because, once grown, they remain exactly the same for up to 500 years.  Early Mormon settlers and Native Americans used the plants for medicinal purposes.  After Bob and I assisted David in collecting some of the seeds, we left he and his assistant to their work.

Trees and plants on the South Rim at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, U.S.A.

The terrain was very dry, sandy and rocky, not to mention steep, but given that this was our first bit of exploration in the Park, we were intrigued by the landscape and keen to find any type of animal life.

Rock Wren sitting on a rock on the South Rim at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, U.S.A.

I just happened to turn a backward glance from whence we came, and there, on a lichen-encrusted boulder sat this prim Rock Wren.  The male Rock Wrens are known for their repertoire of melodious birdsong, but sadly, we never got to hear a single cheerful chirp.

Rock Wren sitting atop a rock on the South Rim at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, U.S.A.

The habitat was perfect for this species of bird because Rock Wrens prefer rocky slopes in arid locations where piles of boulders often are utilized for nesting locations.  Rock Wrens forage on the ground where they use their long, slightly curved beak to reach under loose stones and pebbles for insects and spiders, but crevices in rocks and low tangles of vegetation also harbour the creatures that a Rock Wren feeds upon.

Rock Wren on a rock on the South Rim at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona

Rock Wrens do not require water to drink, a characteristic that allows them to thrive where other birds might not.  It is from their diet that Rock Wrens acquire all the moisture their bodies require.  Bob and I had time for a few quick shots of this particular bird, and then the Rock Wren was gone.  We, ourselves, decided to return to Hermit’s Rest and make our way back to Maswik Lodge.  Our first day had been a good one!

Related:

Mountain Chickadee at Grand Canyon National Park

Bighorn Sheep On Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon

Hiking Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point at the Grand Canyon

Frame To Frame – Bob and Jean

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