Hiking Bright Angel Trail To Plateau Point At The Grand Canyon

view of plateau point from the top of the South Rim at the grand canyon

When Bob and I decided to hike Bright Angel Trail, we knew it would be a demanding challenge, and one that would take many hours.  From the South Rim, Plateau Point was a speck at the edge of the Tonto Platform; from midway down the fault line, the narrow meandering trail that leads from Indian Garden to Plateau Point was more discernible but no less intimidating. Read more

Yellow-backed Spiny Lizard at the Grand Canyon

yellow-backed spiny lizard at the grand canyon

As Bob and I neared Indian Garden along Bright Angel Trail at    Grand Canyon National Park,    we kept a keen eye for birds and animals along the way.  I was conscientiously watching for snakes and so tended to scrutinize the trail in front of me to avoid stepping on one, in particular any Grand Canyon Rattlesnakes that might be sunning themselves.  It was Bob who spied this Yellow-backed Spiny Lizard where it originally sat hunched on the small branch of a Catclaw Acacia.  Read more

Elk On The Move In The Grand Canyon Village

elk crosses roadway, grand canyon

When Bob and I first arrived at Grand Canyon National Park, it was getting late in the day, dusk in fact, so we were eager to find our accommodations at Maswik Lodge and to have dinner.  The Park is very large, and finding our way on the road system through Grand Canyon Village was taking some time.  As we drove down one stretch of the pavement, adjacent to the railway track, Bob caught sight of a number of Elk making their way from one side of the roadway to the other. Read more

Mule Deer along the Grand Canyon South Rim Trail

mule deer, grand canyon national park

Bob and I had been at    Grand Canyon National Park    for a few days, and on top of exploring the phenomenal panoramic sights, we  had also been engrossed in the observation of a variety of bird species.  It was not until the morning of a guided Fossil Hike that we first came upon some Mule Deer.  People wanting to join the hike were to assemble on the canyon-side patio of Bright Angel Lodge, and there, just below the stone wall edging the pathway, a family of Mule Deer was having its breakfast. Read more

Mountain Bluebird We Sighted At Grand Canyon Heliport

mountain bluebird in tree looks to camera, grand canyon heliport, arizona

When Bob and I decided to travel to the Grand Canyon, it was more about seeing the spectacular scenery than anything else, but on our first morning at    Grand Canyon National Park  ,    we had an early morning helicopter flight booked at the local heliport.  When we emerged from our rental car to check in, our birding instincts took over when we spotted a Mountain Bluebird perched in one of the trees at the edge of the parking lot. Read more

Western Tanager Along The North Rim Of The Grand Canyon

western tanager, holds a seed in peck, north rim, grand canyon, arizona

Western Tanager Along The North Rim Of The Grand Canyon

About mid-morning one day, as we traveled along the South Rim of the    Grand Canyon National Park,    Bob and I decided to take a drive over to the North Rim since a couple of highly touted unique features, one being Angel’s Window, are situated on that side of the sprawling gorge.  Our progress took longer than expected because of frequent stops to admire the scenery.  Finally at our destination, we hastened to take in the views, but were brought up short by the unexpected sighting of a Western Tanager at Cape Royal. Read more

Lesser Goldfinch At Grand Canyon National Park

lesser goldfinch, male, looks to camera near Bright Angel Lodge, Grand Canyon, Arizona

After yet another early morning wake-up call, Bob and I found ourselves fed and watered by 9 a.m., ready for exploration.  We enjoyed breakfast at El Tovar Hotel on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, then meandered along the South Rim Trail and investigated Grand Canyon Village.  It was there that Bob and I came upon a Lesser Goldfinch nestled in amongst the feathery styles of an Apache Plume plant. Read more

Tomato Hornworm Moths At Grand Canyon National Park

Tomato Hornworm Moth in flight to Moonflower - Grand Canyon National Park - Arizona

After a full day of activity at    Grand Canyon National Park,    Bob and I were returning late to our room at Maswik Lodge when a flicker of movement drew my eye towards the stunning night-blooming Moonflowers.  We were not the only ones attracted by the glowing white flowers.  Numerous Tomato Hornworm Moths, also known as Five-spotted Hawkmoths,  were circling for a landing. Read more

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