Tag: Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is the United States’ 15th oldest national park. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the park is located in Arizona.

Hiking Bright Angel Trail To Indian Garden at the Grand Canyon

6 comments

bright angel trail sign 2aa

The day preceding our hike on the Bright Angel Trail at Grand Canyon National Park, saw Bob and me taking it easy and making the necessary preparations for our lengthy endeavour.  We purchased lots of salty snacks, lunch supplies, energy bars and fruit, knowing full well that the demands on our bodies would probably be the most extreme we had ever experienced.  With our alarm set for 4 a.m., and plans to hit the trail by 5 a.m., Bob and I intended to retire early, but in the end, we hit the hay about the same time as usual…10:30 p.m.  We were full of anticipation and trepidation.  Were we really up to the task? Read more

Common Ravens We Sighted At The Grand Canyon

No comments

A Common Raven at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, U.S.A.

All along the South Rim Trail at Grand Canyon National Park,  we observed various Common Ravens, often in flight over the gaping abyss, Read more

Mule Deer along the Grand Canyon South Rim Trail

4 comments

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

Our Helicopter Flight Over The Grand Canyon

2 comments

helicopter-papillon-grand-canyon-helicopters-1

Bob and I had planned our trip to the Grand Canyon so that our helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon was on the first morning after we arrived, hoping that it would give us a great overview of the landscape before we set off on foot to explore it. Read more

Mountain Bluebird We Sighted At Grand Canyon Heliport

No comments

Mountain Bluebird

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

1 comment

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

Western Bluebird At Grand Canyon National Park

4 comments

western bluebird, grand canyon national park, arizona, frame to frame bob and jean

After an hour-long guided hike known as a Fossil Walk at    Grand Canyon National Park,    Bob and I were returning to Maswik Lodge for lunch by way of the forested area adjacent to Village Loop Drive and the railway track.  A brilliant blue flash of colour had us both looking up into one of the pine trees where sat perched a male Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana).

Read more

Lesser Goldfinch At Grand Canyon National Park

No comments

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

No comments

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

After a full day of activity at Grand Canyon National Park, we 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

Western Scrub Jay At Grand Canyon National Park

2 comments

western scrub jays, along the bright angel trail, grand canyon

Bob and I had been catching glimpses of the Western Scrub Jay since our arrival at Grand Canyon National Park, but it wasn’t until we were on our early morning hike down the Bright Angel Trail that we finally caught sight of a Western Scrub Jay sitting in a tree…stationary enough for us to snap a few quick photos before we continued on our marathon hike. Read more