Zella Tank from Space photo from Google Maps

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Description:
Zella Tank is an old metal water tank, about 12' in diameter, on the Beaver Dam Slope for cattle and wildlife to use for water.  The tank is surrounded by Mojave Desert and is one of a few tanks placed on the slope.

Birding:
Birding can be done by car and by foot, 12 months out of the year--just like the rest of the Beaver Dam Slope.  The summer months are less productive as the temperatures are very hot.  Spring, is perhaps the best birding on the slope when the chorus of breeding birds fills the clean desert air.  The tank provides a water source year round, so often at dawn and dusk wildlife and birds visit it to take in their daily needs.  Watching the tank form a vehicle at these times of day may bring decent photo ops.  Aside from the more common House Finches, and Black-throated Sparrows visiting the water, SCOTT'S ORIOLE, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, and CASSIN'S KINGBIRD occasionally visit as well.  In April 2011 2 GILDED FLICKERS were observed at the tank, possibly indicating a breeding pair in the vicinity. There are also several reports form mid-May of LESSER NIGHTHAWK visiting the tank at dusk.  This general area has also played host to several reports of BENDIRE'S THRASHER.

Directions:
From St. George take Bluff Street north to Sunset Blvd.  Turn left and take Sunset through Santa Clara where it turns into Old Highway 91.  Continue for about 19 miles on Old Highway 91 until you reach some cliffs on the left side of the road.  At the end of the cliffs on the opposite side of the road to your right is Lytle Ranch Road and the Beaver Dam Slope. Turn here and continue for 1.9 miles till you reach the fence line and cattle guard.  Turn left and follow the road down the slope for 2 miles--the tank will be on your right side.