BIRDING SPOTS

where, when, and what to find

Alta Canyon Park (incl. Woodlot @ 9800 S 1900 E)

posted by Tim Avery at
on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 

Woodlot @ 9800 S 1900 E from Google Street View


Description:
This locations consists of 2 separate locations across the street from one another.  The original location was for a woodlot at the corner of 9800 South extending 2 block north along 1900 East on the west side of the road.  The habitat consists of mostly open fields, with a small wetland near the south end.  There are several cottonwoods and other deciduous trees and shrubs sporadically found on the south end.  Near the north end of the lot is a patch of Gambel's Oak.  On the east side of 1900/2000 east (the road curves east here) and slightly north (~100') is Alta Canyon Park which consists of 2 baseball fields, in an overflow basin, with a .4 mile path that follows the perimeter.  There are various ornamental conifer and deciduous trees along the path.  At the northeast corner lays Alta Canyon Sports Center and Pool.  Along the south side is a hill leading to private property that is sparsely covered with sage and other native shrubs.  A small patch of Gambel's Oak sits at the west end.  I combined the 2 locations into one since they are easily birded together, and the better native habitat was at the Woodlot--while the park was a more notable public location.

Birding:
For several years I have pulled over at the Woodlot at 9800 S and 1900 E on my way home form work and listened to what is singing, or just to scan the trees, and fences.  I have never seen a lot of birds here but haven't really taken the time to extensively fell out the trees during migration. This spring I am going to make a better effort. Notably a pair of AMERICAN KESTREL can often be seen perched in the trees, or on the houses, or fences at the woodlot.  Occasionally a RED-TAILED HAWK is also seen here, but far less frequently than the kestrel.  During the winter months keep an eye out for MERLIN which might be seen passing over as most winters there are several in the east Sandy area.  BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE and WESTERN SCRUB-JAY are usually seen as well.  During migration there are probably a few passerine species present.  The park has your typical urban fare with CALIFORNIA QUAIL being heard on the slopes and in surrounding neighborhoods with some frequency.

Directions:
From 9400 South and 2000 East in Sandy, head south along 2000 East/Highland Drive.  After 1 block you can turn left and then a quick right into the parking lot for Alta Canyon Sports Center to park.  From here you have easy access to the park path.  Alternatively you can stay straight on 2000 East as it curves west to the light and turn in to park in the Home Depot parking lot.  From here you can walk south along Highland Drive to the Woodlot.  From either parking location you can reach both birding destinations.

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