BIRDING SPOTS

where, when, and what to find

Kolob Terrace Road Pond (~3 miles N of Virgin)

posted by Tim Avery at
on Thursday, March 26, 2015 

The Pond from Google Street View


Description:
The pond along lower Kolob Terrace Road has long been a stop on the drive to Lava Point and Kolob Reservoir.  This large pond doesn't freeze, and provides an excellent stop for wintering and migrant waterbirds here in the middle of the desert.  The riparian habitat provides great viewing opportunities on the road side of the pond, while the cottonwoods on the back side can be scanned with binoculars.  A large set of farm fields lies to the north, while the east and west sides are red rock and dry hillsides.  Although some birds from the surrounding desert can be seen/hear here--the focus is the pond and riparian habitat.

Birding:
If you're driving up to Lava Point or Kolob Terrace you have to stop here even if just for 5 minutes.  Any time of year there is something to be seen/heard for birders.  From November through April various species of waterfowl have been observed here--in all 12 species have been recorded including WOOD DUCK, CANVASBACK, and HOODED MERGANSER.  One of the most common waterfowl species encountered here are RING-NECKED DUCK all winter Several grebes have been sighted here, but the most interesting waterbird reported was an AMERICAN BITTERN.  With little in the way of shorebird habitat only SPOTTED SANDPIPER has been reported.  Raptor there are scattered reports of both species of EAGLES, a couple accipiters, and not much else.  From spring through summer there are some good birds that can be picked up here on most outings.  BLUE GROSBEAK and YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT can usually be found along with SUMMER TANAGER, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, LUCY'S WARBLER, and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT.  During spring and fall migration various warblers and sparrows are reported here--with LARK SPARROW, LAZULI BUNTING, VIRGINIA'S WARBLER, and WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE being reported.  SAY'S and BLACK PHOEBE, along with ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER and WESTERN KINGBIRD are usually easy finds here.  BLACK-THROATED SPARROW, and CANYON and ROCK WREN can be found here as well straying in from the bordering habitats.

Directions:
From the Post Office in Virgin, Utah, go east on SR-9 for .1 mile.  Turn left onto Kolob Terrace Road.  Drive 3.4 miles and the pond will be on your left.

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