Lower Beaver Canyon from Google Street View
Description:
The lower 7 miles of Beaver Canyon below the S curve pass predominantly through mixed oak woodland and mixed juniper woodland as the road follows the Beaver River. The habitat along the river is a lush montane riparian habitat providing a refreshing element to the dry canyon. Cliff habitat along with a mixed conifer forest border the southern edge of the road as you get closer to the S curve providing a nice mix of mid-elevation mountain habitat in the lower part of the canyon. There are various pullouts, trails, camp sites, and side roads/canyons on the way up. At the S curve a small dirt road leads to an old wooden structure along the river to the east of the road. Below the curve is some type of property with various buildings--I don't recall if this is a private residence, or some type of buildings related to forestry/management. Above the S-Curve where the lower portion of the canyon ends is Mahogany Cove Rec Site Campground with a small loop and handful of camp sites.
Birding:
Birding is easy along the road here--and best during the summer months. You can stop at various points hop out of the car and spend a few moments before moving on. Because the habitat is mostly the same you will find a similar mixture of species as you move up the road. Near the S-curve things change slightly with the start of a Ponderosa and mixed conifer woodland so you will get some higher elevation species as well. Species typical of the lower canyon include BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, WARBLING VIREO, YELLOW WARBLER, SPOTTED TOWHEE, and AMERICAN ROBIN. You can also expect to find a few other species typical of the mix of oak, juniper and riparian, including: BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, LAZULI BUNTING, PLUMBEOUS VIREO, and CHIPPING SPARROW. As you move up canyon and near the pines you will almost certainly find WESTERN TANAGER, CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER, and MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE. PINE SISKIN and CASSIN'S FINCH are also likely here given the great habitat. In the cliffs be sure to listen for CANYON WREN, while WHITE-THROATED SWIFT might be high along skyline with the CLIFF and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS. And although there are not reports of AMERICAN DIPPER from the creek, I would imagine with enough looking you could probably track one down.
Directions:
From the Intersect on of Main Street and 200 North in Beaver, head east on 200 North for 3.6 miles till you reach the mouth of Beaver Canyon. The hot spot follows the road up the canyon 7.5 miles till you reach the S-curve and the Mahogany Cove Rec Site Campground.
Labels: Beaver County, campground, canyon, conifer, flycatchers, juniper, mountains, oak, riparian, river, warblers
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