Birds & Bites

Location: Liberty Cafe 1664 S Dixie Dr K-102, St. George

 A no-host social gathering after the Cottonwood Cove and Mathis Parks Bird Walk.

Location: Cottonwood Cove and Mathis Parks

Registration Site: Registration Site. Please register for this specific date or event.

Meeting Place: 11027 South Dixie Dr, St George. Meet in the parking lot by the bathrooms.

About: We will walk the paved trails along the Santa Clara River, and then make our way a short drive to bird at Mathis Park.

Target Species: Great Blue Herons at the rookery, Western Kingbird, Bullock’s Oriole, Summer Tanager, grosbeaks, woodpeckers, warblers.

Leader: Greg Cannon

Location:Tuweap Riparian Area (Sand Hollow Wash

Registration Site: Registration Site. Please register for this specific date or event.

Meeting Place: Parking lot across Tuweap Dr from the Sierra Point Apartments, 1503 N 2100 W, St George. Meet at the trailhead at the south end of the parking lot.

About:Paved/unpaved paths on both sides of wash. The trickling water here is a magnet for a variety of both desert and riparian birds. Bathrooms across the wash near Snow Canyon HS.

Target Species: Willow Flycatcher, Green Heron, Phainopepla, roadrunner, chat, grosbeaks, orioles, Bell’s Vireo, quail, sparrows; possibly night heron and rails

Leader: John Schijf

Location: Confluence Park (La Verkin)

Registration Site: Registration Site. Please register for this specific date or event.

Meeting Place: W 900 N La Verkin, UT, 84745. Take SR-9 north through LaVerkin to 900 N. Turn left onto 900N. Follow the road through the housing to the dirt road. Travel about a mile to trailhead parking. Meet at the metal gate across the roadway.

About: We will walk dirt-and-gravel pathways along the three converging streams: La Verkin Creek, Ash Creek and the Virgin River. The route is mostly level, up to 2 miles depending on how far participants want to go. Bathrooms at the parking lot.

Target Species: This amazing riparian area attracts a variety of migrating passerines and summer breeders. In addition to resident roadrunner, quail, turkey, and three dove species, we’d reasonably expect to find Phainopepla, Western Kingbird, Yellow Warblers, White-throated Swift and swallows, hummingbirds, woodpeckers. Up to 5 wren species and 10 sparrow types are possible!

Leader: Lucy Ormond

General Membership Meeting: Preserving our Dark Skies

Location: Washington City Library

Speaker: Deborah Stocks

Description of Topic: This presentation will be about the impact of Artificial Light At Night, “ALAN”, on the environment, the economy and all living creatures particularly birds, turtles, corals and insects.  The presentation will include why the preservation of dark skies is important, discuss the impact of light pollution and ways to reduce it. Light pollution is actually easy and simple to remedy.

Speaker Bio:  First off - I need to say I am not a bird expert.  I do enjoy bird watching and have some great “birder” friends. As the spouse of a frequent National Park Artist in Residence, I have had some volunteer opportunities banding water fowl and doing “bio counts” with park biologists.  As a member of Southern Utah Dark Sky Advocacy Group and an advocate with Dark Sky International, I do have information to share on the adverse impact of light pollution. I am hoping after this presentation, you will join in preserving our notable dark skies here in Utah.  At the very least, I hope you are able to get to a dark area to enjoy “cosmic awe”, over 80% of the world cannot see what we have.   

I am a Registered Nurse with a MS in Health Administration and worked as a nurse and an educator in health care for almost 50 years. My husband’s love of astronomy and astrophotography led us to start a family business – a remote observatory about 5 years ago (Utah Desert Remote Observatories).  As we found our beautiful dark skies, even away from the cities, being lost due to growth and lights, I became an advocate for light pollution prevention. The more I learn about the negative effects of ALAN, the more passionate I have become with sharing this knowledge.    

Location: Tonaquint Nature Park

Registration Site: Registration Site. Please register for this specific date or event.

Meeting Place: 1851 South Dixie Dr, St George. Meet at the last parking lot by the tennis courts and bathrooms.

About: The Tonaquint Nature Park is one of the better places to find birds within our populated areas. Large, mature trees surrounding a pond attract both woodland birds and waterfowl, migrants and residents. This is the best place to see Wood Ducks in winter. Most anything can show up here. The paths are mostly dirt but level and maintained.

Leader: TBD

Location: Village Baker, 1472 E. George Washington Blvd, St George

 A no-host social gathering after the Springs Estates Pond Bird Walk

Location: Springs Park

Registration Site: Registration Site. Please register for this specific date or event.

Meeting Place: 2395 East Springs Dr, St George. Meet by the bathrooms.

About: A community park featuring a pond near a marsh of the Virgin River. Path is paved around the pond and along the river; uneven dirt into the marsh.

Target species: Waterfowl, herons, roadrunner, hummingbirds, Marsh Wren, phoebes, migrating warblers. Sora and Virginia Rail are possible.

Leader: RJ Hughes

Location: Seegmiller Historic Farm

Registration Site: Registration Site. Please register for this specific date or event.

Meeting Place: 2592 South 3000 East, St George. Meet at the parking lot.

About: A city park in an historic farm setting in the middle of Washington Fields. This area is surrounded by farm fields, marshes, and small ponds. Paths are unpaved and will be muddy after rains. Bathrooms.

Target Species: Vermillion Flycatcher, Western Meadowlark, roadrunner, raptors, sparrows, etc.

Leader: Phil Ertel

Birds & Bites

Location: The Crepery, 1091 N Bluff St #311, St George

 A no-host social gathering after the Royal Oaks Park Bird Walk

Location: Forest Park

Registration Site: Registration Site. Please register for this specific date or event.

Meeting Place: 1030 N 1800 E, St George. Meet in the parking lot near the bathrooms.

About: Royal Oaks is a small park but has excellent habitat and always has good birds. There are paved trails but we will also use the dirt path along the wash behind the houses. Recently a family of Cooper’s Hawks resided here.

Leader: Paul Hicks

Location: Sullivan Virgin River Park

Registration Site: Registration Site. Please register for this specific date or event.

Meeting Place: 965 South Washington Fields Rd, Washington. Meet at the pavilion overlooking the pond as you enter the park.

About: Mostly paved level trails along the Virgin River. Bathrooms. We might take the up-canyon route.

Target Species: Orioles, grosbeaks, kingbird, raptors, woodpeckers, wrens, chat, sparrows, warblers; Phainopepla is possible.

Leader: Greg Cannon

Leader: Tony Jones

Destination: Leeds Canyon/Oak Grove Campground

Meeting place: Leeds City Park [60 Babylon Mill Rd | 37.23820, -113.35802]

Registration Site: Registration Site. Registration for this trip is required. Participant limit: 15 people.

Carpool: Yes, 4 vehicles

Conditions: Drive up to 18 miles, mostly gravel. Walk up to 1.5 miles on gravel road.

Bring/dress: Sturdy walking shoes, binoculars, food/drink, hat/sunscreen, layers for possible chilly temps

Restrooms: At Leeds City Park and Oak Grove Campground if open.

About: Emphasis on desert and mountain butterflies, up to 10 or more species; plus an assortment of mid-elevation bird species. If the gate is open, we will go up toward Oak Grove Campground, passing through several habitat zones. (Please check the website for any weather-related updates.)

Location: Grandpa’s Pond

Registration Site: Registration Site. Please register for this specific date or event.

Meeting Place: 350 N 3700 W, Hurricane. Meet on the sidewalk by the bathrooms

About: A large pond between Quail Creek Reservoir and the Virgin River. Attracts waterfowl in season and riparian species year-round. We will be almost entirely on flat, paved trails.

Leader: TBD

Monday, April 13, 2026

8:00 am to 11:00 am

Registration Site: Registration Site. Please register for this specific date or event.

Sand Dunes/West Canyon Parking Lot

Location: Snow Canyon State Park via Snow Canyon Drive. [37.19300, -113.64773]

Meeting Place: Turn left at the sign for the Sand Dunes Picnic Area/West Canyon Parking Lot, a mile north of the south Park Entrance Station. Meet at the picnic area where bathrooms are available. Bring your Park Pass or pay a daily admission fee per vehicle ($15 for Utah Residents or $10 for Senior Utah Residents).

About: We will see a diversity of plants that are native to this region, including trees, shrubs and seasonal wildflowers. These plants provide birds with shelter, protection and food. This is a mostly level gravel road with a gradual elevation gain in spots, passing through both the Mojave and Great Basin Deserts. We will walk about two miles round trip at a moderate pace. Participants may head back at any time. A plant list and pencils will be provided.

Registration: Please register at Registration Site for this specific event. Registration not required for this trip but always appreciated.

Leader: Marcie Eberwine

Birds & Bites

Location: The Crepery 1091 N Bluff St #311, St George

 A no-host social gathering after the Forest Park Bird Walk

Location: Forest Park

Registration Site: Registration Site. Please register for this specific date or event.

Meeting Place: 1030 N 1800 E, St George. Meet in the parking lot near the bathrooms

About: First we’ll cover the main park’s little pond surrounded by mature trees, then follow the paved path along the bottom of rock cliffs, and finally skirt Middleton Wash via a somewhat rough dirt trail into desert habitat. This small area offers multiple habitats and turns up some unique birds

Target Species: Resident Cooper’s Hawk, roadrunner, Verdin, wrens, and a variety of migrating sparrows. If time permits we may also go to Halfway Wash.

Leader: Paul Hicks

Location: Tuweap Drive Riparian Area

Registration Site: Registration Site. Please register for this specific date or event.

Meeting Place: Parking lot across Tuweap Dr from the Sierra Point Apartments, 1503 N 2100 W, St George. Meet at the trailhead at the south end of the parking lot.

About: Paved/unpaved paths on both sides of wash. The trickling water here is a magnet for a variety of both desert and riparian birds. Bathrooms across the wash near Snow Canyon HS.

Target Species: Marsh Wren, Anna’s Hummingbird, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, sparrows, quail; possibly rails, Green Heron.

Leader: John Schijf

Location: Warm Springs Natural Area Field Trip

Registration Site: Registration Site. Registration for this trip is required. Participant limit 20 people.

Meeting Place: Meet at the Dixie Convention Center parking lot West of the building by the Tesla chargers for carpooling.

About: Warm Springs Natural Area is a 1,250-acre oasis in Moapa, Nevada featuring more than two dozen bubbling springs, rushing streams and lush wetlands. It is also home to over 28 sensitive species and more than 200 species of birds. Operated by the Southern Nevada Water Authority, their mission is to manage the property

Location: Tonaquint Nature Park

Registration Site: Registration Site. Please register for this specific date or event.

Meeting Place: 1851 South Dixie Dr, St George. Meet at the last parking lot by the tennis courts and bathrooms.

About: The Tonaquint Nature Park is one of the better places to find birds within our populated areas. Large, mature trees surrounding a pond attract both woodland birds and waterfowl, migrants and residents. Most anything can show up here. This is the best place to see Wood Ducks in winter. The paths are mostly dirt but level and maintained.

Leader: RJ Hughes

Title: California Condor Presentation

Guest Speaker Pete Gorzalski

Description: Everything you wanted to know about Condors in Zion National Park and surrounding areas including their history and the challenges they face.

Speaker Information: Our speaker for the evening will be Pete Gorzalski who will speak about the California Condors in Zion National Park. Pete volunteered in Zion with their Native Plant Nursery and was recommended to the Wildlife staff in 2019 to help with the California Condor monitoring and has been part of the Condor Recovery team ever since. His presentation is titled, California Condors: Everything You Wanted to Know About Condors in Zion National Park.

Location: Hela Seegmiller Historic Farm

Registration Site: Registration Site. Please register for this specific date or event.

Meeting Place: 2592 South 3000 East, St George. Meet at the parking lot.

About: A city park in an historic farm setting in the middle of Washington Fields. This area is surrounded by farm fields, marshes, and small ponds. Paths are unpaved and will be muddy after rains. Bathrooms.

Target Species: Vermilion Flycatcher, Western Meadowlark, American Pipit, Mountain Bluebird, Marsh Wren, roadrunner, raptors, sparrows, etc.

Leader: Paul Hicks

Location: Liberty Cafe: 1664 S. Dixie Dr, Suite K102, St. George,

 A no-host social gathering after the Cottonwood Cove & Mathis Park Bird Walk

Location: Cottonwood Cove Park

Registration Site: Registration Site. Please register for this specific date or event.

Meeting Place: 11027 South Dixie Dr, St George. Meet in the parking lot by the bathrooms.

About: We will walk the paved trails along the Santa Clara River, and then make our way a short drive to bird at Mathis Park.

Target Species: : Great Blue Herons at the rookery, Western Kingbird, Bullock’s Oriole, Summer Tanager, grosbeaks, woodpeckers, warblers.

Leader: Greg Cannon

Location:Boots Cox Park

Registration Site: Registration Site. Please register for this specific date or event.

Meeting Place: 1080 South 900 East, St George

About: We will start at Boots-Cox Park and then move on to Crosby Family Confluence Park (2099 S. Convention Center Dr). Sidewalks and lawns are mostly level. Bathrooms at both sites.

Target Species: Vermilion Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, phoebes, pipit, roadrunner, Yellow Warbler, nesting Cliff Swallows.

Leader: RJ Hughes

WEATHER UPDATE: Fellow Raptor Runners,

Regrettably Saturday’s Raptor Run field trip to Enterprise must be POSTPONED due to weather conditions. Paul Jaussi found the countryside roadways clogged with snow and deep mud, with slippery conditions expected after tonight’s icy freeze.

We will shoot for next Saturday, Feb 28. Watch for updates next Friday Feb 27 for any further changes. Best to register once again for the Feb 28 date to assure you receive email notices. If you can’t make next Saturday, I’d appreciate you email

Registration Site: Registration Site. Please register for this specific date or event.

Below are a few details including carpooling, etc, to help things go smoothly. Carpools will be reconfigured at Enterprise to minimize the number of vehicles in the caravan. Fewer vehicles will maximize participants’ chances of getting onto the birds.

Meeting Places and Time Frame:

 Carpools from St George:

• 7:15 am- Meet up for carpooling at LDS church on N Bluff (1285 N. Bluff St)

• 7:30 am- LEAVE time. Carpools cannot wait for latecomers

 Next: Carpools from Enterprise:

• 8:15 am- Meet up in Enterprise (Sinclair gas station, 855 E Main St).

• We will further CONSOLIDATE cars and riders in Enterprise before continuing. By reducing the number of vehicles in the caravan we increase the chances of everyone seeing the birds. We will split into two caravans if the group is large

• 1:00/1:30 pm- Approximate end-time in Enterprise

  Note: Vehicles with higher clearance preferred due to possible soft/muddy roads.

About the Raptor Run:

The “RAPTOR RUN” to Enterprise & Beryl Junction is our most popular field trip.

Up to 10 raptor species are possible, plus winter specialties such as Northern & Loggerhead Shrike, Horned Lark, pipit, etc.

 Bring/dress

•    Binoculars and scope to share if you have one. Some may wish to bring their camera.

•    Walkie-talkie if you have one. Leader Paul Jaussi will provide a limited number.

•    Appropriate clothes/boots for potentially cold, windy and muddy conditions.

•    (You might pack a garbage bag to put muddy boots into.)

Forecast: We will post any weather related changes on the site. Please check back.

Location: Springs Estates Pond (Springs Park & Seegmiller Marsh)

Registration Site: Registration Site. Please register for this specific date or event.

Meeting Place: 2395 East Springs Dr, St George. Meet by the bathrooms.

About: A community park featuring a pond near a marsh of the Virgin River. Path is paved around the pond and along the river; uneven dirt into the marsh.

Target Species: Waterfowl, herons, roadrunner, hummingbirds, Marsh Wren, phoebes, migrating warblers. Sora and Virginia Rail are possible.

Leader: Paul Hicks

Jackson Flat Reservoir - Kanab, Utah

For those in the Kanab area that cannot make the Raptor Run, you can join the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources for an opportunity to see a variety of waterbirds as they migrate through the state! Personnel from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will be there to answer your questions and to help you spot and identify birds.

This event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Jackson Flat Reservoir from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Personnel from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will be there to answer your questions and to help you spot and identify birds.

The event is free but please carefully read through the Eventbrite page for more information and directions. https://bit.ly/jacksonflat26

Register today!