Rim-to-Rim:

Birding and Natural History Backpack May 19-24, 2020

with Bryan Brown

CLASS INFORMATION AND SYLLABUS  An elevational and geographic overview of the different bird habitats in the This class is designed for those who have backpacked before Canyon. and are ready for the ultimate canyon hike -- North Rim  What birds can we expect to see? Nesting to South Rim. Starting in the North Rim’s aspen, fir, residents; migrants moving north; and and spruce forest, we will gradually descend to the bottom of transients far from their normal range. the Canyon at the Colorado River, examining the birdlife  Introduction to patterns of regional in each of the major habitats along the way. biogeography: Great Basin, Mohave, and Sonoran flora and fauna. We will take every opportunity to see and identify as many bird species as possible, while at the same time interpreting Some birds are habitat generalists and occur in all their natural history as it relates to the larger story of habitats, while others are specialists and are Canyon ecology and even Park management. Small side limited in distribution. Many are now just starting trips to view scenic attractions will also be an important to nest on the North Rim, but “spring” started part of our journey. Sometimes birds are just where you several weeks ago for birds nesting at lower find them, particularly during migration when transient elevations in the Canyon. birds show up in unexpected places. We will stop briefly at the Navajo Bridge in Our primary campsites at Cottonwood, Phantom Ranch, Marble Canyon to try and catch a view of and then Indian Gardens are all located adjacent to California Condors which are often seen in the streams with their associated riparian habitat. These area. situations provide for resident nesting birds in abundance, but also act like a magnet for migrating birds. We will DAY 2 compare and contrast the abundance of riparian birdlife with the less-abundant desert birds occurring in the more We head the short distance to the North Kaibab arid adjacent habitats. Trailhead and begin our 7-mile hike to Cottonwood Campground. Along the way we will Suggested specific gear: stop near Roaring Springs for lunch. We will hike Compact binoculars slowly, stopping whenever we encounter a teachable moment for birds. There are tactics we DAY 1 can use that will enable our group to see, hear, and learn more about birds than any of us could do We meet at the Community Building at 8:00 a.m. independently – and a discussion of this will fine- (MST) sharp on the South Rim (see enclosed map tune how we interpret birds that are here one for directions). The morning is devoted to an moment and gone the next. equipment check, class overview, and orientation. After an early lunch, we embark to the North Rim Cottonwood Campground is a riparian oasis along on a noon shuttle to spend the night in the Bright Angel Creek about half-way to Phantom campground on the rim. A final equipment check Ranch. As with the remaining campgrounds we and fitting session during the evening will get us will stay at during our journey, we will have fresh prepared for the hike. drinking water, picnic tables and toilets nearby.

Note: Please bring all your gear with you at  Birdlife of forest, woodland, chaparral, the start of the day. and mountain shrub habitats.

 Birdlife seen (but usually heard!) after DAY 5 dark. We cross the Colorado River and ascend 1500 feet DAY 3 in five miles to our final campsite on the trip, Indian Garden Campground. This lushly Seven more, lightly downhill miles takes us down vegetated stopover is roughly half way out of the to the Colorado River and Bright Angel canyon along the Bright Angel Trail. Our final Campground, our camp for the next 2 nights. The sunset below the rim is spent at Plateau Point, a cottonwood trees along the creek should be full of cliff overlooking the Inner Gorge and the birds, while the adjacent desert slopes exhibit a Colorado River. This is a time for questions: distinctly different density and diversity of birdlife  What is the future for birdlife here in the than the high forests of the North Rim. Canyon? Can faraway events influence the Park’s bird community? After setting up camp, we will visit historic Phantom Ranch, which is the destination for DAY 6 overnight mule riders from the South Rim. Be sure to bring money if you wish to purchase cold Getting an early start, we hike out to the rim. The drinks or T-shirts at Phantom Ranch. There are distance is 4.5 miles with an elevation gain of prehistoric pueblo dwellings near the river to about 3,200 feet. We should be out of the canyon explore as well. by lunchtime or shortly thereafter. When we are not catching our breath, we can see and hear many  Why is Phantom Ranch along the of the bird species that we detected on our initial Colorado River such a “migrant trap” for day of hiking down into the Canyon from the species that are just out of their normal North Rim. range?  Why do we see House Sparrows and RECOMMENDED READING other non-native bird species at Phantom Ranch? Brown, Bryan, Steven Carothers, and Roy Johnson. Grand Canyon Birds: Historical Notes, DAY 4 Natural History, and Ecology. [out of print but available from used booksellers online] Today will be a layover day which should not only allow our muscles to recover, but will also allow a Whitney, Stephen R. A Field Guide to the Grand more in-depth look at the local birdlife found at Canyon. the very heart of Grand Canyon. Pocket Naturalist Field Guide to the Grand Canyon. After a leisurely breakfast we will review the consistent themes of Canyon birdlife again during Some of these books and other interpretive aids can be a day hike on the Clear Creek Trail. This historic purchased at Grand Canyon Conservancy bookstores on the north and south rims, online at trail constructed by the CCC in the 1930s is steep www.grandcanyon.org, or by calling 800-858-2808. in places but supplies breath-taking views and GCC members receive a 15% discount. remarkable perspectives on the Canyon. ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR  How has Glen Canyon Dam and its operation since 1963 influenced the Bryan Brown has been birding, exploring, and birdlife of the river corridor? hiking Grand Canyon since 1976. Much of his  Discussion of the typical bird species on professional life since that time has been devoted the Tonto Platform. to studying its birds and their habitats, either as a biologist with the National Park Service, an Our final sunset at the very bottom of the Canyon environmental consultant working under contract is spent at the Colorado River. It is a fantastic for the Park, or as a research assistant with spot for a summary discussion of Inner Canyon Northern Arizona University. And it is exactly birdlife. this experience and perspective that he will be passionate about sharing with you, as he literally  The ecology of Peregrine Falcons in wrote the book on Grand Canyon birds. Grand Canyon – the apex avian predator.

It is one thing to lead a birding trip, and quite another thing to lead a birding trip into the backcountry of the Grand Canyon. Bryan has worked as a river guide, birding tour leader, and lecturer -- developing skills that have all come together to help shape this trip into a special Canyon event for all participants.

Bryan feels that simply identifying a bird, while in itself satisfying, is only the first step to understanding how that species fits into the grand scheme of things. Each species, every habitat, and all seasons have their own particular avian story to tell, and it is the telling of these stories that collectively leads to a greater appreciation and understanding of the Grand Canyon bird community.