Bird Watching at Arches National Park

The state of Utah can claim the Arches National Park as one of its pride while being explicitly located in Grand County. The Colorado River protects the southwest part of the park since the park itself is to Moab’s north. Sandstone arches of over 2000 in number mark the site, leading to its name. The 76,679 acres park has the world’s highest density in terms of natural arches.

Major Attractions at Arches National Park

Delicate Arch is one of the main attractions of Arches National park and is most known for the hiking expeditions. The round trip of 3 miles involves trails with the sandy ground and slick rocks, and the road is usually busy due to the number of people that take this trip. However, for a birdwatcher, plenty of species show up on the way, though one can not guarantee that.

There is a singular road connecting all of Arches National Park, the Arches Scenic Drive. It starts from Highway 191 and ends in Devils Garden trailhead, at the park’s back. It’s a good way to get a look at the several trails and viewpoints on the way, though a straight drive would merely take an hour. Taking a hike on Park Avenue allows you to walk past huge rock formations, the likes of Courthouse Towers included in them.

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Bird Watching at Arches National Park

The most prominent species at Arches National Park is birds. The toughest of summer days would still see White-throated Swifts and Turkey Vultures roaming over the rocks. The trees and shrubs of the park are often flogged by White-crowned Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos hunting for food during winter. Arches are not exactly acknowledged as a hotspot for birdwatching among the experts, but they do not lack in migrants and yearly residents.

The Colorado River and Courthouse Wash are mostly to thank for the Arches park’s diversity in bird species. The otherwise desert land has a closeby spot for wildlife to find food and shelter. You can hear the beautiful melodic songs of Spotted Towhees, Canyon Wrens, and Blue Grosbeaks from spring to summertime. If you reach the riverbanks, you might spot Great Blue Herons concentrating on catching fishes near the shores.

The upland portion of Arches National Park seems to be most favored by the bird species. The small trees and shrubs make for an excellent place for Black-throated Sparrows and Say’s Phoebes to rest. In addition, the Pinyon-juniper woodlands are frequented by Pinyon Jays, Juniper Titmice, and Scrub Jays.

The Common Raven is another figure found throughout the Arches National Park. Again, the habitat or season does not matter; you will see them if you decide to visit. The state of Utah is home to 468 species. Out of them, at least 200 species have been spotted at Arches National Park alone.

10 Birds to See at Arches National Park

Turkey Vulture

Turkey Vultures are all black and brown birds with bright redheads. They can be found throughout North America. They have a stable population with no risk of endangerment. Their homes are in open country and woods. Turkey Vultures have a great sense of smell for fresh carcasses. Because of this, they can be found along highways or in the open countryside. When Turkey Vultures are in flight, their wings raise to form a V. They lay 2 eggs and do not build
nests. Their nest area can be under rocks, in hollow logs, or on old buildings. Some Turkey Vultures migrate to South America.

White-crowned Sparrow

White-crowned Sparrows are a gray birds with black and white stripes on their head and a yellow bill. They are found throughout North America. Their population is widespread and common. They make their homes in forest edges, thickets, gardens, and parks. White-crowned Sparrows are winter birds found in fields and along roadsides. They can be found on the ground looking for insects to eat. White-crowned Sparrows along the Pacific Coast are permanent residents. The ones from the north and mountain regions migrate south.

Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Juncos have a gray-brown body with bright white tail feathers. They are found throughout North America. They are abundant and widespread with no risk to their population. Dark-eyed Juncos make their homes in open or partially wooded areas. They have a twittering call and a trilling song. Dark-eyed Juncos eat insects and seeds. They lay 3 to 5 eggs and build their nests on the ground, hidden under branches or rocks. Dark-eyed Juncos are migratory birds; however, those already residing in the south are permanent residents.

Spotted Towhee

Spotted Towhees are black with bright white spots on their wings and back with orange sides. They are found in western North America. Their population is common and widespread. They make their homes in open woods, undergrowth, and brushy edges. Spotted Towhees mostly stay on the ground but will climb into lower branches for insects and fruit. They lay 3 to 5 eggs and build their nests on the ground or low in a tree. Spotted Towhees in the north migrate, but the birds in the south are permanent residents.

Blue Grosbeak

Blue Grosbeaks are blue with brown wings and silver bills. You can find these birds throughout North America. These birds are not endangered; their population is increasing. Their habitat is in brush and thickets near streams. You can hear the Blue Grosbeaks’ rich songs from trees and power lines. They eat insects, seeds, and grain. Blue Grosbeaks lay 3 to 5 eggs and build their nests 3 to 10 feet up in trees. They will often put string, snakeskin, paper, rags, or other odd things in their nests. They migrate south across the Gulf of Mexico.

Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Herons are tall with gray-blue wings. They are slow-moving birds and weigh about 6 pounds. You can find these birds all across the United States. Their population has stabilized since some small declines. They live near riverbanks, ponds, and edges of marshes. They hunt for food morning and night because they have night vision. Great Blue Herons eat fish mostly but will also eat other small animals like frogs. They build their nests high or low in trees. Great Blue Herons use big sticks to make large platform nests. They lay 3 to 5 eggs. Northern populations east of the Rockies are migratory, but most other Great Blue Herons are not migratory.

American Goldfinch

American Goldfinches are a bright yellow color with some shiny black and white on their wings. You can find these birds all over North America. Their population is steady but has seen a small decline recently. They build their homes along roadsides and in open woods. They are the state bird of New Jersey, Iowa, and Washington. American Goldfinches eat a strict vegetarian diet and love sunflower and nyjer seeds. They love to visit backyard feeders if you have these seeds. They make nests out of plant fibers and spider webs. American Goldfinches lay 4 to 6 eggs. They make their nests so well they can hold water. They migrate during mid-fall and early spring.

Loggerhead Shrike

Loggerhead Shrikes have a white underbelly with a gray and black head and wings. They have a hooked bill with tiny teeth on it. Their population in the northeast is almost gone, but they are still common throughout other regions. They make their homes in trees, scrub, and semi-open country. Loggerhead Shrikes like to search for prey from utility poles and fence posts. They eat large insects, lizards, and small birds. They will save food for later by piercing it on a barbed wire or thorn. These shrikes build nests in thorny shrubs or trees and lay 5 to 6 eggs. Loggerhead Shrikes migrate early in the spring with those in the south being permanent residents.

Mallard

Mallards have a green head, gray feathers, and a black tail. They are common ducks you can find throughout North America. Their population is steady and abundant. They make their homes near ponds and parks as well as other wetlands. Chances are if you have fed a duck at a park, you have fed a Mallard. They are good fliers, flying as fast as 55 miles per hour! They eat mostly plants like seeds, stems, and roots. Mallards make their nests on the ground and sometimes far away from water. They lay 7 to 10 eggs. Once they hatch, the young will leave the nest after one day and go straight into the water. Mallards migrate in early spring and again in the fall.

Lazuli Bunting

Lazuli Buntings are light blue with a white underbelly with a splash of orange. They also have black-tipped wings. Lazuli Buntings are found throughout western North America. Their population is widespread, common, and stable. Many male Lazuli Buntings have their own specific songs. Lazuli Buntings make their homes in open brush and streamside shrubs. They eat mostly seeds and insects. They migrate early in the fall.

Final Thoughts

The Arches National Park is mostly desert and rock formations. Still, if you visit the greener areas, you would come across a diverse range of bird species.

Ornithology

Bird Watching Academy & Camp Subscription Boxes

At the Bird Watching Academy & Camp we help kids, youth, and adults get excited and involved in bird watching. We have several monthly subscription boxes that you can subscribe to. Our monthly subscription boxes help kids, youth, and adults learn about birds, bird watching, and bird conservation.

Bird Watching Binoculars

The most common types of bird watching binoculars for viewing birds at Arches National Park is the 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. Bird Watching Academy & Camp sells really nice 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. You can view and purchase them here.