The recent split of the sage-grouse has elevated the smaller subspecies of sage-grouse to full species status. Found only in a few isolated locations of southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah, seeing the Gunnison Sage-Grouse presents a challenging quest for North American birders. On this tour, we’ll travel to southeastern Utah, where several leks of displaying males will give us the best chance at successfully viewing this rare bird. By watching the spectacular display of the males, we’ll also be able to see the most striking differences between the two sage-grouse species, including the elongated filoplumes on the neck of the Gunnison Sage-Grouse. After watching the grouse in the morning, we’re free to spend the rest of our day search for other birds amongst the spectacular red-rock landscape. Perhaps the most under-birded part of Utah, this corner of the state has a huge potential for turning up some real avian surprises.

Friday, March 23 We leave Salt Lake City this afternoon, and head south, then east across the Wasatch Mountains and into the heart of the Colorado Plateau of southeastern Utah. As time and daylight permits, we may make a stop at the Matheson Wetlands Preserve in Moab for a little birding after dinner. From there, we continue south to the small town of Monticello and our hotel, where we retire immediately in anticipation of our early morning the next day.

Saturday, March 24 This morning finds us at a lek of the Gunnison Sage-Grouse at first light, where we watch the display of this newly recognized species, noting how different it is from that of its northern cousin. For the rest of the day, we explore the pinyon-juniper woodlands, pine-oak forests, and cottonwood bottoms of southeast Utah’s canyon country. In addition to many birds, such as Williamson’s Sapsucker, Pinyon Jay, Pygmy Nuthatch, Canyon Wren, and Western Bluebird, we’ll see some of the ancient rock art and ruins which are scattered throughout this area. Overnight in Monticello.

Sunday, March 25 This morning gives us a second chance to view the grouse display, just in case weather or other disturbances interfered with our viewing the previous day. Later, we leave the canyon country for a leisurely journey back to Salt Lake City, birding as we go. In the afternoon, we’ll look around the Salt Lake area for any birds which we haven’t found that you wish to see, and may look for some owls in the evening (since you won’t be at all tired!). Overnight Salt Lake City.

Monday, March 26  This morning, you’ll transfer from your hotel to the airport. Soon you’ll be flying home full of memories of the sight of North America’s newest bird species, along with many other birds, wildlife and the spectacular scenery of Utah.

Arrival and Departure information: The tour begins in Salt Lake City as soon as everyone arrives on March 17 (but not after 3 pm MDT), and lasts through early morning on March 20. Westwings, Inc. staff will meet you outside the airport baggage claim area. Flights to and from Salt Lake City should be arranged to arrive no later than 3 pm MDT on March 17, and depart anytime on March 20. As an alternative, you may fly into Salt Lake City on March 16. You will be responsible for your own accommodations in Salt Lake City on the extra night (if you wish, we can make a reservation for you). The tour price includes all non-personal expenses during the trip, such as transportation, lodging, meals, and admission fees.