During winter, there are several great areas to look for birds of prey, eagles especially, in Canyon Country. Eagles and other raptors “share” winter habitat where their territorial disputes are fewer than those during the breeding season. One reason for this cohabitation probably lies with the fact that many of these hawks and eagles are winter residents only. A majority of these birds will head north once their breeding season begins.

Three of my favorite winter “raptoring” areas are: along the Colorado River, out along I-70 in the Cisco or Green River Desert, and in town.

The river and its tributaries attract bald eagles which feed on fish and waterfowl. It is not uncommon to see several bald eagles, often comprised of several age classes, roosting in one tree. These birds hunt the shallow backwaters or ice-free sections of the river for fish and waterfowl. Though floating the river may be an option to view these birds, Highway 128 snakes along the river from Moab up to I-70 and provides safe pullouts to view these magnificent birds.

Highway 128 connects to the vast open stretch of the Cisco Desert along I-70, near the “town” of Cisco. Long disrespected because of its “bleak terrain,” these grasslands and shrublands teem with wildlife, even in winter. Small rodents and mammals, along with larger species like badgers, foxes, coyotes, mule deer, and pronghorn, forage for food and prey amongst the small hills and arroyos that texturize this area. The prey base is significant as viewed by the variety of predators that occur out there. Red-tailed, ferruginous, and rough-legged hawks represent the soaring hawks or Buteos, while golden and bald eagles constitute the larger birds of prey. Notably absent are turkey vultures which have not yet returned from their wintering grounds farther south. Utilizing perches on power poles or small cliffs that dot the landscape, these birds of prey use their incredible eyesight to search for prey or to scan for gatherings of ravens and magpies, scavengers congregated around carrion.

Though the interstate isn’t conducive to stopping and looking at birds, there are sections of the old highway that parallel the interstate between Crescent Junction and Thompson Springs which provide good viewing opportunities. Depending upon current conditions, these sections may be passable in winter, just travel with care. The same holds true for roads that branch off from Cisco, down to the Colorado River and Fish Ford, be aware of the conditions.

In addition to these birding hotspots, looking for raptors in town or the Moab Valley can also be very productive. The Matheson Wetlands Preserve offers some wooded habitat for the smaller sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawk, two raptors known for their bird hunting skills, as well as marshy areas that Northern harriers prefer. The sharpie and Coop are also common in town, streaking through backyards to terrorize backyard bird feeders. Adept at navigating with their long, rudder-like tails and short, broad wings, these accipiters prey on sparrows, finches, doves, woodpeckers, and other smaller birds. Their larger relative, the Northern goshawk, also migrates through the area and is considered a good birding find in winter.

So, bundle up and enjoy watching these wintering eagles and hawks and be impressed by their tenacity for surviving these wintery conditions. Good birding!