Bird Watching at the Grand Canyon - Grand Canyon Village, Desert View, Phantom Ranch, Colorado River, Grand Canyon South Rim Trail, Grand Canyon South Rim Vicinity - Photography, Wildlife Viewing, Bird watching, Walking Tours

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- Environmental Action at Grand Canyon South Rim
- 2011 Sustainability Report

Bird Watching at the Grand Canyon

Wildlife and Bird Watching at the Grand Canyon

Categories: Photography, Wildlife Viewing, Bird watching, Walking Tours

Location: Grand Canyon Village, Desert View, Phantom Ranch, Colorado River, Grand Canyon South Rim Trail, Grand Canyon South Rim Vicinity

Intensity: 1

Duration: 1-6 hours

Directions:

Entering Grand Canyon National Park via the South Entrance leads to Grand Canyon Village. Roads radiating east and west from Grand Canyon Village include Hermit Road (accessible by either private vehicle or free park shuttle bus depending on the season) and Desert View Drive. South Entrance to Grand Canyon Village: 7 miles Grand Canyon Village to Desert View via Desert View Drive: 26 miles Grand Canyon Village to Hermit’s Rest via Hermit Road: 8 miles

Photo Credit/Caption:

Photo courtesy of NPS.

Maps: Printable Map

From elk to eagles Grand Canyon National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Statistics provided by the National Park Service indicate that there are 373 species of birds, 91 species of mammals, and 57 species of reptiles and amphibians located throughout the park.

Elevation often dictates where park visitors might encounter these amazing creatures. In general, the Inner Canyon is the domain of reptiles and amphibians, and the larger mammals prefer the lofty North and South Rims. Raptors, songbirds, and other winged wonders can be seen both high and low.

Intensity: 1, Duration: 1-6 hours, Location: Grand Canyon Village, Desert View, Phantom Ranch, Colorado River, Grand Canyon South Rim Trail, Grand Canyon South Rim Vicinity

Description

While visiting the South Rim you are most likely to encounter elk, mule deer, rock squirrels, coyote, gray fox, javelina, and desert bighorn sheep. The forested rims also provide habitat for mountain lions, bobcats, and the occasional black bear, however sightings of these predators are extremely rare.

Grand Canyon National Park falls along a major migratory route for birds of prey. Hawks, golden and bald eagles, kestrels, and peregrine falcon (one of the fastest animals on the planet) can often be spotted in the skies over Grand Canyon, particularly in the Autumn months on calm days.

Perhaps the most high-profile animal in the park these days is the endangered California condor. This slow-moving bird with the nine-foot wingspan was re-introduced to the Grand Canyon region in 1996 after nearly going extinct. As a scavenger, Condors are drawn to human activity, and can therefore be viewed during summer months near the South Rim’s bustling overlooks and Historic Village District. The National Park Service ranger talks on the California condor are both entertaining and popular. Consult “The Guide” newspaper for times and locations of these talks.

Ravens are another entertaining bird in the park. One of the world’s largest songbirds, these jet-black birds can be seen anywhere you go. They often travel in pairs, and are notoriously mischievous when it comes to visitors personal belongings, so be sure not to leave food or gear unattended.

Whether birds or mammals, the best time to view wildlife is at dawn or dusk (one exception would be the California condors that ride warm afternoon air currents with amazing effect). The paved walkway through the Historic Village District offers a great opportunity to see many of the animals listed above, including the elk and mule deer which fancy the lawn surrounding the El Tovar Hotel.

Photographing Wildlife

When photographing wildlife use a long lens, fast shutter speed, and try to crop out any buildings, lampposts, cars and such to create a more natural scene.

Please remember to follow all NPS regulations and do not disrupt or feed wildlife who may become dependent on hands-outs and lose the ability to forage on their own. Also, remember that wild animals are unpredictable and potentially dangerous, so always maintain a safe distance.

Dates Open

The South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is open all year. Winters months offer the best chance to enjoy the park without the summer crowds.

The North Rim is subject to seasonal closures and is open generally from May 15 – October 15th.

Refer to “The Guide”, or visit the Canyon View Information Plaza (visitor center) for more information on wildlife viewing opportunities.

Elevation

Approximately 7000 feet (2133 meters) South Rim

and 2000 feet (609 meters) Colorado River.

Points of Interest

El Tovar Hotel
Lookout Studio
Canyon View Information Plaza
Yavapai Point Observation Station
Hermit’s Rest
Desert View

Insider Tips for Viewing Wildlife in Grand Canyon

The best time to observe wildlife is in the early morning (just after sunrise) and later in the evening, (before sun down).
It’s possible to get a photo of a park animal by using a spotting scope and point and shoot camera. While there may be a darker ring framing the final shot, the scope acts as a telephoto lens for cameras with narrow diameter lenses.
Wildlife can be dangerous.
If your actions cause the animal you’re watching to move or change its behavior, you’re too close.
It is illegal to willfully remain near or approach wildlife, including birds, within ANY distance that disturbs or displaces the animal.
Easy to remember rule…if it eats meat, stay at least 100 yards away, if it’s a vegetarian 25 yards minimum.
Use roadway pullouts where possible. Do not block traffic with your car in order to watch wildlife. If parking in a legal shoulder of the road, the car’s tires must be completely off the pavement.
Do not feed or call wildlife. This can eliminate the animal’s natural fear of humans, potentially leading to dangerous encounters that could result in injury or death to people and wildlife.
Safety first is a good rule of thumb. Do not hike alone especially night when interactions with wildlife may come unexpectedly.
Keep all food items stored in your vehicle with all doors closed. Ravens are especially adept at stealing food, but food scents can attract many types of animals.
Sun hat, sunscreen, layered clothing, water and a portable chair can make a wildlife watching session much more comfortable.

Additional Maps

Additional printable maps of the Grand Canyon area are available courtesy of the National Park Service. Visit our general Maps page for more information.

Additional Maps

Additional printable maps of the Grand Canyon area are available courtesy of the National Park Service. Visit our general Maps page for more information.