We've been back a couple of weeks now but finally getting a chance to follow up regarding our trip. Better late than never I guess. Thank you again to everyone that reached out with suggestions. I was able to visit several of them and they were fantastic stops. The trip didn't go quite as planned. We were probably on about our 5th or 6th change of plans. Some of it due to me trying to squeeze lots of things into small amounts of time. Haha. Mother Nature also forced us to change course as well. Many of you probably saw and heard about the tragic flash flood at the Grand Canyon that took 3 hikers lives and devastated the inner canyon landscape. We found out they were evacuating Phantom less than 12 hrs from starting our hike. Obviously, it was disappointing news, but we feel incredibly blessed that we were not down there or on our way down. Thank you again to those that reached out to check on us. It was much appreciated.Â
I was able to see 125 species in Arizona, including 28 lifers...and YES, I got my condor!! I did dip on a couple of targets, but I'm currently working with NPS to reschedule our Phantom Ranch nights in 2028, so there will definitely be a next time for sure.
If you're interested, here's the link to my trip report. https://ebird.org/tripreport/567365 I tried to get a pic of everything I saw, but was not successful and some pics are good, some downright awful, but....oh well. Even Steve had fun, but I'm told next time we have to go tour the PING golf facility. Haha. Lucky for me I'm a sucker for "how it's made" tours, too.Â
Becky LutzFranklin County636-432-9442
On Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 08:56:20 PM CDT, Becky Lutz <0000035ce3242aa3-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Hey all,
I have a trip to the Grand Canyon coming up in a couple of weeks. Most of our time (very tolerant non-birder hubby & I, haha) will be at the South Rim, but we will also get a chance to visit the North Rim and try to see the California Condor. We will also be spending a couple of nights at Phantom Ranch (Super excited!!!) and have a couple days in the Phoenix area before flying home. I've been researching and have a plan but thought I'd reach out and see if anyone had any favorite spots I should try and check out while in the area since it will be my first time to the area/state. Thanks!!
Becky LutzFranklin County636-432-9442
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Archives / Subscription options / MBS Website / Email the list owners
ABA Birding Code of Ethics
MBS Fall Meeting: 125th Anniversary - Sept. 25-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
