Black Canyon Flora & Fauna

Black Canyon Flora & Fauna

Spring and early summer are the best times for bird-watching: You may spot peregrine falcons nesting in May and June, especially in the vicinity of Painted Wall, or other birds of prey such as red-tailed hawks, Cooper's hawks, and golden eagles circling overhead at any time of year. In summer, turkey vultures join the flying corps, and in winter, bald eagles. Also keep an eye out for blue grouse, which frequent the trails and roadsides.

Mule deer, elk (most commonly seen in winter), and the very shy bobcat (occasionally glimpsed in fall, winter, and spring) also call the park home. In spring and fall you may see a porcupine among pinyon pines on the rims. Listen for the distinctive, high-pitched chirp of the yellow-bellied marmot, which hangs out on sunny, rocky outcrops near South Rim Visitor Center, Oak Flat Trail, and Chasm View Lookout. From the campgrounds at night, you're likely to hear the spine-tingling yips of coyotes, as they gather on the rim. Though rarely seen, mountain lions also live in the park, as do black bears, which are sometimes spotted in dry years, when they have to forage more widely for food.