7200 West from Google Street View
Description:
Just a few years ago this location was nothing more than a shortcut between Lee Kay Ponds and Saltair. Now it has a list of over 100 species, and is a must stop during migration in the spring and fall to check for shorebirds and other water birds in the playas that fill with water just off the road. The dirt road runs north and south from I-80 to 1300 South, on the west side of the dump. Besides the birds, the road is known to be a bit of a sketchy spot for other "activities". At the time of this writing a police officer pulled over to help a car here and found more than they bargained for. But that's tame compared to some of the other happenings here. If you see a naked guy running down the road here, just keep going. If you stop to ask what someone is seeing, you may get a show that you're not interested in. Basically, unless you see someone you know, or someone with binoculars or a scope, you probably should just avoid everyone else.
Birding:
Lots of duck species have been seen here, including BLUE-WINGED TEAL, CANVASBACK, RED-BREASTED MERGRANSER, and WOOD DUCK. A decent list of shorebirds has been compiled here including: SOLITARY SANDPIPER, BARD'S SANDPIPER, MARBLED GODWIT, and LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER. 6 species of gull have been reported here including THAYER'S GULLS, and during spring migration BONAPARTE'S GULLS seem to be semi-regular. All 4 usual Utah falcon species can be observed here--with MERLIN being seen occasionally during the winter. EASTERN KINGBIRD and LAPLAND LONGSPUR have both been observed here, as have both BLACK and GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCH. The best was to bird here is to drive the road and scope or scan the water where you see birds. Often one of the best places to check is the road running east on the north end of the dump.
Directions:
From Lee Kay Ponds continue west on 1300 South to the end of the dump where the crossroads is. Turn right here and you are on 7200 West. Additionally from I-80 take the 7200 West exit in Salt Lake County and go south.
Labels: beach, canals, farms, marsh, ponds, road, Salt Lake County, shorebirds, waterfowl, wetland
1 Comments:
The new highlight bird for this location may very well be the LAUGHING GULL that was seen here on January 14 & 15, 2015! A first state record.
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