Bountiful Pond photo by Stephanie Greenwood

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Description:
The Bountiful Pond (officially the Bountiful Lake), nestled between the Bountiful City Landfill and the South Davis Sewer District, is a hotspot and migrant trap for passerines, gulls and terns, and waterfowl. It is within the city boundaries of West Bountiful, however it is owned and maintained by the City of Bountiful. It is an artificial pond created with federal aid and a grant obtained by the City of Bountiful as a sport fishing restoration effort. Originally it was a quarry of sorts, where clay was dug out and used to seal the bottom of the landfill.  Local streams and city runoff water are now diverted to flow in to the pond. The pond is stocked with several species of fish, there is a parking lot, pit restroom, picnic tables and paths and planted trees. Adjacent to the outer regions of Farmington Bay, the diversity of birds that can show up at "the pond" can be surprising in this unassuming place. It is free and open to the public 24/7. There is a paved path that runs around most of the pond. Expect fishermen, horse riders and scout camping groups year round, especially on weekends. Best times to visit are week day mornings.

Birding:
The west side of the pond along the row of trees and the area south of the pond are usually the best areas for birding. If you park along the frontage road just south of the pond, barely past the entrance to the sewer district (right as the fence ends) you can walk down in to an orchard-like area with grass and trees and follow it down the canal to the pond. During migration expect warblers, sparrows, and flycatchers in this area. Follow the row of trees down to the water and walk the path that runs on the west side of the water. In the summer look for nesting Eastern Kingbirds in the trees along the water, and flocks of swallows resting in the trees. Also scan the trees, shrubs and ground for passerine activity. Notable rarities have included CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW and HARRIS'S SPARROW. Late March through early October look for terns, both Caspian and Forster's. In early August BLACK TERNS migrate through Farmington Bay, and are possible at the pond. Common Nighthawks are also not uncommon in the warm evenings of August and September. COMMON TERN has also been sighted in early Spring. September migration will bring Cassin's Vireos. Around late September through October, owls may be present roosting in the trees. There are also a number of domestic ducks and geese that love to be fed, found near the parking lot area. Summers can be pretty thick with mosquitoes; protective clothing is advised.

Directions:
Take I-15 or Legacy Highway to the 500 South exit and exit West. The road will curve and head north. Take this for a couple miles until you see the South Davis Sewer District. You'll see the water on the west side of the street.  You can park along the road and take the path described above, or you can turn left (right before the canal, it is an unmarked road) and park in the parking lot.  Restrooms are at the parking lot area.