BIRDING SPOTS

where, when, and what to find

Decker Lake

posted by Tim Avery at
on Saturday, March 15, 2014 

Decker Lake from Google Street View


Description:
Decker Lake is a small lake in West Valley City, fed by a canal from the Jordan River.  The lake had a paved and dgravel path around the entire perimeter with several benches.  There are three "arms" of the lake--the northwest, south, and east arms.  The lake sits next a juvenile detention facility, and is surrounded by large office complexes, and other commercial property.  I-215 West side belt route runs along the west side of the lake.  The lake is open to partially open year round and has some small Russian Olives and pines surrounding it.  The shoreline is primarily open with stretches covered in phragmites.

Birding:
Decker Lake is popular during the fall, winter and spring, mostly for waterfowl, divers, shorebirds, and in recent years gulls. Suring spring and fall, waterfowl, shorebirds, and other waterbirds use the lake to rest and feed.  During the winter it is not unusual to see GADWALL, NORTHERN PINTAIL, NORTHERN SHOVELER, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL here with the Mallards.  Large flocks of Canada Geese that visit often have CACKLING GEESE mixed in.  SNOW, ROSS'S, and GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE have all be recorded as well.The major draw in recent years has been between November and February for gulls that use various locations around the south end of the Great Salt Lake.  During the winter months 10 species of gull have been recorded here including: ICELAND, WESTERN. MEW, LESSER BLACK-BACKED, GLAUCOUS, and GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL.  Large numbers of gulls often flock in the south leg.  If birding other west Salt Lake Location like Lake Park, the Jordan River, or Lee Kay Ponds, it's worth a stop here.

Directions:
From Redwood Road north of 2500 South, take Parkway Blvd (2495 south) west bound.  The road curves to the south.  When you come to a light turn left and follow this to the next right which is Research Way.  Turn right here and follow the road to the entrance to the Decker Lake Detention Facility.  Turn right into the dirt parking lot outside the facility and park.  Coming from the south on Redwood Road, take a left on Research Way (about 2720 south) and go till the road forks at the lake.  Take the left fork to stay on Research and make your way to the parking area.

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