Looking East at the Canal from Google Street View

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Description:
Woodland Hills is a small community in the foothills on the south end of Utah Valley.  Comprised primarily of small family farms and mixed oak woodlands the area is typical of many foothill habitats in the area.  Numerous country roads criss cross the farmland and hillsides int he community.  The Gambel's Oak here along the Highline (Salem) Canal are quite mature, providing a type of oak woodland that isn't found in many other locations nearby.  This habitat is the main reason birders visit the area.

Birding:
The Woodland Hills area (including east Salem) is popular for its resident clan of LEWIS'S WOODPECKER.  For more than 20 years birders have been visiting Woodland Hills (usually between October and May) to see this species in what is the most reliable northern Utah location to find it.  Where 400 East runs into the Highline (Salem) Canal at 9650 south is the general area to look.  Driving 9650 south east for about a mile provides ample habitat to scan for the woodpeckers that can usually be found with some patience.  SPOTTED TOWHEE are also common here year round along with BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE, and AMERICAN KESTREL.  During the winter months DARK-EYED JUNCO and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW are often found along the road.  Occasionally high elevations species end up here during the winter and BROWN CREEPER, TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE, and EVENING GROSBEAK have all been reported.  If you stop by please be respectful of the the popularity of this location and refrain form using tapes for any birds--but especially the woodpeckers.  If you are willing to put in some effort they are always here.  Also, please be mindful of the fact that everything off the road is private property.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 257A in Spanish Fork go south on Main Street for 3.1 miles. Turn left onto Woodland Hills Drive for .7 miles.  Turn left onto 8800 South for .5 miles.  Turn right onto 400 east and go south for 1.1 miles till you go up the hill.  The oak belt is here and the canal passes under the road.  9650 South will be on your left at the top of the hill.