Willard Bay NW Playas photo by Mike Hearell

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Description:
The majority of this hotspot is the playas to the NW of Willard Bay, also known as the Willard Spur. It is flooded from Fall through early Summer. The road between the Reservoir and Spur can be quite rough, and muddy when raining. The two jetties, dike and roadside are lined with wheatgrass, phragmite, greasewood, and pickleweed. During late Summer the NW playa is dry.

Birding:
This location holds large numbers of waterfowl when flooded and not frozen. During Spring migration, large numbers of Marbled Godwit, White-faced Ibis, Black-necked Stilt and American Avocet use the shallow waters of the Spur. Most common species of waterfowl, shorebirds and waders can be found on the Spur as long as it holds some water. The roads are rough and at times only passable with a vehicle with higher clearance but, if you make the trip you might be rewarded with Snowy Plovers, HORNED GREBE, EURASIAN WIGEON, LEAST and BLACK TERN, BAR-TAILED GODWIT, sea duck or even the occasional JAEGER.

Directions:
This hotspot is located on the NW corner of Willard Bay SP in Box Elder County. From I-15 take exit 351 and turn south onto HWY126 (2000 W). Head south on HWY 126 for 0.3 miles and turn right onto 4000 N. Approximately 2.3 miles west turn right off of 4000 N onto dirt road (4150 W), this road will eventually bring you parallel to the south dike of Willard Bay Reservoir. Follow this road past Harold S Crane along the west side of Willard Bay until you reach the NW corner with the light tower.

Thanks to Mike Hearell for this location submission.