Provo River at River Road from Google Street View
Description:
This spot is directly on the Provo River just North of Heber City near the intersection of Highway 40 and River Road. Just East of the river on River Road, there is a gravel parking lot with restrooms. There are also signs directing you to the fisherman access for the river. There are no entrance fees, and this land that is open to the public. The land on either side of the river is marsh and wetlands, due to the Provo River Reclamation Project. Tall trees line either side of the river creating a great riparian habitat, and beyond the marsh land are open fields that are mostly for agriculture. This combination leads to a wide variety of birds being attracted to this spot and the immediately surrounding areas throughout the year.
Birding:
Directly along the river is an excellent place to view a number of interesting birds. BELTED KINGFISHER are almost always perched in the trees at this location year round intently looking for fish in the river. If you stay more than just a few minutes, you will be likely to see one swoop down in attempt to catch a fish. Several songbirds commonly found near water also frequent the trees along the river. During the summer YELLOW WARBLER, AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE can be found. In the winter months WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW and DARK-EYED JUNCO are found. Year round SONG SPARROW are a common find. This portion of the river is loud, shallow, and fast moving. As such, it is a perfect habitat for AMERICAN DIPPER, and they are seen here year round. Take a good look near some of the large rocks that protrude from the river because they often use these rocks as a perch before diving into the water in pursuit of insects. Within approximately one hundred yards on either side of the river are platform nests where OSPREY generally return each summer. There is at least one breeding pair to the East of the river near Highway 40, and another pair is also commonly found along River Road to the West of the river.
Directions:
From the Intersection of US-40 and River Road north of Heber, head west on River Road for .3 miles. Turn left into the parking area and park here, following the directions to Fisherman's Access.
Thanks to Case Wade for this location submission.
Labels: dipper, farms, grasslands, kingfisher, marsh, raptors, riparian, river, warblers, Wasatch County, wetland
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