Entrance to Swede Lane from Google Street View

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Description:
Swede Lane is a road adjacent to River Lane, that passes through mostly agricultural land, as well as marsh and wetland, with some riparian habitat, eventually leading to Utah Lake.  Swede Lane doesn't have nearly the riparian habitat that is found right next door, but the mix of open habitats, disturbed land, and adjacent wetlands makes for a good drive. Like River Lane the first mile follows farm land, before hitting marsh and wetland.  The riparian habitat can be found in patches along the entire road, all the way to the lake, but it's not continuous, and mostly consists of russian olive. There is actually a connecting road between the two locations making for a quick jump from one to the other instead of having to drive back to the highway.

Birding:
Birding here often has the feel of being at a WMA or other wetland habitat--around 20 species of waterfowl have been observed here including ROSS'S GOOS, TUNDRA SWAN, and BLUE-WINGED TEAL.  From the end of the road viewing the lake its not uncommon to see AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, and both WESTERN and CLARK'S GREBES.  All three White egrets in Utah have been observed here.  During the spring when the fields near the entrance are sometimes flooded CATTLE EGRET are often seen with large flocks of WHITE-FACED IBIS.  Scan those ibis carefully, as in recent years GLOSSY IBIS have been found mixed in.  The open habitat here is usually a pretty good spot for raptors.  During the winter months BALD EAGLE, ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, and MERLIN can usually be found here.  During the summer SWAINSON'S HAWK are common here.  With nearly 20 species of shorebird being reported here this location has turned up some great birds like PECTORAL SANDPIPER and BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER. SOLITARY SANDPIPER show up occasionally during migration in the wet areas along the road as well.  During the summer months both WESTERN and EASTERN KINGBIRD can be found on the drive--other passerine species are less plentiful i the summer months, but YELLOW WARBLER is quite common; while BLUE GROSBEAK, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT are also found.  One of the best finds at Swede Lane has to be the BAIRD'S SPARROW on September 9, 2011.  I found this bird, then relocated it once and got a decent shot of it.  During the fall sparrow flocks here present a great opportunity to find rarities mixed in.  VESPER, LARK, and BREWER'S SPARROWS are plentiful and LARK BUNTING has been found in the mix.  Swede Lane isn't the hot spot that River Lane is, but it certainly has its fair share of good birds.  Birding here by car is easiest; getting out at various points to walk the road work as well.  Parking at the end of the road and walking back is a good way to bird the best riparian habitat as well.

Directions:
From I-15 Exit 260 in Springville go west on Rte 77 for 3.9 miles. Take the sharp turn on your right heading due north.  This is the start of Swede Lane. Follow this road for till it turns left and then comes to a T--about .4 miles.  If you were to turn left here this little side road would connect you to River Lane--but to continue birding Swede Lane, turn right and follow this road as it continues another 1.1 mile till it dead ends at a parking lot at the lake.