Cougar Park from Google Street View

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Description:
Cougar Park is a narrow but long city park bordered on the west by neighborhoods, and on the east by grasslands and farms land.  A railroad track follows the east border, and shrubsteppe habitat lines it sides.  The north half of the park is a large open grass field that doubles as an overflow basin during heavy rains.  The south half of the park has been maintained as a native grassland and shrubsteppe habitat that is fenced off to protect the habitat.  There is a walking trail from the south end that leads into the middle of the habitat, and a path that follows the perimeter.  There are numerous trees long the west side that have been planted and in a few years could make for a great migrant trap with the open areas to the east.

Birding:
From April through September you can take a look at what birding might have been like in the Salt Lake Valley 100 years ago.  The native habitat restoration and protection at Cougar Park has created a look into the past.  A number of years ago nesting BURROWING OWLS were a highlight here, but in recent years reports have ceased so the birds may be gone.  But species like LARK SPARROW can be found along the railroad tracks along with HORNED LARK.  WESTERN KINGBIRD and SAY'S PHOEBE might be present in the trees or along the fence line, while BARN SWALLOWS cruise overhead in search of food.  WESTERN MEADOWLARK can be heard trilling from the fields, and you might glimpse a RED-TAILED HAWK or AMERICAN KESTREL soaring high above.  A number of migrant waterbird shave been observed including both AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN and WHITE-FACED IBIS.  I assume these are flyovers, but I guess if the overflow pond were full they could technically land here.  This isn't an often visited site, but if you live nearby its a quick stop to check--who knows, you might find some owls back at a burrow!

Directions:
From I-215 south side Belt Route, take Exit 13 for Redwood Road south.  Go .4 miles and turn right onto Bennion Boulevard for 3.5 miles.  Turn left onto Cougar Lane and go .6 miles till you reach the parking area on your left.