Sunnyside Park photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Sunnyside Park is a small community park in Sunnyside, just east of East Carbon, with the Book Cliffs bordering town on the east.  The park is made up of a large grassy area bordered on the south by a riparian area and intermittent creek.  South of the riparian area is an overgrown tract including russian olives.  The riparian area is primarily cottonwoods and willow with a dense understory.  The park has scattered tall deciduous trees as well.  There are restrooms in the southeast corner and a large picnic area/pavilion in the middle of the grassy area.  During hte spring and fall, this park should be a bit of a migrant trap in the desert.  A quick stop here is only a minute or two out of the way if driving the loop from US-191 through the Sage Flats, East Carbon WTP, the foothills and junipers, and Horse Canyon Road back to US-191.

Birding:
Another out of the way location that has a lot of potential.  May and September are probably the best time of year here, when migrants heading north or south are looking for places to spend their days.  The large trees and natural funnel of the riverway probably lead to quite a few passerine species using the park.  Various warblers have been recorded here including YELLOW-RUMPED and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER during early spring migration. YELLOW WARBLER are probably found here most of the summer, while YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT are possible.  Any of the typical warbler migrants in Utah probably show up annually.  WESTERN TANAGER, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and LAZULI BUNTING can probably be found as well.  The potential for a big find here is huge given the location, especially in relation to the Book Cliffs during migration.  In the winter months NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL has been observed here.  The habitat looks like it might be good for WESTERN SCREECH-OWL as well.  Given there are only a handful of checklists from here any stop will likely turn up new species for this current list!

Directions:
From the on ramp at Exit 243 in Price, head south on US-191/6 for 13.3 miles. Turn left onto SR-123 and continue 9.7 miles. Take a right on to Valley View Drive/the parking area for the park.