Bountiful Landfill from Google Street View

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Description:
The Bountiful City Landfill is a large landfill in the city of Bountiful sitting on the southeast edge of Farmington Bay WMA, and just north of Bountiful Pond.  The landfill is bordered by several bodies of water, and mostly empty fields, with some marsh and wetland habitat.  The actual landfill is--a landfill, and is used very frequently by locals to dump their trash.  Access to the landfill proper has been hit or miss over the years.  In the 90's and early 2000's it was as simple as saying you wanted to go look at birds and they would usually let you drive in, just asking that you stay out of the way.  In recent years they have form time to time turned birders away.  You might even go so far as to pay the fee to dump if you want to get in.  The popularity of the location as a birding site has waned in the past decade, mostly due to better, safer access,  and gulling opportunities at other locations.

Birding:
If you were interested in gulls and lived in Utah in the late 90's or early 2000's, you probably spent some time at the Bountiful Landfill plugging your nose, while scanning the various gulls in the middle of winter. In 2004 when a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was found here, it became a go to location for birders to search.  Aside form the throngs of CALIFORNIA and RING-BILLED GULLS present there were always a nice mix of variously aged HERRING GULLS to look at.  THAYER'S GULL could usually be found in the mix, and occasionally GLAUCOUS and GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS were picked out.  There is even a record for WESTERN GULL.  Various other birds you normally find at dumps are here as well--flocks of starlings, blackbirds, pigeons, and ravens are not uncommon.  Various raptors hunt the perimeter, and birds form the marshes surrounding can often be heard and seen. I stopped going to the landfill after Lee Kay Ponds and Farmignton Bay really started being the gull magnets they are.  There are probably quite a few good gulls still using the dump, and if you live in the area, it might be worth checking from time to time in the winter.

Directions:
From the Legacy Parkway, take Exit 4 on to 500 South.  Head west towards the frontage Road, and continue 2.2 miles.  You will pass Bountiful Pond on your left and keep going straight until you reach the entrance to the landfill straight ahead.

North Canyon Trail photo by Stephanie Greenwood

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Description:
North Canyon Trail is located in Bountiful and is basically the "other side" of Mueller Park Trail. You can walk 4.5 miles to Rudy's Flat, or make a 13 mile loop and end up at the Mueller Park trailhead. Once you get to Rudy's Flat, the trail is kind of a saddle to Elephant Rock, without much more elevation gain. At the end of Canyon Creek drive there is a 1 mile dirt road that is very rough that leads to the trailhead. Unless you have a very rugged 4WD you'll need to park at the end of the pavement. The road is rutted and gets increasingly narrow with no turnaround. It's a nice walk, though, and you'll see lots of birds along this path in the summer. Habitat starts out with a somewhat riparian habitat with willows, spruce, and mixed oak woodland as the trail follows the creek. Further up the trail you'll encounter more of a montane environment with mature spruce trees and even a patch of mountain mahogany. The first mile and a half of the trail is a gradual ascent, and then starts to get steeper as the trail winds up the mountains. Go a few miles and you'll be rewarded with amazing views of the valley. The trail will wind in and out of habitats between scrub maple and mature pines to give you a variety of birds.

Birding:
Durig the winter, look for BLACK-CAPPED and MOUNTAIN CHICKADEES, BROWN CREEPER, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, and STELLER'S JAY. In the summer, along the first mile of road/trail you'll find numerous FOX SPARROW, SWAINSON'S THRUSH, MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, and CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER. Higher up the trail you'll find DUSKY FLYCATCHER, WESTERN TANAGER, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, and CASSIN'S FINCH.  Both DUSKY and RUFFED GROUSE  are also possible. NORTHERN GOSHAWK have been known to nest in nearby Mueller Park, so they are also possible. However, there are also many COOPER'S HAWK around so view your accipiters with a careful and discerning eye.

Directions:
From I-15, take the 2600 South (Woods Cross) Exit, head east on 2600 South. This curves around to Orchard Drive, heading north. Turn right (east) on to 1800 South and head east up the hill. Once you get to Bountiful Blvd, turn right, and head south to Canyon Creek Drive (about a mile) and turn left (east). At the end of this road is where North Canyon begins.

Antelope Island photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
So one of the major issues with eBird is how and when hot spots were created.  For Antelope Island State Park there is an overarching location for the entire park including the causeway.  There is also this location which is supposed to be any location on the island.  Originally there were only 3 spots for the park--one for the causeway, one for the island, and one for the ranch.  But over the years, trying to be more precise with the data the various locations for the park have popped up.  On the island there are now the following locations:

Marina
Visitor Center & Loop Road
Lady Finger Point
White Rock Bay
Road to Garr Ranch
Garr Ranch
South
Backcountry (incl. Frary Peak Trail)

These are all very specific locations, some with habitat only found at said locations, while others have overlapping habitats, and in some cases are right next to each other.  Many birders who just use eBird to keep lists will create just one checklist for their entire visit to the island and put it on either the causeway, the island location, or the state park location.  Some will even put it on one of the other specific locations skewing the data slightly for those spots.  It is all confusing and there is no great solution for the near future.  But looking at it from this perspective will hopefully help.  The causeway is a very different habitat from anywhere on the island, and the birds you're going to see are very different.  Separating your causeway list from the island list will help at a basic level.  Keeping lists for even more specific locations will make the data even better.  Birding wise, I'm not going to talk about anything else for this location, as there is lots of information on those pages I mentioned above.  At a minimum if you want to use this spot try to do it separately from the causeway to help keep things clean.

Directions:
In Layton, take I-15 exit 332 west bound onto Antelope Drive for about 7 miles to the entrance station to the park.  After paying an entrance fee continue about 6 miles across the causeway to the island. For specific directions to locations on the island see pages for the above listed hot spots.

Antelope Island from the South from Google Street View

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Description:
This hot spot location is a little confusing as it appears quite a few people use it for checklists anywhere south of the loop road and White Rock Bay.  Although technically the Road to Garr Ranch and the actual ranch are on the south part of the island, the hot spot was created technically to list birds south of Garr Ranch. But others, also use it in the mountains, and on the trails in the back country of the island.  It may be worth splitting this location into "South of Garr Ranch" as well as "Backcountry" to be more specific and clean things up.  The habitat in these 2 areas is very different.  South of the ranch the habitat mirrors that of the road to Garr Ranch where primarily grasslands and mixed shrubsteppe make up the majority of the habitat.  Some riparian habitat around springs is present, while the dry lake bed is visible from the island.  The backcountry differs in that near the mountain range base it includes the above mentioned habitats, but is primarily more canyon based, with some mixed oak woodlands in the canyons  Several springs in the back country actually create quite impressive riparian habitats in said canyons.  The backcountry generally follows a spine down the west side of the island but is more centrally based and doesn't really reach the real south end.

Birding:
For the past few years Steve and Cindy Sommerfeld have conducted a monthly bird survey and a good portion of it has focused on south of Garr Ranch creating a great list of at least 100 species occurring there.  Unfortunately for most birders the area is hard to access, or closed all together. For right now I will be leaving this open to add details later.

Directions:
In Layton, take I-15 exit 332 west bound onto Antelope Drive for about 7 miles to the entrance station to the park.  After paying an entrance fee continue about 6 miles across the causeway to the island. At the sign where the road splits stay left and continue up the hill till you see the turn off on your left to Garr Ranch.  Turn left and follow this road 10.6 miles.  The road ends here at parking areas for Garr Ranch on your left, and for some of the back country trails to the south on your right.

Park HQ and Corrals from Bing Birds Eye View

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Description:
White Rock Bay is a campground on the north end of Antelope Island.  The exposed land here is predominantly grassland with mixed shrubsteppe.  Shoreline is also visible from here.  The Buffalo Corrals are used for the annual Buffalo Roundup and are located just behind the park offices.  The habitat here is like a "farm" given the corrals, stables, etc.  There is also a hay barn.  The surrounding habitat is predominantly grassland and shrubsteppe..  The area is generally open year round, although a gate to the corral area is occasionally locked.  Lots of visitors make their way here year round thinking they will see Buffalo.  You do occasionally see them along the road here, but they are only in the corrals during the roundup.

Birding:
Birding wise there are a couple birds found here that draw birders.  Namely both BARN OWL and GREAT HORNED OWL nest in the hay barn near the corrals.  Please if you go to see these birds DO NOT GO IN TO THE BARN!  Stay on the perimeter viewing form your vehicle, or as far out as you can to give the birds space.  They have been using this site for years and have grown accustomed to visitors, so please respect the space and keep this a reliable spot for these species for years to come.  SAY'S PHOEBE are often seen here during the warmer months along with SAGE THRASHER, BREWER'S SPARROW, and LARK SPARROW.  HORNED LARK can be found year round along with WESTERN MEADOWLARK.  The most notable sighting in the area was from April 2013 when a pair of MOUNTAIN PLOVER showed up near the campground for 2 days. Just going to show you never know what might turn up, even in the most likely of places.

Directions:
In Layton, take I-15 exit 332 west bound onto Antelope Drive for about 7 miles to the entrance station to the park.  After paying an entrance fee continue about 6 miles across the causeway to the island. At the sign where the road splits stay left and continue south for 1.6 miles till you reach a turn off on your left to the White Rock Bay.  Turn here and continue straight.  There will be a turn to your right after about 100'--this goes to the campground.  If you want to go to the corrals don't turn and instead continue straight till you reach the park offices.  Continue around the south side of the offices following the road.  It will hit a fence after about 150 yards.  To the left are the corrals, and a small dirt road to the right leads to the barn.

Lady Finger Point from Google Street View

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Description:
Lady Finger Point is a spit of land jutting out of the northwest edge of Antelope Island on the Great Salt Lake.  The point is a primarily barren rock with sparse shrubsteppe, and shoreline on 3 sides.  The point is a popular trail on the island and a quick walk from the parking area.  The parking area is along the Visitor Center and Loop Road.

Birding:
There are a couple of birds that birders typically visit this area for. Most notably is the resident population of CHUKAR that are often seen around the visitor center and specifically on Lady Finger Point.  This is the most reliable location in Utah for this species, and perhaps one of the best in the United States.  It can be found year round, usually in the rocky areas, but also passing between in the shrubsteppe.  While looking for this game bird you often will hear or come across ROCK WRENS, LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE, WESTERN MEADOWLARK, and HORNED LARK.  During the summer months BREWER'S and LARK SPARROW can be found regularly, while SAGE THRASHER and in recent years NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD have been fairly common here.  SAGEBRUSH SPARROW has been reported sporadically from here. On the point CANYON and BEWICK'S WREN have also been found, while various waterbirds are often observed from the point, including DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT and GREAT BLUE HERON which are often seen on Egg Island from here.

Directions:
In Layton, take I-15 exit 332 west bound onto Antelope Drive for about 7 miles to the entrance station to the park.  After paying an entrance fee continue about 6 miles across the causeway to the island. At the sign where the road splits if you go right you will be on the loop road to the visitor center.  After a few hundred yards there will be a turn out to a parking area on your right.  This is the parking area for Lady Finger Point to the west.

Loop Road from Google Street View

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Description:
The loop road begins when you reach the island. Typically for birding purposes you will want to go to the right at the large sign where the road splits.  From here the road passes through mostly shrubsteppe as it heads west till you reach a pull off at Lady Finger Point.  Lady Finger Point is also a hot spot in eBird and more location can be found on its location page.  The road loops back to the south east here passing through open grassland with mixed shrubsteppe and quite a few exposed rocks.  The Visitor Center rises to your left and can be reached by taking the road up to it.  The habitat surrounding the visitor center is the same, with more exposed rock.  Heading south the habitat is all open grassland and mixed shrubsteppe as you head south along the large beach to your west here.  Imported sand was brought in hoping to make a great beach atmosphere before the lake started receding.  The road eventually turns east and heads across open grasslands before coming to a T intersection.  Going right will take you to the White Rock Bay & Corrals hot spot, or going left will take you back to the north where you can access the Road to Garr Ranch, and Garr Ranch, as well as the Marina, the Causeway, and the start of the loop road again.

Birding:
There are a couple of birds that birders typically visit this area for. Most notably is the resident population of CHUKAR that are often seen around the visitor center, as well as the north part of the loop road.  This is the most reliable location in Utah for this species, and perhaps one of the best in the United States.  It can be found year round, usually in the rocky areas, but also passing between in the shrubsteppe.  While looking for this game bird you often will hear or come across ROCK WRENS, LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE, WESTERN MEADOWLARK, and HORNED LARK.  During the summer months BREWER'S and LARK SPARROW can be found regularly, while SAGE THRASHER and in recent years NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD have been fairly common here.  SAGEBRUSH SPARROW has been reported sporadically from here, usually near Lady Finger Point.  Further south where the grasslands open up there are several BURROWING OWL burrows where you can usually see these birds from March through the fall.  LONG-BILLED CURLEW are often seen in the fields here.  It's not uncommon to see waterbirds passing over the island, so cormorants, gulls, pelicans, and herons often seen while birding this area.  Feeders at the visitor center have attracted a variety of species in the winter months, including GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCH and HARRIS'S SPARROW. In May 2013 a LARK BUNTING was seen on the hillside north of here. No trip to the island is complete without a drive through the loop--you will undoubtedly snag a couple of the main island targets here where photo opportunities are abound since many of the birds have become quite accustomed to the attention.

Directions:
In Layton, take I-15 exit 332 west bound onto Antelope Drive for about 7 miles to the entrance station to the park.  After paying an entrance fee continue about 6 miles across the causeway to the island. At the sign where the road splits if you go right you will be on the loop which comes back to this sign if you drive the whole loop.

Antelope Island Marina from Google Street View

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Description:
The marina at Antelope Island State Park is used to launch various craft on to the Great Salt Lake.  Most use is by the state as well as sailors launching private sail boats.  The marina has also been used by a minority of "hunters" who have taken to the practice of stalking birding listservs to attempt to hunt the rare ocean species of waterfowl that over winter here in small numbers.  Due to the drying up of the lake the marina sees far less usage then in former years.  The small marina has jetties/breakwalls on the north and west sides, while the causeway provides the break to the east.  To the south is the island with a decent amount of shrubsteppe habitat in direct view of the marina.  The north jetty can be walked while you can drive the west jetty via the south side of the parking lot at the marina.  Just follow the dirt road as it loops to the west.   The habitat at the marina is shrubsteppe as well as disturbed land, with a beach on the north side of the north jetty facing out.  Mud flats inside the jetties, and on the outside provide additional shorebird habitat.  The open water of the Great Salt Lake to the north and the west is the primary habitat at this location.

Birding:
As with several locations on the island, the marina isn't a major birding destination, but a small part of the great birding on the island.  Scanning the shoreline inside the jetties, and on the beach to the north can turn up shorebirds in the spring and fall including RED-NECKED and WILSON'S PHALAROPE.  The beach here is a spot where RED PHALAROPE has been seen historically and is always worth checking.  Small flocks of WESTERN SANDPIPER are occasionally seen sheltering here, and have had BAIRD'S and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS mixed in. During the winter months SNOW BUNTING has been reported along the west jetty.  Sea ducks like HARLEQUIN DUCK, LONG-TAILED DUCK, SURF, WHITE-WINGED, and BLACK SCOTER have all been observed inside the breakwater as well as to the north from the jetties. Also during the winter look to the brushy areas south of the marina for AMERICAN TREE SPARROW.  In spring and summer breeding RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS can be seen and heard in the same area.  In May 2013 a LARK BUNTING was seen just up hill from the marina to the south.  One potential for the area that isn't often taken advantage of is a lake watch.  The area on the jetty provides a great vantage point looking north and to see birds following the causeway then heading west around the island in stormy weather.  A LONG-TAILED JAEGER in September 2014 was seen in this general area and these types of rare finds probably pass the island annually going unnoticed as they cruise out over the open water.

Directions:
In Layton, take I-15 exit 332 west bound onto Antelope Drive for about 7 miles to the entrance station to the park.  After paying an entrance fee continue about 6 miles across the causeway to the island. The marina will be on your right when you arrive.

Road to Garr Ranch from Google Street View

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Description:
The road to Garr Ranch is a 10.6 mile paved road that passes through mostly open grassland and shrubsteppe along the east side of Antelope Island heading north to south.  The open habitat passes several springs where russian olive grows are prevalent.  Bison can be see most of the year along this road and despite their calm appearance have killed people who tried to get to close.  Everything off the road unless marked as a trail is closed to visitors, so stay on the road or in designated pull offs to avoid being ticketed.

Birding:
In general you don't just come here to bird the road to Garr Ranch.  You are here because you are going to Garr Ranch--so of course it is worth taking the time to take note of the birds along the way.  Not surprisingly some good stuff does show up along the route, and there are even a few specialty birds that are relatively easy to find here.  The exact number of species occurring along the road is hard top determine--the number in eBird is too high and includes a lot of lists that are obviously from the causeway, the ranch, or the entire island (because Red Knot and Sanderling probably aren't going to be seen here).  With that being said the most notable species seen along this route is the GRASSHOPPER SPARROW which can be found at several locations along the road.  Often just listening in large grassland patches will produce the species in April or May.  This stretch has become the go to place for this species in Utah.  BURROWING OWL, CHUKAR, LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE, SAGE THRASHER, and ROCK WREN are all seen regularly along the route in the right season.  NORTHERN SHRIKE are often seen here in the winter months. Raptors hunt the open lands here year round with both PEREGRINE and PRAIRIE FALCON being seen sporadically.  During the winter ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS can usually be seen during the drive.  There are some shorebirds that are actually quite common here during the breeding season.  WILLET and LONG-BILLED CURLEW are usually seen and hear right on the road edges.  LONG-EARED, SHORT_EARED, and BARN OWL are reported infrequently along the road; and all three have been known to roost in russian olive patches that are off limits to visitors.  BLUE GROSBEAK are occasionally seen in the summer months at some of these patches, and during migration just about anything could turn up.  ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, COMMON REDPOLL, and LARK BUNTING have all been seen on this 10 mile stretch.  BREWER'S SPARROW, LARK SPARROW, HORNED LARK, and WESTERN MEADOWLARK will be some of the most common birds you see an here all spring and early summer.  The best way to go birding along the road is to stop at the pullouts, overlooks, and spots near springs and tree patches and spend a few minutes listening and watching.  Also keeping your eyes out while your drive for stuff darting across the road, or soaring overhead.

Directions:
In Layton, take I-15 exit 332 west bound onto Antelope Drive for about 7 miles to the entrance station to the park.  After paying an entrance fee continue about 6 miles across the causeway to the island. At the sign where the road splits stay left and continue up the hill till you see the turn off on your left to Garr Ranch.  Turn left and your are on the road to Garr Ranch, which goes 10.6 miles to the ranch.

Garr Ranch from Google Maps Contributor

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Description:
The Fielding Garr Ranch is a ranch located on the southeastern portion of Antelope Island State Park at Garr Springs which is one of the strongest and most consistent springs of the 40 known springs on the island.  The ranch was initially established in 1848, the year after the first Mormon pioneers arrived in Utah.  This location is no secret to birders who have been coming here for decades due to the migrant trap conditions the ranch creates.  With its location jutting out on the east side of the island, the large stand of cottonwoods, russian olives, and various other deciduous trees is an oasis on the island and the Great Salt Lake.  The springs at the main ranch are surrounded by thick riparian habitat with wetland habitat on the east side.  To the north and west are dry hillsides, grassland, and shrubsteppe.  To the south are large agricultural fields with 2 more springs surrounded by small patches of russian olive as well.  A large picnic area just south of the parking lot as a huge lawn with no undergrowth, but a great canopy with trees over 60' tall.  Between the main spring and the springs to the south is a large wild field that has had a big brush pile in the center for a number of years.  The field is lined around the edges by trees which provide easy viewing.  East of the small wetland on the edge of the ranch are vast dry lakebed where the Great Salt Lake formerly came to the shores of the island.

Birding:
Birding on Antelope Island during the spring or fall mean a visit to Fielding Garr Ranch, referred to by birders as just "Garr Ranch". This migrant trap has had no shortage of rarities of the years and is as a reliable place as it comes for various migrants.  The trap quality of the location has had its share of fallouts and when birding here you never know what you might find. Over 200 species have been recorded at the ranch--the most famous of which has been a long staying pair of GREAT HORNED OWL that have nested here year after year.  The ranch staff takes great pride in sharing this info with birders and non birders alike. Interestingly the ranch has played host to quite a few owl species with BARN and LONG-EARED OWL also showing up every once in a while.  Both FLAMMULATED OWL and NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL have been observed during fall migration on multiple occasions.  But the owls aren't the reason birders come here--its the passerine species.  EMPIDONAX FLYCATCHERS are always a treat with all 5 of the regularly occurring Utah species present in spring and fall for side by side study.  LEAST FLYCATCHER has shown up here as well--while ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER and EASTERN PHOEBE although not empids have been seen as well.  The SOLITARY VIREO complex is also a fall favorite here with CASSIN'S VIREO being a regular migrant--this may be the single best location for this species in Utah.  With those Cassin's there have been several BLUE-HEADED VIREO.  This is often a complex identification with the range of Cassin's Vireo's here coming from almost Plumbeous to basically Blue-headed.  Many more Blue-headed are reported than have actually been documented.  VEERY has been seen here, while VARIED THRUSH is reported with some frequency; perhaps not annually but pretty close to it.  The star of the passerine show is no surprise though--its the wood warblers. With at least 21 species reported here the list is impressive.  Big flights in the fall of WILSON'S WARBLER make it an easy find here.  While NASHVILLE WARBLER is all but guaranteed in late August and early September.  TOWNSEND'S WARBLER are usually findable here in the fall as well, all the way into October.  The springs attract NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH most years in the spring and the fall making it the most reliable location in Utah for this species.  AMERICAN REDSTART are occasional as are BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER.  The rarest of the bunch include sightings of: TENNESSEE, MAGNOLIA, BLACKPOLL, BLACK-THROATED BLUE, YELLOW-THROATED, and CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLERS.  Other colorful passerine species have also popped up from time to time with ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK being recorded several times, along with INDIGO BUNTING. One of the best birds to show up was a PAINTED BUNTING that showed well over 5 days in 2013.

Birding here is easy. Strolling through the grounds there is always something to look at.  AN easy way to bird is starting at the parking area and birding the trees to the northeast along the back of the stables.  These open trees often have flycatchers and warblers during migration. Working south walk along the main entrance south of the barn towards the ranch house.  There are usually hummingbird feeders here in the fall which attract the 4 regularly occurring migrants in August and early September.  RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD is often a constant this time of yeah and the feeders allow close views.  A RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD was photographed here in 2010 visiting the feeders.  From the house walk east past the spring house through the gate towards the wet areas. At the gate look right and there should be a large bird feeder although it seems to rarely have feed in it.  On your left is a usually damp "stream bed" where Waterthrush are occasionally seen.  Straight ahead is a small pond that runs into a mostly wetland area heading east.  Bird activity is usually quite good right here.  Walking back toward the spring house and then going south through the trees is a great spot to look for vireos and Nashville Warbler.  If you go back west around the south end of the springs the trees are very thick and birds are often zipping around high above your head here.  If you walk all the way back to the spring on the east end you might spot a VIRGINIA'S RAIL coming out of the marsh.  This is also where the GREAT HORNED OWLS often roost in the trees.  Turn around and head south along the fence line and you'll be in a large field.  The trees surrounding the field to the east and south are often good for empids and warblers, as well as WESTERN TANAGER.  The large brush pile in the field is a good spot to check in the winter for sparrows. WHITE-THROATED and "RED" FOX SPARROW have both been seen here.  Heading south through the gate its a short walk to the next set of springs where waterthrush tend to show up from time to time as well.  You can continue further south to the last spring as well before turning around and heading back to the field with the brush pile.  Often in the northwest corner near the ranch house there are LARK and other SPARROWS depending on what time of year you visit.  Head into the picnic area and you can bird the trees here fairly quickly.  RED-EYED VIREO has been seen here on several occasions.  You're back at the entrance and if you've been thorough you've probably seen most of the birds here.

Directions:
In Layton, take I-15 exit 332 west bound onto Antelope Drive for about 7 miles to the entrance station to the park.  After paying an entrance fee continue about 6 miles across the causeway to the island. At the sign where the road splits stay left and continue up the hill till you see the turn off on your left to Garr Ranch.  Turn left and follow this road 10.6 miles.  Garr Ranch will be on your left when you arrive; pull into the parking area and you're there.

Antelope Drive from Google Street View

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Description:
Antelope Drive is the road leading from I-15 to the entrance station at Antelope Island State Park.  The road is a high traffic route that most birders traveling to the causeway use to get there.  Historically the western reaches of the road were predominantly agricultural.  In recent years the rapid expansion of Syracuse has encroached on most of this leaving very little grassland, agriculture, and open habitat.  However there remains a little bit of habitat here west of 3000 West.  Glen Eagle Golf Course is also found along this route, where several ponds and wet areas visible from the road.  Within the next decade it is possible the surrounding farm land will all be replaced with urban sprawl.

Birding:
This location isn't really a hot spot--but it gets a lot of birders.  The term hot spot is actually a poor choice of terminology that eBird adopted and we use because of them.  This is however a birding location, that lots of birders submit checklists for because of the birds they see on the way to the causeway.  Most birding done here is simply from the car.  Occasionally there are sightings of note that make it worth a quick pull to the side to scan or scope. Interestingly almost all checklists are from the spring migration period form here while summer, fall and winter checklists are rarely reported.  Spring is when the island is most visited by birders, but undoubtedly there are birders on this road every week of the year.  The most notable bird seen along the route is usually the AMERICAN CROW. Sometimes numbering in the 1,000's this species is reliably seen along this route year round. EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE are also omni-present, as are the typical urban fare.  During the spring it is not unusual to see large flocks of WHITE-FACED IBIS in flooded fields--but that may be a thing of the past with the development happening.  These same fields are often good spots for migrant CANADA GEESE.  Various raptors can be seen along the route.  During the winter months MERLIN is possible.  RING-NECKED PHEASANT is occasionally seen from the road, as are flocks of RED-WINGED, YELLOW-HEADED, and BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS.  Near the intersection with 1000 west GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE are often seen near the 7-11, McDonald's, or in the Smith's parking lot.  If you notice birds while traveling to or from the island, its worth submitting a checklist to help add to the data pool for this not-so-hot-hot-spot.

Directions:
From I-15 in Davis County take exit 332 for Antelope Drive to Antelope Island. Heading west the road continues 7 miles till you reach the state park entrance.

Antelope Island photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
This hot spot was created to fill a niche missing in eBird data--that being specifically form the mountain range going down the center of the island.  This backcountry is only accessible via trails by, foot, bike and horse; and many locations are still closed to the public.  The Frary Peak Trail is one of the most used trails in the park so data from that location will definitely be helpful.  The terrain is mostly dry hillsides, slopes, and rocky canyons.  There is some grassland and shrubsteppe habitat, as well as small springs in various locations with riparian habitat.  Some oak and juniper woodlands exist as well.  I have never been in the back country to know the true extent of what habitat may be found so will be reaching out to others in hopes of filling this gap

Birding:
Birds to be expected in the drier rocky areas and grassland areas are typical of elsewhere on the island and include ROCK WREN, CHUKAR, and BURROWING OWL.  LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE can be found year round while NORTHERN SHRIKE are present during the winter.  Raptors hunting over the open land here include GOLDEN EAGLE and both PEREGRINE and PRAIRIE FALCON year round.  In the winter ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK replace the SWAINSON'S HAWKS found in the summer.  Flocks of GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCHES with BLACK ROSY-FINCHES mixed in have been reported in the winter; while SAGE THRASHER, LARK SPARROW, and BREWER'S SPARROW are usually found in the sagebrush areas during the breeding season.  Check out the Antelope Island Trails map, or ask for a map when you arrive at the gate to the park for more information!

Directions:
In Layton, take I-15 exit 332 west bound onto Antelope Drive for about 7 miles to the entrance station to the park.  After paying an entrance fee continue 6 miles across the causeway to the island.  Depending on where you want to bird in the backcountry there are various access points so please consult a map from the entrance station.

Farmington Bay WMA from above photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Farmington Bay Wildlife Management Area needs no introduction to local birders.  The bay has long been a popular birding destination along the southeast side of the Great Salt Lake.  The marsh stretches across two counties and has numerous freshwater ponds enclosed by numerous dikes.  The Great Salt Lake lays to the west of the wetlands but due to lowering lake levels there are now flats that are often brackish and heavily covered in phragmites  The marsh is also dominated by phragmites, but also has several small patches of cottonwoods and other trees--and several dead snags that are disappearing with time.  An education center on the north edge of the WMA sits near a heron rookery.  The main WMA area has one road that comes in from the north and ends at a 4 way parking area with dikes going to the south, west, and east.  Dike Road heads back to the north.  There is also a rarely used by birders south entrance near Bountiful Pond.

Birding:
You can't really bird Farmington Bay wrong.  This popular location probably has birders at it 7 days a week almost 365 days a year.  The main entrance from the north onto Dike Road is open all the way to the 4 way parking area in the center of the marsh from October through February.  Typically the road is closed from the Egg Island parking area from March through September.  Exact dates can be found by contacting the DNR.  This area of the bay is the most popular for birding.  From the north entrance the first hundred yards pass shallow ponds and continue past a patch of cottonwoods before passing several more small ponds and marsh.  To the south of this area is the main rest pond.  The road jogs right/west here following more ponds on the north side, and marsh on the south side of the road.  After about a mile at Egg Island there is a view area where you can view a large pond to the north, playas and marsh to the south and west, and the main rest pond to the east.  From here the road goes south along the rest pond which stretches all the way to the 4-way parking area on the east side of the road.  To the west are playas and marsh.  Two canals also leave the rest pond towards the Great Salt Lake from here.  At the 4 way there is a pond that stretches to the southwest, and another to the south east.  The dikes can be walked, or ridden on bike and can take you deep into the marsh.  Most birders don't venture past the 4-way.

During the fall waterfowl migration brings 10's of 1,000's of dabbling ducks followed by divers headed south.  As long as there is open water on here there will be waterfowl.  GADWALL, NORTHERN PINTAIL, RUDDY DUCK, and NORTHERN SHOVELER often dominate the large rafts of ducks that are augmented by other arrivals including REDHEAD, CANVASBACK, LESSER SCAUP, RING-NECKED DUCK, BUFFLEHEAD, all three species of merganser, and almost any duck species you can think of.  BLUE-WINGED TEAL can be picked up here pretty easily in the late spring early summer, often jsut inside the gates. Rare waterfowl such as SCOTERS and LONG-TAILED DUCK occasionally show up here.  WOOD DUCK are recorded with some frequency here as well.  Almost annually EURASIAN WIGEON are reported--given the sheer number of waterfowl this makes sense.  When TUNDRA SWAN arrive from the north they can be found by the 1,000's here until the water freezes over.  Some stay all winter when open water is available. Many return in the spring headed back north and from time to time TRUMPETER SWAN are found mixed in.  All 5 species of regularly occurring geese in Utah can be seen here at some point during most years.  During the winter months raptors are typically seen in decent numbers here.  In some years hundreds of BALD EAGLES use the WMA property to rest and feed.  Most years the state does a carp kill here providing lots of food for the eagles.  ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK are found here all winter, and HARLAN'S RED-TAILED HAWK have been seen most winters here in recent years.  All 4 species of regular Utah Falcons can be found here, and NORTHERN HARRIER are common.  SHORT-EARED and BARN OWL are often seen along Dike Road, and in harsh winters they can be seen during daylight hours in search of food.  Gulls are also a major pull here in the winter, as the WMA sits adjacent to the Bountiful Landfill.  The carp kill also helps attract gulls.  During the winter 10 species of gull have been observed, including multiple WESTERN, ICELAND, and Utah's single day high count for LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL.  In the fall of 2013 a LITTLE GULL was found here, a mega rarity for Utah.  Aside from gulls both PARASITIC and POMARINE JAEGER have been recorded here during the fall. Shorebirds also use the marsh for migration and breeding.  Almost all of Utah's annual shorebirds can be seen here.  WHIMBREL have been recorded in the playas south of Egg Island in recent years during spring migration.  HUDSONIAN GODWIT have been recorded here a couple of times seen with large flocks of MARBLED GODWITS during migration.  RUFF has been observed on the pond just inside the gates.

And the list could go on and on--songbirds can be found here during migration, breeding, and the winter.  In the winter AMERICAN TREE SPARROW can be found here.  SNOW BUNTING, LAPLAND, and CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR have all been reported here during the winter also.  During the breeding season the cacophony of COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, MARSH WREN, SONG SPARROW, and both SORA and VIRGINIA RAIL make for a fun listen.The bird list is huge and you never know what you may find during a day birding here.

Directions:
From I-15 south of Farmington take exit 322.  At the end of the on ramp take the first right onto 200 west/I-15 Frontage Road.  Drive a 1/2 mile to the stop sign at Glovers Lane.  Turn right onto Glovers Lane and drive 1.4 miles to 1325 West and the entrance to Farmington Bay on your left.  Turn left and proceed south onto the WMA.  Alternatively, from north of Farmington, take I-15 exit 325.  Turn right at the end of the off ramp onto 100 West.  Drive .6 miles to Clark Lane and take a right.  Continue for .5 miles to 1525 West and take a left.  Continue south 1.2 miles to Glovers Lane.  Take a left on Glovers Lane and go .3 miles to 1325 West on your right.  Turn right and proceed into the WMA.

Bountiful Pond photo by Stephanie Greenwood

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Description:
The Bountiful Pond (officially the Bountiful Lake), nestled between the Bountiful City Landfill and the South Davis Sewer District, is a hotspot and migrant trap for passerines, gulls and terns, and waterfowl. It is within the city boundaries of West Bountiful, however it is owned and maintained by the City of Bountiful. It is an artificial pond created with federal aid and a grant obtained by the City of Bountiful as a sport fishing restoration effort. Originally it was a quarry of sorts, where clay was dug out and used to seal the bottom of the landfill.  Local streams and city runoff water are now diverted to flow in to the pond. The pond is stocked with several species of fish, there is a parking lot, pit restroom, picnic tables and paths and planted trees. Adjacent to the outer regions of Farmington Bay, the diversity of birds that can show up at "the pond" can be surprising in this unassuming place. It is free and open to the public 24/7. There is a paved path that runs around most of the pond. Expect fishermen, horse riders and scout camping groups year round, especially on weekends. Best times to visit are week day mornings.

Birding:
The west side of the pond along the row of trees and the area south of the pond are usually the best areas for birding. If you park along the frontage road just south of the pond, barely past the entrance to the sewer district (right as the fence ends) you can walk down in to an orchard-like area with grass and trees and follow it down the canal to the pond. During migration expect warblers, sparrows, and flycatchers in this area. Follow the row of trees down to the water and walk the path that runs on the west side of the water. In the summer look for nesting Eastern Kingbirds in the trees along the water, and flocks of swallows resting in the trees. Also scan the trees, shrubs and ground for passerine activity. Notable rarities have included CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW and HARRIS'S SPARROW. Late March through early October look for terns, both Caspian and Forster's. In early August BLACK TERNS migrate through Farmington Bay, and are possible at the pond. Common Nighthawks are also not uncommon in the warm evenings of August and September. COMMON TERN has also been sighted in early Spring. September migration will bring Cassin's Vireos. Around late September through October, owls may be present roosting in the trees. There are also a number of domestic ducks and geese that love to be fed, found near the parking lot area. Summers can be pretty thick with mosquitoes; protective clothing is advised.

Directions:
Take I-15 or Legacy Highway to the 500 South exit and exit West. The road will curve and head north. Take this for a couple miles until you see the South Davis Sewer District. You'll see the water on the west side of the street.  You can park along the road and take the path described above, or you can turn left (right before the canal, it is an unmarked road) and park in the parking lot.  Restrooms are at the parking lot area.

Ponds at Glovers Lane from Google Street View

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Description:
The ponds at the west end of Glovers Lane in Farmington have traditionally been a stop for those birding Farmington Bay WMA.  A large pond to the west of end of the road is combined, with marsh and mudflats to the south, and a farmers field to the east that is often flooded.  This combination of habitats attracts a variety of birds.

Birding:
Birding is easy here.  Pull up to the corner, or to the parking area near the radar "globe", and set up to scan or scope the pond, mudflats, or fields form any vantage point along the road.  Typically during migration the pond hosts lots of waterbirds--similar to what you might find at Farmington Bay WMA just a few hundred feet to the south.  During late spring and breeding season CINNAMON TEAL are sometimes joined by BLUE-WINGED TEAL, whilst both CLARK'S and WESTERN GREBES can be observed.  A rookery on the edge of Farmington Bay and the south end of the pond is used by GREAT BLUE HERON.  If the water is low during the fall large flocks of shorebirds might be using the area.  LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER flocks here have had numerous SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER as well as STILT SANDPIPER mixed in.  COMMON TERN have been observed here, while FORSTER'S TERN are common.  EURASIAN WIGEON, NEOTROPIC CORMORANT, LEAST TERN, have all been observed here. The mega-rarity that is most notable was a CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR originally seen at Farmington Bay showed up here a few hours later in the middle of the road in December 2007.

Directions:
From I-15 south of Farmington take exit 322.  At the end of the on ramp take the first right onto 200 west/I-15 Frontage Road.  Drive a 1/2 mile to the stop sign at Glovers Lane.  Turn right onto Glovers Lane and drive until the road veers 90 degrees to the right at the ponds on the west end of Glovers Lane. Alternatively, from north of Farmington, take I-15 exit 325.  Turn right at the end of the off ramp onto 100 West.  Drive .6 miles to Clark Lane and take a right.  Continue for .5 miles to 1525 West and take a left.  Continue south 1.2 miles to Glovers Lane.  Take a  right onto Glovers Lane and drive until the road veers 90 degrees to the right at the ponds on the west end of Glovers Lane.

Antelope Island Causeway from Google Street View

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Description:
The Antelope Island Causeway is the lead in to Antelope Island State Park.  The 6 mile causeway is lined by the Great Salt Lake.  The first several miles in recent years have been dry on the south side, and dry and/or brackish water on the north side.  After the first bridge shallow water and mudflats appear on both sides of the causeway, eventually the water reaches the shore of the causeway for the remainder of the road to the island.  The 2nd bridge near the island had deeper water that flows rapidly from the south side into the north.   Besides the the primary habitat mentioned above the road is lined with short grass and some shrubs including Rabbit Brush that provide additional habitat for some prairie birds.

Birding:
The causeway is the go to spot for many birders week in and week out.  It has produced every species of shorebird recorded in Utah at least once.  The largest migrant flocks of WILSON'S PHALAROPE come through each July, numbering in the 100,000's.  Smaller numbers of RED-NECKED PHALAROPE also move through in spring and fall.  There are several records of RED PHALAROPE as well.  Large numbers of peeps--mainly WESTERN SANDPIPER come through, mixing in lesser numbers of birds that would otherwise be rare in Utah, including: SEMIPALMATED, PECTORAL, and BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS, DUNLIN, RED KNOT, and SANDERLING.  But those birds are jsut the tip of the iceberg.  Almost annually other shorebirds are recorded here including: AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, RUDDY TURNSTONE, WHIMBREL, and SEMIPALMATED PLOVER.  This congregation of shorebirds leads to the real rare stuff, including: CURLEW SANDPIPER, RUFF, WANDERLING TATTLER, BUFF-BREASTED and WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER, and the states only SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPER.  The list goes on and on.  But the spring and fall shorebird migration is augmented by the winter sea ducks that show up here.  All 3 SCOTERS and LONG-TAILED DUCK are usually recorded yearly as well.  Gulls are a sight here year round.  During the breeding season 1,000's of California and FRANKLIN'S GULLS line the causeway.  Each fall 100's and sometimes upwards of 1,000 BONAPARTE'S GULLS pass through.  Along with these tiny gulls, the occasional SABINE'S GULL is found and there are several records of both LITTLE GULL and BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE.  The causeway has also had several sighings of both PARASITIC and POMARINE JAEGER. The winter is also a good time to look for rare northern songbirds like SNOW BUNTING and LAPLAND LONGSPUR along the edges of the road.  There was a one day wonder SNOWY OWL here on December 2, 2011--a bird many suspect should show up at this location more often.  If you are going to be in Salt Lake City during the fall, winter, or spring, and have a day or even a half day, the causeway is the one place most birders would recommend you must visit.

Directions:
In Layton, take I-15 exit 332 west bound onto Antelope Drive for about 7 miles to the entrance station to the park.

Antelope Island photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Antelope Island State Park is a 28,800-acre park, surrounded by the Great Salt Lake, and open year round.  The northern portion of the island is mostly grasslands and shrubsteppe as well as arid hillsides. The southern portion has a small mountain range that has some coniferous and aspen forest. There are also numerous springs on the island that provide riparian habitat.  The most notable is at Fielding Garr Ranch, which is one of the most prolific migrant traps in Utah. On the island are now the following locations in eBird:

Antelope Island (island only)
Marina
Visitor Center & Loop Road
Lady Finger Point
White Rock Bay
Road to Garr Ranch
Garr Ranch
South
Backcountry (incl. Frary Peak Trail)

But the most notable birding location in the park is The Causeway, a 6 mile road connecting the mainland to the north end of the island.  Being a state park there is a daily or annual fee to enter, as well as the Davis County Causeway fee specific to this park.

Birding:
Antelope Island is the most popular birding destination in Utah.  Utah birders flock to the causeway and island almost every week of the year in search of birds.  The causeway is world renowned for the enormous flocks of shorebirds, specifically WILSON'S PHALAROPE, and EARED GREBES that can be found here during migration.  Gulls, waterfowl, divers, and waders can all be found along various stretches of the causeway.  More information about the specifics can be read on the causeway page.  The island is a great location to see CHUKAR, BURROWING OWL, ROCK WREN, SAGE THRASHER, WESTERN MEADOWLARK, and LARK SPARROW during various times of year.  LONG-EARED, SHORT-EARED, GREAT HORNED, and BARN OWL are also permanent residents here.  Garr Ranch has an impressive list of songbird migrants.  It's remote location on the southeast side of the island is literally an oasis in a salty desert. You can read more about birding specific locations at the park through the links above!

Directions:
In Layton, take I-15 exit 332 west bound onto Antelope Drive for about 7 miles to the entrance station to the park.  After paying an entrance fee continue 6 miles across the causeway to the island.