Green River State Park photo by Tim Avery

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
Green River State Park is located in the town of Green River and consists of a nine-hole golf course, a campground shaded with cottonwood trees, and a boat ramp into the actual Green River which borders it on the east side. The campground which covers the southwest 1/3 of the park is a huge migrant trap with the biggest trees is the area.  Along the river the dominant species of tree is russian olive, with various other trees and shrubs including: willow, salt cedar, cottonwood, and other deciduous trees.  The riparian habitat is along a natural north-south migrant route following the river.  Sand bars, and beaches here provide more habitat, along with the obvious river habitat which ranges form shallow to deep enough to accommodate diving birds.  There are actually 5 ponds on the golf course as well, all of which can be viewed from roads or trails.  While the boat ramp provides the best views of the open water on the river, you can walk along the shoreline north and south as well to bird the river.  As this is a state park there is an entrance fee.

Birding:
Of the 4 public birding locations in Green River, the State Park as of this writing has the biggest species list, and the most number of visits.  It is also the biggest location, and easiest to access with the most varied habitats.  On the flip side it is also the busiest site due to the campers, golfers, and other outdoor enthusiasts that want to venture far enough form the big city, but not quite to the great outdoors.  In any event the bird species here are varied, and the biggest draw in my opinion is that the camp site is a huge migrant trap.  The large stand of trees is a centerpiece to the park.  Year round you'll find AMERICAN ROBIN, HOUSE FINCH, both LESSER and AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, and NORTHERN FLICKER.  Other species that are present year round may include HORNED LARK, COMMON RAVEN, and WESTERN MEADOWLARK. Both GREAT HORNED and WESTERN SCREECH-OWL call the woodlands here home.  During the winter months DARK-EYED JUNCO and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW move in.   On the river in the winter months COMMON and HOODED MERGANSER are present, while other waterfowl might be seen as well.  During spring and fall migration a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and waders are possible along the river. During spring and fall migration you could put together a pretty good day list with the combo of the waterbirds and the migrants.

Even with the birders that have visited the migrant list isn't enormous.  There are a handful of surprise species that have shown up here late during the fall months including BROWN CREEPER, MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE, WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, and RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER.  During the breeding season there are a few species that make a stop here worthwhile, including BLUE GROSBEAK, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, along with the more common LAZULI BUNTING, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE.  I suspect September into October could be very productive here for migrants.  Spending some time scouring the grounds could easily push the area list over 100 species by adding various sparrows and warblers that absolutely pass through.

Directions:
From the intersection of SR-19/Main Street and Broadway in Green River, head east on Main Street for .4 miles. Take a right on Green River Blvd and go south for .5 miles to the park entrance.  Take a left into the park and you can continue .2 miles to the parking area at the boat ramp and go birding from here.

Green River Crossing photo by Tim Avery

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
The Main Street River Crossing is a quick stop to scan the river for waterbirds, and others in town.  The easiest location to view is from behind the trading post on the north side of Main street and east of the river.  Here you can see a large sandbar in the river (unless there is very high water).  From the south side of Main, also on the east side of the river you can also try to get a vantage point on the river and sandbars there.  The surrounding land is arid desert and sparse farmland--it's not great habitat.  The river provides shoreline, and obviously water ranging form shallow near the sandbars, to relatively deep stretches.  The riparian habitat bordering the river here is dominated by russian olive, with a variety of willow, cottonwood, salt cedar, and other shrubs and trees mixed in.  Since all the viewing locations are on business property please be mindful of the owners.

Birding:
A small list of species has been built up here in recent years.  Since the view locations aren't really in view, most birders skip through without making a stop. From the view on the river you will probably see CANADA GOOSE on most visits, while GADWALL, MALLARD, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL are also reported occasionally.  During migration keep an eye out for mergansers--COMMON MERGANSER are reported with some frequency.  Both GREAT BLUE HERON and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON are seen from time to time.  Although there are no reports of GREEN HERON, it certainly could be found skulking here.  OSPREY and NORTHERN HARRIER may be seen hunting along the river in the summer months, while BALD EAGLE are present in the winter.  Shorebirds use the sandbars on the river when available--with SPOTTED SANDPIPER being seen regularly during migration.  Keep an eye out for other waterbirds. FORSTER'S TERN have been reported as well--but in general the few visits haven't produced a hug number of species that are known to use the waterway.  BLUE GROSBEAK, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, and WESTERN KINGBIRD can be found here in the summer, while swallows swarming over the water during migration can produce all 6 regularly occurring species. As with the other 3 birding locations in Green River, just about anything could show up here.

Directions:
From the intersection of Broadway and SR-19/Main Street in Green River, head east on Main Street for 1.3 miles.  Once you cross the river you can get to two different view points.  Turn left and drive to the north end of the parking lot behind the trading post and park.  Here you can walk behind the building to the west back to the river over look.  You can alternatively turn right into the parking lot at the restaurant and hotel and try to access a view from various locations here.

Green River WTP photo by Tim Avery

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
The Green River WTP (waste water treatment ponds) are located on the south side of town, and accessed via Silliman Lane. There are actually 4 ponds on the location, with the largest one being the northwest pond visible form Silliman Lane covering 12.7 acres. The northeast pond is the second largest at 7.3 acres, while the southeast pond covers 4 acres, and the southwest just 3.7 acres.  Since only the northwest pond is visible from Silliman Lane the others are much harder to find access to.  Although you can view all the ponds from the west bound lanes of I-70, this is a dangerous area to scan from as there are no pullouts.  At the end of Silliman Lane a dirt road continues through a fence and actually wraps all the way around the south end, possibly giving view to the other ponds.  I am not sure of whether or not this is private property or who to contact for access.  To the south of the ponds are barren desert slopes and then the interstate.  The north and west sides are bordered by farms, while the east side is bordered by the Green River. Like waste water treatment ponds through rural Utah, these provide some of the best birding in Green River, and are the only still water in the area making them a haven for waterbirds of any kind--especially during migration.

Birding:
Most visits to this location are during the spring and fall when birders are headed between the southeaster part of Utah and the Wasatch Front.  The WTP is a must stop if you pass through as there will invariably be something unexpected for the location in the middle of the desert.  In the spring as waterfowl migrants head north you can make a pretty good list here with a short stop.  While GADWALL, NORTHERN SHOVELER, and CINNAMON TEAL are present in good numbers you might also find AMERICAN WIGEON, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, REDHEAD, and LESSER SCAUP.  A hybrid MALLARD x GADWALL (Brewer's Duck), was seen her in April 2015.  Although some divers like PIED-BILLED GREBE and DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT have been observed they aren't as expected. WHITE-FACED IBIS may be here, or along the river, or in the fields along Silliman Lane.  Perhaps the biggest draw for birders is shorebirds.  With the Green River being a natural north-south migration route--the standing water here provides excellent feeding grounds.  LESSER YELLOWLEGS, MARBLED GODWIT, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, LEAST SANDPIPER, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and WILSON'S PHALAROPE have been seen here.  4 species of Gulls have also been recorded--with large flocks of FRANKLIN'S GULLS using the ponds during migration, and BONAPARTE'S GULLS popping up mixed in.  All 6 species of regularly occurring swallows show up here during migration, while species like WESTERN KINGBIRD, SAY'S PHOEBE, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, and NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD are reported form the summer months.  GRAY CATBIRD are occasionally reported, as well as BLUE GROSBEAK, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE.  Most of these passerine species are more likely to occur along Silliman Lane to the north and are likely from earlier checklists before this location was created. Needless to say the entire area is a migrant trap for lots of species.  With enough birders stopping to check the ponds out on a regular basis some big finds would come form here in the desert where standing water is at a premium.

Directions:
From the intersection of SR-19 and Broadway in Green River, head south on Broadway for .2 miles. Turn left on to Green River Avenue for .3 miles. Turn right onto Airport Road for .2 miles. Here there will be a left turn onto Silliman Lane.  The lane continues for .7 miles to the Green River WTP.

Silliman Lane looking south photo by Tim Avery

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
Silliman Lane is the road that leads from the town of Green River, to the Green River WTP (waste water treatment ponds) on the south side of town.  The gravel and dirt road passes through farm land for its entirety, and is bordered on the east side by a canal.  This creates a descent riparian habitat with large cottonwood trees, various shrubs including willow, and russian olive.  A large tree line going east from the road near the south end is very thick habitat.  At the end of the road you reach the WTP on your left.

Birding:
Although birders submit lists from the WTP here on occasion, where birders generally look from is not clear.  In the past you could dangerously look from the edge of the interstate, but wanting better and safer looks we found the way tot he ponds through town--via Silliman Lane.  The lane is a great birding spot on the way into the ponds, and provides a very different habitat with the open farmland and riparian.  Various raptors might be encountered along this stretch including RED-TAILED HAWK and either SHARP-SHINNED or COOPER'S HAWK.  During the winter months DARK-EYED JUNCO along with flocks of WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW can be found.  These flock might include the rare zonotrichia found in Utah and are worth looking through.  Int he summer months WESTERN KINGBIRD, SAY'S PHOEBE, and YELLOW WARBLER can be found along the road, while the habitat looks really good for YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT and BLUE GROSBEAK.  Various migrants can probably be found in the spring and fall given the habitat.  If you are here anytime and want to check out the WTP, I highly recommend doing so via Silliman Lane and seeing what non-waterbird species you can find on your way in.

Directions:
From the intersection of SR-19 and Broadway in Green River, head south on Broadway for .2 miles. Turn left on to Green River Avenue for .3 miles. Turn right onto Airport Road for .2 miles. Here there will be a left turn onto Silliman Lane.  The lane continues for .7 miles to the Green River WTP.

Horse Canyon Road looking west photo by Tim Avery

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
Horse Canyon Road passes through descent shrubsteppe and a great patch of juniper woodland and is easily accessible from US-191 via the Horse Canyon Road Rest Stop turn off.  The dirt road is graded and easy to drive out to Horse Canyon and back--its about 10 miles round trip.  I prefer to bird it as part of the loop starting on SR-123 to the north coming out of Wellington and birding the Sage Flats, the East Carbon WTP, Sunnyside Park, and the foothills and junipers along SR-124 before heading back to US-191 on Horse Canyon Road.  You shouldn't see a ton of vehicles out here and can bird along the road, or even in the habitat off road or via side roads.  With a backdrop of the Book Cliffs to the east and a good patch of trees here, it might be worth a check if passing by to do a little exploring.

Birding:
Keeping this one short--the junipers along the road are the reason to visit this site.  Since it can be included as part of the loop mentioned above, its worth a few minutes stop to look around.  JUNIPER TITMOUSE and BEWICK'S WREN can be found here, while in the breeding season MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD, CHIPPING SPARROW, and a host of other species are possible.  Since this location has generally not been birded in the past the actual species distribution knowledge here is limited.  I suspect SCOTT'S ORIOLE, GRAY VIREO, GRAY FLYCATCHER, and PINYON JAY among other may be found.   During migration 100's of DARK-EYED JUNCO might be seen passing through the habitat which despite being dry is surrounded by barren desert making it the lesser of two evils.

Directions:
The most direct way to get here is from the on ramp at Exit 243 on US-191/6 in Price head south on US-191 for 24.4 miles till you reach a turn on your left for Horse Canyon Road.  Turn here and you are on Horse Canyon Road for 4.9 miles till it intersects with SR-124. Alternatively if you are driving the loop from US-191 out to East Carbon and back you will hit Horse Canyon Road after driving 7.9 miles along the foothills on SR-124 from East Carbon.

Lower Price River Road photo by Tim Avery

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
The road follows the Price River for about 3.5 miles across open desert before hugging the river and following it another 4 miles into the book cliffs at the canyon bottom.  Eventually the road hits the river and you can either go north up Trail Canyon, or cross the river and go south on another dirt road.  For birding purposes I suggest probably turning around here and heading back.  The combination of habitats can make for a descent morning of birding with the sparsely vegetated desert hitting marsh and wetland along the river--and a riparian habitat with cottonwood and willow.  As you hit the canyon the the desert turns to rocky hillsides, and cliffs bordering the riparian habitat of the river.  To the south several hillsides have juniper woodlands as well.  This area has been mostly ignored by birders and potentially could be a worthwhile stop along the way from Price to Green River.

Birding:
This one really might be a gem in the desert.  I've only stopped here twice on a whim to see what might be around.  The open desert for the first couple of miles of road isn't overly productive int eh early spring.  But things like SAY'S PHOEBE, ROCK WREN, and HORNED LARK can be found along the road with ease.  MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD are in the area, and notably BLACK-THROATED SPARROW can be found.  The are along the river is probably best during the spring and fall but some interesting breeders might occur here.  YELLOW WARBLER are probably the standard, but Yellow-breasted Chat, Blue Grosbeak, Willow Flycatcher, and other riparian specialists probably use the habitat in the canyon.  The wetland areas along the river on the flats can attract waterfowl, and possibly waders, shorebirds, and other waterbirds.  In the canyon look to the cliffs for CANYON WREN and WHITE-THROATED SWIFT.  In the skies above TURKEY VULTURE and other raptors can probably be found regularly. This stop could end up being a great hot spot one day, it just needs some attention.

Directions:
From the on ramp at Exit 243 on US-191/6 in Price head south on US-191 for 35.4 miles till you reach a dirt road and turn off on your left.  Turn here and you are on Woodside Lower Price River Road which continues 7.7 miles into the Book Cliffs.

Horse Canyon Rest Stop photo by Tim Avery

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
This rest stop serves mostly recreational traffic accessing the San Rafael Swell and the nearby Book Cliffs.  The facilities include restrooms, trash receptacles, a picnic area, and parking for 11 cars and 3 RV's.  There is also an on-site maintenance personal/attendant.  The area is usually crawling with people that are stopped to use the facilities on their way between Price and Green River.  The juniper is very sparse, but can be birded early in the day when there aren't a lot of visitors.

Birding:
JUNIPER TITMOUSE is a year round resident, while BREWER'S SPARROW and LAZULI BUNTING might be present in the summer.  COMMON RAVEN, BREWER'S BLACKBIRD, and BARN SWALLOW have all been reported, and just about any of the species associated with the surrounding desert and juniper woodlands might show up here. You can easily park in one of the stalls and walk the perimeter in 10-15 minutes.  You can also drive further east on Horse Canyon Road for a few minutes, for better habitat and no people!

Directions:
From the on ramp at Exit 243 on US-191/6 in Price head south on US-191 for 24.4 miles till you reach a turn on your left for Horse Canyon Road.  Turn here and the rest stop will be on your left (north side of the road).

Woodside from Google Street View

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
Woodside is a ghost town located on the west bank of the shallow Price River in the nearly uninhabited eastern part of Emery County. Its fenced-in filling station is one of the only signs of human activity along the lonely stretch of U.S. Route 6/191 between Wellington and Green River.  At one point in the early 1900's the town had a population of over 300 and actually was a thriving small community.  Today the property is private and surrounded by fence.   The Price River sits to the south lined with cottonwood trees, while sparse desert is found on all sides.  Greasewood dominated the landscape, while some shrubsteppe habitat is also present. A cold-water geyser is on the property but is rarely seen from the road anymore. Along the river these is some marsh and wetland habitat as well.  Given the remote location in the desert the trees do act as a migrant trap.

Birding:
This location hasn't received a lot of coverage--most birders passing do just that--and pass without stopping to see what might be around.  The trees can be hard to access, but can be birded form the road--albeit dangerously.  A small road wraps around the north side of the ghost town through the desert and greasewood.  BREWER'S SPARROWS can be found here in the summer months, while WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS fill in during the winter.  SAY'S PHOEBE can be found in the area, and WESTERN KINGBIRD are present in the summer months.  RED-TAILED HAWK are often seen perching in the trees along the river.  Since there aren't a ton of checklists and visits the actual species list is probably much higher and numerous migrant species can probably be found here in May and September.  Given how isolated the are is the potential for a mega find here is very high.

Directions:
From the on ramp at Exit 243 on US-191/6 in Price head south on US-191 for 35.4 miles till you reach Woodside on your right.

US-6 south of Woodside from Google Street View

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
US-191/6 travels north-south for 21.5 miles from Woodside south to I-70.  The habit is barren desert, with some shrubsteppe components.  Mostly open and sparsely vegetated the land is not a great type of habitat.  Many birders travel this route to get between southeast Utah and the Wasatch front.  To the east lay the Book Cliffs and to the west the San Rafael Swell.  Two very interesting areas with this low lying valley between.  This stretch of road can be very dangerous due to the amount of traffic, and semi usage.  There are plenty of places to pull off, onto side roads if you are interested in birding.

Birding:
The eBird checklist for this location at the time of writing shows just COMMON RAVEN from here--so you will probably see this species.  On the side roads there are certainly more birds, and things like HORNED LARK, LARK SPARROW, and SAY'S PHOEBE can be found relatively easily.  The barren desert here isn't ideal for much, but you may also come across ROCK WREN, BLACK-THROATED SPARROW, and WESTERN MEADOWLARK.  If you take the time to bird the side roads, be sure to put in a checklist for this middle of nowhere stretch of road!

Directions:
Driving on US-191/6 out of Price, continue south to Woodside.  Once you cross the Price River it is 21.5 miles to I-70 on this location.

Mounds Reservoir from Google Satellite View

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
Mounds Reservoir is a tiny reservoir in the middle of an otherwise arid and barren desert.  The apparently intermittent lake can be dry in some years, or parts of the year, while having small amounts of water, or being completely full at other times.  The area around the lake is shrubsteppe and barren desert, with  railroad track passing to the north.  A small amount  of poor riparian habitat, as well as wetland habitat is present here, as well.

Birding:
This apparent oasis in the desert has a small list of waterfowl including GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, CINNAMON and GREEN-WINGED TEAL, and NORTHERN SHOVELER.  AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN and PIED-BILLED GREBE have been reported as well.  The surrounding desert provides habitat for GOLDEN EAGLE and PRAIRIE FALCON which may be seen soaring overhead.  HORNED LARK, LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE, SAY's PHOEBE, SAGE THRASHER, and LARK SPARROW are commonly encountered.  BLACK-THROATED SPARROW, PINYON JAY, and COMMON NIGHTHAWK have all been recorded as well.  The riparian habitat at the lake has turned up BLUE GROSBEAK and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER and might attract some interesting migrants in spring and fall given its desolate location.

Directions:
From the intersection of Main and Center Street in Wellington, take Main Street east 2.3 miles. Turn right onto Ridge Road and go .3 miles.  Take a left onto Farnham Road and got 8.7 miles.  You will arrive at the reservoir on your right.