Central Valley Golf Course from Google Street View

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Description:
Central Valley golf course is a 9-hole executive style par 33 golf course located to the south and west of the Central Valley Water Reclamation Facility. The small course is all open fairways with just a handful of small trees.  There are 2 ponds along the south border along 3300 South, another pond on the west border of 900 West on the south portion of the course (this pond is behind private property so not really visible form off course), and a 4th pond in the northwest corner visible from 900 West.  The east edge of the course is bordered by a large open driving range, and then I-15.

Birding:
Central Valley is one of the least beautiful golf courses in Utah.  Located in the middle of a commercial area of the city this patch of green is sort of an oasis--but the habitat is pretty weak.  The ponds do pull a number of waterbirds though so something interesting could turn up.  When I was younger I used to golf here with friends because it was cheap.  I know I saw a number of species not on the current list, including AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, WHITE-FACED IBIS, and SNOWY EGRET.  The paltry bird list now includes GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, and NORTHERN SHOVELER.  Songbird wise there isn't a ton of good habitat. AMERICAN ROBIN along with other urban songbirds are present, while n the summer WESTERN KINGBIRD are around, and in the winter you might come across an AMERICAN PIPIT.  You can go birding while golfing here, but in terms of just birding, you can walk the sidewalk along the south and west edges to view the ponds, which are really the only reason to visit here.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 303 for 3300 South, head west on 3300 South for .2 miles till you reach the entrance on your right.

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.

Copperton Park from Google Street View

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Description:
Copperton Park is a lush tree covered park in the middle of tiny Copperton.  The park is lined with large deciduous and coniferous trees, as well as a number of smaller trees as well.  The southern edge of the park has a playground, basketball courts, and tennis courts.  The rest of the park is open spaces, but dominated by the large old trees here.  A walking path loops through the park, while sidewalk surrounds it.  There are neighborhoods on 3 sides while a ravine is to the south.  In an otherwise obscure town the park is a very interesting habitat.

Birding:
Copperton Park is one of those places where if more birders went, the list for the area would be a lot bigger.  It absolutely would act as a migrant trap in the spring and fall, while it has great winter habitat for mountain species.  The summer months are likely slower, but most of the year there is some decent birding here.  The only issue is that it is just out of the way on the west side of the valley set back in a tiny town.  Winter visits to the park have the potential to turn up some good birds. Both GREAT HORNED and BARN OWL have been found roosting here in the thick tree cover, while RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, HAIRY & DOWNY WOODPECKER, and NORTHERN FLICKER have all been reported.  MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE, CASSIN'S FINCH, and PINE SISKIN have all been observed here.  During migration it's no surprise that WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, WESTERN TANAGER, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK have been found.  COMMON NIGHTHAWK have been reported in mid-summer as a bonus.  This park absolutely is underbirded and potentially is a super hot spot during migration.  It would be very interesting to see what really passes through in May and September.

Directions:
From the intersection of Bacchus Highway and New Bingham Highway, take New Bingham Highway 1.9 miles west into Copperton.  Turn left onto Apex Road and go .2 miles. The road turns 90 degrees right here and becomes Hillcrest Street. Go .2 miles till you reach the parking lot on your left.

Ben Franklin Park from Google Street View

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Description:
Also called Scott Avenue Park this tiny urban park is dominated by open grass, but surrounded by tall trees on the north, west, and south sides.  The large deciduous trees are decades old in this area.  To the east is a large nursery (Millcreek Gardens).  In the northeast corner a small pond created by Mill Creek adds a bit of water to the park, with some riparian habitat near the parking area.

Birding:
A handful of checklists show the typical urban far at this mid city location.  The riparian and wet areas here have turned up SONG SPARROW, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, YELLOW WARBLER, and notably MARSH WREN and SPOTTED SANDPIPER.  BARN SWALLOW might be seen overhead, while a decent sized flock of AMERICAN CROWS have been seen here.  With other larger parks and better habitat nearby this location rarely gets visited--but if you live nearby it might make a worth while after or before work stop.

Directions:
From the intersection of 3300 South and 700 East in South Salt Lake, go south on 700 East for 2. miles.  Turn left onto Scott Avenue and travel .2 miles until you reach the park on your right.

Fitts Community Park from Google Street View

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Description:
This tiny park is surrounded by urban sprawl.  The suburban South Salt Lake neighborhoods have lots of old deciduous trees planted decades ago and now towering over the streets.  The park is bordered on the south by Mill Creek and it looks like they've created a canal that loops through the park back to the river.  Walking paths follow the edge and cut through the park, with a couple small playgrounds and family friendly area along the south side.  Picnic tables, benches and open spaces dominate the landscape, while the riparian habitat along the creek provides some good habitat.

Birding:
A pair of checklists show just 9 species typical of an urban environment.  This location sits just a couple blocks from the more productive Nibley GC so comparatively the birding here is going to be less productive. BREWER'S BLACKBIRD and DARK-EYED JUNCO make up the most notable sightings from here.  During migration this might be a decent spot to check in the city.  I assume YELLOW WARBLER breed here, and who knows what might pop up along the creek.

Directions:
From the intersection of 3300 South and 700 East in South Salt Lake, head west on 3300 South for .3 miles. Turn right onto 500 East and go north .3 miles till you reach the park on your left.

Mountain Dell Canyon from Google Street View

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Description:
For 5.2 miles Mountain Dell Canyon follows Clear Creek along SR-65 from Little Dell Reservoir to Big Mountain Pass.  The canyon bottom is a lush riparian habitat dominated by cottonwood and other deciduous trees.  The shrubsteppe and mixed oak covered hillsides line the canyon walls extending up into the hills on both sides.  As you ascend past the Affleck Park Campground about 1/2 way to Big Mountain Pass, the road becomes windier with several switchbacks.  The habitat also changes when large stands of Aspen become a dominant part of the south side of the canyon.  Small patches of coniferous trees dot the landscape, while some cliff habitat joins the scenery on the north side.  There is often some confusion with regards as to what Mountain Dell Canyon actually encompasses.  The area has been referred to as East Canyon, Upper Emigration Canyon, and Mountain Dell Canyon in the past.  Maps show Mountain Dell Canyon starting below Little Dell Reservoir, but don't specifically list a name for the area above the reservoir.  Over time this name has fallen into place, and may or may not be geographically correct.

Birding:
Mountain Dell Canyon is a beautiful short drive on the way to Big Mountain Pass.  The birding isn't phenomenal, but it can be very good.  There are a few very specific species that you will find on almost any trip birding here in the summer months.  Both HERMIT and SWAINSON'S THRUSH can usually be heard at dusk, while YELLOW WARBLER is a common sight.  Both GREEN-TAILED and SPOTTED TOWHEE are expected, and CHIPPING SPARROW are in no short supply.  SONG and FOX SPARROW can usually be turned up while a colorful contingent of species are often encountered including: WESTERN TANAGER, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, LAZULI BUNTING, and AMERICAN GOLDFINCH.  Almost any trip here will produce that list of species, while with a little work you may turn up ORANGE-CROWNED and MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER--and even VIRGINIA'S.  GRAY CATBIRD have been reported, as have AMERICAN DIPPER on the creek. DUSKY FLYCATCHER are occasionally encountered higher up, while RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER might be found in the aspen patches.  The canyon is also particularly good for owling.  FLAMMULATED OWL and NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL can often be found in the summer months with some searching.  GREAT HORNED and LONG-EARED OWL have both been observed as well.  COMMON POORWILL can be heard at night, but are much harder to pick out.  The road is closed from mid-November, usually till about May.  It depends on how much snow is present.  The canyon can often be a popular evening drive so it can be busy in the summer, but usually not too bad.  It is a popular spot for bikers, and at night deer are often on the road coming to water, so be very careful on the windy road.

Directions:
From I-80 exit 134 take SR-65 north for 2.9 miles past Little Dell Reservoir.  Once you pass the reservoir you enter the canyon.  It continues another 5.2 miles till you reach Big Mountain Pass.

The Canyon Course from Google Street View

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Description:
Mountain Dell Golf Course is one of the few northern Utah courses you can go birding at and not have to be golfing.  Now if you were to go golfing there would be more habitat accessible, but you can effectively bird the course edges year round, and actually bird on the course during the winter months.  This 36 hole course sits at 6,000' and is bordered on the west by Mountain Dell Golf Course/  The northern perimeter is formed along Parleys Creek, where a trail on the north side of the creek allows for the best birding opportunities here.  Following the riparian habitat to the south, and a mixed oak and shrubsteppe hillside to the north, eventually the trail leaves the course and meanders to the northeast up a small canyon.  There are a few small ponds on the course, but they aren't much for birds given the nearby reservoir.  The south side borders I-80--while the course is mostly open fairways, the mixed oak woodland is the predominant habitat bordering the holes. There are also some deciduous and coniferous trees mixed in.  In the middle of the course is George Washington Memorial Grove--and the Washington Terrace Picnic Area.  This road is accessible year round and passes through some great habitat.  If you are a golfer, try an early tee time on the mountain course in mid-summer--the birding is spectacular while you golf!

Birding:
I often visit the riparian area along Parley's Creek during the summer months.  It provides a nice easy to bird area, with some great habitat and birds.  Right at SR-65 it is possible to get GRAY CATBIRD, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, and FOX SPARROW alongside the more common YELLOW WARBLER, LAZULI BUNTING, and AMERICAN GOLDFINCH.  On the hillside to the north SPOTTED TOWHEE can usually be heard, while GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE occasionally pop up.  HOUSE WREN are usually hear trilling below, and BELTED KINGFISHER occasionally appear along the creek. More than 50 species have been recorded along this stretch, but these are just the notables.  During the winter months NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL are occasionally reported form the course--and TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE, CASSIN'S FINCH, and other high elevation species might be found along the road to Washington Terrace.  EVENING GROSBEAK flocks have been reported from the course occasionally as well. The walk along the creek is an easy way to bird and get the most out of the area.

Directions:
To get to the course take I-80 Exit 134 for Sr-65 north.  As soon as you exit the freeway there will be a frontage road on the right following the north side of the I-80.  If you turn here you will reach the club house in .7 miles, and the turn off to Washington Terrace on your left in 1.3 miles. To access the riparian area along Parley's Creek, don't turn on the frontage road and instead go .3 miles north on SR-65 till you reach the pull out on the right.

Mountain Dell Reservoir from Google Street View

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Description:
Salt Lake County doesn't have a lot of big freshwater lakes or reservoirs.  In the valley there are several small lake, and a few even tinier ones in the mountains.  But 2 reservoirs give the county mid-high elevation mountain reservoirs that attract a great deal of waterbirds when not frozen.  This typically means March through November on most years.  The reservoir is closed to the public but viewable from a couple overlooks along  SR-65 headed towards East Canyon.  The reservoir is a water storage location for Salt Lake City and the main watershed.  The hills here are covered with oak woodlands and shrubsteppe, while Mountain Dell Golf Course sits on the southeast corner bordering the lake for several holes.  At the inlet from Little Dell Reservoir, and Parley's Creek there is lush riparian habitat as well.

Birding:
No summer trip up to East Canyon is complete without a stop at least at the Mountain Dell inlet to scan the water for birds.  It's quick an easy to scope the north arm of the reservoir from here, as well as a 1/2 miles south at the Parley's Creek inlet.  Various waterbirds and waterfowl are usually present with GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, and often big flocks of RING-NECKED DUCKS present in the spring and fall.  These species are often present in the summer in small numbers as well. In all 23 species of waterfowl have been seen here including: WOOD DUCK, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, CANVASBACK, BARROW'S GOLDENEYE, and HOODED MERGANSER.  One spring a cooperative TRUMPETER SWAN spent a couple weeks near the inlet providing great looks. Spring and fall bring COMMON LOONS and WESTERN GREBES to the water.  Occasionally other grebes pop up as well. There has been a NEOTROPIC CORMORANT reported, and AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN have been seen a few times.  OSPREY nest along the reservoir and can often be seen flying over in search of food.  During the summer YELLOW WARBLER, LAZULI BUNTING, and FOX SPARROW can be found in the riparian inlets--various species of empidonax flycatchers have been seen, and the area boasts a list of more than 125 species. 5 species of SWALLOW are often present overhead.  BUSHTIT, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, an HARRIS'S SPARROW have all been reported rounding out the more notable species found here.  As mentioned the 2 spots above are the best places to bird--since they don't require trespassing, and you have good views at the water with them--a scope is highly recommended.

Directions:
From I-80 take exit 134  and go north on SR-65 for .3 miles to the Parley's Creek Overlook on your left.  Continue another .5 miles to the Mountain Dell Creek Overlook on your left.

Upper Yellow Fork Canyon from Google Maps User

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Description:
To access this area, start in Yellow Fork Canyon and walk about a mile through mixed oak and juniper habitat. You will eventually come to a white gate and see a trail running up a steep hill to the right (north). Take this or make your own trail and climb to the ridge line that runs in between Yellow Fork and Butterfield Canyon. Follow the ridge line trail, which will lead you into mid elevation conifer and mixed aspen forest and give you a different set of birds.

Birding:
Birding here is always best during the spring, summer, and fall months. Winter tends to be quite slow and access to the ridge line trail is made difficult by snow. During spring and fall migration, the warbler list can be quite impressive: VIRGINIA'S, YELLOW, YELLOW-RUMPED, MACGILLIVRAY'S, BLACK-THROATED GRAY, NASHVILLE, and TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS are found here without much difficulty.

Flycatcher species in the lower portions of the hike include Willow (along the stream) and GRAY FLYCATCHER. OLIVE-SIDED, HAMMOND'S and CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHERS are usually found in the higher elevations, while DUSKY FLYCATCHER and WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE are found throughout the whole area. I usually make my own trails and hike the Juniper covered hillsides on the north side of the Yellow Fork trail and then make my way up the ridge between the two canyons. While in the Juniper habitat I almost always see BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, GRAY FLYCATCHER, JUNIPER TITMOUSE, and MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD as well as some of the other more common species.

Other common birds in the lower area include: PLUMBEOUS and WARBLING VIREO, BUSHTIT, GREEN-TAILED and SPOTTED TOWHEE, WESTERN TANAGER, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK.  Once on the ridge line trail, you have an open view of both sides of each canyon. Hawks and vultures are soaring above you (sometimes at eye level) looking for prey.
RED-TAILED, SWAINSON'S SHARP-CHINNED, and COOPER'S HAWK have been seen here along with GOLDEN EAGLE and TURKEY VULTURE. Besides the raptors, VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW are also seen in good numbers above the canyons.

Habitat along the first part of this trail is mostly sagebrush. VESPER, CHIPPING, and BREWER'S SPARROW can be seen all along here. On the Butterfield side, look and listen for OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER perched on the tops of tall dead trees.  Keep walking the trail until you reach the Pine and Aspen habitat. In this area you can see many high elevation birds such as
MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, STELLER'S JAY, RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, HAIRY WOODPECKER, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, BROWN CREEPER, both SWAINSON'S and HERMIT THRUSH, and HAMMOND'S, CORDILLERAN, and OLIVE-SIDED FLYATCHER.

The most notable sighting I have had here was a flock of 65+ PINYON JAYS that flew over me heading south just before I got onto the ridge.

Directions:
From I-15 Exit 291 at 12300 south in Draper head west for 6.3 miles as the road becomes 12600 south.  Turn Left on to Main Street in Herriman and follow it as it heads southwest for 2 miles. Turn Left on to 6400 West/Rose Canyon Road for 1 mile.  Turn right--this is a continuation of Rose Canyon Road.  After .8 miles you will arrive at a pond to your left at "The Cove At Herriman Springs". From here the road continues 2.6 miles till the trailhead at Yellow Fork Canyon is on your right. From here it is a mile hike up the trail to the upper canyon section.

Thanks to Kendall Watkins for this location submission.

Warm Springs from Google Street View

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Description:
Warm Springs is a series of shallow ponds along I-15 at 2300 North in Salt Lake City.  Most birding here is on the ponds west of the interstate south of 2300 North where as many 4 ponds are present.  The 2 most notable are directly south of American Building Components and Rocky Mountain Fabrication and can't be seen from 2300 North.  The only access is a tiy6 two track that allows you to scan looking east (see directions below). The shallow ponds often dry to nothing by later summer, but are usually quite full in the spring. The industrial complexes around really give the area a stark and "wasteland" type of feel.  There are some russian olives along a canal that borders the west end of the ponds.  Further west form here is a wetland observation area--ironically the view into it is often obscured by phragmites.

Birding:
What do a loud interstate, a industrial park, and a large playa with a shallow film of water on it have in common?  Not a whole lot, but it sure makes a great stop for birds i nan otherwise inhospitable area of the city.  More than a dozen species of waterfowl have been observed here. NORTHERN SHOVELER seems ever present, while in the fall winter and spring you might glimpse RING-NECKED DUCK or RUDDY DUCK.  WOOD DUCK and both GREATER and LESSER SCAUP have been observed.  GREAT and SNOWY EGRET along with WHITE-FACED IBIS may occasionally turn up here, while the main draw has always been shorebirds.  Salt Lake City despite having a large portion of Great Salt Lake shoreline is mostly devoid of good shorebird habitat--Warm Springs surprisingly fills the void to an extent.  Both GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS are common fall migrants here. SPOTTED SANDPIPER, KILLDEER, AMERICAN AVOCET, and BLACK-NECKED STILT are all easy finds.  Small numbers of peeps occasionally show up and LEAST, WESTERN. and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER have all been seen.  Due to the limited number of birders that go here, a lot probably goes unnoticed.  Occasionally good gulls are seen at this locale.  BONAPARTE'S GULL have been seen during migration while MEW, HERRING, and THAYER'S GULL have all been observed during the winter.  During migration all 6 regularly occurring Utah SWALLOW species can be found here.  Other species typical of marsh can be found here, mostly in the areas to the west.

Directions:
From I-15 southbound take exit 311 as it loops back 180 degrees and hits 2300 North.  Turn left here and go .4 miles.  On your left there will be a dirt road a small canal, another dirt road, then a big canal then another road.  Take the 1st dirt road (furthest east) and go south.  It degrades to two track and eventually dead ends at a fence between the north and south pond to your west. Form I-15 northbound taking exit 311 turn left onto Warm Springs Road for .4 miles.  After you pass under the freeway the road heads west becoming 2300 North.  Go another .4 miles till you reach the road on your left.

Mouth of Yellow Fork Canyon from Google Street View

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Description:
Yellow Fork Canyon is the end destination for most ravelers on Rose Canyon Road.  This trail closes to vehicles is a quick way to lose the noise of the road, and enjoy the best birding in the area quickly.  The habitat is a continuation of what's in Rose Canyon, with mixed oak and juniper woodlands being the predominant habitat type. A small creek lends some riparian habitat with willow and other shrubs present as well.  Rocky hillsides with some cliff habitat can be found, as well as some shrubsteppe on rolling hills.  The lower section of the canyon is an easy hike from the trailhead and you can quickly find yourself off trail following birds through the woods. The upper portion of the trail is about a 30 minute hike from the bottom, and this is where the habitat becomes more montane.  There is another hot spot for this location called "Yellow Fork Canyon -- Upper", and it is recommended that checklists for the upper canyon are split from the lower canyon given the differing habitats.

Birding:
The first time I came to Rose Canyon was in High School, and it was to look for JUNIPER TITMOUSE.  This was known as the closest reliable spot for this species from Salt Lake City--and it still is--after birding in Rose Canyon I continued in the less travelled Yellow Fork.  The juniper woodlands here are prime habitat and this species can be found year round along with WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, and COMMON RAVEN here.  During the breeding season BLACK-THROATED GRAY, VIRGINIA'S, YELLOW, and MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER, join PLUMBEOUS VIREO, DUSKY and GRAY FLYCATCHER here.  BUSHTIT are reported infrequently, and WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH have been found here.  The bird list is essentially going to be similar to Rose Canyon, but the birding is easier and the land is public.  There are definitely more birds and a wider array here, but the specialty species remain the same.  The current list definitely has species found in the upper portion of the canyon as there is overlap in species that wouldn't normally be found in oak or juniper.  But bird both the lower and upper canyon, and create a list for both to help split things out in the future!

Directions:
From I-15 Exit 291 at 12300 south in Draper head west for 6.3 miles as the road becomes 12600 south.  Turn Left on to Main Street in Herriman and follow it as it heads southwest for 2 miles. Turn Left on to 6400 West/Rose Canyon Road for 1 mile.  Turn right--this is a continuation of Rose Canyon Road.  After .8 miles you will arrive at a pond to your left at "The Cove At Herriman Springs". From here the road continues 2.6 miles till the trailhead at Yellow Fork Canyon is on your right.

Rose Canyon Road from Google Street View

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Description:
Rose Canyon Road takes you from Herriman into Rose Canyon and the trailhead to Yellow Fork Canyon.  Rose Canyon Road actually continues to the left of Yellow Fork into the Oquirrh Mountains.  In the lower portions of the canyon the land is mostly private, with some farms, shrubsteppe, mixed oak and juniper woodlands. As you continue towards Yellow Fork the hillsides predominantly become mixed oak and juniper woodlands--some of the best tracts of juniper habitat in Salt Lake County are found here.  There are various side roads and shoot offs that are all marked as private.  Usually birders aren't bothered when using these roads, but please tread lightly so as not to cause problems for other birders in the future.  A small intermittent creek runs down the canyon with light riparian habitat present as well.  Most birding on Rose Canyon Road is en route to Yellow Fork, and I'm not sure the extent of what the road or habitat up canyon is like.

Birding:
The first time I came to Rose Canyon was in High School, and it was to look for JUNIPER TITMOUSE.  This was known as the closest reliable spot for this species from Salt Lake City--and it still is.  The juniper woodlands here are prime habitat and this species can be found year round along with WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, and COMMON RAVEN here.  CALIFORNIA QUAIL and WILD TURKEY are occasionally reported from the canyon year round as well.  During the breeding season BLACK-THROATED GRAY, VIRGINIA'S, and MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER, join PLUMBEOUS VIREO, DUSKY and GRAY FLYCATCHER as you get closer to Yellow Fork.  In the lower reaches it's not uncommon to see MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD and WESTERN KINGBIRD in the summer--while LARK and BREWER'S SPARROW can usually be tracked down too.  BUSHTIT are reported infrequently, and WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH as well as BEWICK'S WREN have been found here.  Birding can be hard here due to the private property issues, as well as the sheer volume of traffic here nowadays.  Back in the 90's and early 2000's it wasn't nearly as busy.  Housing developments have reached the mouth of the canyon, and lots of people living out here now head here for recreation.  Your best bet is early on Sunday mornings and during the week.  Saturday's in the summer are a mad house!

Directions:
From I-15 Exit 291 at 12300 south in Draper head west for 6.3 miles as the road becomes 12600 south.  Turn Left on to Main Street in Herriman and follow it as it heads southwest for 2 miles. Turn Left on to 6400 West/Rose Canyon Road for 1 mile.  Turn right--this is a continuation of Rose Canyon Road.  After .8 miles you will arrive at a pond to your left at "The Cove At Herriman Springs". This is usually where birding for Rose Canyon Road begins as the road continues 2.6 miles till the trailhead at Yellow Fork Canyon.

Point of The Mountain from Google Street View

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Description:
This side of the mountain is almost entirely private property, comprising mostly of a large gravel pit.  A frontage road follows the mountain from the county line northeast to 14600 South.  The hot spot encompasses everything south and east of these two streets to the county line.  The habitat is mixed grasslands and shrubsteppe, along with some oak woodlands on barren hillsides.  The pit is the dominant feature, and several companies operate along this stretch.  You can pull over at various sites, but in general the road is quite busy.

Birding:
Point of the mountain has traditionally been a good location to look for raptors.  Most birding here happens when winter raptors use the area to look for food.  However, in the last few years massive expansion on both sides of the county line have really seemed to push most of the raptors from the area.  The occasional RED-TAILED HAWK or GOLDEN EAGLE may be seen soaring overhead, while AMERICAN KESTREL and COMMON RAVEN are still common.  The most abundant birds here are starling and pigeons by far.  MERLIN are occasionally seen hunting the area, and HARLAN'S RED-TAILED HAWK have been seen in the past.  During spring and fall migration occasionally large flocks of birds are seen migrating out over the Jordan River.  Flocks of FRANKLIN'S GULL, WHITE-FACED IBIS, SNOW GOOSE, and various other waterfowl have been spotted from here.  Although this isn't a destination birding location, you certainly will pass it and may pick up something new for the area list if you spend a few minutes looking around.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 288 on 14600 south go south and turn right onto the frontage road headed southwest.  The road will hit the Utah County Line in 2.3 miles.

Old Farm from Google Street View

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Description:
Old Farm, also known as Hills Pond consists of several ponds in an area that historically was farm land in Salt Lake Valley but is now an apartment complex.  Currently the Fox Point Apartments surround the ponds, and birders don't visit very often.  Historically there isn't a lot of information about the ponds, but during the early 2000's the location was visited with some frequency during the winter months.  The center piece is one large circular pond south of the club house on Old Farm Road.  To the southwest of it is a narrow off shoot pond that stretches about 100'.  There are several other small waterways around the property but the main pond is most often birded.  There are 100's of apartment units, and traffic in and out is usually busy.  Large old deciduous trees cover the property.  Various shrubs and bushes also provide great ground cover.  Around the ponds there is plenty of cover for birds to hide, and the southwest pond often has overhangs.  Technically the property is private, but I have never had an issue birding here.  Simply drive in and park int he lot on the south side of the club house and walk to the pond across the road/

Birding:
Back in the early 2000's birders came here frequently in the winter months when WOOD DUCKS seemed to be an easy find.  No reports of this species have come in form here in a decade, but I think that more has to do with lack of birders checking it out.  MALLARD and CANADA GOOSE are common and other birds found in urban environments are in no short supply  MOURNING DOVE, LESSER GOLDFINCH, and AMERICAN ROBIN are common here, and there are probably quite a few species that pass through during the spring and the fall.  If you live nearby it might be worth stopping in once a week to see what's using the water. I would imagine a pretty good list of birds from here is possible.

Directions:
From the intersection of 3900 South and 700 East, head south on 700 East for .3 miles. Turn right onto Old Farm Road and go .2 miles to the parking area on your right.

Cherry Canyon Logging Trail from Google Street View

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Description:
Also known as "Bear Canyon", the sign at the trailhead reads "Cherry Canyon Logging Trail".  This route to the summit of Lone Peak is an easy to follow alternative to the more popular Draper Ridge and Jacobs Ladder trails. Although the route involves more elevation gain than these two more popular routes, it offers several advantages. Frequent switchbacks eliminate most of the brutally steep sections which are found on the other two trails. A much larger portion of the trail passes through coniferous forest, and the presence of a perennial spring provides a year-round water source.  The lower reaches of the trail pass through dry hillsides and mixed oak woodlands before gains in elevation pass through aspen and mid elevation conifer.  If you were to hike all the way to Lone Peak you would eventually end up above tree line on rocky crags above 11,000'.  From 4,850' at the trailhead, the trail runs for about 6 miles and goes up 6,400' in elevation to 11,253' at the very top.  This is an average of 1,070' per mile of elevation gain making this a very difficult hike.

Birding:
This post is long due to the directions.  Very few birders have submitted checklists so I won't spend too much time saying what you'll see here.  Do this hike for the hike--not the birds--the birds will come as you pass through various habitat belts and be similar to what you would see starting at the mouth of either Cottonwood Canyon and driving to the very top--only it's all on foot.  I think it's safe to say that you could easily have a 30-50 species day here anytime between mid May and September if you did the entire hike.  If you just did lower portions, you would only see the birds typical of the oak belt; and so on up through the habitats.  If you do this hike, please submit a checklist for it, and share comments in the section below.  As more lists become available the birding information will be updated here.

Directions:
From the intersection of 12300 south and 1300 east in Draper, head south on 1300 east for .2 miles. At the traffic circle take the 3rd exit onto Pioneer Road.  Follow this east for 1.1 miles. Turn right on 2000 east and go .2 miles. The road becomes Highland Drive and after about 125 yards there will be a left turn into the Orson Smith Trailhead.

And the actual hike directions taken from summitpost.org:  hike up the small dirt road, passing two large concrete vaults on the left 250 yards up the road. Approximately 100 yards beyond these vaults look for a trail heading steeply up the slopes on the right (east) side of the road. Follow this trail for 0.2 mile until it intersects the north-south Shoreline Trail at a signed 4-way junction at 5,200'.

Continue east at this junction on the trail identified as "Cherry Canyon Logging Trail". From the signed junction the trail meanders a bit and makes numerous small switchbacks as it slowly climbs through scrub and sagebrush up the lower west facing flanks of Lone Peak.

At 7,200' the trail crosses onto the Cherry Canyon (to the south) side of the ridge for a pleasant .25 mile stretch of fairly level hiking before beginning to climb again. The trail then makes a few more switchbacks but continues climbing in a generally eastward direction.

At 8,485' a spur trail, marked with a cairn, joins from the south (this spur trail traverses south .25 mile to the Draper Ridge Trail). After passing this junction the trail descends slightly and enters a forested stretch as it continues east for .3 mile, where it reaches the perennial spring at 8,440'. The spring is located in the Bear Canyon drainage.

From the spring the trail continues climbing through pines, steeply at times, turning northward for a brief period before turning back eastward as it enters the South Fork of Little Willow canyon. The trail winds through a number of large granite outcrops before arriving in an open meadow. In the trees on the right (south) side of the meadow is the Outlaw Cabin at 9,275 ft.', a small log cabin complete with a wood stove.

From the Outlaw Cabin it is possible to traverse south .25 mile and intersect the standard Draper Ridge/Jacobs Ladder trail. However, it is shorter and just as easy to continue east up the South Fork Little Willow drainage.

There is no trail beyond the Outlaw Cabin but it is a simple matter to follow the drainage east, staying on the left (north) side of the drainage as it begins rising more steeply. Near the top the drainage narrows, rimmed on the east and south by granite cliffs and spires.

Begin veering left and route find your way through the rocks. Soon after you will find yourself on the west wall of the cirque, and the summit of Lone Peak will pop into view for the first time. This is a good spot to note a few landmarks for navigation on the return, since it would be easy to incorrectly begin descending into the drainage immediately to the north, which is the North Fork of Little Willow.

From the west rim of the cirque climb over a short rise, then descend a bit as you route find your way north-east through rocks and low alpine trees. Occasional cairns may be spotted to help guide the way. Regain the ridge which slowly curves east, becoming the summit ridge of Lone Peak. This is another good spot to note a few landmarks for the return hike down.

Follow the summit ridge staying initially on the left (north), then crossing over to the south side of the ridge. The final few hundred feet to the summit involves class 3 scrambling with exposure.

Bell Canyon Gulley from Google Street View

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Description:
Bell Canyon Gulley is a small gulley that follows the course of Big Willow Creek as it winds its between neighborhoods toward Hidden Valley Golf Course. Sloping hills on either side of the creek create different habitat from the riparian section below. The upper slopes mostly consist of tall grass, but there are also fairly large patches of gambel's oak and sagebrush as well. Trails run through all these areas as well as paths that follow the creek. The gulley is mostly dry except for during runoff and following rains. Tall cottonwoods cover the sides of the creek with some thickets mixed in as well. Dog walkers can occasionally be seen on the trails here but for the most part this location receives little traffic.

Birding:
Birding is likely most productive here on both spring and fall migration as migrants would be attracted to the fairly unique habitat for the area. WESTERN TANAGER, GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE, WARBLING VIREO, LINCOLN'S SPARROW, GRAY and DUSKY FLYCATCHER  have all been seen on migration here. All 4 regularly occurring Utah HUMMINGBIRD species (CALLIOPE, RUFOUS, BROAD-TAILED, and BLACK-CHINNED) have been observed as well, the latter likely resident throughout the summer. CALIFORNIA QUAIL, SPOTTED TOWHEE, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, and COOPER'S HAWK can be seen year-round in addition to other expected species in the area. Raptors such as AMERICAN KESTREL, and RED-TAILED HAWK, as well as GREAT HORNED and WESTERN SCREECH-OWLS have also been seen. Breeders here include species such as BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, YELLOW WARBLER, and LAZULI BUNTING.

Directions:
From I-15, take exit 292 for 11400 S and proceed east for about 3 miles. Make a right on to 1700 E and head south for .25 miles. Make a left onto Wasatch Boulevard and continue east for .5 miles. Parking is available on the north side of the road in a large dirt lot across from highland drive. To access the gulley from here, walk down the large dirt area between neighborhoods to the trails.

View at 5600 West looking east from Google Street View

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Description:
A paved bicycle/pedestrian trail runs for 2.1 miles along the Utah and Salt Lake Canal Trail, which can be extended as it links with Welcker Memorial Park for an additional 0.8 miles. Park on 5600 W. and Peggy Ln., across the street from Hunter High School. The trail starts on 5600 W. and just slightly North of Peggy Lane, heading in a South Eastward direction. As the canal and trail system is narrow, the habitat consists of developed trees in residential backyards, agricultural and horse properties, two schools and a park--and the canal with a riparian component.

Birding:
NORTHERN FLICKERS are found throughout the trail, though in higher frequency and with more regularity the further East you travel.  A large murder of COMMON RAVENS is found near the LDS Seminary for the John F. Kennedy Jr. High.  The most frequent species encountered is most likely the EURASIAN-COLLARD DOVE. Other species typical of urban sites like AMERICAN ROBIN, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, and AMERICAN GOLDFICH can be found here, while migration will bring a number of passerine species for just a few weeks each spring and fall.  More information about this area will be added as it becomes available.

Directions:
The trail can be accessed via numerous points. Midway Drive at 4700 South and 4140 West; Dartmouth Drive at 2575 South and about 4400 West; 4800 West at 4400 South; 5400 West at 4200 South, and 5600 West at Peggy Lane just south of 4100 south. The quickest point form I-215 west side Belt Route is taking exit 15 west bound along 4700 South for 1.9 miles.  This put you in the southeast most point. You can continue along 4700 West another 1.8 miles to 5600 West. Go .9 miles north and you have reached the Peggy Lane entrance.

Thanks to Mark Patterson for this location submission.

Salt Lake County Side from Google Photo Sphere

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Description:
Big Mountain Pass is located on the Salt Lake and Morgan County lines along SR-65.  At 7,420' it sits right in a belt where numerous habitats meet.  Among Utahns it is known for two things. It is on the original route of the Mormon pioneers who crossed it in 1847 on their way to the Salt Lake Valley; and it is a great place to watch the sunset over a sliver of Salt Lake visible from the area.  Where the highway tops out there is a large gravel parking area on the south side of the road.  The Great Western Trail coming from the north crosses the road here, and continues to southeast from the east side of the parking area.  There are restrooms and several benches here.  Aside from the trail heading southeast, there is also one that follows the southwest slope down into Mountain Dell Canyon, and another going northeast into Upper East Canyon.  Down the west side and on the hills to the north the habitat is generally mixed oak woodland; some aspen and conifer can be found as well.  To the south and southwest is a huge patch of aspen that stretches for miles both directions. On the northeast and east sides are mid elevation coniferous forest.  Some willow and riparian like habitat exists here minimally.  There is also shrubsteppe on the west slope leading down the canyon.  The county line splits the parking area in half and is marked along the road.  For a while this was one spot but in order to accurately split the data there are not spots on both side of the county line--this matters because generally you are birding on one side or the other.  The details for the the Salt Lake County side are below--the MorganCounty birding information can be found here.

Birding:
Big Mountain is one of my favorite birding locations in Salt Lake County.  The birding on the way up, while there and down the other side into East Canyon makes for a great span of habitats and locations and although nothing terribly out of the common really shows up here, the resident breeding birds are easy gets on almost any trip.  Form mid May through July early in the day or in the evening SWAINSON'S and HERMIT THRUSH can both be heard singing in the woods here.  WESTERN TANAGER, LAZULI BUNTING, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK add some bright color to the trees.  MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD are often heard calling overhead, or seen on the north side of the road.  HOUSE WREN chatter is a constant, while DUSKY FLYCATCHER can usually be found calling in the woods.  MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER can be found in the dense thickets on the slopes here.  Both GREEN-TAILED and SPOTTED TOWHEE are present at the pass as well. Overhead VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW are usually seen as well.  Hiking the trails into the hills you can access other habitat and species typical of the conifer.  Both species of KINGLET, AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER, PINE GROSBEAK, and STELLER'S JAY have all been observed.  The pass is often used for owling and 5 species have been found between both sides of the pass.  FLAMMULATED OWL is a common breeder here, while NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL is occasionally found.  NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL show up from time to time, and are encountered more often south of here on the Great Western Trail.  Finally, COMMON POORWILL can usually be heard on the west slopes here after dark.  The pass can be a busy location with city slickers coming up for a quick drive away from the city; bikers taking a break; or various other people that show up here.  I like to hike the trails even just a few hundred yards to get away from the pass if there are people around. Most of the birds mentioned above are easy get on any trip here.

Directions:
From I-80 exit 134 in Parley's Canyon head north onto SR-65 and follow this 8.2 miles past Mountain Dell and Little Dell Reservoir through Mountain Dell Canyon.  The road switchbacks and has a couple sharp turns before eventually reaching the pass with a parking area on your right.

Little Willow Canyon from Google Street View

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Description:
The trail up leads through shrubsteppe and mixed oak woodland at Hidden Valley Park, before you hit the narrow rocky crags and cliffs at the mouth of the canyon.  Here the trail climbs through the oak into a riparian habitat along the creek which only has water in it during the runoff and following storms.  The habitat is very thick and quickly moves into mixed conifer and riparian in between the cliffs.  You don't need to go very far to find birds here.  There are often rock climbers in the canyon, and they make lots of noise, so beware of this on weekends.  I'm not sure how far up canyon you can travel before running out of trail or it becomes impassable, but will add details as I learn more.

Birding:
I have only been here a couple times, and there is one other eBird checklist with information about the birds here.  I suspect it's very similar to Big Willow Canyon to the norht, and any other canyon along the front with similar habitat.  This location is primarily going to be visited in the late spring, summer, and fall--although some interesting things might be around in the winter.  I would imagine NORTHERN PGYMY-OWL can probably be tracked down here, and flocks of ROSY-FINCHES probably use the bench here.  Year round residents include the usually WESTERN-SCRUB JAYS, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, and CALIFORNIA QUAIL in the lower stretches of the trail.  PINE SISKIN, STELLER'S JAY, and MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE can be found in the higher reaches.  Near the rocky slopes at the canyon mouth listen for CANYON WREN singing.  During the breeding season there haven't been any checklists submitted yet, but the varied habitats likely attract a variety of species you would see in other canyons nearby.  I will add more details about the birding here in the summer when I have been back and can speak to it.  One thing I have thought every time I've been here is that this is probably a great point to hawk watch from.  Either below the canyon at Hidden Valley Park--or where the gate blocks the trail to the watershed.  I have seen TURKEY VULTURE, GOLDEN EAGLE, RED-TAILED HAWK, SHARP-SHINNED and COOPER'S HAWKS in just a couple visits.  I'll update this with more information as I learn more about the area.

Directions:
From the north taking Wasatch Blvd from I-215 at 6200 South head south past both Cottonwood Canyons.  At 9800 South continue straight another 3.5 miles till you arrive at the park on your left. Pull in to the lot and keep right to go to the parking area for the park.  From the south follow 12300 South in Draper east as it loops north and becomes Draper Parkway just past 1300 East. Eventually turning into 1700 east, take a right on to Wasatch Blvd at about 11700 south.  Follow the road east 1.7 miles till you reach the park on your right.  From the parking lot follow the paved trail southeast passed the first turnoff to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.  At the 2nd turnoff on your left follow the dirt trail up the hillside until it goes around the bend into the mouth of the canyon.  Here the trail splits and the Bonneville Shoreline Trail goes to the right across the river--the trail up the canyon is straight ahead.

Big Willow Canyon photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Originally this location was created for the canyon; but the canyon is actually closed to people because it is a watershed.  Which sucks for birding because the hike looks really easy and the habitat ranges from mixed oak, to aspen, with cliffs, and mixed conifer, willows, etc.  You can bird the trail from Hidden Valley Park up to here which passes mostly through mixed oak woodland.  You can bird around the "No Trespassing" sign as there is plenty of visible habitat here.  Trying to make this hot spot viable it now includes the Sawmill Trail which actually does drop into upper Big Willow Canyon, so it makes sense.  This trail follows the south wall of the canyon up and around before dropping back down, with the same habitats mentioned above (directions for hike below).

Birding:
This location is primarily going to be visited in the late spring, summer, and fall--although some interesting things might be around in the winter.  I would imagine NORTHERN PGYMY-OWL can probably be tracked down here, and flocks of ROSY-FINCHES probably use the bench here.  Year round residents include the usually WESTERN-SCRUB JAYS, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, and CALIFORNIA QUAIL in the lower stretches of the trail.  PINE SISKIN, STELLER'S JAY, and MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE can be found in the higher reaches.  Near the rocky slopes at the canyon mouth listen for CANYON WREN singing.  During the breeding season there haven't been any checklists submitted yet, but the varied habitats likely attract a variety of species you would see in other canyons nearby.  I will add more details about the birding here in the summer when I have been back and can speak to it.  One thing I have thought every time I've been here is that this is probably a great point to hawk watch from.  Either below the canyon at Hidden Valley Park--or where the gate blocks the trail to the watershed.  I have seen TURKEY VULTURE, GOLDEN EAGLE, RED-TAILED HAWK, SHARP-SHINNED and COOPER'S HAWKS in just a couple visits.  I'll update this with more information as I learn more about the area.

Directions:
From the north taking Wasatch Blvd from I-215 at 6200 South head south past both Cottonwood Canyons.  At 9800 South continue straight another 3.5 miles till you arrive at the park on your left. Pull in to the lot and keep right to go to the parking area for the park.  From the south follow 12300 South in Draper east as it loops north and becomes Draper Parkway just past 1300 East. Eventually turning into 1700 east, take a right on to Wasatch Blvd at about 11700 south.  Follow the road east 1.7 miles till you reach the park on your right.  From the parking lot follow the paved trail 100 yard southeast to a bench and sign pointing the way to the "Bonneville Shoreline Trail".  Follow the sign and 4 wheel drive track as it climbs the mountain 300 yards to a red gate.  At this point a sign points the way south to continue on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail but to reach the Sawmill Trail you must pass around the red gate and climb the hill for 250 yards.  At the top of the hill the road will flatten out and turn sharp to the right.   Ahead you can see the gate that marks the watershed.  As you approach you will notice a tiny sign on your right that points right and says "Sawmill Trail". From here, after one mile you will reach an avalanche warning sign and a junction in the trail.  The Right (East) Fork leads 150 yards down to a stream with a small waterfall and cascades. The Left (North) Fork climbs over the ridge into Big Willow and climbs to the top of the canyon.