Bloomington Hills North Park from Google Street View

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Description:
This large urban park is sparse on habitat.  Comprised mostly of open grass, there are a few scattered trees around the park which is surrounded by walking paths.  A small playground sits on the south end, while the park is completely surrounded by neighborhoods.

Birding:
This is another local city park that doesn't get a ton of visits.  The lack of habitat and water features int eh desert doesn't bode well for birding.  MOURNING and EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE are found here, while WHITE-WINGED DOVE is present during the warmer months.  WESTERN KINGBIRD, WHITE-THROATED SWIFT and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE might be seen in the summer, while NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD and SAY'S PHOEBE are present year round.  Desert sites without water don't provide nearly the species list as nearby parks or golf courses where water is prevalent.  For this reason out of the way parks like this are usually more popular with locals, or if a rarity shows up.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 8  on St. George Blvd go east . 1mile to South River Road.  Turn right and go south 2.5 miles. Turn right onto Fort Pierce Drive and go .9 miles.  Turn left onto Vermillion Avenue and continue .2 miles to the parking area.

Mosquito Cove from Google Street View

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Description:
In 2007 while looking for a place to camp while doing field work near Zion National Park I came across notes in a field notebook about "Mosquito Cove".  It appeared to be either BLM land or private land that was open to the public for camping.  Nestled against SR-9 on the north along the Virgin River on the south and between Virgin and Sprigndale, the flats were in the floodplain, surrounded by cottonwood and willow the riparian habitat was amazing.  The sand washed clearing here made for great camping, and there could easily be 50 to 100 campers here on busy weekends--especially holidays.  I've camped here at various times of the year and always found it to be dead during the weeks.  But in 2011 a large flood came through the area and ever since the gate has been closed the unofficial "campground" here is closed now.  I think a combination of people treating the land terribly (litter and refuse), and the danger presented from being i the flood plain weren't worth the risk so the state decided to lock it down.  Which is a shame because it really was some great camping--and birding.

Birding:
Although I've only submitted 6 checklists from Mosquito Cove, I probably camped here 10 to 15 times over 3 to 4 years. Exactly 34 species have been reported, and I've managed to see all of them in my combined trips--it helps that all the lists form others happened to be there with me ;)  There are several species found here regularly during the breeding season that were fairly easy to find. Notably SUMMER TANAGER was a sure thing.  BLUE GROSBEAK, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, LUCY'S WARBLER, CASSIN'S KIGBIRD, and HOODED ORIOLE were all found as well, along with a throng of other riparian migrants and breeders. PLUMBEOUS VIREO, LESSER GOLDFINCH, and SPOTTED TOWHEE are often present and easy to track down.  Migrant wise WESTERN TANAGER, WILSON'S WARBLER, and WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE can all be found.  Occasionally BUSHTIT make their way through the area, while various waterfowl might be seen flying past on the river--notably COMMON MERGANSER.  You can still bird the area from the road, but I don't know how much luck you will have.

Directions:
From La Verkin, take SR-9 east bound  11.4 miles till you reach the road on your right that dead ends at the fence..

No Photo At This Time photo by Utah Birders

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Description:
Upper Sand Cove Reservoir is a small round reservoir in the canyon just outside Gunlock.  Surrounded by open desert, shrubsteppe, and cliff habitats the reservoir is a small oasis in a barren land. It smaller sister reservoir Lower Sand Cove is just down the road.  Small patches of riparian habitat are present as well, and the open water here is ice free year round.

Birding:
This small off the beaten path reservoir doesn't get a ton of visitors but if you check it out you might find something interesting.  During the winter AMERICAN WIGEON, REDHEAD, RING-NECKED DUCK, BUFFLEHEAD, COMMON GOLDENEYE, RUDDY DUCK, and HOODED MERGANSER have all been seen here.  NORTHERN HARRIER and ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK have been found during the winter months as well.  Spring migration brings shorebirds--while only AMERICAN AVOCET has been reported, other species definitely come through.  WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, DUSKY, and GRAY FLYCATCHER have been reported during fall migration along with a variety of warblers including: MACGILLIVRAY'S, YELLOW, BLACK-THROATED GRAY, and WISLON'S.  The best bird to ever be found her though is obvious--in 2002 Rick Fridell found a KENTUCKY WARBLER here in August when the reservoir was empty and the migrants were feeding on flies and ants in the mud.

Directions:
As you are about to enter the town of Gunlock from the south--before you go over the river, take the immediate right onto Lower Sand Cover Road and drive 6.5 miles to the reservoir on your left.

South end of Boots Cox Park from Google Street View

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Description:
Boot Cox Park is a small park in the middle of St. George, that you would never know existed if you didn't stumble upon or be pointed to it by someone else.  The tiny park is surrounded on the north, east and west sides by homes--utter suburbia.  To the south are pastures that are part of a farm. In the southeast corner are tennis courts, while a small pavilion and playgrounds are just north.  The west half ant eh area north of the playground are all open grass, but the park is entirely surrounded by deciduous trees.  There have been several conifers around the north end as well as the tennis courts, but I think some may have been removed recently.  The large pasture directly south has a seep so the field is often wet.  There is a fence line separating the park form the private property, and a road that is also private going directly south form the tennis courts.  A paved path follows the perimeter of the park.

Birding:
About 5 years ago someone found a pair of VERMILION FLYCATCHERS here, and ever since this has been a regular stop for birders visiting St. George.  The flycatchers are typically found along the south edge of the park bordering the pastures to the south.  Often they are found in the trees here, along the fence line, along the road heading south or i any of the small trees or shrubs in the fields.  As many as 5 have been seen here at once--presumably a breeding pair and offspring.  Sometimes they just aren't present and may just not be here some years.  Other birds often seen here year round include BLACK PHOEBE, SAY'S PHOEBE, NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, and EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE.  During the winter months WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, and AMERICAN PIPIT can usually be found .  In the summer WESTERN KINGBIRD and BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD can be found.  In late May migrants pass through the park and WESTERN TANAGER, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK are all possible.  YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK have both been found here and the potential for other good migrants and over wintering birds are really good here.

Directions:
From south of St. George, take I-15 exit 6 north for .25 miles and turn right at the 1st light onto Main Street.  Go .7 miles north then turn right onto 700 south.  Go 1.1 miles--just after you go under the freeway take a right onto 900 east and go .5 miles.  The parking lot is on your right--you can also drive to the end of the road and park on the street. Alternatively, form the north you can take I-15 exit 8 and turn left on to St. George Blvd crossing the freeway for .2 miles. Turn right onto River Road and go 1.2 miles. Turn right onto 900 south and go .4 miles.  Turn left onto 900 east and make your way .2 miles to the parking lot on your right.

Sand Hollow Reservoir from Google Street View

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Description:
The sprawling 20,000-acre park, which rests mostly on USDI Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, rivals Utah's two largest state parks - Wasatch Mountain and Antelope Island. Sand Hollow already one of the most visited destinations in the Utah State Park system, with recreation opportunities for nearly every user from boaters to bikers, and OHV riders to equestrians. A favorite destination for local off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, Sand Mountain provides 15,000 acres of perfectly sculpted dunes. The red sand is an incredible backdrop for Sand Hollow reservoir. At nearly twice the size of nearby Quail Creek Reservoir, Sand Hollow offers boating and other water recreation in a spectacular setting.  The park opened in 2003 and sits at roughly 3,000' in elevation.  The reservoir comprises 1,322 acres of the park and is the main draw for birders.  As a state park this is a fee area.  Along the west edge of the park is the headquarters, campground, enormous parking area, boat launch and to the south the dam.  From here you can take the park road around the south end which is mostly beaches and flats, leading into the dunes to the south.  Most of the north and east end of the park is only accessible by boat.  Outside of the park gates you can take an old highway around the south end of the park into mostly sagebrush covered hills before flattening out in desert with a small cholla collective.  Being a popular destination for weekend warriors it is often crowded, loud, and not ideal for birding. During the week and early in the day however it is fantastic!

Birding:
When Sand Hollow was built it really changed the face of water birding in Washington County.  It replaced Quail Creek as the largest body of water, and out in the open desert to the south, became the location for migrant waterbirds to use.  With more than 175 species being recorded here it has an impressive list of rarities. 31 species of waterfowl have been seen here including all 3 SCOTERS, LONG-TAILED DUCK, 5 species of GEESE, and TRUMPETER SWAN.  Large flotillas of ducks converge here during the winter months and often number in the 1,000's.  PACIFIC LOON, RED-NECKED GREBE, NEOTROPIC CORMORANT, and BROWN PELICAN are a nice list of vagrant divers that have been observed here.  NORTHERN HARRIER are present around the edges of the reservoir, and in the fields adjacent.  GOLDEN EAGLE is seen fairly often soaring high over the desert here.  During the winter BALD EAGLE can usually be found as well.

The shorebird list is almost as impressive as the waterfowl list with 26 species being recorded.  The big treat here was a PURPLE SANDPIPER several years ago that was the first time the species have been observed west of the Mississippi.  SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, WHIMBREL, SANDERLING, DUNLIN, PECTORAL SANDPIPER, and RED PHALAROPE have all been seen here, showing jsut about anything can show up in the desert at this oasis.  POMARINE JAEGER to date is the only species to show up here, but I imagine all 3 will be recorded eventually.  With 10 species of gulls being recorded, its no surprise that vagrants are in the mix with HEERMANN'S, SABINE'S, WESTERN, GLAUCOUS-WINGED and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS all being found here.  5 species of tern have been seen with LEAST, BLACK, and COMMON TERN all being notable. During the winter months SAGEBRUSH SPARROW, SAGE THRASHER, and CACTUS WREN can be picked up driving around the south end of the reservoir and checking the sagebrush and cholla patches. During migration various sparrow species may be seen, as well as all 6 regularly occurring species of SWALLOWS in Utah.  LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE can be seen year round, and NORTHERN SHRIKE has been recorded in the winter.

When birding at Sand Hollow I like to start at the entrance station where GREATER ROADRUNNER has be seen and head up to the parking lot stopping on the north end of the west dam.  From here you can scope the deeper areas of the reservoir near the dam.  You can also drive down a small dirt road here for closer viewing of the beach for shorebirds--this is usually only worth while in the morning or mid week when the water sports folks aren't out yet.  Continuing along the road in the parking lot headed north you can scan more beach, water, and the large rocks near the marina.  After working to the boat launch I head back towards the entrance and will take the park road south around the lake to the beaches for more scanning.  Gulls and shorebirds often roost here so these beaches are a good spot to spend some time  As you work east the water gets further away and you can drive to it in some areas.  Towards the east end is where many dabbling ducks are often found.  You can't really go wrong birding here from fall through late spring (May). The summer months are hot, and the place is packed.  But the rest of the year its a must stop while birding the area.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 16 head east on SR-9 for 4.6 miles.  Turn right onto Sand Hollow Road and go 4 miles till you reach the left turn onto Sand Hollow Parkway and into the entrance station.  Alternatively from Exit 10 in Washington, head south to the first light form the freeway and turn left onto State/Telegraph Street and go 1.1 miles.  Turn right on to 300 east and go 1.6 miles.  Turn left onto Washington Dam Road and go 2.8 miles.  Turn right onto Washington Dam Exit and go .2 miles to turn left to enter the Southern Parkway.  Follow this for 3.3 miles then turn left on to Sand Hollow Road.  After .8 miles turn right into the entrance to the park.

Kolob Creek Waterfall from Google Street View

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Description:
The Kolob Creek Waterfall location is on the Kolob Terrace just south of Kolob Reservoir, slightly north of Lava Point, and amid some of the best high elevation scenery in Washington County.  To the north of the road here, Kolob Creek meanders through open meadows dotted with willows, before going under the road and plunging, rolling, and spilling through the gorge to the south.  From the road, the falls make there was several hundred feet down before disappearing out of site in the canyon and forest below.  There are 2 dirt parking areas one directly looking down on the falls, and another 150' west looking back at the falls.  The cliff habitat below is dotted with small aspen, and some mixed oak woodlands.  Coniferous forest with some aspen lines both sides of the gorge heading south, and a thick ponderosa forest can be seen to the south leading to Lava Point.  The land around this area is all private, but the parking areas and roads are open to the public.

Birding:
The first time I drove up to Kolob Terrace, I was drawn to the waterfall. It isn't a spectacular waterfall, but the area is beautiful.  The view to the south is incredible, and for birding you have wide open views of various habitats in every direction.  At one point this was the go to spot for CALIFORNIA CONDOR, with the birds often perching in the trees below the falls, and on the cliffs and trees on either side.  Now they are mostly seen high in the sky riding the thermals here.  Encounters on the cliffs seem to be limited lately, but it still can happen.  The same currents that bring the condors also bring lots of other birds of prey.  TURKEY VULTURE are common during the summer months and keep a close eye on them and you might find a ZONE-TAILED HAWK.  Although this species also seems to have recently become more scarce here, for some time this was also the go to place to find this bird in Utah.  Other really good raptors seen here include NORTHERN GOSHAWK and PEREGRINE FALCON.  Not surprisingly WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS are usually seen soaring out over the gorge or overhead.  If you take some time to scan the falls below you might just pick up an AMERICAN DIPPER.  The habitat along the creek here is ideal for MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER as well as GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE.  Across the road to the north in the pastures you will likely see both MOUNTAIN and WESTERN BLUEBIRDS.  The willows here are a good spot to check for DUSKY FLYCATCHER and YELLOW WARBLER.  From time to time ACORN WOODPECKER is spotted here but is far more likely in the sub divison to the northwest and further north along the road near the reservoir.

Directions:
From I-15 north of La Verkin, take exit 27 southeast toward La Verkin on Route 17.  From I-15 south of Hurricane, take exit 16 onto SR-9 East bound and follow to La Verkin. From La Verkin, take SR-9 east about 6 miles into Virgin and look for Kolob Terrace Road on your left as you get towards the end of town. Turn left onto Kolob Terrace Road and follow it 21.5 miles till you reach the falls pull off on your right.

The Pond from Google Street View

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Description:
The pond along lower Kolob Terrace Road has long been a stop on the drive to Lava Point and Kolob Reservoir.  This large pond doesn't freeze, and provides an excellent stop for wintering and migrant waterbirds here in the middle of the desert.  The riparian habitat provides great viewing opportunities on the road side of the pond, while the cottonwoods on the back side can be scanned with binoculars.  A large set of farm fields lies to the north, while the east and west sides are red rock and dry hillsides.  Although some birds from the surrounding desert can be seen/hear here--the focus is the pond and riparian habitat.

Birding:
If you're driving up to Lava Point or Kolob Terrace you have to stop here even if just for 5 minutes.  Any time of year there is something to be seen/heard for birders.  From November through April various species of waterfowl have been observed here--in all 12 species have been recorded including WOOD DUCK, CANVASBACK, and HOODED MERGANSER.  One of the most common waterfowl species encountered here are RING-NECKED DUCK all winter Several grebes have been sighted here, but the most interesting waterbird reported was an AMERICAN BITTERN.  With little in the way of shorebird habitat only SPOTTED SANDPIPER has been reported.  Raptor there are scattered reports of both species of EAGLES, a couple accipiters, and not much else.  From spring through summer there are some good birds that can be picked up here on most outings.  BLUE GROSBEAK and YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT can usually be found along with SUMMER TANAGER, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, LUCY'S WARBLER, and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT.  During spring and fall migration various warblers and sparrows are reported here--with LARK SPARROW, LAZULI BUNTING, VIRGINIA'S WARBLER, and WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE being reported.  SAY'S and BLACK PHOEBE, along with ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER and WESTERN KINGBIRD are usually easy finds here.  BLACK-THROATED SPARROW, and CANYON and ROCK WREN can be found here as well straying in from the bordering habitats.

Directions:
From the Post Office in Virgin, Utah, go east on SR-9 for .1 mile.  Turn left onto Kolob Terrace Road.  Drive 3.4 miles and the pond will be on your left.

Quail Creek State Park from Google Street View

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Description:
Quail Creek Reservoir is a 600 acre man made body of water that was completed in 1985 to provide irrigation and culinary water to the St. George area. Most of the water in the reservoir does not come from Quail Creek, but is diverted from the Virgin River and transported through a buried pipeline. Two dams form the reservoir with a maximum depth of 120' .  The surrounding red rock desert and dry slopes create an oasis in the desert.  There is a campground along the main road with a number of deciduous trees creating a migrant trap.  The shore line provides numerous beaches, sandbars, and exposed rocks.  Near the inlet there are often mudflats when there is low water, and an overgrown riparian habitat created  a lush environment in this otherwise arid location.

Birding:
Quail Creek really is an oasis in the desert.  For over a decade it was the only major body of water in the area and attracted a fair share of amazing birds.  With the addition of Sand Hollow just to the south there is some competition, but the rare birds still find their way here.  For birders this is often a better location due to there being fewer water sports enthusiasts than Sand Hollow.  In any event, the bird list here is approaching 200 species and from October through April just about anything can show up. With 27 species of waterfowl on record the list is impressive.  EURASIAN WIGEON, BLACK, SURF, and WHITE-WINGED SCOTER have all been seen here.  Quail Creek is one of the few lakes in Utah where all 4 Loon species found in Utah have been seen.  RED-THROATED, YELLOW-BILLED, and PACIFIC LOON in addition to COMMON have all been seen here on multiple occasions. All regularly occurring grebes have been seen here as well as RED-NECKED GREBE.  During January 2015 a BROWN PELICAN was here for less than 24 hours and NEOTROPIC CORMORANT has been seen here a handful of times.  During the winter it is not uncommon to see all 3 MERGANSER species here, as well as WESTERN GREBE, and large rafts of gulls that are usually mostly RING-BILLED with some CALIFORNIA GULLS. With these gulls there have been some great finds. MEW, THAYER'S, LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL have all been seen, while HERRING GULL is reported occasionally.  During fall migration SABINE'S GULL are reported form time to time; while in the spring FRANKLIN'S and BONAPARETE'S GULLS are often reported.  All 4 regularly occurring Utah TERN species have been seen as well.  In October 2007 a very confiding LONG-TAILED JAEGER provided a lot of Utah Birders with their state lifer for this species here.

While waterbirds are the focus here, the shoreline boasts its own impressive species list.  Migrant shorebirds can't help but use this location--and that means a variety of species have been seen.  Notably PECTORAL SANDPIPER, BAIRD'S SANDPIPER, MARBLED GODWIT, and LONG-BILLED CURLEW. Moving away from the shore the campground is a great spot to look for migrants in May and during the fall. What is actually expected here is up to interpretation.  The campground host in the past has had feeders for hummingbirds and songbirds.  ANNA'S and COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD have been seen, as have WHITE-THROATED and HARRIS'S SPARROW.  Some of the best passerine birding though is by the inlet.  The thick riparian habitat here attracts various warblers--with YELLOW and LUCY'S breeding here.  YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, PACIFIC WREN, and WILLOW FLYCATCHER have been seen here.  One of the better finds here has been a PRAIRIE WARBLER!  The cliffs at the inlet are a good location to look for both CANYON and ROCK WREN.  BLACK-THROATED SPARROW can be found here and RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW has been observed as well.  The list goes on and on--really the best way to learn more about the birds here is to go birding at Quail Creek.  You won't be disappointed.

Birding here is all done along the west edge form the main road.  There is a pullout at the dam which is good for scanning the lower reaches of the reservoir for waterbirds. In the spring keep an eye out for BLUE GROSBEAK here.  You can scan the middle portions of the reservoir from the campground, as well as the main beach.  Walking here is easiest by parking in the campground area and walking the trees, and also in the boat launch area to walk or scope.  Near the inlet there are numerous pullouts to scan the upper reaches of the reservoir, and to park and walk into the riparian areas.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 16 for Hurricane/Zion head east on UT-9 for 2.5 miles. Turn left at the light and follow the road 1.1 miles tll you reach the dam on your right.  There is a viewpoint here where you can park.  You can also continue on the road another .9 miles to the campground on your right.  From here is is another .9 miles till the inlet.  Alternatively from southbound I-15 north of Leeds you can take ext 23 and go left under the freeway. Turn right onto N. Main Street and follow this road south for 3.8 miles.  Turn here and youare at the inlet and can follow the raod along the reservoir.

Springs Park from Google Street View

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Description:
Seegmiller Marsh is a large wetland complex on the Virgin River that is mostly private property.  The south side of the marsh is adjacent to Springs Estate Park and Pond--and 8 acre public park.  Most birders access just Springs Park, but some birding can be done along the north edge at the marsh.  The large pond at the park is the main attraction, and is surrounded by mostly salt cedar, but some other desert scrub as well.  A paved walkway goes all the way around.  A small dirt wash on the north side leads to the marsh which has several access views at the edge of the tamarisk.  Typical wetland habitat in the marshes here make for a great wild habitat.   Future improvements include trail connection to the regional trail system via the Virgin River Trail South Trail.

Birding:
Most birders are unfamiliar with Seegmiller Marsh, but if you mention Springs Park, Springs Pond, or Springs Estate most birders who have been to St. George know what you're talking about.  No visit to the south is complete without at least one stop here most of the year--although summer months are brutally hot, there are still some birds you can see easily here.  Speaking specifically about the pond, during the winter months waterfowl from the north can be found here, with overwintering geese often present.  SNOW GOOSE can be found here most winters, while ROSS'S and CACKLING have also been recorded.  MUTE SWAN are usually found here, but the free flying swans do move around a bit.  Diving Ducks including RING-NECKED DUCK are regulars, while CANVASBACK, HOODED MERGANSER, and GREATER SCAUP show up less frequently.  Year round with some looking you might be able to track down an ABERT'S TOWHEE or CRISSAL THRASHER.  GREEN HERON are resident as well but detected far less.  In the spring, fall, and summer, LESSER NIGHTHAWK are often seen flying over in the evening. The marsh side brings a whole other level of birds with a great riparian habitat that can attract various passerine species.  WILLOW FLYCATCHER, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, and BLUE GROSBEAK can all be found here during the breeding season.  COMMON GALLINULE can often be heard here at night, and for years this was the go to place in Utah to find this species.  BARN, BURROWING, and GREAT HORNED OWL have all been reported from here, while SAY'S and BLACK PHOEBE are easy finds year round.  This unassuming park is essentially one of the best urban birding sites in St. George, and very easy to bird whether you have 15 minutes or a few hours.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 8/St. George Blvd go east to River Road just off the freeway. Turn right and head south for 1.8 miles across the Virgin River.  At the light, turn left and continue on 1450 South for 1.1 mile. Turn left onto Springs Drive for .2 miles.  The park will be on your left; turn in here and park.

Thanks to Suzi Holt for contributing on this location submission.

Looking up Dalton Wash Road from Google Street View

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Description:
Dalton Wash Road is a small dirt road that passes through Dalton Wash--a mix of red rock "canyon", dry desert slopes, juniper woodlands, and arid shrubland.  Most birding occurs on the first 1.5 miles of road before the wash levels out on top of a plateau.

Birding:
Dalton Wash has really only popped onto the map for birders in the past few years; most notably for the ease of finding the resident RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW.  This location has been one of the most consistent locations for finding this species which inhabits similar habitat across the southwest corner of Utah.  Arriving early in the morning in the spring and listening for the sparrow is the best way to find it. Driving the road and stopping every 1/2 mile to listen should provide good opportunities to find it.  You will also likely encounter other specialty sparrow species like BLACK-THROATED SPARROW, and if you're lucky BLACK-CHINNED SPARROW.  These 3 desert specialties at one location makes this a truly unique area.  You will also hear plenty of ROCK and CANYON WRENS singing form the hillsides. Various other species are present during the winter and migration.  The hot summers really limit what can be found in this arid hot spot. Nocturnal birding here has turned up a few goodies as well, with LONG-EARED, GREAT HORNED, and WESTERN SCREECH-OWL all being found.  COMMON POORWILL are commonly heard in the dark and occasionally GREATER ROADRUNNER as well. When heading from St. George to Zion National Park, this quick stop is well worth it--just make sure you get there early before things warm up for the day!

Directions:
From the U.S. Post Office in Virgin, go east on SR-9 for 1.4 miles till your reach the turn off to Dalton Wash Road on your left. Turn here and you are in the wash.

Trail Head Parking Area from Google Street View

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Description:
The Taylor Creek Trail is one of the few official and popular trails in the Kolob Canyons section: a pleasant 5-mile (roundtrip) hike up one of the enchanting "finger" canyons. The Taylor Creek Trailhead is well marked and easy to spot; it's a prominent parking lot on the left (north) side of the road a little over 2 miles from the Kolob Canyons entrance. This hike is fairly easy and should take roughly 3 to 5 hours to complete. Note: This trail is also commonly known as "the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek."  Canyon and dry desert habitat are the base habitat that includes mixed oak and juniper woodland, and the riparian areas along the trail and creek. 

Birding:
This great hike passes through a ton of great birding habitat and on a usual trip you should be able to build up a descent list.  WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, CANYON WREN, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, SPOTTED TOWHEE, and LAZULI BUNTING are regularly found while birding here.  With a little effort species like JUNIPER TITMOUSE, BLACK-THROATED GRAY, and VIRGINIA'S WARBLER, and PLUMBEOUS VIREO can be picked up as well.  The variety of habitat means a good variety of birds, and seasonally things can get quite interesting.  In the fall some high elevation species might be encountered here, as well as migrants.  All 3 NUTHATCHES have been recorded here, as have PACIFIC WREN, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE, WESTERN TANAGER, and CASSIN'S FINCH.  Given how underbirded the Kolob Canyons section of the park is, there is a great opportunity to really explore this location and add to the already growing bird list.

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will originate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major intersection. Take I-15 exit 40 in New Harmony and go east onto Kolob Canyon Road for 2 miles till you reach the trail head on your left. Park here and you can hike for about 2.3 miles along the trail.

Left Fork Trailhead from Google Street View

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Description:
The Left Fork of North Creek (aka "the Great West Canyon") is one of the most beautiful and most popular canyons in the backcountry of Zion. The most famous section of this canyon is known as "The Subway" -- an amazing half-mile stretch that resembles a tubular tunnel complete with tracks going down the middle (but requires a permit). The Left Fork of North Creek has much diverse terrain, and as such, there are several different possible routes.  The habitat includes most dry desert, some riparian and canyon habitats, but at the trailhead is mostly mixed oak and juniper woodlands.

Birding:
I can't speak to actual birding on the trail, just at the trailhead and along the road through the awesome mixed woodlands.  The habitat is great for specialty species like JUNIPER TITMOUSE and SPOTTED TOWHEE year round. During the breeding season both BLACK-THROATED GRAY and VIRGINIA'S WARBLER can be found here, while CHIPPING SPARROW, WARBLING VIREO, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK are usually seen as well. SCOTT'S ORIOLE has been reported from here in the past, and is likely overlooked in the juniper stretches here.  Birding from the road with a few quick stops you can usually pick up all the expected species without much work.  On the way up to Kolob Terrace this is one of the usual spots I stop to look for the oak and juniper species for a few minutes.

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will orignate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major instersection.  From the U.S. Post Office in Virgin, go east on SR-9 for .2 miles. Turn left onto Kolob Terrace Road and continue north for 8.2 miles. The trailhead will be on your right.

Hop Valley Trailhead from Google Street View

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Description:
The Hop Valley Trail is a 6.5-mile stretch of trail that connects the Hop Valley Trailhead (in the Kolob Terrace section of the park) with the La Verkin Creek Trail (in the Kolob Canyons section) and is part of the "Trans-Zion Hike" that allows backpackers to hike from the Kolob section all the way down to the main canyon. While the scenery in Hop Valley is actually quite sublime, this section of park is part of a private inset of land where cattle still graze freely. Numerous stream crossings and the omnipresent cow droppings probably make the "Plop Valley Trail" less than appealing to the general public--but great for birding! The habitat here varies as you can pass through a variety of habitats if you hike the entire trail.  Near the trailhead where most birding is done the primary habitat is mixed oak and juniper woodlands.  But the actual hike goes through shrubsteppe, ponderosa forest, as well as dry desert, and of course riparian.

Birding:
Your not going to build a huge bird list here but you could put together a nice list if you did the entire hike.  Since most birders tend to just bird the area around the trailhead will concentrate on that.  birding is most popular in the last spring and early summer and species typical of mixed oak woodlands dominate the landscape.  WARBLING VIREO, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, SPOTTED TOWHEE, CHIPPING SPARROW, LAZULI BUNTING, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK should all be encountered.  VIRGINIA'S and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER can be tracked down with a little work, while the general area has turned up BLACK-CHINNED SPARROW in the past.  If you are headed to Kolob Terrace or Lava Point stop here for a few minutes to take in the view and see what birds you can find.

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will originate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major intersection. From the U.S. Post Office in Virgin, go east on SR-9 for .2 miles. Turn left onto Kolob Terrace Road and continue north for 12.8 miles.  The trailhead parking will be on your left.

The Narrows from Google Street View

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Description:
A hike through The Narrows requires hiking in the Virgin River. You must get your feet wet since there is no trail. Most people choose to start their hike from the Temple of Sinawava via the Riverside Walk and then walk upstream before turning around and hiking back down to the Temple of Sinawava. You can also hike sixteen miles downstream over one or two days, entering the park soon after starting the hike and then exiting at the Temple of Sinawava. Those who choose this option must get a permit and arrange transportation for the one and a half hour ride to start the hike outside the park at Chamberlain's Ranch. Steep canyon walls dominate the habitat here with the Virgin River at the base.  Some vegetation is found in the wider areas, but in the "true Narrows" it is mostly sandstone and water.

Birding:
The Narrows aren't often birded, given that the hike is in the water.  For some adventurous birders continuing beyond the end of the Riverside Walk, the Narrows provides a reprieve from the huge crowds.  The birding here isn't going to be really amazing, as the habitat is primarily straight canyon walls out of the water.  There are some riparian trees, hanging gardens, and shrubs, but this truly is a slot canyon.  AMERICAN DIPPER is commonly encountered in the river, and shows up on most submitted checklists.  CANYON and ROCK WREN are also encountered frequently here.  CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER nest in the canyons and can often be heard singing.  Look for where they land on canyon ledges and you might find a nest.  YELLOW WARBLER, HERMIT THRUSH, and SPOTTED TOWHEE are also regularly seen as well, while most other species seen in the canyon are found less often.  Looking skyward you will probably see WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS, while COMMON RAVEN and TURKEY VUTLURE are also seen soaring. The Narrows provide a unique birding experience in Zion and are worth a visit if you don't mind getting your feet wet.

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will orignate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major instersection. Catch the Zion Canyon Schedule at any pick up locations inside or outside the park. Stay on the shuttle until you reach the final stop at the Temple of Sinawava. Follow the Riverside Trail up canyon till you reach the Narrows.

Canyon Overlook Trail from Google Street View

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Description:
The Canyon Overlook Trail is a short easy family hike to a great overlook of the main canyon. The small parking lot (on the south side of the road) fills up quickly in the busy summer months, but there are several small overflow parking lots a little further east off of the road. The trailhead is quite visible north of the road behind the ranger traffic booth. This hike is a quick one -- less than half a mile to the viewpoint and roughly an hour hiking time (round trip). The manufactured trail is mostly level and was carved out of the slickrock above Pine Creek.  The habitat is typical dry canyon and high desert with some pinyon juniper and mixed oak woodland.

Birding:
The canyon overlook is a very popular trail for the beautiful views of the park it affords.   This makes it quite the tourist trap and you will often find the trail clogged with other people.  Birding wise it isn't a major birding destination, but because of the amount of traffic it receives, a lot of birders end up birding here.  The species found are typical of the  drier canyon and juniper habitats of the park and there aren't any specialty birds you can find here that you won't find elsewhere in the park.  You will probably encounter WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, WHITE-THROATED SWIFT, CANYON and ROCK WREN, and BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER.  The areas with Juniper should be checked for JUNIPER TITMOUSE, and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER.  The clear views of the ridges from here are great for looking for raptors like TURKEY VULTURE, GOLDEN EAGLE, and if you're lucky a CALIFORNIA CONDOR. If you plan on going here I recommend doing so early in the day to avoid lots of others, it will make the birding much more enjoyable!

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will originate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major intersection.  Exit the visitor center lot and go north .1 mile to SR-9.  Turn right here and follow the road 6 miles as it switchbacks up the canyon and goes through the tunnel.  Once you exit the tunnel the trail head is about 250' ahead on your left.

Watchman Trail Head from Google Street View

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Description:
The Watchman Trail is a short trail (3-miles round trip) that starts by the Visitor Center and leads to a viewpoint on top of the first layer of cliffs roughly 300 feet above. This trail doesn't actually take you to the top of the Watchman Mountain, but from the viewpoint you can get a good view of the peak to the south, as well as a good bird's eye view of the whole Visitor Center complex below. During the afternoon heat of summer, this hike could be torture, so the early morning is the best time for this one, especially when this side of the main canyon is still in the shade.  The habitat here included the cliffs above, as well as the dry desert, and boulder strewn hillsides. Some oak and juniper dot the landscape as well.

Birding:
A close walk from the visitor center and campgrounds this trail can easily be done for the scenery with the birding as a bonus.  Species typical of the drier portions of the park are found here with JUNIPER TITMOUSE, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATHCER, CANYON and ROCK WREN, WESTERN BLUEBIRD, and SPOTTED TOWHEE being typical finds. Other juniper bound species are also encountered here while some riparian species like SUMMER TANAGER and LUCY's WARBLER are occaionally seen at the trail head. Although there aren't any specialty birds here that you won't come across elsewhere in the park, if you have some time and are in the area, its worth the hike for the views.

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will orignate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major instersection. From the visitor center walk to the trail just on the north side and follow it across the road staying on the southside of the Virgin River. The trail continues 1.3 miles then a .5 mile loop can be hiked at the end.

East Entrance looking west from Google Street View

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Description:
The east entrance of the park is remarkably drier than the Zion Canyon side. Most open mesas, canyons, and plateaus, riparian habitat is in the minority here.  Some juniper woodland can be found but this is mostly open desert and cliffs

Birding:
The eastern stretch of the park doesn't get birded as much as the Zion Canyon area, as there isn't a ton of riparian habitat.  The view and scenery are a more popular draw on this end.  That's not to say there aren't birding opportunities.  Like many areas of the park this area has been a good location to listen for SPOTTED OWLS at night.  For diurnal birding the species typical of the drier parts of the west side are found here as well. JUNIPER TITMOUSE, CANYON and ROCK WREN, WHITE-THROATED SWIFT, SPOTTED TOWHEE, and BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER can all be found here. If you pass through this side of the park take a few minutes and bird some of the roadside stops and see what you might find.

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will originate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major intersection. Exit the visitor center lot and go north .1 mile to SR-9.  Turn right here and follow the road 6 miles as it switchbacks up the canyon and goes through the tunnel.  Once you exit the tunnel the road continues 6 miles till you reach the East Entrance.

Kolob Canyon Road from Google Street View

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Description:
Often confused with Kolob Terrace the birding and habitat here is much different than the more popular Kolob Terrace and Lava Point to the southeast of here, accessed from Virgin, Utah. A mostly open canyon with mixed oak and juniper woodland covered hillsides.  There is some riparian habitat as well.

Birding:
This area of the park doesn't receive the coverage of Zion Canyon, and it also lacks the amazing riparian habitat. There is some riparian habitat, here but the predominantly mixed oak and juniper woodlands definitely offer a different type of birding. Birding can easily be done from the road at a leisurely pace.  At a slightly higher elevation, and given the habitat most birding here happens in the summer and fall. SPOTTED TOWHEE, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, and COMMON RAVEN are easy finds here.   Birds typical of Pinyon-Juniper and Oak woodland are plentiful here.  Some checklists submitted for eBird to this location may not have been placed correctly given the confusion with the name and the Kolob Terrace area.  With that being said more birders visiting this quick stop just off the interstate could quickly help build a better species list and add some much needed data.

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will originate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major intersection. Take I-15 exit 40 in New Harmony and go east onto Kolob Canyon Road. The road continues 5.3 miles till it dead ends at Kolob Canyons Viewpoint.

Viewpoint looking northeast from Google Street View

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Description:
Often confused with Kolob Terrace the birding and habitat here is much different than the more popular Kolob Terrace and Lava Point to the southeast of here, accessed from Virgin, Utah. A mostly open canyon with mixed oak and juniper woodland covered hillsides.  There is some riparian habitat as well. The view point is at the end of the road and has expansive views of the north end of the park.

Birding:
This area of the park doesn't receive the coverage of Zion Canyon, and it also lacks the amazing riparian habitat. There is some riparian habitat, here but the predominantly mixed oak and juniper woodlands definitely offer a different type of birding.  At the viewpoint you can pretty much look for birds form the parking are and road with unobscured views of the habitat.  At a slightly higher elevation, and given the habitat most birding here happens in the summer and fall. Common breeding species include JUNIPER TITMOUSE, ROCK and CANYON WREN, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, VIRGINIA'S and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, and WESTERN SCRUB-JAY.  Birds typical of Pinyon-Juniper and Oak woodland are plentiful here.  Some checklists submitted for eBird to this location may not have been placed correctly given the confusion with the name and the Kolob Terrace area.  With that being said more birders visiting this quick stop just off the interstate could quickly help build a better species list and add some much needed data.

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will originate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major intersection. Take I-15 exit 40 in New Harmony and go east onto Kolob Canyon Road. The road continues 5.3 miles till it dead ends at Kolob Canyons Viewpoint.

The Grotto from Google Street View

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Description:
The Grotto Picnic Area is... a Picnic Area!  This stop on the canyon shuttle is also a jump off point to Angel's Landing. Large Cottonwoods and riparian habitat along the Virgin River here are typical of most stops along the shuttle route a the canyon floor level.  The hillsides are dry desert with some juniper and mixed oak woodland leading to the cliffs above.

Birding:
The birding here is typical of most canyon floor locations.  Most birding here is done waiting for the shuttle after a hike to Angel's Landing.  The birding is easy as the grounds are flat and expansive. CANYON and ROCK WREN are often heard singing while WHITE-THROATED SWIFT and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW flutter overhead.  BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, YELLOW WARBLER, and  HOUSE WREN are 3 of the most common species found here during the summer months and can usually be heard singing.  SUMMER TANAGER nest here and with a little looking can usually be tracked down.  The hillsides behind the Grotto have produced RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW which are probably found throughout the park in this habitat.  JUNIPER TITMOUSE and BUSHTIT can occasionally be found in the juniper here as well.

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will originate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major intersection. Catch the Zion Canyon Schedule at any pick up locations inside or outside the park. Stay on the shuttle until you reach The Grotto Picnic Area Stop. Exit the shuttle and you have arrived.