Public Shooting Grounds WMA photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
The WMA was established in 1928 in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management to specifically manage for waterfowl. Public Shooting Grounds is 11,758 acres and serves as important nesting, resting, and feeding habitat for a variety of waterfowl and shorebird species. The WMA is reported as being the first area set aside for public hunting of waterfowl in the United States.  Public Shooting Grounds WMA is a freshwater wetland complex consisting of uplands, mudflats, emergent marshes, and open water habitat. The North Entrance is accessed on 7200 North southwest of Salt Creek.  The South Entrance consists of five accesses occur along SR-83 beginning approximately 8 miles west of Corinne.  Access on the area is allowed the Thursday prior to the youth waterfowl hunt and throughout the waterfowl season. Permission to enter the area outside of these dates must be requested from the area manager prior to entering the area by calling 435-854-3610.  For birding purposes almost all birding at this location is done along UT-83 at various pull offs to view ponds visible from the roadway.

Birding:
The WMA really is known for its waterfowl.  Between October and March (especially in October and March) large numbers of waterfowl use the area during migration.  Enormous flocks of TUNDRA SWAN are found here on northbound migration in March most years. At least 14 other species of waterfowl have been found here, and big numbers of AMERICAN WIGEON, NORTHERN PINTAIL, and GREEN WINGED TEAL are not uncommon during migration.  Shorebirds are also often seen in the shallow waters just off the highway.  Among the more notable finds here are SNOWY PLOVER, BAIRD'S SANDPIPER and a RUFF in December 2001.  AMERICAN AVOCET, BLACK-NECKED STILT, both species of YELLOWLEGS, WILLET, MARBLED GODWIT, and WESTERN SANDPIPER are all seen here annually. Both SHORT-EARED and BARN OWL can be found here as well.  In the drier habitats look for WESTERN KINGBIRD, SAGE THRASHER, and LARK SPARROW during the summer months.  GRASSHOPPER SPARROW has been observed and likely breeds here or nearby.  During the breeding season AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, CLARK'S GREBE, and FORSTER'S TERN can be found on the water, while MARSH WREN and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT are common in the reeds. and The Shooting Grounds has a nearly 100 species list and is growing.  If you're passing on your way west or east, its worth a quick stop to see what's on the water.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 365 head west on UT-13 for 2.5 miles to Corinne.  Continue west onto UT-83 for 8.9 miles till you reach the Public Shooting Grounds located on both sides of the highway.  There are various entry points along the road, as well as water viewable from the highway.

Rainbow Unit Trailhead photo by Mike Hearell

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Description:
This eBird Hotspot is located in NW Weber County approximately 20 minutes west of I-15. From the parking area you have year round access (walk-in, horseback and bicycle only) to the west end of the Rail Trail and access to Harold S. Crane from September 1 - March 1. The area is mostly playa and mudflats with some brackish sloughs mixed in. The Harold S. Crane portion (Sep-Mar) allows motorized traffic to the west and walk-in only traffic to the north.

Birding:
The best time of year to bird this eBird hotspot is during the Winter months. Locally this location is known best for the three MOUNTAIN PLOVERS found on Christmas Day 2012. Birds more likely to be found during the Winter are SNOW BUNTINGS, LAPLAND LONGSPURS and SHORT-EARED OWLS. This is also a very reliable spot for Horned Larks, American Tree Sparrow, Barn Owls, Rough-legged Hawks, Merlin, Prairie Falcon and Peregrine Falcon.

Directions:
Take the 12th Street exit off of I-15 and head West on 12th. Head west on 12th Street for 6.7 miles where you will turn North on 6700 W. Take 6700 W 4.1 miles to the North where it dead ends in the parking area.

Thanks to Mike Hearell for this location submission.

Ogden Bay North Parking Lot photo by Mike Hearell

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Description:
Ogden Bay Waterfowl Management Area -- North Parking Lot is the north access to Ogden Bay WMA. The WMA is a State owned and operated wetland area that is managed for waterfowl. From the parking area you can access open water, wetlands, playa, canals and upland grass/brush. The areas to the North of the parking area are privately owned agricultural lands.

Birding:
The main area for birds at this location is a shallow pond just SE of the main gate/walk-in access. Although birding can be good at this location year round, the best times of the year are in the Spring and during late Summer. In the Spring the pond is kept with about 30% exposed mud flats that attract many wading birds such as AMERICAN AVOCETS, both species of YELLOWLEGS and the largest accumulation of LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER in the county. After the pond is flooded in late April it turns to mainly waterfowl and WHITE-FACED IBIS. Some rarities that have been found at this location are TRUMPETER SWAN, GREATER SCAUP, SWAMP SPARROW and TROPICAL KINGBIRD. The slowest time of the year for birding is during waterfowl season (Oct-Feb).

Directions:
Ogden Bay North Parking Lot is 9.5 miles (20 minutes) from the Ogden-12th ST. exit in Weber County. After taking the 12th ST. Exit, head west on 12th (1200 S) for 7.6 miles where you will turn south onto 7500 W. Travel south on 7500 W until the road dead ends at the parking area to Ogden Bay WMA north access. Feb-Sept this is as far as you can travel in a vehicle but, walk-in access is available along the east road year round. Oct-Feb (waterfowl season) you can continue to two other parking areas, one is directly south and one is 1/4 mile to the west.

Thanks to Mike Hearell for this location submission.