The Castle Gate photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
The Castle Gate is a rock formation near the mouth of Price Canyon. This formation features two sheer sandstone walls on either side of the Price River, which appear to open like a giant gate as travelers approach this narrow section of the canyon. The hot spot here includes Bear Canyon on the southwest side of the highway, which is the best location to bird int he area.  A small road winds up the canyon and it can be walked passing through a variety of habitats including mixed oak woodland, aspen, and conifer.  Birders rarely stop in Price Canyon, which really has some potentially amazing birding sites--like the Castle Gate.

Birding:
Given the sparse habitat in the area and limited birder visits there isn't a lot of data here.  The habitat in lower Bear Canyon should hold SPOTTED TOWHEE year round, with LAZULI BUNTING, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and AMERICAN GOLDFINCH during the warmer months.  I would assume VIRGINIA'S WARBLER probably breed here.  ROCK and CANYON WREN can probably be found on the cliffs year round. During the summer months looking to the sky WHITE-THROATED SWIFT and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW likely ride the currents here.  Keep an eye out for raptors like GOLDEN EAGLE and even OSPREY along the river here.  Higher up the canyon as the habitat become more forest species typical of aspen and conifer forest should be present as well. With a few more checklists from other times of the year, a better picture of the birding here can be put together.
Directions:
From the on ramp at Exit 240 on US-191/6 in Price, head north on US-191 for 11.7 miles till you reach Bear Canyon on your left and the Castle Gate on your right.

Abajo Mountains North Side photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
After you pass Dalton Springs you are on Road 101 wrapping around the north slope of the Abajos.  Passing through various habitats, including shrubsteppe, juniper woodland, oak woodland, aspen, and conifer from 7,500' to around 8,500' in elevation.  These mountains are one of the most underbirded ranges in the state and the distributions of species here is widely unknown.  Along the drive there are various side roads, campgrounds, lakes, and places to look for birds.  You can pull off in any number of places and walk the road, as well as wandering into the forest.  In order to get a better picture of the status and distribution of birds in the area, this location along with others along Road 101 on the north slope have been split out into their own locations. A nice drive out of Monticello and you can bird Dalton Springs, Monticello Lake, here along Road 101 on the slope, and end up on the west at Foy Lake.

Birding:
Whenever I find myself in Monticello a quick drive west into the mountains has become a traditions.  The only issue is most of the time its in the spring, so I never get to see what the summers are like up here.  The road along the north slope takes you through a ton of great habitats, allowing for plenty of birding opportunities and a variety of species.  Often looking to the skies you will find raptors soaring--RED-TAILED, COOPER'S, and SHARP-SHINNED HAWK are all see with some frequency, while TURKEY VULTURE are a common sight.  I have heard reports of both NORTHERN GOSHAWK and GOLDEN EAGLE as well.  Along the road, you can often find WILD TURKEY, while MOUNTAIN and WESTERN BLUEBIRD sit on snags along the road.  Various woodpeckers, and corvids can be seen, while sparrows, warblers, and flycatcher are probably present in various habits during the summer.  These underbirded mountains need some love from birders, and the summer probably not only provides escape from the heat in the desert below, but also a chance to make some birding discoveries in the area.

Directions:
From the intersection of 200 South and Main Street/US-191 in Monticello, head west on 200 south for .3 miles.  Turn left onto Abajo Drive, which after .4 miles turns into Creek Road heading west into the mountains.  After 4.3 miles you will pass Dalton Springs Campground and head northwest around the north slope.  The next 6 miles along the north slope along Road 101 are all part of this hot spot.

Foy Lake photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Foy Lake is a small (maybe 5 acre) lake, nestled into the mountains on the north slope of the Abajos.  With steep hillsides covered in mixed Aspen, conifer, and oak woodlands rising to the south the imposing mountains loom over the small body of water.  To the west, oak gives way to mixed juniper woodlands; while a mix of mostly oak, aspen and juniper gently slope down to the north.  The edge of the lake is bordered by cattails, giving it marshy sections, while several species of large shrubs at the base of the slopes provide a riparian habitat. A pit toilet is available, as well as camping.  In order to get a better picture of the status and distribution of birds in the area, this location along with others along Road 101 on the north slope have been split out into their own locations. A nice drive out of Monticello and you can bird Dalton Springs, Monticello Lake, Road 101 along the slope, and end up on the west here at Foy Lake.

Birding:
Foy Lake is a little further drive back into the mountains, but the birding seems to be a little more productive here than at nearby Monticello Lake, given the proximity to the range of habitats.  Various waterfowl may be present once the water is ice free in the spring. CANADA GEESE and MALLARD can usually be found, while other waterbird migrants like REDHEAD and PIED-BILLED GREBE might be present.  The surrounding hills can provide numerous corvids, including STELLER'S JAY, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, COMMON RAVEN, and even CLARK'S NUTCRACKER.  Not a whole lot of birders ever make it here in to the Abajos, and the area is in generally unknown to birders.  Lots of things to be discovered in the area, with status and distributions of mountain species in this part of the state being largely undocumented.  There are virtually no reports form birders here in the summer months, so what actually might be here is up for debate.

Directions:
From the intersection of 200 South and Main Street/US-191 in Monticello, head west on 200 south for .3 miles.  Turn left onto Abajo Drive, which after .4 miles turns into Creek Road heading west into the mountains.  Continue another 9.3 miles, and then stay left at the fork going another 1.1 mile till you reach Foy Lake.

Monticello Lake photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Monticello Lake is a small 5 acre lake on the north slope of the Abajos, surrounded by mixed oak and aspen woodlands.  The open slopes are dominated by this habitat, while the peaks of the Abajos linger to the south. Conifer stands mixed in nearby, along with riparian habitat along Spring Creek to the east, provide a variety of habitats.  There is a dirt road along the west side of the lake, along with a pit toilet.  Access is limited to when the snow melts in the spring, and when it arrives again in the fall.  Typically by the time the lake is accessible the ice is gone. In order to get a better picture of the status and distribution of birds in the area, this location along with others along Road 101 on the north slope have been split out into their own locations. A nice drive out of Monticello and you can bird Dalton Springs, this lake, Road 101 along the slope, and end up on the west at Foy Lake.

Birding:
In the past people have birded Monticello Lake while birding the North Slope of the Abajos, but the new hot spot was only just created in 2015.  The birding in the area looks like it would be awesome during the summer given the great range of habitats here.  The actual lake is so small that there are never a ton of birds on it, with CANADA GEESE and MALLARDS usually present when the water is open.  Other waterbirds will show up form time to time during migration, including EARED GREBE.  The surrounding open habitat usually has a few MOUNTAIN and WESTERN BLUEBIRDS, while WILD TURKEY are occasionally seen on the road nearby.  Looking at the nearby habitat I would assume you can pick up YELLOW WARBLER, LAZULI BUNTING, and DUSKY FLYCATCHER along nearby Spring Creek.  The hills to the south are going to have your regular mountain fair including WARBLING VIREO, HERMIT THRUSH, CHIPPING SPARROW, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and other Aspen specialists.  The coniferous portions should have a variety of finches, woodpeckers, etc.  Birders don't tend to make it down here in the summer, so what might actually be here is still pretty wide open of discussion.  If you find yourself in Monticello in June or July do yourself a favor and make your way in to the Abajos and see what you can find!

Directions:
From the intersection of 200 South and Main Street/US-191 in Monticello, head west on 200 south for .3 miles.  Turn left onto Abajo Drive, which after .4 miles turns into Creek Road heading west into the mountains.  Continue another 7.1 miles till you reach Monticello Lake on your right.

Lodge Pole Campground from Google Street View

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Description:
Aspen and mixed conifer forest dominate the habitat here, with mountain meadows and various montane riparian habitat.  The campground has 55 camp sites as well as 2 group sites and can be reserved in advance.  It is ran by a concessionaire and closed int he winter.  A store and other facilities are on site as well.  Daniel's Creek "flows" down canyon from here creating wet meadows and some montane riparian habitat.  Several trails lead up into the hills and the surrounding habitat.  There are also numerous access points to the forest via nearby forest service roads.

Birding:
Birders typically don't trek here in the winter.  I'm not sure if there are feeders, but if there were, they could attract some good high elevation species in search of food.  Summer is the ideal time to visit to get away form the hot valleys and enjoy the mountains.  The summit is really a tourist destination for OHV users, but the surrounding forest provides plenty of birding opportunities.  Form June through September you will be able to find the species typical of the aspen habitat in the area like: RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, DUSKY FLYCATCHER, WARBLING VIREO, HOUSE WREN, HERMIT THRUSH, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, CHIPPING SPARROW, and WESTERN TANAGER. In the meadows and sage flats you can expect to see MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD, SAGE THRASHER, VESPER SPARROW, and BREWER'S SPARROW.  If you make your way into the forest where there are pine you will come across PINE SISKIN, CASSIN'S FINCH, MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH.  The area is really great for birding and fairly typical of most similar habitat in the area.  If you  are looking to explore some place new, the side roads here might make a good day trip.

Directions:
From the intersection of Main and Center Streets in Heber, follow Main Street / US-40 south for 16.6 miles up Daniel's Canyon till you reach the campground on your right.

Daniel's Summit from Google Street View

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Description:
Daniel's Summit has become a popular winter destination for snowmobilers, with the Summit Lodge catering to this niche.  During the summer months OHV and horse riding is a popular activity replacing the winter sports here.  A restaurant and gift shop are available if you have any food or drink needs.  The Uintah National Forest can be accessed to the south and north here, while Lodge Pole Campground sits just down canyon.  Aspen and mixed conifer forest dominate the habitat here, with mountain meadows and various montane riparian habitat.  At the summit the lodge sits on the southwest side of the highway while a number of private residences sit to the northeast.   A wet pasture at the lodge is the extent of the other habitat here.  There is a forest service road accessible about 1/4 miles south that follows Hobble Creek to the west  behind where the lodge is.  The habitat here is shrubsteppe with forest rising off to the sides of the meadows and flats.  Various forest roads can be accessed from the area providing great opportunities to get away from the main road.  If you are headed to Strawberry Reservoir you will pass the summit--so it might be worth a short stop to check things out!

Birding:
Birders typically don't trek here in the winter.  I'm not sure if there are feeders, but if there were, they could attract some good high elevation species in search of food.  Summer is the ideal time to visit to get away form the hot valleys and enjoy the mountains.  The summit is really a tourist destination for OHV users, but the surrounding forest provides plenty of birding opportunities.  Form June through September you will be able to find the species typical of the aspen habitat in the area like: RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, DUSKY FLYCATCHER, WARBLING VIREO, HOUSE WREN, HERMIT THRUSH, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, CHIPPING SPARROW, and WESTERN TANAGER. In the meadows and sage flats you can expect to see MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD, SAGE THRASHER, VESPER SPARROW, and BREWER'S SPARROW.  If you make your way into the forest where there are pine you will come across PINE SISKIN, CASSIN'S FINCH, MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH.  The area is really great for birding and fairly typical of most similar habitat in the area.  If you  are looking to explore some place new, the side roads here might make a good day trip.

Directions:
From the intersection of Main and Center Streets in Heber, follow Main Street / US-40 south for 17.4 miles up Daniel's Canyon till you reach the summit and lodge on your right.

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.

Upper Beaver Canyon from Google Street View

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Description:
The lower stretch of the upper canyon starts at Mahogany Cover Rec Site Campground where the habitat is a mixed juniper and oak woodland along the montane riparian corridor on the Beaver River.  Cliffs rise form the canyon floor and some talus slopes and rock slides can be found along the road.  A ponderosa forest and mid elevation mixed conifer forest on the south side of the road eventually mix with aspen woodland as you gain elevation. Lush mountain meadows can be found in low areas where the canyon floor widens and the river slowly tumbles by. Side roads lead to various canyons, and deeper into the mountains away form the highway. Three Creeks Reservoir and Puffer Lake add a high elevation lake habitat to the mix, while the Eagle Point Ski Resort adds some open terrain in between the trees on the mountainside just below the summit.  The drive here is beautiful, and worth the trip into the mountains alone!

Birding:
Most birders visit here in the summer months--although the ski resort here would allow for winter birding if you were inclined--I would imagine ROSY-FINCH flocks could be found here if there were feeders present.  During the summer months though the high elevations here provide relief form the heat in the valleys below--and the bird life changes dramatically from below.  Finches like RED CROSSBILL, PINE SISKIN, and CASSIN'S FINCH are common while PINE GROSBEAK are occasionally seen.  WESTERN TANAGER, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE, and HERMIT THRUSH are easy finds along the road.  STELLER'S JAY and CLARK'S NUTCRACKER can both be found here, while MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, and RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET are easy finds in the forest.  Looking to the sky you might see a soaring GOLDEN EAGLE or RED-TAILED HAWK; and along the river SPOTTED SANDPIPER and AMERICAN DIPPER are both likely to be found.  If you find yourself here on the scenic byway, please share your sightings--not many birders find themselves here so you might discover something great!

Directions:
From the Intersecton of Main Street and 200 North in Beaver, head east on 200 North for 3.6 miles till you reach the mouth of Beaver Canyon.  Continueon the road up the canyon 7.5 miles till you reach the S-curve and the Mahogany Cove Rec Site Campground. The hot spot begins here and continues approximately 11 miles past Eagle Point Ski Resort.

The Western Abajos from Google Maps User

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Description:
The west half of the Abajo or "Blue" Mountains is definitely an under-birded location.  The east half which has easy access form Monticello rarely sees much in terms of birds, so the west end which is only accessible via dirt road really has a lot to be discovered.  In terms of what the area consists of--it is generally everything west of the main spine or "east group" of peaks which consists of Twin Peaks East, Abajo Peak and West Mountain.  From here the mountains level out  a bit and various canyons dot the landscape for 6-10 miles going west. Then the "west group" of peaks including Horse Mountain, Seven Sisters Buttes South, and Mormon Pasture Mountain can be found.  This area has commonly been referred to as "The Gooseberry".  The mountains/buttes/mesas continue to the west and include a number of smaller notable "peaks" as the mountains turn into canyon lands and desert.  You could literally create dozens of hot spots in the area if trying to come up with a solid list of what is in the area--but birders generally don't visit so there are a lot of unknowns here.  The habitat in the lower reaches of the mountains are mostly juniper woodlands with some oak as well.  Various shrubsteppe covered hills can be found, while small riparian lined creeks are not uncommon i the draws and canyons.  As you travel higher mixed aspen and coniferous woodland can be found.  I am keeping this very general in hopes that others will stop in and create various points in the area in the future, and hopefully help build a better data set.

Birding:
We can assume the birding here is very similar to that on the east end of the Abajos--except with more range in habitats, likely meaning more possible species.  For the little amount of access to the east side, the west is even more isolated, and generally roads in the area are only open in the summer and fall, meaning birding is best here in June and July.  Passing through various habitats means you could see a lot of different species.  The small amount of checklists submitted to eBird show the range with species such as GRAY VIREO, GRACE'S WARBLER, WESTERN TANAGER, PYGMY NUTHATCH, BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD, and WESTERN BLUEBIRD being reported.  These high elevation sites could potentially hold some very interesting birds given their remoteness, birders just don't make it to them.  Do Hermit Warbler and Hepatic Tanager creep into southern Utah here?  How many pairs of Spotted Owls breed here?  Are there Rosy-Finches above the tree line?  Could Brown-capped nest here?  What is the status of Pine Grosbeak? Northern Goshawk? American Three-toed Woodpecker?  These are questions that birders can answer by visiting areas like this and submitting a checklist to eBird!

Directions:
Here are the directons into "The Gooseberry". From the intersection of Main and Center Street in Blanding head south on Main Street for 3.9 miles.  Turn right onto SR-95 and travel 6.3 miles west. At this point you will turn right on to Cottonwood Road and go 5.3 miles before taking a slight left onto Elk Mountain Road for another 2.7 miles.  Here turn right onto North Cottonwood Road and continue 17.5 miles into the hear of the mountains. From here you can travel east of west on Gooseberry Road.  If you go west you end up in the Horse Mountain area eventually.  If you go east there are a number of small canyons, ridges, peaks, and other high elevation sites accessible via various roads.  The area is there for your exploring!

Upper Falls Park from Google Street View

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Description:
Just up the road from Bridal Veils Falls, is Upper Falls Park.  The mixed oak woodland along the road borders the riparian habitat along the river.  The mountains to the south are covered in aspen and conifers, in between cliffs.  The falls are just to the west of here while a small dam on the river, controls the flow here.

Birding:
There isn't a ton of data for this location which is only open to the public form April through October.  This is really the best time in the mountains anyways.  Along the river keep an eye and an ear out for AMERICAN DIPPER which love the fast flowing water here.  WARBLING VIREO, YELLOW WARBLER, and SWAINSON'S THRUSH are usually hear, and often seen in the trees.  BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, and AMERICAN GOLDFINCH add some color to the trees.  Looking skyward you will probably see WHITE-THROATED SWIFT and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW.  Since BLACK SWIFT have been known to use the area, it is a possibility from here as well.  FOX SPARROW, GRAY CATBIRD, and WESTERN TANAGER might also be found while you're looking around.  During the winter if you are passing by, BALD EAGLE are often found in this area.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 272 in Orem for 800 North head east on 800 North for 3.6 miles.  Take the ramp on your left onto US-189/Provo Canyon Road and go another 4.8 miles till you reach the right turn down to the park.

The Hole from Bing Birds Eye View

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Description:
If you've ever driven to Chepeta Lake int he High Uinta's, you've drive through "The Hole".  Growing up I would often hike here with my family, and learned quite a bit about birds in these hills.  At the pull off to The Hole, a small creek meanders at the bottom of the ravine, under towering conifers and aspen.  The habitat in the hole down stream (east) from this spot is mostly aspen with some conifer mixed in. Sagebrush covered hillsides directly to the south lead to another large patch of aspen directly south of the parking area.  To the north the hill is steep as the road above switchbacks before heading higher up the mountain.  From where the pull off is, directly west across the road is a gate and and old  logging road.  From here you can hike about a mile up the mountain into large open meadows, and beautiful aspen covered hillsides.  At least 7 springs dot these hillsides providing ample water sources for wildlife. Elk Spring, Rock Spring, Mugwump Spring, Grits Spring, Ray Spring, Center Fork Spring, and Lightning Killed Bull Spring form a border about 1.5 miles wide and a top to bottom on the mountain.  These hills rarely if never see birders and are a great getaway from people to enjoy nature by yourself.

Birding:
By the time eBird came around I didn't spend as much time in this area, and only have one checklist int he past decade.  But the birding here is your typical Uinta Mountain birding, and it's some of my favorite.  Hiking up the trail across the road you're going to find AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKERS and have the possibility of both RUFFED and DUSKY GROUSE.  PINE GROSBEAK and CASSIN'S FINCHES are often found along the trail here.  STELLER'S JAY are common while occasionally CLARK'S NUTCRACKERS will fly overhead.  WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH can be found here with the more common RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH.  Along the creek by the parking area MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, and HERMIT THRUSH are usually present.  Although you might never find yourself in The Hole, it's one of those places that if you visit, you'll want to go back to!

Directions:
From US-40 on the east Side of Roosevelt, turn left onto 5750 East.  Go north staying on this road for 10.1 miles.  Here is will turn into White Rocks Highway for the next 4 miles, before becoming Farm Creek Road for another 6.4 miles. At this point the pavement ends and you need to take the immediate left onto FR-117.  Follow this for 5.4 miles until you reach the pull off on your right--this is "The Hole".

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.

Yankee Meadows from Google Maps User

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Description:
Yankee Meadow is a popular 53-acre lake located east of Parowan, Utah.  The lake is generally not accessible during the winter, except by snowmobile. About the time the lake become accessible in April, the ice is starting to come off.  There are two Forest Service campgrounds in the area. Camping is not allowed in the immediate vicinity of the lake. A restroom and gravel launch ramp are available at the lake. There are no garbage facilities at the lake so please pack out what you pack in.

Birding:
Birding is best here during the summer months when the reservoir is accessible.  Species typical of higher elevations in the southern part of the state are common here, including: HAIRY WOODPECKER, CLARK'S NUTCRACKER, MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, HERMIT THRUSH, and CASSIN'S FINCH.  There are very few checklists for the area, given where it is and the small number of birders in the area.  The actual species list is probably much higher than that in eBird, but it needs a little help in the checklist department.

Directions:
From the intersection of Main and Center Streets in Parawon head east for .3 miles on Center Street. Continue straight across 3rd East as the road veers south and becomes SR-143. Go 3.3 miles then turn left onto Bowery Creek Road.  Go 1.4 miles, then continue onto Yankee Road for another 3.1 miles.  Take the slight right onto FR-049 and go another 2.4 miles to the reservoir.

Yellowpine Campground from Google Maps

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Description:
Not to be confused with Yellow Pine Campground on the Mirror Lake Highway, Yellowpine is located at 7,500' in elevation  in a scenic, heavily forested canyon next to Rock Creek and is surrounded by mountains. Large Ponderosa pine trees shade the campground, and aspens dot the landscape. Rock Creek Trail begins nearby for equestrian use and connects with the wheelchair-accessible, paved interpretive nature trail along  Rock Creek.  Shrubsteppe, mountain meadows, and riparian habitat are also present creating a nice mix of mid-elevation habitat typical of many south slope birding locations.

Birding:
As with most Uintah Mountain birding locations, June through September are prime for birding here.  Species typical of the Uinta's can be found here including CLARK's NUTCRACKER, STELLER'S JAY, and OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER.  The mid-elevation site mean you will get a mix of species you wouldn't get at higher elevations, including birds like: WARBLING VIREO, CEDAR WAXWING, YELLOW WARBLER, WESTERN MEADOWLARK, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK.  Along the river you can find AMERICAN DIPPER--and WILD TURKEY have been reported from here as well.

Directions:
 From Highway 40 in Duchesne, Utah, turn north onto Highway 87. Go 15 miles to Mountain Home turnoff. Continue 2.5 miles toward Mountain Home. Turn left at the Rock Creek Store. Proceed about 15 miles to Yellowpine.

Yellowstone Group Campground from Bing Birds Eye View

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Description:
Yellowstone Group Campground lies along its pretty namesake, The Yellowstone River in an aspen forest dotted with mixed oak and Ponderosa pines on the south slope of the Uinta Mountains. The campground can accommodate up to 80 people, and 8 vehicles. The surrounding habitat includes shrubsteppe, and of course the riparian habitat with a willow component just east of the campground. The areas to the south and east are part of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation.

Birding:
To date there isn't enough information to be really helpful for telling you what and when you might see here.  Ironically the 2 checklists for this location are from January and April, when getting here might be difficult due to the roads.  Like most Uinta Mountains campgrounds and birding locations, summer is the optimal time to go--between June and September.  GRAY JAY can be found here, and other species like MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, and TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE have been recorded.  The habitat likely is home to YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, HOUSE WREN, DARK-EYED JUNCO, DUSKY FLYCATCHER, RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, and other species typical of mid to high elevation mountain sites in northern Utah.  If you happen to find yourself in the area, please help build this otherwise small list by submitting a checklist!

Directions:
From the intersection of US-40 and Center Street in Duchesne, go north on Center Street for 15.6 miles. Turn left onto 21000 West and go 8 miles heading north. Turn right and go .4 miles, crossing a creek.  Turn left onto Yellowstone Road and go 4.2 miles.  Stay right onto FR-119 and go another 2.5 miles till you reach the pull off to the campground on your right.

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.

Koosharem Canyon from Bing Birds Eye View

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Description:
Koosharem Canyon located just west of the town of Koosharem is a popular part of the Paiute ATV trail during the summer months.  The area described in this location includes a camping area 2 miles from town and the lower reaches of the canyon.  The hills here are rolling juniper woodlands which converge on a ravine at the bottom of the canyon at Koosharem Creek.  Following the creek is a trail for 5 miles up stream  to Koosharem Pasture Spring in a riparian habitat with mixed oak woodlands leading into the juniper.  The riparian habitat is dense in some areas and quite sparse in others and is comprised mostly of aspen, cottonwood and willow.  ATV's use trails away form the river, but the actual dirt trail that follows the creek is seldom used by others.  As a side note I have seen MOUNTAIN LION tracks here. The camping area sits to the south of the "mouth" of the canyon  with a trial leading to the creek on the north side.  This area is in the junipers.  The canyon extends further into the mountain with a variety of other habitats as it rises--but for now the focus of this location is on the lower portion.

Birding:
Birding here is much like birding any other lowland canyon mouth.  An easy trail follows the creek up canyon allowing for great looks at birds at a close distance.  The juniper and oak habitats that border the creek bring in species not normally found in riparian areas.  During the late spring and early summer WARBLING VIREO and YELLOW WARBLER are abundant along the creek.  VIRGINIA'S, BLACK-THROATED GRAY, and MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER are all relatively common here as well.  DUSKY FLYCATCHER and PLUMBEOUS VIREO can be found on most trips, while WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and HOUSE WREN are often heard.  RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER are another easy find here, while HAIRY WOODPECKER and NORTHERN FLICKER will also usually be seen.  In late May at the height of breeding season here, birding is at its best.  Koosharem is a seldom visited town, and the nearby reservoir gets far more attention than the canyon.  If you have some time and happen to be in the area, I suggest spending a night here and enjoying the birds.

Directions:
From the intersection of Hwy 62/Main Street and Center Street in Koosharem, head west on Center Street for .3 miles.  The road will curve sharply to the north and then bend back northwest.  From here continue 1.9 miles till you reach the openings in the junipers.  From here there are several "roads" and trails heading north and northwest that will drop you into the river bottom.  If you walk along the road directly out the north that quickly heads northwest, and follow this about .5 miles it will drop into the trail across the river and put you in some great habitat.

Powder Mountain photo by Mike Hearell

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Description:
Powder Mountain Ski Resort is located in the Wasatch Back along the Weber/Cache county line near Eden. It is accessible year round via county roads, but the resort is only open during ski season. There are multiple condos and cabins that dot the landscape. You can bird open brush, conifer, aspen, and mountain mohogany covered hillsides.

Birding:
Wasatch Audubon helps in maintaining a feeder located by the Powder Ridge Condos that makes this Utah's premiere location for viewing ROSY-FINCHES during Winter months. Both Black and Gray-crowned can be located here during this time, as well as STELLER'S JAY, CLARK'S NUTCRACKER, MTN CHICKADEE, and HAIRY WOODPECKER. Other high elevation birds can be found here as well, but with a little less regularity. These include CASSIN'S FINCH, PINE SISKIN, RED CROSSBILL, and PINE GROSBEAK. During the warmer months SAPSUCKERS and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS use the area for nesting, and DUSKY GROUSE are found here regularly. Nocturnal birding is good for NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL and NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL during the Spring and Fall, COMMON POORWILL is easily located during the Summer.

Directions:
As you approach the dam at Pineview Reservoir from the west along SR-39 turn left onto UT-158 and go 11.6 miles until you reach the resort.

Thanks to Mike Hearell for this location submission.

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.

Beaver Mountain Ski Area from Google Street View

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Description:
Beaver Mountain sitting between 7,200 and 8,800' opened in 1939 and is located near the summit of Logan Canyon in the Bear River Mountains just 3 miles from the Idaho border. Smaller and less developed than a number of Utah ski resorts, the slopes of the mountain are predominantly east-facing, and it receives somewhat less snowfall than those resorts facing west. Since it does not currently employ snow making equipment, the ski area is entirely dependent upon the (usually) ample natural snowfall, and therefore often opens several weeks later than most other resorts in Utah. "The Beav" is located 27 miles northeast of Logan.  Besides the open slopes, conifer and aspen forest are found here. The ski area is private property but the road to it is public along with most of the land nearby.  The large parking area provides excellent views of the surrounding habitat and the owners have never turned away birders to my knowledge.

Birding:
"The Beav" doesn't see a ton of birding traffic but birders who ski here, those who search for northern owls, and those who pass through in the Summer have put together a small list of birds that can be found here on a regular basis.  In the winter birding is probably limited to the road leading to the resort, the parking area and the slopes.  But winter finches can be found most years including RED CROSSBILL, PINE SISKIN, and CASSIN'S FINCH.  There has also been a report of BLACK ROSY-FINCH, WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL, and EVENING GROSBEAK from here.  CLARK'S NUTCRACKER, MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH are the usual suspects year round.  During the summer months you can range further from the roads, parking area and slopes, and really explore the area.  WILLIAMSON'S and RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER have been found here along with AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER.  VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW may be seen soaring overheard, while the woods typically host HOUSE WREN, BROWN CREEPER, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, and HERMIT THRUSH.  One of the better sightings at the resort that is not all that common is NORTHERN GOSHAWK along the road between the highway and the resort.  I like birding the road and walking in the woods here to look for the above mentioned species. One other notable feature of the mountain birding here is owling.  During the spring NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL can be found quite easily singing in the mountains here.  This is also one area where BOREAL OWL has been reported in Utah.  In 2007 while looking for this species, I heard, and later described to another birder familiar with Boreal's what I had heard and he responded by saying it sounded like a female Boreal Owl call.  The encounter was brief and I never got a look at the bird.  This is one of those species worth really putting some effort in here in the future.  There is some speculation that GREAT GRAY OWL may also be found in the wood in the area; but there have been no modern sightings.

Directions:
From the intersect on of Main and US-89/400 North in Logan, head east on US-89 into Logan Canyon for 27.7 miles.  Turn left onto UT-243 following signs as the road loops back to your left 1.5 miles.