Warm Springs from Google Street View

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

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

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

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

Quail Creek State Park from Google Street View

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

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.

Sandy Beach from Bing Birds Eye View

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
River Lane is probably the most well known (or top 2) birding location in Utah County.  River Lane follows the Spanish Fork River for a couple miles until it dumps into the south end of Utah Lake.  This area is more known for the migrant trap birding along the road than the birding here at the end of the road.  Most birders don't think of the two locations as separate--as they are birded in the same trip usually.  But the habitat at the river "delta" is quite different, and if you were focusing on waterbird then the list you would have here is going to be quite different than on the road--with some overlap.  The actual beach isn't much of a beach anymore--as year after year it seems to erode more and more to the point where there isn't a ton of beach shoreline.  But the waterbirds are still on the water, and the wide open views of the lake for here could make for a potentially great lake watch site.

Birding:
During the winter months when the lake freezes over there isn't much bird activity--but during migration and the summer months there can be quite a bit of bird activity on the water.  Fall migration seems to be the real high point for things here when both CLARK'S and WESTERN GREBE are present in good numbers, along with AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, and CASPIAN TERN.  Other birds end up mixed in including HORNED GREBE, BLACK TERN, SABINE'S GULL, and CATTLE EGRET.  Waterfowl can often be seen passing and about 15 species have been recorded including TUNDRA SWAN and RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. The shorebird list form here is actually quite impressive with almost 20 species and some real nice rarities including: AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, STILT SANDPIPER, DUNLIN, and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER.  Here at the end of the road its not uncommon to find EASTERN KINGBIRD during the summer, and various migrant songbirds in spring and summer. WESTERN TANAGER are often foraging at the tree edges here.  huge flights of all 6 species of swallows are often seen out over the water here during questionable weather.  Check out the River Lane hot spot for more information about the birding here--and next time you stop by try creating a checklist for both locations!

Directions:
From I-15 Exit 260 in Springville go west on Rte 77 for 4.2 miles.  At the stop sign turn right and go another .2 miles to River Lane.  Turn right here and you are on River Lane.  Follow this north for 1.3 miles. It will jog to the left and then right again about half way.  At the 1.3 mile mark you have to turn left onto a dirt road.  After .2 miles you're along the river and continue straight till the road dead ends at the beach.

River Lane from Google Street View

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
River Lane is probably the most well known (or top 2) birding location in Utah County.  River Lane follows the Spanish Fork River for a couple miles until it dumps into the south end of Utah Lake.  The first mile of road passes through agricultural and private land. Some grassland  along with riparian habitat along road edges creates an interesting mix of habitats.  Once you reach the end of the pavement and hit dirt road you will drive right on the rivers edge for about a mile to the lake.  The river is on the southside of the road with thick riparian habitat on both sides of the river, as well as on the north side of the road.  Aside from the cottonwood and other deciduous tree canopy there is a large russian olive component, as well as willow, and various other deciduous bushes and shrubs creating a thick understory.  The habitat is truly unique and everything to the south and northeast is primarily agricultural land, lake shore, or marsh.  At the end of the road, the river mouth open up and an old road follows the lake shore north.  Following this you can continue in riparian habitat as well.  Views of the lake form here add an open water habitat.  Someone created a separate hot spot for this location called River Lane -- Sandy Beach.  This is probably a good thing to take note of birds just at the end of the road.  This area is heavily used by the public for fishing, and various other activities.  Unfortunately, some people that visit don't have any respect for the area leaving their garbage, and in some instances dumping large amounts of trash here.  There have also been incidents of poaching various birds here, and dead migrants found on several occasions with obvious trauma. But the birding is incredible, and these sorts of things are the exception to what is an otherwise amazing place.

Birding:
River Lane has long been a popular migrant trap amongst Utah Birders.  From late April through May and again in August through October passerine migrants can be found in decent numbers in the riparian habitat along the road.  It has had major fallout in the past--and has had some great rarities.  There is no such thing as a bad day of birding here--some just are slower than others.  In reality you can park at one end of the road and walk the entire length and back to bird it; but usually the best method is to pick a spot, park and walk around until you feel you've birded the area good, then driving further down the road and repeating.  Usually you can make 4 or 5 stops by the time you hit the end of the road. So lets talk about the birding here.  Common residents here include RING-NECKED PHEASANT, NORTHERN HARRIER, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, and SONG SPARROW.  During spring migration things seem to come in waves here with a nice mix of ORANGE-CROWNED and VIRGINIA'S WARBLERS, and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT in late April.  May is by far the time of year that most birders visit.  On May 30, 2011 an incredible fallout occurred across parts of central and northern Utah, and River Lane saw its fair share of incredible sightings.  An estimated 200 WESTERN TANAGERS painted the trees, while dozens of OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS mingled with various empids, dozens of warblers, grosbeaks, and buntings.  Species that usually show up in minimal numbers were everywhere.  Notable spring migrants here include SAGEBRUSH SPARROW, LARK BUNTING, INDIGO BUNTING, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, and LONG-EARED OWL.

The breeding season although hot and muggy along the river can turn up some birds that aren't all that common elsewhere in the county or northern part of the state. GRAY CATBIRD and YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT are both found here fairly easily.  Historically YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO were reported here infrequently in the summer leading some to believe they may have nested in the area.  But in recent years they have been a no show. Another interesting bird that shows up here on the tail end of migration through the middle of June are PURPLE MARTIN.  BLUE GROSBEAK and EASTERN KINGBIRD also tend to get noticed here during the summer as well as the early fall. The summer can be a real slow time here, and birders usually stay away until August and September when things pick up again.

Fall brings all kinds of great birds--potentially even greater diversity than in the spring.  CASSIN'S VIREO, TOWNSEND'S WARBLER, NASHVILLE WARBLER, and various sparrows pop up here during fall migration. Interesting note, there are no spring records for SAVANNAH SPARROW here--only fall.  The fall rarity pool is impressive as well.  ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, BLACK-AND-WHITE-WARBLER, YELLOW-THROATED VIREO, RED-EYED VIREO, NORTHERN PARULA, YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER, AMERICAN REDSTART, and TENNESSEE WARBLER are some of the very noteworthy species that have been observed.  It's not uncommon in spring and fall to be able to see all 6 regularly occurring swallows here in one day--and if you're lucky you can tack on the martin.  Fall also brings COMMMON NIGHTHAWKS, which are often flushed form perches while you walk the side roads in search of migrants.  The list goes on and on. A typical day here in the fall could turn up 40-50 species in just a couple hours.

The winter doesn't get quite the attention as migration, but sparrow flocks can be found along the road.  While predominantly WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS and DARK-EYED JUNCO are found AMERICAN TREE, WHITE-THROATED, and HARRIS'S SPARROW have all been observed here.  MERLIN are also seen with some regularity in the winter months; while NORTHERN SHRIKE are rare here but fairly regular nearby on Swede Lane.

River Lane is a premier Utah birding destination.  With a location list of over 200 species this trap is the kind of place where just about any bird might show up in Utah.  Any time you pass through Springville, take an hour and swing out and bird River Lane--you might just find something great!

Directions:
From I-15 Exit 260 in Springville go west on Rte 77 for 4.2 miles.  At the stop sign turn right and go another .2 miles to River Lane.  Turn right here and you are on River Lane.  Follow this north for 1.3 miles. It will jog to the left and then right again about half way.  At the 1.3 mile mark you have to turn left onto a dirt road.  After .2 miles you're along the river and the best birding until you reach the lake.

No Photo At This Time photo by Utah Birders

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
The "south end" of Yuba Lake State Park is everything south of Painted Rocks on the "Yuba Lake" section of the reservoir.  This open water area is surrounded by desert, shrubsteppe, and juniper woodlands in the hills to the east and west.  A large floodplain where the Sevier River enters the lake on the south end creates various amounts of wetland, mudflats, beaches and otherwise unique habitats depending on the water levels of the lake.  Due to its dry surroundings this area is an oasis for waterbirds.

Birding:
Another under-birded hot spot the south end of Yuba doesn't get a ton of visits from birders.  In order to get here you would have to be on the west side of the lake for one reason or another and make an effort to bird the lake as you pass.  That being said it looks quite enterprising and could hold some interesting waterbirds especially during migration.  The fall might be exceptionally interesting given that this is the south end of the water, and nothing but open desert lies to the south.  The current eBird list consists of just a a few species.  CANADA GEESE, MALLARD, NORTHERN SHOVELER, and GREEN WINGED TEAL to name a few of the waterfowl. AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN and DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS for diving birds, and even SANDHILL CRANE.  I would image the bird list could potentially look something like Chicken Creek Reservoir if it were birded more often.  The surrounding desert is prime for LARK SPARROW, SAGE THRASHER, and of course HORNED LARKS.  Once upon a time I remember seeing BURROWING OWLS in the area, and GOLDEN EAGLES hunting on the prairie here.  IF you find yourself passing Yuba and have a day to spare, it might be worth exploring this and all the other locations at this unique and isolated state park!

Directions:
You have to make a concerted effort to reach this campground isolated on the east side of the lake.  There are numerous ways to get here, and if you are birding on the the east side of the lake the best route is to drive to the north end of the reservoir and turn right onto Old Botham Road and go east 5.7 miles.  Turn right onto Hwy 28 and go 3.4 miles.  Everything south of this point on the west side of the road within the state park boundaries is part of this hot spot.  Alternatively you could take Hwy 28 all the way from Nephi south to Levan and then continue till you pass the turn off to Painted Rocks--then as mentioned above you are in the south part of the park.

No Photo At This Time photo by Utah Birders

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
 The Painted Rocks area is located on the east side of the lake off Highway 28 between Levan and Gunnison.  This area offers a large day use area, three lane concrete boat ramp, a group campsite and 41 individual campsites with covered tables.  This campground also includes tent pads, restrooms, a garbage collection point, security lighting, potable water system, dump station, and fire pits.  This campground is easily accessible off Highway 28 between Levan and Gunnison. It is controlled from one entrance station.  Day use fees are $7 and $8 for overnight camping. For what Painted Rocks lacks in habitat, it makes up for in species.  Despite being relatively low quality habitat with very few trees for migrants, the shrubsteppe and desert here have isolated the few trees enough to make them work as a trap.  There is also a juniper woodlands component bringing in a variety of birds that would otherwise not be present.

Birding:
Although this area also receives very few birders, a few intrepid individuals have built a decent species lists with just a few visits.  As with other campgrounds on the lake the list here includes a lot of waterfowl.  I would suggest including this on a separate checklist for the Yuba Lake SP (incl. Sevier Bridge Reservoir) hot spot to keep the waterbirds on the water and the land birds as part of the campground list.  Of course this is purely a recommendation and in the end birders can make their own assumptions based off what's on the lists.  VIRGINIA'S and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER along with WESTERN TANAGER and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK have been observed during migration, while DUSKY and GRAY FLYCATCHER, JUNIPER TITMOUSE, PINYON JAY, and BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER can be found during the breeding season in the juniper.  ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER has been observed in this isolated hot spot, while LARK SPARROW and SAGE THRASHER Are typical of the shrubsteppe. Take a look at the checklist to see the waterbirds observed here, as well as various raptors which use the open hunting grounds year round.

Directions:
You have to make a concerted effort to reach this campground isolated on the east side of the lake.  There are numerous ways to get here, and if you are birding on the the east side of the lake the best route is to drive to the north end of the reservoir and turn right onto Old Botham Road and go east 5.7 miles.  Turn right onto Hwy 28 and go 3.4 miles.  Turn right and drive .2 miles before taking a slight left another .4 miles till you reach the campground. Alternatively you could take Hwy 28 all the way from Nephi south to Levan and then continue till you reach the signs for the run off on your right.

Oquirrh Lake from Google Street View

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
Within the Daybreak community, man made Oquirrh Lake is approximately 67 acres (Because of its meandering shape, the perimeter of Oquirrh Lake is 3.4 miles.) Walking trails go all around the lake, around an island within the lake on the south end, and there are a couple of cutoffs across the lake to make walking a bit shorter. Parking is available all around the lake so there is good access. The lake is stocked with bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, rainbow trout so fishing is allowed. Boating for Daybreak residents is available during the summer. Small deciduous trees can be found all around the lake, and a small wetland is located in the southeast corner.  On the north end is an expansive beach and marina.  The master plan for the area will have the lake completely surrounded by homes on the opposite sides of the street from the lake, but the lake will be visible from all sides with no obstructed views.

Birding:
The best times to visit Oquirrh Lake are spring and fall during migration. In cold winters the lake freezes over and in the summer there are boats, kayaks, and kids playing in the water so there is little nesting activity along the shore. When I first started birding here a few years ago there were only houses on the east side of the lake. But suburbia is creeping in across all directions now so the makeup of the birding population will undoubtedly be changing. Typical waterfowl include CANADA GOOSE, AMERICAN COOT, MALLARD, RING-NECKED DUCK, CANVASBACK, REDHEAD, COMMON MERGANSER, AMERICAN WIGEON, GADWALL, RUDDY DUCK, CINNAMON and GREEN-WINGED TEAL.  Notable waterfowl sightings include: BLUE-WINGED TEAL,RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, TUNDRA SWAN, ROSS'S GOOSE, CACKLING GOOSE, LESSER SCAUP, WOOD DUCK and even both WHITE-WINGED and SURF SCOTERS.

While PIED-BILLED, EARED, and WESTERN GREBE are expected, there have been reports of HORNED GREBE as well.  CASPIAN and COMMON TERNS have been reported and gulls can be plentiful on the lake during late winter and may include CALIFORNIA, RING-BILLED, HERRING, THAYER'S, and even LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS.

The raptor list consists of AMERICAN KESTREL, MERLIN, PRAIRIE and PEREGRINE FALCON, RED-TAILED HAWK, SWAINSON'S and ROUGH-LEGGED  HAWK, GOLDEN AND BALD EAGLES. 

Other birds of note are WESTERN MEADOWLARK, HORNED LARK, BREWER'S BLACKBIRD, BELTED KINGFISHER, RED-WINGED and YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD, SAY'S PHOEBE, MOURNING DOVE and DARK-EYED JUNCO. Also there are BARN, CLIFF, ROUGH-WINGED and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS in the early summer morning hours.

The area can easily be birded by car, foot, or bike on the trails and various roads.

Directions:
From Bangerter Highway, turn west on either 10400 south/South Jordan Parkway or 11400 south/Daybreak Parkway. Continue west on either street about 1 mile until you arrive at the Lake. There are roads around all sides of the lake allowing for access from various points.

Thanks to Rachel LeBlanc for this location submission.

Willard Bay NW Playas photo by Mike Hearell

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
The majority of this hotspot is the playas to the NW of Willard Bay, also known as the Willard Spur. It is flooded from Fall through early Summer. The road between the Reservoir and Spur can be quite rough, and muddy when raining. The two jetties, dike and roadside are lined with wheatgrass, phragmite, greasewood, and pickleweed. During late Summer the NW playa is dry.

Birding:
This location holds large numbers of waterfowl when flooded and not frozen. During Spring migration, large numbers of Marbled Godwit, White-faced Ibis, Black-necked Stilt and American Avocet use the shallow waters of the Spur. Most common species of waterfowl, shorebirds and waders can be found on the Spur as long as it holds some water. The roads are rough and at times only passable with a vehicle with higher clearance but, if you make the trip you might be rewarded with Snowy Plovers, HORNED GREBE, EURASIAN WIGEON, LEAST and BLACK TERN, BAR-TAILED GODWIT, sea duck or even the occasional JAEGER.

Directions:
This hotspot is located on the NW corner of Willard Bay SP in Box Elder County. From I-15 take exit 351 and turn south onto HWY126 (2000 W). Head south on HWY 126 for 0.3 miles and turn right onto 4000 N. Approximately 2.3 miles west turn right off of 4000 N onto dirt road (4150 W), this road will eventually bring you parallel to the south dike of Willard Bay Reservoir. Follow this road past Harold S Crane along the west side of Willard Bay until you reach the NW corner with the light tower.

Thanks to Mike Hearell for this location submission.

Antelope Island photo by Tim Avery

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
So one of the major issues with eBird is how and when hot spots were created.  For Antelope Island State Park there is an overarching location for the entire park including the causeway.  There is also this location which is supposed to be any location on the island.  Originally there were only 3 spots for the park--one for the causeway, one for the island, and one for the ranch.  But over the years, trying to be more precise with the data the various locations for the park have popped up.  On the island there are now the following locations:

Marina
Visitor Center & Loop Road
Lady Finger Point
White Rock Bay
Road to Garr Ranch
Garr Ranch
South
Backcountry (incl. Frary Peak Trail)

These are all very specific locations, some with habitat only found at said locations, while others have overlapping habitats, and in some cases are right next to each other.  Many birders who just use eBird to keep lists will create just one checklist for their entire visit to the island and put it on either the causeway, the island location, or the state park location.  Some will even put it on one of the other specific locations skewing the data slightly for those spots.  It is all confusing and there is no great solution for the near future.  But looking at it from this perspective will hopefully help.  The causeway is a very different habitat from anywhere on the island, and the birds you're going to see are very different.  Separating your causeway list from the island list will help at a basic level.  Keeping lists for even more specific locations will make the data even better.  Birding wise, I'm not going to talk about anything else for this location, as there is lots of information on those pages I mentioned above.  At a minimum if you want to use this spot try to do it separately from the causeway to help keep things clean.

Directions:
In Layton, take I-15 exit 332 west bound onto Antelope Drive for about 7 miles to the entrance station to the park.  After paying an entrance fee continue about 6 miles across the causeway to the island. For specific directions to locations on the island see pages for the above listed hot spots.

Antelope Island Marina from Google Street View

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
The marina at Antelope Island State Park is used to launch various craft on to the Great Salt Lake.  Most use is by the state as well as sailors launching private sail boats.  The marina has also been used by a minority of "hunters" who have taken to the practice of stalking birding listservs to attempt to hunt the rare ocean species of waterfowl that over winter here in small numbers.  Due to the drying up of the lake the marina sees far less usage then in former years.  The small marina has jetties/breakwalls on the north and west sides, while the causeway provides the break to the east.  To the south is the island with a decent amount of shrubsteppe habitat in direct view of the marina.  The north jetty can be walked while you can drive the west jetty via the south side of the parking lot at the marina.  Just follow the dirt road as it loops to the west.   The habitat at the marina is shrubsteppe as well as disturbed land, with a beach on the north side of the north jetty facing out.  Mud flats inside the jetties, and on the outside provide additional shorebird habitat.  The open water of the Great Salt Lake to the north and the west is the primary habitat at this location.

Birding:
As with several locations on the island, the marina isn't a major birding destination, but a small part of the great birding on the island.  Scanning the shoreline inside the jetties, and on the beach to the north can turn up shorebirds in the spring and fall including RED-NECKED and WILSON'S PHALAROPE.  The beach here is a spot where RED PHALAROPE has been seen historically and is always worth checking.  Small flocks of WESTERN SANDPIPER are occasionally seen sheltering here, and have had BAIRD'S and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS mixed in. During the winter months SNOW BUNTING has been reported along the west jetty.  Sea ducks like HARLEQUIN DUCK, LONG-TAILED DUCK, SURF, WHITE-WINGED, and BLACK SCOTER have all been observed inside the breakwater as well as to the north from the jetties. Also during the winter look to the brushy areas south of the marina for AMERICAN TREE SPARROW.  In spring and summer breeding RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS can be seen and heard in the same area.  In May 2013 a LARK BUNTING was seen just up hill from the marina to the south.  One potential for the area that isn't often taken advantage of is a lake watch.  The area on the jetty provides a great vantage point looking north and to see birds following the causeway then heading west around the island in stormy weather.  A LONG-TAILED JAEGER in September 2014 was seen in this general area and these types of rare finds probably pass the island annually going unnoticed as they cruise out over the open water.

Directions:
In Layton, take I-15 exit 332 west bound onto Antelope Drive for about 7 miles to the entrance station to the park.  After paying an entrance fee continue about 6 miles across the causeway to the island. The marina will be on your right when you arrive.

7200 West from Google Street View

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
Just a few years ago this location was nothing more than a shortcut between Lee Kay Ponds and Saltair.  Now it has a list of over 100 species, and is  a must stop during migration in the spring and fall to check for shorebirds and other water birds in the playas that fill with water just off the road.  The dirt road runs north and south from I-80 to 1300 South, on the west side of the dump.  Besides the birds, the road is known to be a bit of a sketchy spot for other "activities".  At the time of this writing a police officer pulled over to help a car here and found more than they bargained for. But that's tame compared to some of the other happenings here.  If you see a naked guy running down the road here, just keep going.  If you stop to ask what someone is seeing, you may get a show that you're not interested in.  Basically, unless you see someone you know, or someone with binoculars or a scope, you probably should just avoid everyone else.

Birding:
Lots of duck species have been seen here, including BLUE-WINGED TEAL, CANVASBACK, RED-BREASTED MERGRANSER, and WOOD DUCK.  A decent list of shorebirds has been compiled here including: SOLITARY SANDPIPER, BARD'S SANDPIPER, MARBLED GODWIT, and LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER. 6 species of gull have been reported here including THAYER'S GULLS, and during spring migration BONAPARTE'S GULLS seem to be semi-regular.  All 4 usual Utah falcon species can be observed here--with MERLIN being seen occasionally during the winter.  EASTERN KINGBIRD and LAPLAND LONGSPUR have both been observed here, as have both BLACK and GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCH.  The best was to bird here is to drive the road and scope or scan the water where you see birds.  Often one of the best places to check is the road running east on the north end of the dump.

Directions:
From Lee Kay Ponds continue west on 1300 South to the end of the dump where the crossroads is.  Turn right here and you are on 7200 West.  Additionally from I-80 take the 7200 West exit in Salt Lake County and go south.

Antelope Island Causeway from Google Street View

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
The Antelope Island Causeway is the lead in to Antelope Island State Park.  The 6 mile causeway is lined by the Great Salt Lake.  The first several miles in recent years have been dry on the south side, and dry and/or brackish water on the north side.  After the first bridge shallow water and mudflats appear on both sides of the causeway, eventually the water reaches the shore of the causeway for the remainder of the road to the island.  The 2nd bridge near the island had deeper water that flows rapidly from the south side into the north.   Besides the the primary habitat mentioned above the road is lined with short grass and some shrubs including Rabbit Brush that provide additional habitat for some prairie birds.

Birding:
The causeway is the go to spot for many birders week in and week out.  It has produced every species of shorebird recorded in Utah at least once.  The largest migrant flocks of WILSON'S PHALAROPE come through each July, numbering in the 100,000's.  Smaller numbers of RED-NECKED PHALAROPE also move through in spring and fall.  There are several records of RED PHALAROPE as well.  Large numbers of peeps--mainly WESTERN SANDPIPER come through, mixing in lesser numbers of birds that would otherwise be rare in Utah, including: SEMIPALMATED, PECTORAL, and BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS, DUNLIN, RED KNOT, and SANDERLING.  But those birds are jsut the tip of the iceberg.  Almost annually other shorebirds are recorded here including: AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, RUDDY TURNSTONE, WHIMBREL, and SEMIPALMATED PLOVER.  This congregation of shorebirds leads to the real rare stuff, including: CURLEW SANDPIPER, RUFF, WANDERLING TATTLER, BUFF-BREASTED and WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER, and the states only SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPER.  The list goes on and on.  But the spring and fall shorebird migration is augmented by the winter sea ducks that show up here.  All 3 SCOTERS and LONG-TAILED DUCK are usually recorded yearly as well.  Gulls are a sight here year round.  During the breeding season 1,000's of California and FRANKLIN'S GULLS line the causeway.  Each fall 100's and sometimes upwards of 1,000 BONAPARTE'S GULLS pass through.  Along with these tiny gulls, the occasional SABINE'S GULL is found and there are several records of both LITTLE GULL and BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE.  The causeway has also had several sighings of both PARASITIC and POMARINE JAEGER. The winter is also a good time to look for rare northern songbirds like SNOW BUNTING and LAPLAND LONGSPUR along the edges of the road.  There was a one day wonder SNOWY OWL here on December 2, 2011--a bird many suspect should show up at this location more often.  If you are going to be in Salt Lake City during the fall, winter, or spring, and have a day or even a half day, the causeway is the one place most birders would recommend you must visit.

Directions:
In Layton, take I-15 exit 332 west bound onto Antelope Drive for about 7 miles to the entrance station to the park.

Antelope Island photo by Tim Avery

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
Antelope Island State Park is a 28,800-acre park, surrounded by the Great Salt Lake, and open year round.  The northern portion of the island is mostly grasslands and shrubsteppe as well as arid hillsides. The southern portion has a small mountain range that has some coniferous and aspen forest. There are also numerous springs on the island that provide riparian habitat.  The most notable is at Fielding Garr Ranch, which is one of the most prolific migrant traps in Utah. On the island are now the following locations in eBird:

Antelope Island (island only)
Marina
Visitor Center & Loop Road
Lady Finger Point
White Rock Bay
Road to Garr Ranch
Garr Ranch
South
Backcountry (incl. Frary Peak Trail)

But the most notable birding location in the park is The Causeway, a 6 mile road connecting the mainland to the north end of the island.  Being a state park there is a daily or annual fee to enter, as well as the Davis County Causeway fee specific to this park.

Birding:
Antelope Island is the most popular birding destination in Utah.  Utah birders flock to the causeway and island almost every week of the year in search of birds.  The causeway is world renowned for the enormous flocks of shorebirds, specifically WILSON'S PHALAROPE, and EARED GREBES that can be found here during migration.  Gulls, waterfowl, divers, and waders can all be found along various stretches of the causeway.  More information about the specifics can be read on the causeway page.  The island is a great location to see CHUKAR, BURROWING OWL, ROCK WREN, SAGE THRASHER, WESTERN MEADOWLARK, and LARK SPARROW during various times of year.  LONG-EARED, SHORT-EARED, GREAT HORNED, and BARN OWL are also permanent residents here.  Garr Ranch has an impressive list of songbird migrants.  It's remote location on the southeast side of the island is literally an oasis in a salty desert. You can read more about birding specific locations at the park through the links above!

Directions:
In Layton, take I-15 exit 332 west bound onto Antelope Drive for about 7 miles to the entrance station to the park.  After paying an entrance fee continue 6 miles across the causeway to the island.