Green River State Park photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Green River State Park is located in the town of Green River and consists of a nine-hole golf course, a campground shaded with cottonwood trees, and a boat ramp into the actual Green River which borders it on the east side. The campground which covers the southwest 1/3 of the park is a huge migrant trap with the biggest trees is the area.  Along the river the dominant species of tree is russian olive, with various other trees and shrubs including: willow, salt cedar, cottonwood, and other deciduous trees.  The riparian habitat is along a natural north-south migrant route following the river.  Sand bars, and beaches here provide more habitat, along with the obvious river habitat which ranges form shallow to deep enough to accommodate diving birds.  There are actually 5 ponds on the golf course as well, all of which can be viewed from roads or trails.  While the boat ramp provides the best views of the open water on the river, you can walk along the shoreline north and south as well to bird the river.  As this is a state park there is an entrance fee.

Birding:
Of the 4 public birding locations in Green River, the State Park as of this writing has the biggest species list, and the most number of visits.  It is also the biggest location, and easiest to access with the most varied habitats.  On the flip side it is also the busiest site due to the campers, golfers, and other outdoor enthusiasts that want to venture far enough form the big city, but not quite to the great outdoors.  In any event the bird species here are varied, and the biggest draw in my opinion is that the camp site is a huge migrant trap.  The large stand of trees is a centerpiece to the park.  Year round you'll find AMERICAN ROBIN, HOUSE FINCH, both LESSER and AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, and NORTHERN FLICKER.  Other species that are present year round may include HORNED LARK, COMMON RAVEN, and WESTERN MEADOWLARK. Both GREAT HORNED and WESTERN SCREECH-OWL call the woodlands here home.  During the winter months DARK-EYED JUNCO and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW move in.   On the river in the winter months COMMON and HOODED MERGANSER are present, while other waterfowl might be seen as well.  During spring and fall migration a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and waders are possible along the river. During spring and fall migration you could put together a pretty good day list with the combo of the waterbirds and the migrants.

Even with the birders that have visited the migrant list isn't enormous.  There are a handful of surprise species that have shown up here late during the fall months including BROWN CREEPER, MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE, WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, and RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER.  During the breeding season there are a few species that make a stop here worthwhile, including BLUE GROSBEAK, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, along with the more common LAZULI BUNTING, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE.  I suspect September into October could be very productive here for migrants.  Spending some time scouring the grounds could easily push the area list over 100 species by adding various sparrows and warblers that absolutely pass through.

Directions:
From the intersection of SR-19/Main Street and Broadway in Green River, head east on Main Street for .4 miles. Take a right on Green River Blvd and go south for .5 miles to the park entrance.  Take a left into the park and you can continue .2 miles to the parking area at the boat ramp and go birding from here.

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.

Lower Beaver Canyon from Google Street View

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Description:
The lower 7 miles of Beaver Canyon below the S curve pass predominantly through mixed oak woodland and mixed juniper woodland as the road follows the Beaver River.  The habitat along the river is a lush montane riparian habitat providing a refreshing element to the dry canyon.  Cliff habitat along with a mixed conifer forest  border the southern edge of the road as you get closer to the S curve providing a nice mix of mid-elevation mountain habitat in the lower part of the canyon.  There are various pullouts, trails, camp sites, and side roads/canyons on the way up.  At the S curve a small dirt road leads to an old wooden structure along the river to the east of the road.  Below the curve is some type of property with various buildings--I don't recall if this is a private residence, or some type of buildings related to forestry/management.  Above the S-Curve where the lower portion of the canyon ends is Mahogany Cove Rec Site Campground with a small loop and handful of camp sites.

Birding:
Birding is easy along the road here--and best during the summer months.  You can stop at various points hop out of the car and spend a few moments before moving on.  Because the habitat is mostly the same you will find a similar mixture of species as you move up the road.  Near the S-curve things change slightly with the start of a Ponderosa and mixed conifer woodland so you will get some higher elevation species as well.  Species typical of the lower canyon include BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, WARBLING VIREO, YELLOW WARBLER, SPOTTED TOWHEE, and AMERICAN ROBIN.  You can also expect to find a few other species typical of the mix of oak, juniper and riparian, including: BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, LAZULI BUNTING, PLUMBEOUS VIREO,  and CHIPPING SPARROW.  As you move up canyon and near the pines you will almost certainly find WESTERN TANAGER, CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER, and MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE.  PINE SISKIN and CASSIN'S FINCH are also likely here given the great habitat.  In the cliffs be sure to listen for CANYON WREN, while WHITE-THROATED SWIFT might be high along skyline with the CLIFF and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS.  And although there are not reports of AMERICAN DIPPER from the creek, I would imagine with enough looking you could probably track one down.

Directions:
From the Intersect on 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.  The hot spot follows the road up the canyon 7.5 miles till you reach the S-curve and the Mahogany Cove Rec Site Campground.

Mosquito Cove from Google Street View

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

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

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

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.

Sand Hollow Reservoir from Google Street View

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

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

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

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

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

Quail Creek State Park from Google Street View

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

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

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

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

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

No Photo At This Time photo by Utah Birders

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Description:
The main campground on the west side of the reservoir, Oasis is a 19-unit campground with 7 overflow sites, covered group pavilions with picnic tables, a group camping area, drinking water, modern restrooms and showers, an RV sewage disposal station, loading docks, and boat launching ramp.  Accessible rest rooms, showers, electrical hookups and a campsite are available for campground patrons with special needs.  With shrubsteppe and dry hillsides surrounding the campground on 3 sides, and the reservoir on the 4th, the large and numerous deciduous trees creating a riparian area here are definitely a migrant trap.  Yuba is seldom visited by birders, but anyone traveling north or south along I-15 in the spring or fall should detour here to look for birds.

Birding:
Truth be told I have only birded here once--and at the time I mistakenly submitted a checklist for the lake--not the campground because the hot spot did not exist.  That being said the habitat is ideal for warblers, and other passerine migrants.  YELLOW WARBLER, LAZULI BUNTING, HOUSE FINCH, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE should be present while the surrounding hill sides usually have LARK and BREWER'S SPARROW, SAGE THRASHER, and plenty of HORNED LARKS.  Really just about anything could show up here, and with some coverage the list could probably creep towards 100 species.  The reservoir can easily be scoped form here, but I suggest creating a separate checklist using the Yuba Lake SP (incl. Sevier Bridge Reservoir) hot spot since it was created specifically for the whole park.  Once there are some more checklists, I will update this to reflect what kind of birds you should see on a typical morning or afternoon here.  Birding can easily be done walking the campground roads.  The whole campground could be covered in 10 minutes, and with an hour you could thoroughly find all the birds using the area.

Directions:
From points north of Scipio, Utah take I-15 exit 202 go east soon turning south and follow the road 1.9 miles on Old State Route 78.  You'll arrive at the reservoir on your left and keep going straight another 2.1 miles on County Road till you reach the campground on your left. From points south of Scipio the campground can be reached by taking I-15 exit 188 west bound towards the gas station/rest stop.  Turn right onto the Frontage Road and continue 3.9 miles.  Turn right going under the freeway staying straight  and continuing 5.9 miles crossing the dam at the reservoir you'll continue another .4 miles till you reach the campground on your right.

Antelope Island photo by Tim Avery

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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.

Dalton Springs from Bing Birds Eye View

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Description:
Sitting at 8,200' Dalton Springs  provides the closest direct access to mid elevation conifer and mixed aspen forest outside Monticello, Utah.  The best birding can be done form the road here where a pull out provides parking and a wide berth to scan the forest edges form and proceed into the forest via game trails.  The habitat is very mixed between conifer and aspen, with a heavy Gambel's Oak component,  creating a great habitat for all montane species.  A National Forest Service campground lies to the south of the road here and has 16 spaces that can be used for $10 a night.  There is in fact a spring here and some very wet riparian habitat. Continuing up the road into the mountains the habitat remains the same and provides more birding opportunities along the road and in the forest.

Birding:
The birding here is vastly different from the birding just 5 miles east on the high desert plains of the Hickman Flats.  When you're in Monticello and need a fix for montane birding this is the quickest way to fill your needs.  Birding just from the parking area on the side of the road across from the campground you can easily see 15 to 20 species in a short period of time.  Birding is best here form late spring through fall when there is no snow.  Often late April is when things start to pick up. CASSIN'S FINCH, RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, STELLER'S JAY, and PINE SISKIN are all common here. Both WHITE-BREASTED and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH can usually be added in a short period of time, while its not uncommon to come across WILD TURKEY here as well.  Keep an eye to the sky for accipiters and other hawks that are often seen cruising here. Other montane species you might pick up include RED CROSSBILL, BROWN CREEPER, CLARK'S NUTCRACKER, and TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE.  The breeding season will bring warblers, vireos, and flycatchers to the higher elevations here and the relative lack of exploration form birders really leaves this location open to some discovery.  The actual distribution of species in this area is poorly known so any visit to the area is worth a quick stop to see what you might find!

Directions:
From the intersection of Main and Center Streets in Monticello head west on Center Street .2 miles taking a left onto 200 West. Go . 2 miles before turning right onto 200 south. After about 250' take the flight left onto Abajo Drive. Abajo will turn into N Creek Road (route 101). Follow this for 4.8 miles till you reach the pullout on your right. Park here.

South Campground from Google Street View

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Description:
At the mouth of Zion Canyon, the visitor center and South and Watchman Campgrounds sit in the Virgin River floodplain.  The habitat is predominantly riparian and open desert.  Rocky slopes leading to the cliffs on the edge of the canyons here provide a dry boulder strewn landscape that few birds use. The two campground loops  have several trails leading to them and along the river connecting to other trails in the park. Any visit to the park should include some time spent exploring the areas here where wide open views allow for easy birding.

Birding:
The campgrounds and visitor center receive some of the most birding in the park given the location at the entrance, as well as the great habitat.  WESTERN BLUEBIRD nest in various locations around the visitor center providing great viewing opportunities. Both DOWNY and HAIRY WOODPECKER can be seen here on most visits year round--as well as SPOTTED TOWHEE and LESSER GOLDFINCH.   During the summer months HOUSE WREN, CHIPPING SPARROW, YELLOW WARBLER, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK are common sights.  Summer southern Utah specialities like LUCY'S WARBLER are also a common find, while SUMMER TANAGERS are present in small numbers. The impressive 120+ bird list from this location has been highlighted by some good rarities including: GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW, PAINTED REDSTART, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER, and even a GILDED FLICKER.  Although not commonly reported, both INDIGO BUNTING and RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW can be found here.  The winter months aren't quite happening but the resident species are supplanted by DARK-EYED JUNCO, RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW.

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will originate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major intersection. From the visitor center... exit the visitor center. You're here!  The South Campground is just to the northeast across the Virgin River, while Watchman Campground is due south. Both are within walking distance of the visitor center.

East Canyon Reservoir from Google Street View

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Description:
East Canyon Reservoir is a 608 acre lake sitting in East Canyon State Park, open year round.  The park sits at about 5,700' in elevation in a valley/canyon in the Wasatch Mountains.  The reservoir is mostly surrounded by shrubsteppe, with some cliffs, and some conifer and other habitat.  SR-65 follows east side of the south leg, and the south side of the east leg, while SR-66 follows the north shore to the dam in the northwest corner.  There is a campground and picnic area where a day use fee is imposed.

Birding:
The reservoir is ice free usually form March through November and during spring and fall migration it is a popular birding location to look for migrating divers and waterfowl.  COMMON LOON and WESTERN GREBE are both common here during migration.  HORNED GREBE are seen occasionally while PACIFIC LOON is recorded almost annually.  RED-THROATED LOON have been reported on multiple occasions as have RED-NECKED GREBE. Diving ducks like COMMON MERGANSER and HOODED MERGANSER can often be found, and all 3 SCOTERS and LONG-TAILED DUCK have been recorded..  BALD EAGLE are a common sight during the late fall through spring here.  NORTHERN SHRIKE are infrequently encountered along SR-65.  On September 10, 1981 there was a reported Parakeet Auklet.  However unlikely this sounds, the observer described the birds perfectly.  This unprecedented report is generally regarded as a mis-identification of a scoter, grebe, or some other waterbird--but was worth mentioning here due to its magnitude.

Directions:
The reservoir can be reached from 3 different directions, via SR-65 from the south and the northeast, and from SR-66 from the northwest.  The most direct route from Salt Lake is to take I-80 east bound and take exit 134 north on to SR-65 towards East Canyon. It's about 15 miles to the reservoir, on your left.  This road is closed during the winter.

Looking towards Oak Grove photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Oak Grove Campground is as its name suggest a campground with a "grove", or several groves.  The general habitat in the area is mixed Gambel's Oak woodland, but one of the main birding features here is actually a "grove" of Ponderosa Pine at the campground.  A small road goes through the campgorund, with a short loop to camp sites.  There is a trail head heading up into the hills form the parking area.  There is a day use and picnic area as well.   The road to the campground is dirt for over 6 miles and climbs up through mixed Pinyon-Juniper Woodlands and Oak woodlands, as well as riparian and arid desert habitats.

Birding:
The small campground is an easy place to get a good number of specialty birds.  Several of the highlights here include all 3 western nuthatches--RED-BREASTED, WHITE-BREASTED, and PYGMY NUTHATCH.  All 3 nest here and can be picked up fairly easily.  During hte breeding season GRACE'S, VIRGINIA'S, YELLOW-RUMPED, and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER can all be seen here.  DUSKY and CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER can both be found around the campground, while WARBLING and PLUMBEOUS VIREO are present as well.  WESTERN TANAGER, HAIRY WOODPECKER, CHIPPING SPARROW, and SPOTTED TOWHEE are all common breeders as well.   During fall migration this is one of the few locations in Utah where HERMIT WARBLER is recorded. The road is closed in the winter when there is too much snow, and has been closed in the summer due to fires.

Directions:
From I-15 North of Leeds, take Exit 23 and turn right onto Silver Reef Road.  From I-15 south of leads take exit 22 onto Main Street through the town of Leeds.  Follow the signs to I-15 north bound, at Silver Reef Road.  Turn left onto Silver Reef and go straight. From here continue for 1.1 miles. Continue onto Oak Grove Road for .5 miles before turning right onto FR-32.  After 1.5 miles continue to the right on FR-32 for another 5.5 miles to the campground entrance.

Yuba State Park from Google Street View

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Description:
Yuba State Park is comprised of a number of specific birding locations that include: Sevier Bridge Reservoir, Oasis Campground, Painted Rocks, and the Yuba Lake at the South End.  The main feature of the park is Sevier Bridge Reservoir, the easiest section of the lake to look for birds.  The surrounding hills are mostly shrubsteppe with some Pinyon-Juniper habitat as well.  The Oasis Campground is a migrant trap in an otherwise treeless landscape.

Birding:
COMMON LOON and rafts of WESTERN GREBES are often seen here during migration.  Decent numbers of waterfowl use the lake, with divers in the deeper areas, and lots of dabblers in the shallows.  The shrubsteppe surrounding hill are good for SAGE THRASHER, LARK SPARROW, BREWER'S SPARROW, HORNED LARK, and occasionally VESPER SPARROW.  ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, PINYON JAY, and BEWICK'S WREN have all been observed here.  The riparian areas attract a variety of migrants, including the usual warblers, WESTERN TANAGER, empids, and other songbirds.  Notable sightings form here include a November TRUMPETER SWAN and PACIFIC LOON.

Directions:
From I-15 north of Scipio, take Exit 202 South/East about 2 miles to the reservoir on your left.  You can continue south along the west side of the lake, or go east to points on the north and east side of the reservoir. Alternatively, from the south and the town of Scipio, take I-15 exit 188 and go west/north towards the gas station.  Turn right on to the Frontage Road and go 3.9 miles.  There will be "underpass"  to your right that goes under I-15, turn here and go 5.7 miles to the reservoir on your right.

Antelope Island photo by Tim Avery

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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.

Upper Logan Canyon from Google Street View

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Description:
Logan Canyon is a canyon that cuts its way through the Bear River Mountains, a branch of the Wasatch Range, in northeastern Utah. The canyon stretches from Logan in Cache County as it rises to an elevation of approximately 7,800' starting with mixed oak woodland and pinyon-juniper woodland in the west, up to Aspen, and mid-elevation conifer and mixed aspen at Garden City in Rich County.  Just beyond the summit is a steep road leading into Bear Lake Valley and scenic overlooks that provide dramatic views of  Bear Lake.  The canyon has been designated a National Scenic Byway.  There are several popular birding destinations in the canyon including: Tony Grove, Beaver Mountain Ski Resort, First Dam, Franklin Basin Road.  There are more than a 20 locations in eBird to enter checklists while birding the canyon.

Birding:
Logan Canyon provide opportunities to bird various habitats along 30 some odd miles of road.  Lots of side roads, trails, pull offs, picnic areas, and campgrounds, as well as lakes, ponds, and streams.  The varying habitats give you a chance to see a wide variety of birds typical of the mountains in Utah.  There aren't a lot of notable sightings but the area is known for a few things.  The Tony Grove area has a breeding colony of PURPLE SWIFTS, while both BOREAL and GREAT GRAY OWL are believed to breed in the general area.  Notable sightings from the canyon include HARLEQUIN DUCK, WINTER WREN, and WHITE-THROATED SPARROW.  The best birding occurs in late spring and early summer through the fall.  Winter is not an ideal time to search for birds but if you want to look for Boreal Owl this is the best accessible location in Utah.

Directions:
From Main Street in Logan turn Right onto 400 North/Hwy 89.  Follow Hwy 89 east to the mouth of Logan Canyon.  From here the road goes 36 miles to Bear Lake.

Gunlock Reservoir photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Gunlock State Park is home to Gunlock Reservoir, a 266-acre reservoir. The park is located approximately 15 miles northwest of St George. It is a primitive area and there are no facilities aside from bathrooms. The park offers camping, swimming, boating, and fishing.  There are view points over the reservoir at the damn, from the campgrounds, and several spots near the inlet.  A scope is useful for scanning the lake.  There are some trees around the reservoir, but it is mostly arid hillsides.  From the inlet up river along the Santa Clara river is excellent riparian habitat.  Below the dam the Santa Clara River also provides excellent riparian habitat as well.  Desert/Black willow and Fremont Cottonwood are the primary deciduous tree types present.

Birding:
The reservoir is used by migrant waterfowl and diving birds and can be fairly productive at the right time.  There are often numerous COMMON LOON on the water in late March and November.  As of recent years there have been free flying MUTE SWAN present near the inlet quite often.  Occasionally LONG-TAILED DUCK and Scoters show up during the winter months. In 2003 a REDDISH EGRET spent about a month at the lake.  Various shorebirds may be present in spring and fall and there is a record for RED PHALAROPE here as well.  SABINE'S GULL occasionally use the waterway during fall migration.  The riparian area above the reservoir is known for nesting COMMON BLACK-HAWKS, SUMMER TANAGER, LUCY'S WARBLER and has had BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER.  The riparian stretch below the dam also hosts some of the same species as above and acts as a decent migrant trap during migration.  The arid hillsides around the reservoir are inhabited by BLACK-THROATED SPARROW and more notably, RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW.  The canyon walls play host to both CANYON and ROCK WREN, as well as WHITE-THROATED SWIFT.  During spring migration in early May, VAUX'S SWIFTS have been observed over the dam on multiple occasions.

Directions:
From I-15 in St. George, take exit 6 at Bluff Street and go north 3 miles to Sunset Boulevard.  Turn left and stay on Hwy 91 for 11 miles to the fork.  Take the right fork and go another 5.3 miles to the state park, which will be on your left.

Capitol Reef National Park photo by Daniel Mayer

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Description:
Capitol Reef National Park is one of Utah;s lesser visited parks, sitting just east of the town of Torrey. Capitol Reef encompasses the Waterpocket Fold, a warp in the earth's crust that is 65 million years old. It is the largest exposed monocline in North America. In this fold, newer and older layers of earth folded over each other in an S-shape. This warp, probably caused by the same colliding continental plates that created the Rocky Mountains, has weathered and eroded over millennia to expose layers of rock and fossils. The park is filled with brilliantly colored sandstone cliffs, gleaming white domes, and contrasting layers of stone and earth.  The Fremont River flows through the park providing excellent riparian habitat and making it a very good migrant trap in the middle of the desert.  The best part--admission is free unlike the other national parks in Utah!

Birding:
The picnic area near the park headquarters is a great place to start birding here, with huge Cottonwoods and ample habitat for songbirds.  From May into early June and August through October this migrant hotspot could turn up just about anything as well.   Pick a patch of trees anywhere in the park and you will find birds. Some of the specialty species found here on a regular basis include INDIGO BUNTING, BLUE GROSBEAK, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, WILLOW FLYCATCHER, and GRAY CATBIRD. CHUKAR are often seen along the road from the visitor center to the campground. You can camp at the campground here, making it easy to access all the birding sites over a number of days!

There really isn't a wrong way to look for birds here. The Fremont River trail, along with the Fruita Orchards provide excellent migrant trap birding--and the campground always has a flurry of activity. Some of the more notable sightings from here include Utah's second PHILADELPHIA VIREO, only the 2nd spring record west of the Rockies as well.  Other mega rarities include BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO, SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER, ORCHARD ORIOLE, and  a host of warblers including: TENNESSEE WARBLER, NORTHERN PARULA, and HOODED WARBLER.  There are also several reports of SPOTTED OWL which breed in the park and are here year round but very difficult to detect.

Directions:
From the intersection of Center Street and Main Street/UT-24, take UT-24 east bound 10.8 miles.  Take the right turnoff to the Capitol Reef Visitor Center, picnic area, river walk, and Fruita Campground

Devils Canyon from Google Street View

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Description:
Devils Canyon Campground is a low-elevation conifer forest comprised mostly of Ponderosa Pine and Gambel's Oak Woodlands.  The campground has 2 loops--one through the pines and one through the oak.

Birding:
If you are driving between Monticello and Blanding this is a must stop for birds.  There are a number of specialty birds here that are easy t pickup and can be done so almost year round.  The best birding happens between April and October, and one of the reasons to go birding here is specifically for ACORN WOODEPCKER--a species that has been reliable here for over a decade.  This species i often observed form Hwy 191 looking into the two ravines coming down form the campground.  It can also be seen in the campground with some luck.  PYGMY NUTHATCH is also found here year round and a fairly easy pickup.  If you like nocturnal birding this is one of the best locations in the state for NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL as well.  Other birds commonly encountered here include WESTERN BLUEBIRD, BUSHTIT, RED CROSSBILL, and during the breeding season, GRACE'S WARBLER.

Directions:
From the intersection of Center Street and Main Street/Hwy 191 in Monticello, head south on Hwy 191 for 11.9 miles till you reach the turn off to Devils Canyon Campground on your right.  Turn right and follow the road 1/2 a mile to the entrance to the campground on your right.  Vice-versa you can come from the south in Blanding and it is about 10 miles on Hwy 191 to the campground turn off on your left.

San Juan River photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
The San Juan River cuts east to west across southern San Juan county emptying into Lake Powell.  The river is lined with a mix of Fremont Cottonwood, willow, Russian Olives and Salt Cedar.

Birding:
The campground provides a loop that can be walked along a good sized patch of trees.  West of the 191 bridge is mostly Salt Cedar and Russian Olive, but there are some cottonwoods set further back from the river.  The summers are hot here and bird activity is limited.  Spring and fall bring migrants that stop in and/or follow the river after covering vast expanses of desert.  LUCY'S WARBLER are common breeders here, while one can expect other warbler, empids, and sparrows during migration.  During the winter, flocks of White-crowned Sparrows roam the corridor, and have included GOLDEN-CROWNED, and WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS in the past.  Large concentrations of WOOD DUCKS have also been observed here in the winter.

Directions:
From the Gas Station on the west end of Bluff follow Hwy 191 for 2.4 miles west to the turnoff on your left at Sand Island Road.  Follow the road to the campground where you can park in several of the day use areas.  You can also bird the river further west by continuiong on Hwy 191 another .8 miles from the campground turnoff,  and taking the left where 191 goes south towards the river.  Just before you get to the bridge there is a dirt turnoff on the right that drops down to the river.  Park down here to bird along the river here.