Woodside from Google Street View

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Description:
Woodside is a ghost town located on the west bank of the shallow Price River in the nearly uninhabited eastern part of Emery County. Its fenced-in filling station is one of the only signs of human activity along the lonely stretch of U.S. Route 6/191 between Wellington and Green River.  At one point in the early 1900's the town had a population of over 300 and actually was a thriving small community.  Today the property is private and surrounded by fence.   The Price River sits to the south lined with cottonwood trees, while sparse desert is found on all sides.  Greasewood dominated the landscape, while some shrubsteppe habitat is also present. A cold-water geyser is on the property but is rarely seen from the road anymore. Along the river these is some marsh and wetland habitat as well.  Given the remote location in the desert the trees do act as a migrant trap.

Birding:
This location hasn't received a lot of coverage--most birders passing do just that--and pass without stopping to see what might be around.  The trees can be hard to access, but can be birded form the road--albeit dangerously.  A small road wraps around the north side of the ghost town through the desert and greasewood.  BREWER'S SPARROWS can be found here in the summer months, while WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS fill in during the winter.  SAY'S PHOEBE can be found in the area, and WESTERN KINGBIRD are present in the summer months.  RED-TAILED HAWK are often seen perching in the trees along the river.  Since there aren't a ton of checklists and visits the actual species list is probably much higher and numerous migrant species can probably be found here in May and September.  Given how isolated the are is the potential for a mega find here is very high.

Directions:
From the on ramp at Exit 243 on US-191/6 in Price head south on US-191 for 35.4 miles till you reach Woodside on your right.

Grove Creek Canyon from Google Street View

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Description:
Grove Creek Canyon is located at the extreme east end of 500 North in Pleasant Grove (Utah County).  Scrub oak, rabbit brush, sagebrush, and thickets of squawbush make up most of the habitat at the mouth of the canyon.


Birding:
The mix of bird species at Grove Creek Canyon changes with each season. Spring and summer are, by far, the most productive seasons for birding the canyon. Common spring and summer species include COOPER'S HAWK, WHITE-THROATED SWIFT, BLACK-CHINNED and BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD, a variety of FLYCATCHERS and VIREOS, HOUSE WREN, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, WARBLERS, CHIPPING SPARROW, WESTERN TANAGER, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and LAZULI BUNTING.  COMMON POORWILL are often heard singing right at and just after dusk during summer evenings. Fall brings migrant raptors and feisty RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS as they make their southward migration.  Winter can be slow in the canyon, but ROSY FINCHes are sometimes seen moving in flocks along the hillsides and above the canyon.

Some of the year round species include NORTHERN FLICKER, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, SPOTTED TOWHEE, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, AMERICAN KESTREL, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE and GOLDEN EAGLES which are regularly seen soaring above the canyon and its surrounding peaks.

Directions:
If driving south on I-15 from Salt Lake County take SR 92 (Timpanogos Highway) east to the mouth of American Fork Canyon and turn south on North Canyon Road. Follow this road south into Pleasant Grove and turn left (east) at 500 North. Follow 500 North all the way to the parking lot at the mouth of Grove Creek Canyon.  Alternatively, from State Street in Pleasant Grove head north on Canyon Road. Turn right (east) at 500 North and follow the road to the parking lot at the mouth of the canyon.

Battle Creek Canyon from Google Street View

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Description:
Battle Creek Canyon is located at the extreme east end of 200 South in Pleasant Grove (Utah County). The parking area at the mouth of the canyon is a mix of dirt and gravel. Dirt trails lead from the parking area in several directions. Crossing the foot bridge to the north, over a stream bed, leads to a small park and pavilion called Kiwanis Park. The trail straight east from the lot goes into the canyon. This trail will lead you to a nice waterfall that is about 40' high and a little less than a mile from the trail head. It is a great hike for families and small children as it follows the stream up the canyon to the waterfall with slight elevation gain. Additional trails go south from the parking lot and are primarily used by hikers and cyclists. Scrub Oak is prominent with a mix of maple and other trees.


Birding:
The mix of bird species at Battle Creek Canyon changes with each season.  Common spring and summer species include COOPER'S HAWK, WHITE-THROATED SWIFT, BLACK-CHINNED and BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD, a variety of FLYCATCHERS and VIREOS, HOUSE WREN, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, WARBLERS, CHIPPING SPARROW, WESTERN TANAGER, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and LAZULI BUNTING.  COMMON POORWILL are often heard singing right at and just after dusk during summer evenings.

Fall brings migrant raptors and feisty RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS as they make their southward migration.

Winter can be slow here, but some specialty birds can be found.  The faint, high-pitched calls of BROWN CREEPER are often heard as they forage along the trunk and main branches of the mature trees around the pavilion. ROSY FINCH are sometimes seen moving in flocks along the hillsides and above the canyon.  WESTERN SCREECH and NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL inhabit the trees at the mouth of the canyon and along the foothills during winter as well. The Saw-whets are pushed down from their preferred habitat during hard winters.

Some of the year round species include CHUKAR on the hillsides, CALIFORNIA QUAIL, NORTHERN FLICKER, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, SPOTTED TOWHEE, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, AMERICAN KESTREL, GREAT HORNED OWL and GOLDEN EAGLES which are regularly seen soaring above the canyon and its surrounding peaks.

Directions:
If driving south on I-15 from Salt Lake County take SR 92 (Timpanogos Highway) east to the mouth of American Fork Canyon and turn south on North Canyon Road. Follow this road south into Pleasant Grove and turn left (east) at 200 South. Follow 200 South all the way to the parking lot at the mouth of Battle Creek Canyon.  Alternatively, from State Street in Pleasant Grove head north on Canyon Road. Turn right (east) at 200 South and follow the road to the parking lot at the mouth of the canyon.

Comb Wash photo by Google Maps User

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Description:
Comb Wash is a valley in southeastern Utah that runs from Elk Ridge in the north approximately 35 miles to the south, where it merges with the San Juan River at an elevation of about 4200'. The eastern edge of the wash forms steep cliffs of Navajo Sandstone, rising in places to 1000' above the valley floor. On the western edge of Comb Wash is a series of canyons draining Cedar Mesa. To the north is Arch Canyon, which has Texas Canyon as an upper tributary. In the central section are Mule Canyon, Dry Wash, and the combined outlet of Fish and Owl Canyons. To the south are McCloyd's Canyon (containing the Moon House ruin) and Road Canyon. Scattered throughout these canyons are cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans.  State Route 95 crosses the northern part of Comb Wash, while U.S. Route 163 crosses further south. Running along the wash is a primitive road, often impassable after floods. Nearby are the Natural Bridges National Monument, the Grand Gulch Primitive Area, the Valley of the Gods scenic area, and Goosenecks State Park.   Tha habitat in the wash bottoms is desert riparian dominated by Fremont Cottonwood and and understory of willows.  Shrubsteppe borders the floodplain which leads to some juniper woodlands and then the cliffs.

Birding:
Comb Wash is another area that could be considered the Beaver Dam Wash of southeast Utah.  It's remote, and few birders go there, so the species list is still relatively small.  But the potential for major rarities during migration seems high.  The desert habitat makes the tree line in the wash a bit of a migrant trap, and the whole area somewhat of a migrant highway. Birders that have visited generally are between April and October when the tourist season is at its height here.  If you are passing between Natural Bridges and parts east you pass through the wash so its worth even a quick stop. As with most riparian strips in southeast Utah this is a good and reliable location for LUCY'S WARBLER. Two other warblers are also rather common with YELLOW WARBLER and YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT being found on most summer visits.  BLACK-THROATED SPARROW inhabit the river bottom here and can often be heard singing along the road.  BLUE GROSBEAK and LAZULI BUNTING can both be found usually, and I suspect there might be localized Indigo Buntings here given their prevalence at such sites in southern Utah.  Other common breeders include: BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, PLUMBEOUS VIREO, and ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER.  ROCK, CANYON, and BEWICK'S WREN are all found here year round.  Occasionally things like BUSHTIT, PINYON JAY, and CASSIN'S KIGBIRD are reported. Fall migration definitely brings migrants through with early to mid September looking like a real good time to visit.  Some migrants recorded here include: ORANGE-CROWNED, MACGILLIVRAY'S, and WILSON'S WARBLER; BREWER'S, VESPER, LINCOLN'S, and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW; WESTERN TANAGER and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK.  During the summer at night you can find COMMON POORWILL, and possibly COMMON NIGHTHAWK which are occasionally seen during migration.  WESTERN SCREECH-OWL are year round residents of the wash as well.  I like birding south of the highway where some very thick patches of cottonwood can be found.  There are also great sites to the north though.  You could spend days here and not cover all the great spots as there is lots to discover.  Birding can be done form the road, or by walking int he river bed; or a combination of both.  The road can become impassable after flash floods, so keep that in mind when visiting.

Directions:
From the intersection of Center and Main Streets in Blanding head south on Main Street for 4 miles.  Turn right onto SR-95 and go 14.1 miles dropping into the wash.  Here you can turn left and follow a dirt road south through the wash.  Alternatively you can continue .1 mile west then turn right and take a dirt road north in the wash.

Cedar Hills Golf Club from Google Street View

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Description:
Cedar Hills Golf Club is an interesting location nestled against a juniper covered hillside on the east, along the foothills at the base of the Wasatch Mountains.  The north side of the course is bordered by the American Fork River, while subdivisions pop up to the south and west.  Just a hop away from the mouth of American Fork Canyon, the mouth of which can be seen form the course, providing looks at the cliffs and some riparian habitat.  The open course has some shrubsteppe to go along with the juniper, but it really is mostly open fairways.  The rocky river bottom lack any substantial riparian habitat along the course except int he northeast corner.  There are 5 ponds on the course, of which most can be viewed from public roads.  While the majority of the holes are in the northwest section, the back 9 do a loop along the mountain then south around a large neighborhood before wrapping back west to the club house. This strange triangle shaped subdivision is essentially an island surrounded by golf course.

Birding:
I've only been birding here once, while golfing a number of years ago--but I remember the birding was good.  On the various ponds aside from the CANADA GEESE and MALLARDS there were a good mix of late April waterfowl migrants still present including GREATER SCAUP, CANVASBACK, and COMMON GOLDENEYE.  Looking skyward here you will probably see TURKEY VULTURE and RED-TAILED HAWK along the mountains.  SWAINSON'S HAWK are present in the summer and during migration you could see any number of raptors soaring past.  WESTERN KINGBIRD and WESTERN MEADOWLARK roam the open fairways here, while WARBLING VIREO, SPOTTED TOWHEE, and SONG SPARROWS keep to the fringes where oak and other deciduous trees are more prevalent.  Along the river in the open areas BREWER'S, VESPER, and LARK SPARROW were present, while in the northeast corner where the best riparian habitat is, FOX SPARROW can be found, along with BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, and YELLOW WARBLER.  Migrant songbirds can be found in this area too, and WESTERN TANAGER, as well as other warblers might be seen.  Although not in eBird I know there are reports of YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT from the river at the mouth of the canyon.  In the summer look for COMMON NIGHTHAWK in the evening feeding over there area.  If you like birds and golf, I highly recommend playing a round here in late April through May or in the fall.  If you just want to birding you can do a lot on the edges, including scan the ponds and some of the open habitat.

Directions:
Form I-15 Ext 284 at Thanksgiving Point head east on SR-92 for .2 miles.  Take the slight right onto the SR-92 express lane and go 7.1 miles.  Right before the mouth of the canyon, take a right onto Canyon Road and go south .8 miles. Turn right onto Bayhill Drive and go .3 miles.  At the traffic circle take the 1str exit onto Nielsen Blvd. After about 250' turn left onto Clubhouse Drive and continue .2 miles to the parking area.

Ben Franklin Park from Google Street View

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Description:
Also called Scott Avenue Park this tiny urban park is dominated by open grass, but surrounded by tall trees on the north, west, and south sides.  The large deciduous trees are decades old in this area.  To the east is a large nursery (Millcreek Gardens).  In the northeast corner a small pond created by Mill Creek adds a bit of water to the park, with some riparian habitat near the parking area.

Birding:
A handful of checklists show the typical urban far at this mid city location.  The riparian and wet areas here have turned up SONG SPARROW, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, YELLOW WARBLER, and notably MARSH WREN and SPOTTED SANDPIPER.  BARN SWALLOW might be seen overhead, while a decent sized flock of AMERICAN CROWS have been seen here.  With other larger parks and better habitat nearby this location rarely gets visited--but if you live nearby it might make a worth while after or before work stop.

Directions:
From the intersection of 3300 South and 700 East in South Salt Lake, go south on 700 East for 2. miles.  Turn left onto Scott Avenue and travel .2 miles until you reach the park on your right.

Fitts Community Park from Google Street View

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Description:
This tiny park is surrounded by urban sprawl.  The suburban South Salt Lake neighborhoods have lots of old deciduous trees planted decades ago and now towering over the streets.  The park is bordered on the south by Mill Creek and it looks like they've created a canal that loops through the park back to the river.  Walking paths follow the edge and cut through the park, with a couple small playgrounds and family friendly area along the south side.  Picnic tables, benches and open spaces dominate the landscape, while the riparian habitat along the creek provides some good habitat.

Birding:
A pair of checklists show just 9 species typical of an urban environment.  This location sits just a couple blocks from the more productive Nibley GC so comparatively the birding here is going to be less productive. BREWER'S BLACKBIRD and DARK-EYED JUNCO make up the most notable sightings from here.  During migration this might be a decent spot to check in the city.  I assume YELLOW WARBLER breed here, and who knows what might pop up along the creek.

Directions:
From the intersection of 3300 South and 700 East in South Salt Lake, head west on 3300 South for .3 miles. Turn right onto 500 East and go north .3 miles till you reach the park on your left.

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.

36th Street Trailhead from Google Street View

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Description:
36th Street Trailhead, located at the top of 36th Street in Ogden, is a popular trailhead for accessing several area hiking trails. The Trailhead accesses three area trails:

Foothill Loop which is a Jogger/mountain bike trail along Mt. Ogden Golf Course which is mostly urban habitat, with a riparianish feel from the number of big trees, and  a good deal of mixed oak woodland; Strong's Canyon which is a 1/2 mile trail through the forest and up the canyon along a riparian corridor with mixed oak woodlands bordering it and links to Bonneville Shoreline Trail--which is the 3rd trail following the foothills an the typical mixed oak woodlands.  You can reach several interesting objectives from the 36th Street Trailhead including Waterfall, Taylor, and Beus Canyons.

Waterfall Canyon: Hike up Strong Canyon trail to its end ~1/2 mile. There is a small footbridge and a sign. Go North (left) on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail for ~1.2 miles. Taylor Canyon: Hike up Strong Canyon trail to its end ~1/2 mile. There is a small footbridge and a sign. Go North (left) on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail for ~1.2 miles. Cross the small foot bridge next to Waterfall Canyon Trail and continue on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail for another mile. Beus Canyon: Hike up Strong Canyon trail to its end ~1/2 mile. There is a small footbridge and a sign. Go South (Right) on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail for ~1.2 miles.

The Strong Canyon area is a popular area for evening hiking and mountain biking. During the winter/late fall the trails are beaten down but the Strong Canyon trail does get a fair amount of ice. During the summer, the area is crowded with dog-walkers, hiker groups and mountain bikers which makes it harder to enjoy.

Birding:
There have only been a handful of checklists submitted from here despite the apparent number of hikes possible from the trailhead.  As expected in the lower areas where the oak is dominant, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, and SPOTTED TOWHEE are present.  Some other species notably located here include MACGILLLIVRAY'S and VIRGINIA'S WARBLER which might be migrants, but potentially breed in  the canyons mentioned above.  WESTERN TANAGER, CHIPPING SPARROW, and HERMIT THRUSH have also been reported.  During the winter there is a report of NORTHERN GOSHAWK, and GOLDEN EAGLE likely nest in one of the canyons above as they are seen soaring overhead from time to time. With a small species list the actual bird diversity here is not well represented and many more species can probably be found with a few visits in the spring and fall.

Directions:
From the intersection of 36th Street and Harrison Blvd in Ogden, head east on 36th Street for .6 miles.  Turn left and park at the trailhead.

16-16 Pond Fields from Google Street View

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Description:
Just north off 2200 South along 1600 West in Logan there are a couple of ponds, and a river.  One pond sits about a block east closer to US-89 with a  canal running west then south to the intersection of 2200 south and 1600 west.  At what would be about 2000 South a creek goes under the road with a marsh/wetland and riparian habitat bordering it.  This loops to the west creating a long "pond".  South of the is a larger pond which is completely surrounded by farm fields.  I am not sure what access is like to the actual ponds, but the riparian and marsh area at 200 south on 1600 west is along the public road and can be birded easily.

Birding:
Not nearly as popular or well known as nearby 20-20 Ponds, 16-16 access appears to be more limited with the actual ponds in the area all being back from the roads and not visible without permission to enter the private property surrounding them.  However, there is no public information on birding here, so this is just an assumption.  From 1600 West as mentioned there is a creek, and riparian habitat visible along with the obvious farm land.  WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, SONG SPARROW, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, and BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE are all found here relatively easily.  It looks like most visits happen form fall through spring.  MARSH WREN, BELTED KINGFISHER, and MOURNING DOVE are also reported frequently while variety of waterfowl and a small number of other species are occasionally seen here.

Directions:
From US-89 at 1000 West south of downtown Logan, go south on US-89 for .4 miles. Turn right onto 2200 South and go .3 miles.  Turn right onto 1600 West and continue .3 miles till you reach the pond.

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".

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.

Mouth of Yellow Fork Canyon from Google Street View

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Description:
Yellow Fork Canyon is the end destination for most ravelers on Rose Canyon Road.  This trail closes to vehicles is a quick way to lose the noise of the road, and enjoy the best birding in the area quickly.  The habitat is a continuation of what's in Rose Canyon, with mixed oak and juniper woodlands being the predominant habitat type. A small creek lends some riparian habitat with willow and other shrubs present as well.  Rocky hillsides with some cliff habitat can be found, as well as some shrubsteppe on rolling hills.  The lower section of the canyon is an easy hike from the trailhead and you can quickly find yourself off trail following birds through the woods. The upper portion of the trail is about a 30 minute hike from the bottom, and this is where the habitat becomes more montane.  There is another hot spot for this location called "Yellow Fork Canyon -- Upper", and it is recommended that checklists for the upper canyon are split from the lower canyon given the differing habitats.

Birding:
The first time I came to Rose Canyon was in High School, and it was to look for JUNIPER TITMOUSE.  This was known as the closest reliable spot for this species from Salt Lake City--and it still is--after birding in Rose Canyon I continued in the less travelled Yellow Fork.  The juniper woodlands here are prime habitat and this species can be found year round along with WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, and COMMON RAVEN here.  During the breeding season BLACK-THROATED GRAY, VIRGINIA'S, YELLOW, and MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER, join PLUMBEOUS VIREO, DUSKY and GRAY FLYCATCHER here.  BUSHTIT are reported infrequently, and WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH have been found here.  The bird list is essentially going to be similar to Rose Canyon, but the birding is easier and the land is public.  There are definitely more birds and a wider array here, but the specialty species remain the same.  The current list definitely has species found in the upper portion of the canyon as there is overlap in species that wouldn't normally be found in oak or juniper.  But bird both the lower and upper canyon, and create a list for both to help split things out in the future!

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.

Rose Canyon Road from Google Street View

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Description:
Rose Canyon Road takes you from Herriman into Rose Canyon and the trailhead to Yellow Fork Canyon.  Rose Canyon Road actually continues to the left of Yellow Fork into the Oquirrh Mountains.  In the lower portions of the canyon the land is mostly private, with some farms, shrubsteppe, mixed oak and juniper woodlands. As you continue towards Yellow Fork the hillsides predominantly become mixed oak and juniper woodlands--some of the best tracts of juniper habitat in Salt Lake County are found here.  There are various side roads and shoot offs that are all marked as private.  Usually birders aren't bothered when using these roads, but please tread lightly so as not to cause problems for other birders in the future.  A small intermittent creek runs down the canyon with light riparian habitat present as well.  Most birding on Rose Canyon Road is en route to Yellow Fork, and I'm not sure the extent of what the road or habitat up canyon is like.

Birding:
The first time I came to Rose Canyon was in High School, and it was to look for JUNIPER TITMOUSE.  This was known as the closest reliable spot for this species from Salt Lake City--and it still is.  The juniper woodlands here are prime habitat and this species can be found year round along with WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, and COMMON RAVEN here.  CALIFORNIA QUAIL and WILD TURKEY are occasionally reported from the canyon year round as well.  During the breeding season BLACK-THROATED GRAY, VIRGINIA'S, and MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER, join PLUMBEOUS VIREO, DUSKY and GRAY FLYCATCHER as you get closer to Yellow Fork.  In the lower reaches it's not uncommon to see MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD and WESTERN KINGBIRD in the summer--while LARK and BREWER'S SPARROW can usually be tracked down too.  BUSHTIT are reported infrequently, and WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH as well as BEWICK'S WREN have been found here.  Birding can be hard here due to the private property issues, as well as the sheer volume of traffic here nowadays.  Back in the 90's and early 2000's it wasn't nearly as busy.  Housing developments have reached the mouth of the canyon, and lots of people living out here now head here for recreation.  Your best bet is early on Sunday mornings and during the week.  Saturday's in the summer are a mad house!

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". This is usually where birding for Rose Canyon Road begins as the road continues 2.6 miles till the trailhead at Yellow Fork Canyon.

Hole N" The Rock from Google Street View

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Description:
Driving south out of Moab it's not long before you find yourself at the Hole N" The Rock shop and rest stop on the side of Hwy 191. This historic 5,000 square foot home which began taking shape almost a century ago by the Christensen family as a small alcove for the young Christensen boys to sleep in at night grew into a man-made engineering marvel 20 years in the making.  You can actually take a tour for $6 if you care too.  Birding wise this isn't where the best birding in the area takes place--if you are here for birds there are two locations to check.  First is the Kane Springs Picnic Area just to the north on the east side of the highway.  This is a popular stop for truckers, day trippers, and folks just looking for a break form the hot desert.  Hug cottonwoods make a great riparian habitat here--birding wise it can be very productive early in the morning.  From May through October it is often busy with mid day tourists breaking.  The other location and the one I like to bird is on the est side of the highway directly across from the picnic area.  A large gravel pullout here with a tiny dirt road leads into the wash.  From here you can hike down stream several miles in lush riparian habitat and usually with the place to yourself.  The small creek helps cool things a little bit, and the habitat is really great.

Birding:
Although it is taking some warming up to, birders are starting to stop here between Moab and parts further south.  Most don't take advantage of the great birding west of the road, and just stop at the picnic area.  This is a mistake.  If you are passing through between April and September, its worth taking some time here to bird along the creek.  The first time I stopped here I immediately headed to the creek and the sound of LUCY'S WARBLERS singing like crazy.  This led to great looks at PLUMBEOUS VIREOS, BULLOCK'S ORIOLES, and BLUE GROSBEAKS. WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER are both common here and can usually be heard calling. Overhead WHITE-THROATED SWIFT and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW flutter about.  BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, LAZULI BUNTING, and LESSER GOLDFINCH are also usually seen.  Looking back at notes I can't seem to find my report, but in 2007 I know I had a SUMMER TANAGER here as well.  I also had one just a few miles away at Newspaper Rock.  I also recall having BLACK PHOEBE here but my checklist doesn't seem to show it.  Regardless, this tiny riparian strip is a very productive and under-birded site worth checking out.

Directions:
From the intersection of Center Street and Main Street/Hwy 191 in Moab Head south along the highway for 15.2 miles.  Here the pullout to the gravel area leading to the riparian habitat is on you right.  About 100 feet south on the left side of the road is the turn into the picnic area. Another .25 miles south on your left is the Hole N" The Rock.

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.

Blue Creek looking North from Google Street View

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Description:
Blue Creek is a small stream that crosses Golden Spike Drive just outside the entrance to Golden Spike NHS.  Further south the creek meets several springs and forms a wetland habitat which is completely surrounded by farms, grasslands and shrubsteppe.  Blue Creek can be birded from the road, but I am not sure about access to the springs further to the south--there do appear to be some roads off of Promontory Road leading into the area, but I assume this is all private property.  The hot spot is the 2 mile stretch of road from UT-83 to the slight right into the historic site towards the Big Fill--and it can extend as far north or south as you can see or access from here I suppose.

Birding:
I just submitted the first checklist for this location and wanted to get it on the map.  Being that it is the only water source in this tiny depression/valley it seemed worth being a stop on the way into or out of Golden Spike NHS.  Given the habitat many of the birds you are likely to see here, you will also see in the park, but since it is a water source, there will likely be a few other notables here.  RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD were busy singing when I visited, and AMERICAN ROBIN were calling from the sagebrush here.  WESTERN MEADOWLARK are common, while other species you should expect to encounter year round include: HORNED LARK, COMMON RAVEN, RED-TAILED HAWK, and probably MALLARD.  Please take a moment while in the area to submit a list here to help build out this location--it has likely been birded many times before, but the species lists were just included in the Golden Spike NHS location.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 365 head west on UT-13 for 2.5 miles to Corinne.  Continue straight onto UT-83 for another 17.4 miles. Turn left following signs onto 7200 North/Golden Spike Drive. The road and this hot spot continues for 2 miles before entering Golden Spike NHS.  Blue Creek is 1.1 miles from the turn off of UT-83.

Bell Canyon Gulley from Google Street View

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Description:
Bell Canyon Gulley is a small gulley that follows the course of Big Willow Creek as it winds its between neighborhoods toward Hidden Valley Golf Course. Sloping hills on either side of the creek create different habitat from the riparian section below. The upper slopes mostly consist of tall grass, but there are also fairly large patches of gambel's oak and sagebrush as well. Trails run through all these areas as well as paths that follow the creek. The gulley is mostly dry except for during runoff and following rains. Tall cottonwoods cover the sides of the creek with some thickets mixed in as well. Dog walkers can occasionally be seen on the trails here but for the most part this location receives little traffic.

Birding:
Birding is likely most productive here on both spring and fall migration as migrants would be attracted to the fairly unique habitat for the area. WESTERN TANAGER, GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE, WARBLING VIREO, LINCOLN'S SPARROW, GRAY and DUSKY FLYCATCHER  have all been seen on migration here. All 4 regularly occurring Utah HUMMINGBIRD species (CALLIOPE, RUFOUS, BROAD-TAILED, and BLACK-CHINNED) have been observed as well, the latter likely resident throughout the summer. CALIFORNIA QUAIL, SPOTTED TOWHEE, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, and COOPER'S HAWK can be seen year-round in addition to other expected species in the area. Raptors such as AMERICAN KESTREL, and RED-TAILED HAWK, as well as GREAT HORNED and WESTERN SCREECH-OWLS have also been seen. Breeders here include species such as BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, YELLOW WARBLER, and LAZULI BUNTING.

Directions:
From I-15, take exit 292 for 11400 S and proceed east for about 3 miles. Make a right on to 1700 E and head south for .25 miles. Make a left onto Wasatch Boulevard and continue east for .5 miles. Parking is available on the north side of the road in a large dirt lot across from highland drive. To access the gulley from here, walk down the large dirt area between neighborhoods to the trails.

Little Willow Canyon from Google Street View

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Description:
The trail up leads through shrubsteppe and mixed oak woodland at Hidden Valley Park, before you hit the narrow rocky crags and cliffs at the mouth of the canyon.  Here the trail climbs through the oak into a riparian habitat along the creek which only has water in it during the runoff and following storms.  The habitat is very thick and quickly moves into mixed conifer and riparian in between the cliffs.  You don't need to go very far to find birds here.  There are often rock climbers in the canyon, and they make lots of noise, so beware of this on weekends.  I'm not sure how far up canyon you can travel before running out of trail or it becomes impassable, but will add details as I learn more.

Birding:
I have only been here a couple times, and there is one other eBird checklist with information about the birds here.  I suspect it's very similar to Big Willow Canyon to the norht, and any other canyon along the front with similar habitat.  This location is primarily going to be visited in the late spring, summer, and fall--although some interesting things might be around in the winter.  I would imagine NORTHERN PGYMY-OWL can probably be tracked down here, and flocks of ROSY-FINCHES probably use the bench here.  Year round residents include the usually WESTERN-SCRUB JAYS, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, and CALIFORNIA QUAIL in the lower stretches of the trail.  PINE SISKIN, STELLER'S JAY, and MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE can be found in the higher reaches.  Near the rocky slopes at the canyon mouth listen for CANYON WREN singing.  During the breeding season there haven't been any checklists submitted yet, but the varied habitats likely attract a variety of species you would see in other canyons nearby.  I will add more details about the birding here in the summer when I have been back and can speak to it.  One thing I have thought every time I've been here is that this is probably a great point to hawk watch from.  Either below the canyon at Hidden Valley Park--or where the gate blocks the trail to the watershed.  I have seen TURKEY VULTURE, GOLDEN EAGLE, RED-TAILED HAWK, SHARP-SHINNED and COOPER'S HAWKS in just a couple visits.  I'll update this with more information as I learn more about the area.

Directions:
From the north taking Wasatch Blvd from I-215 at 6200 South head south past both Cottonwood Canyons.  At 9800 South continue straight another 3.5 miles till you arrive at the park on your left. Pull in to the lot and keep right to go to the parking area for the park.  From the south follow 12300 South in Draper east as it loops north and becomes Draper Parkway just past 1300 East. Eventually turning into 1700 east, take a right on to Wasatch Blvd at about 11700 south.  Follow the road east 1.7 miles till you reach the park on your right.  From the parking lot follow the paved trail southeast passed the first turnoff to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.  At the 2nd turnoff on your left follow the dirt trail up the hillside until it goes around the bend into the mouth of the canyon.  Here the trail splits and the Bonneville Shoreline Trail goes to the right across the river--the trail up the canyon is straight ahead.

No Photo At This Time photo by Utah Birders

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Description:
Welcome Spring is a tiny spring in the Beaver Dam Mountains just north of the Beaver Dam Slope.  The spring provides water to a small canyon/ravine into several tanks for cattle and wildlife.  Due to the year round water source both cottonwoods and willows are found here as well as other  deciduous plants and bushes.  The rest of the hillsides are barren desert with some Pinyon-Juniper Woodlands, and Joshua Trees as well. This creates a migrant-trap on the mountainside in an otherwise desert wasteland.

Birding:
Birding the spring is pretty straight forwaard--hike up the trail along the creek through the "canyon" and check out the cottonwoods and other trees.  Birds from the surrounding desert and pinyon-juniper woodlands make their way to the water as well so the bird life can be varied.  Some of the species typical of spring include CANYON WREN and BLACK-THROATED SPARROW.  BLACK-TAILED GNATCATCHER, BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, BUSHTIT, and SPOTTED TOWHEE are all seen here on a regular basis.  A number of rarities have been observed here including PAINTED REDSTART, GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW, and a flyover BROAD-WINGED HAWK. The spring can be birded year round but is a popular spot to check out during migration and the winter.

Directions:
From St. George take Bluff Street north to Sunset Blvd.  Turn left and take Sunset through Santa Clara where it turns into Old Highway 91.  Continue for about 19 miles on Old Highway 91 until you reach some cliffs on the left side of the road.  At the end of the cliffs on the opposite side of the road to your right is Lytle Ranch Road and the Beaver Dam Slope. Turn here and continue for 1.9 miles till you reach the fence line and cattle guard.  Turn right and follow the dirt road up the mountain 1.8 miles to the tanks and parking area at the mouth of the canyon.