Looking south from Mission Road photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
If you happen to be in Bluff during spring take a quick drive to the east along Mission Road/SR-162 towards Montezuma Creek. For the first couple miles the road is borders on the north by red rock cliffs, and on the south by agricultural fields.  Further south is the San Juan River.  There are a couple locations to access the river where lush riparian habitat dominated by cottonwood, willow, and russian olive provide great habitat.  The fields along the road are often flooded in the spring providing wetland type habitat even if just for a few weeks.  During the rest of the year birding along the river is also possible, but the fields won;t be as productive.

Birding:
This quick drive is mostly birding by car, but you can get out and scope the fields to look for waterbirds during migration.  If the fields are wet in April you will usually see a handful of WHITE-FACED IBIS, and may snag some shorebirds like MARBLED GODWIT, or even gulls like FRANKLIN'S GULL.  Along the road there are usually SAY'S PHOEBE, WESTERN KINGBIRD, ROCK WREN, and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW.  CHIPPING and BREWER'S SPARROW might be present, while LUCY'S WARBLER can usually be heard in the trees along the river.  Overhead keep an eye out for WHITE-THROATED SWIFT and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW.  One thing to keep an eye out for here is CHIHUAHUAN RAVEN which have been found mixed in with large flocks of COMMON RAVEN in the fields.  The much smaller cousins are quite easy to pick out in a flock if present.  Migrants along the river, as well as waterfowl can be found. Apparently during the winter, large numbers of WOOD DUCKS have been seen but are unreported here in eBird.

Directions:
From the intersection of Red Rock Rd and Main Street in Bluff, head east on Main Street for .8 miles.  Turn right onto Mission Road which you can take for 2.9 miles to the turn off to old swinging bridge on the right.

Green River WTP photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
The Green River WTP (waste water treatment ponds) are located on the south side of town, and accessed via Silliman Lane. There are actually 4 ponds on the location, with the largest one being the northwest pond visible form Silliman Lane covering 12.7 acres. The northeast pond is the second largest at 7.3 acres, while the southeast pond covers 4 acres, and the southwest just 3.7 acres.  Since only the northwest pond is visible from Silliman Lane the others are much harder to find access to.  Although you can view all the ponds from the west bound lanes of I-70, this is a dangerous area to scan from as there are no pullouts.  At the end of Silliman Lane a dirt road continues through a fence and actually wraps all the way around the south end, possibly giving view to the other ponds.  I am not sure of whether or not this is private property or who to contact for access.  To the south of the ponds are barren desert slopes and then the interstate.  The north and west sides are bordered by farms, while the east side is bordered by the Green River. Like waste water treatment ponds through rural Utah, these provide some of the best birding in Green River, and are the only still water in the area making them a haven for waterbirds of any kind--especially during migration.

Birding:
Most visits to this location are during the spring and fall when birders are headed between the southeaster part of Utah and the Wasatch Front.  The WTP is a must stop if you pass through as there will invariably be something unexpected for the location in the middle of the desert.  In the spring as waterfowl migrants head north you can make a pretty good list here with a short stop.  While GADWALL, NORTHERN SHOVELER, and CINNAMON TEAL are present in good numbers you might also find AMERICAN WIGEON, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, REDHEAD, and LESSER SCAUP.  A hybrid MALLARD x GADWALL (Brewer's Duck), was seen her in April 2015.  Although some divers like PIED-BILLED GREBE and DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT have been observed they aren't as expected. WHITE-FACED IBIS may be here, or along the river, or in the fields along Silliman Lane.  Perhaps the biggest draw for birders is shorebirds.  With the Green River being a natural north-south migration route--the standing water here provides excellent feeding grounds.  LESSER YELLOWLEGS, MARBLED GODWIT, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, LEAST SANDPIPER, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and WILSON'S PHALAROPE have been seen here.  4 species of Gulls have also been recorded--with large flocks of FRANKLIN'S GULLS using the ponds during migration, and BONAPARTE'S GULLS popping up mixed in.  All 6 species of regularly occurring swallows show up here during migration, while species like WESTERN KINGBIRD, SAY'S PHOEBE, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, and NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD are reported form the summer months.  GRAY CATBIRD are occasionally reported, as well as BLUE GROSBEAK, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE.  Most of these passerine species are more likely to occur along Silliman Lane to the north and are likely from earlier checklists before this location was created. Needless to say the entire area is a migrant trap for lots of species.  With enough birders stopping to check the ponds out on a regular basis some big finds would come form here in the desert where standing water is at a premium.

Directions:
From the intersection of SR-19 and Broadway in Green River, head south on Broadway for .2 miles. Turn left on to Green River Avenue for .3 miles. Turn right onto Airport Road for .2 miles. Here there will be a left turn onto Silliman Lane.  The lane continues for .7 miles to the Green River WTP.

Crescent Junction photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Crescent Junction (or Brendel) is a small unincorporated community located at 4,882' on I-70 at exit 182 named for the crescent-shaped formation of the Book Cliffs in the area. Most highway maps use the name Crescent Junction, as the name given to the junction of Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 191. Most railroad maps use the name Brendel, the name of the rail siding and junction at the same location.  The town came to be when the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad constructed its main line through Eastern Utah in 1883.   Over time two buildings were constructed, a gas station and restaurant.  There are several small patches of trees surrounded completely by arid desert and shrubsteppe.  The trees act as a mini-migrant trap, while the open habitat surrounding is similar throughout the area.  The rest stop to the west on the south side of the interstate is only accessible to east bound traffic and sits on a bluff overlooking the junction.  The habitat here is dry desert and is mostly used as a bathroom stop for tourists using the interstate.

Birding:
Between the two locations making up this "hot spot" over 20 species have been observed.  Year round COMMON RAVEN, WESTERN MEADOWLARK, and HORNED LARK may be encountered in the open desert.  At the junction starlings, House Sparrows, and House Finches are a common sight.  During the summer LARK SPARROW, SAY'S PHOEBE, WESTERN KINGBIRD, and SWAINSON'S HAWK might be seen.  During migration in the spring and the fall various passerine species could be encountered at the tiny patches of trees at the junction.  WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, CHIPPING SPARROW, VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW, and LESSER GOLDFINCH have all been observed.  Most birders skip over a stop here, if heading to Moab and parts south.  If you happen to be on your way to or from the southeast, a quick stop to check the trees might turn up something interesting in the spring or fall.

Directions:
From I-70 Exit 164 in Green River head east on I-170 for 16.3 miles.  Here you can take the off ramp to the rest area on the bluffs to the south. If you stay on I-70 and continue another .9 miles take Exit 182, then turn left at the bottom of the off ramp.  Crescent Junction is on the north side of the interstate here.

Carbon Country Club photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Located midway between Helper and Price, Carbon Country Club is where you will discover the alluring beauty of the Utah frontier sculpted into a one-of-a-kind golf experience. Set within chiseled mesas and rocky valleys, play our golf course that continues to be an oasis for golfers and is open for public play to those who appreciate great golf. There are two main areas you can visit to go birding without golfing, and they are the Club House Drive and the large pond on the south end of the course (directions below).  At the main drive to the clubhouse large trees can be viewed at eye level to the north.  The Price River runs through the course creating a nice riparian habitat--combined with the planted deciduous and coniferous trees the course has plenty of habitat.  Surrounded by desert, and barren cliffs and hills the course really is an oasis.  Ont he south end a large pond  can be seen--while the back streets to get there pass agricultural fields, and several tree lines worth checking.  You can spend a short amount of time here and cover both areas relatively quickly and thoroughly.

Birding:
Carbon County remains largely underbirded, and this easy to access location is one that any birder passing through can take a couple minutes to check out.  We didn't expect much but on a quick April stop had an early migrant COMMON YELLOWTHROAT in the parking area at the clubhouse.  Various species of SWALLOWS might be seen out over the course here, while during migration, WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGER, and other passerine migrants should be viewable with trees at eye level.  YELLOW WARBLER breed here, along with SPOTTED TOWHEE, and MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD.  Migration is probably the best time to visit in either May or September, with the possibilities wide open given the lack of birding done here in the past. Since we haven't spent much time here, it might be worth checking in at the Club House, or at least calling and asking if its oaky to bird around the club house area--who knows you might be able to expand on where you can go here.

Directions:
So there are two locations to get to and we will cover them both form here.  Heading north on US-191/6 from Exit 240 in Price, go 3.6 miles, taking a right onto Carbonville Road. Go .3 miles and turn right onto 2500 North.  After 1 block the take the right and the road will curve to your left and go under US-191. There is a large pond here on the course. The other area is at the main club house which can be accessed by going back on to US-191 and continuing another .4 miles north then turning left onto Club House Drive. If you were coming out of Price Canyon you can also access these location from US-191.

Horse Canyon Road looking west photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Horse Canyon Road passes through descent shrubsteppe and a great patch of juniper woodland and is easily accessible from US-191 via the Horse Canyon Road Rest Stop turn off.  The dirt road is graded and easy to drive out to Horse Canyon and back--its about 10 miles round trip.  I prefer to bird it as part of the loop starting on SR-123 to the north coming out of Wellington and birding the Sage Flats, the East Carbon WTP, Sunnyside Park, and the foothills and junipers along SR-124 before heading back to US-191 on Horse Canyon Road.  You shouldn't see a ton of vehicles out here and can bird along the road, or even in the habitat off road or via side roads.  With a backdrop of the Book Cliffs to the east and a good patch of trees here, it might be worth a check if passing by to do a little exploring.

Birding:
Keeping this one short--the junipers along the road are the reason to visit this site.  Since it can be included as part of the loop mentioned above, its worth a few minutes stop to look around.  JUNIPER TITMOUSE and BEWICK'S WREN can be found here, while in the breeding season MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD, CHIPPING SPARROW, and a host of other species are possible.  Since this location has generally not been birded in the past the actual species distribution knowledge here is limited.  I suspect SCOTT'S ORIOLE, GRAY VIREO, GRAY FLYCATCHER, and PINYON JAY among other may be found.   During migration 100's of DARK-EYED JUNCO might be seen passing through the habitat which despite being dry is surrounded by barren desert making it the lesser of two evils.

Directions:
The most direct way to get here is from the on ramp at Exit 243 on US-191/6 in Price head south on US-191 for 24.4 miles till you reach a turn on your left for Horse Canyon Road.  Turn here and you are on Horse Canyon Road for 4.9 miles till it intersects with SR-124. Alternatively if you are driving the loop from US-191 out to East Carbon and back you will hit Horse Canyon Road after driving 7.9 miles along the foothills on SR-124 from East Carbon.

East Carbon Sage Flats photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
SR-123 goes west to east for almost 7 miles from US-191/6 to the town of East Carbon.  The sagebrush flats along this road range form stunted and mixed with greasewood to huge patches of Big Sagebrush.  The open, and arid habitat is ideal for sagebrush specialists, and easy to bird on the way to the East Carbon WTP.  If making the loop from US-191 out to East Carbon, and Sunnyside Park, then down SR-124 through the junipers and foothills, and eventually on to Horse Canyon Road and back to US-191, there are several nice stops along this road on the side roads.  About 1/2 way to the WTP there is a road on the south side that goes over the railroad track before dead ending at private property in some tall sagebrush.  This is a great place to spend a few minutes early or late in the day looking around.  The road has a 65 MPH speed limit, and there aren't wide shoulders, so finding a pull off is advisable for birding here.

Birding:
During the breeding season there are a few easy to get sagebrush specialties here. SAGEBRUSH SPARROW, VESPER SPARROW, and SAGE THRASHER are all possible.  Keep an eye on fence posts and power poles for GOLDEN EAGLE, RED-TAILED HAWK and other raptors.  WESTERN MEADOWLARK and COMMON RAVEN are present in decent numbers and will probably be the majority of the birds you see.

Directions:
From the on ramp at Exit 243 in Price, head south on US-191/6 for 13.3 miles. Turn left onto SR-123.  For the next 6.9 miles you are in the Sagebrush Flats.

East Carbon Junipers photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Driving south out of East Carbon on SR-124 you will find yourself in rolling hills covered with Juniper woodlands and shrubsteppe.  The rarely traveled road is ideal for birding, with wide shoulders, and side roads to access the various patches of trees.  Large intact tracts of juniper like this in an unbirded area provide an opportunity to wade into uncharted waters. Status and distribution of even common species are often assumed based on available habitat--but actual status of many species is unknown.  Then take into account the less common species using the habitat--what species are found in this area of the state?  The almost 8 mile road can be driven in about 10 minutes--so an hour birding here  can easily be fit into a trip.  Out of Price taking the loop on SR-123 to East Carbon, you can bird the Sagebrush Flats on SR-123, the East Carbon WTP, Sunnyside Park, this road, and then Horse Canyon Road on the way bay to SR-191/6.  The whole loop make for some great birding in an otherwise desolate area.

Birding:
New to birding this area looked ideal for juniper specialists--and it made making a loop out to East Carbon worth while on the drive form Price to Green River.  During the winter months it may be very quiet out here.  DARK-EYED JUNCO roam the hillsides, but not a whole lot else is around.  During migration things pick up, and species using the foothills to move north might be encountered.  Arriving breeders include MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD, CHIPPING SPARROW, and SAY'S PHOEBE.  In the more open areas, keep an ear out for BLACK-THROATED SPARROW, along with other shrub land species.  You might hear ROCK WREN, WESTERN MEADOWLARK and others along the road. Some year round species that might be encountered include JUNIPER TITMOUSE, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, and SPOTTED TOWHEE.  The large tracts of habitat are probably home to PINYON JAY as well.  Breeding season potentially holds some of the best birds--based on similar habitat in the eastern part of the state SCOTT'S ORIOLE, GRAY VIREO, BUSHTIT, GRAY and DUSKY FLYCATCHER, and BLACK-THROATED GRAY-WARBLER are probably found here.

Directions:
From the on ramp at Exit 243 in Price, head south on US-191/6 for 13.3 miles. Turn left onto SR-123 and continue 8.6 miles.  Turn right onto SR-124 south.  For the next 7.9 miles you will be in the junipers and foothills till you reach Horse Canyon.

Lower Price River Road photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
The road follows the Price River for about 3.5 miles across open desert before hugging the river and following it another 4 miles into the book cliffs at the canyon bottom.  Eventually the road hits the river and you can either go north up Trail Canyon, or cross the river and go south on another dirt road.  For birding purposes I suggest probably turning around here and heading back.  The combination of habitats can make for a descent morning of birding with the sparsely vegetated desert hitting marsh and wetland along the river--and a riparian habitat with cottonwood and willow.  As you hit the canyon the the desert turns to rocky hillsides, and cliffs bordering the riparian habitat of the river.  To the south several hillsides have juniper woodlands as well.  This area has been mostly ignored by birders and potentially could be a worthwhile stop along the way from Price to Green River.

Birding:
This one really might be a gem in the desert.  I've only stopped here twice on a whim to see what might be around.  The open desert for the first couple of miles of road isn't overly productive int eh early spring.  But things like SAY'S PHOEBE, ROCK WREN, and HORNED LARK can be found along the road with ease.  MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD are in the area, and notably BLACK-THROATED SPARROW can be found.  The are along the river is probably best during the spring and fall but some interesting breeders might occur here.  YELLOW WARBLER are probably the standard, but Yellow-breasted Chat, Blue Grosbeak, Willow Flycatcher, and other riparian specialists probably use the habitat in the canyon.  The wetland areas along the river on the flats can attract waterfowl, and possibly waders, shorebirds, and other waterbirds.  In the canyon look to the cliffs for CANYON WREN and WHITE-THROATED SWIFT.  In the skies above TURKEY VULTURE and other raptors can probably be found regularly. This stop could end up being a great hot spot one day, it just needs some attention.

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 a dirt road and turn off on your left.  Turn here and you are on Woodside Lower Price River Road which continues 7.7 miles into the Book Cliffs.

Horse Canyon Rest Stop photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
This rest stop serves mostly recreational traffic accessing the San Rafael Swell and the nearby Book Cliffs.  The facilities include restrooms, trash receptacles, a picnic area, and parking for 11 cars and 3 RV's.  There is also an on-site maintenance personal/attendant.  The area is usually crawling with people that are stopped to use the facilities on their way between Price and Green River.  The juniper is very sparse, but can be birded early in the day when there aren't a lot of visitors.

Birding:
JUNIPER TITMOUSE is a year round resident, while BREWER'S SPARROW and LAZULI BUNTING might be present in the summer.  COMMON RAVEN, BREWER'S BLACKBIRD, and BARN SWALLOW have all been reported, and just about any of the species associated with the surrounding desert and juniper woodlands might show up here. You can easily park in one of the stalls and walk the perimeter in 10-15 minutes.  You can also drive further east on Horse Canyon Road for a few minutes, for better habitat and no people!

Directions:
From the on ramp at Exit 243 on US-191/6 in Price head south on US-191 for 24.4 miles till you reach a turn on your left for Horse Canyon Road.  Turn here and the rest stop will be on your left (north side of the road).

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.

US-6 south of Woodside from Google Street View

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Description:
US-191/6 travels north-south for 21.5 miles from Woodside south to I-70.  The habit is barren desert, with some shrubsteppe components.  Mostly open and sparsely vegetated the land is not a great type of habitat.  Many birders travel this route to get between southeast Utah and the Wasatch front.  To the east lay the Book Cliffs and to the west the San Rafael Swell.  Two very interesting areas with this low lying valley between.  This stretch of road can be very dangerous due to the amount of traffic, and semi usage.  There are plenty of places to pull off, onto side roads if you are interested in birding.

Birding:
The eBird checklist for this location at the time of writing shows just COMMON RAVEN from here--so you will probably see this species.  On the side roads there are certainly more birds, and things like HORNED LARK, LARK SPARROW, and SAY'S PHOEBE can be found relatively easily.  The barren desert here isn't ideal for much, but you may also come across ROCK WREN, BLACK-THROATED SPARROW, and WESTERN MEADOWLARK.  If you take the time to bird the side roads, be sure to put in a checklist for this middle of nowhere stretch of road!

Directions:
Driving on US-191/6 out of Price, continue south to Woodside.  Once you cross the Price River it is 21.5 miles to I-70 on this location.

Duchesne Wastewater Treatement Ponds from Google Street View

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Description:
Not to be confused with the Duchesne Water Treatment Plant, the Wastewater Treatment Ponds are located east of the town of Duchesne just north of US-40 and bordered on the north by the Strawberry River. The compound includes two large ponds on the west side and two smaller ponds on the east side with a riparian habitat following the river on the north side.  The ponds have marshy habitat along the edges with dikes separating the ponds.  To the south are sparse hills with some shrubsteppe and juniper woodlands. There are also 3 small ponds to the west of the facility that aren't part of the compound and lay near the river on private property.

Birding:
Another day birding and you find yourself at another wastewater treatment pond.  Here in the desert west these places are inevitably some of the best birding in what are otherwise unbirdy places.  All over Utah you can find these tiny ponds in out of the way towns and probably some pretty good birds if you spend some time at them.  The Duchesne WTP are right along US-40 so if you are going from Strawberry Reservoir east to Roosevelt or Vernal you will pass by them.  I highly recommend stopping even if just for 5 minutes to scan the ponds and see what waterbirds are resting.  During most of the year there are going to be some birds here.  CANADA GOOSE and MALLARD aside you should also find GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, NORTHERN SHOVELER, RING-NECKED DUCK, LESSER SCAUP, and REDHEAD.  In the winter and during migration you may find BUFFLEHEAD, CANVASBACK, and COMMON GOLDENEYE. GREATER SCAUP are recorded here with some frequency as well.  In the spring, summer, and fall you might find BLUE-WIGNED, CINNAMON, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL.  There is a November record for ROSS'S GOOSE, so good things do show up here. HORNED, EARED, and CLARK'S GREBE have all been observed during fall migration. BALD EAGLE are occasionally seen here along the river during the winter months.  A small variety of shorebirds have been recorded in the spring including: RED-NECKED and WILSON'S PHALAROPE, BLACK-NECKED STILT, LEAST SANDPIPER, and SPOTTED SANDPIPER.  All 6 regularly occurring swallows in Utah can be seen here in the spring and fall. MARSH WREN, SONG SPARROW, and YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD are common on the marshy edges of the ponds.  In the riparian habitat listen carefully during the summer months.  Amongst the chorus of BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, YELLOW WARBLER, and AMERICAN GOLDFINCH you might pick out a BLUE GROSBEAK which nest here.  The hillsides are a good spot to look for LARK SPARROW and other species form the nearby habitat likely bleed into here so things like SAGE THRASHER and BREWER'S SPARROW are certainly possible.

Directions:
From the intersection of Main and Center Streets in Duchesne, head east on Main/US-40 for 1.6 miles till you reach a dirt road on your left where you can view the ponds.

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.

The West Desert from Google Street View

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Description:
Pilot Mountain Road follows the historic west shore of the Lake Boneville and now the Bonneville Salt Flats.  Currently the road is in a vast wasteland with dry lake bed stretching for miles to the east, and shrubsteppe and desert stretching to the west. The long road is miles from any services and can often wreak havoc on tires.  Rattle Snake are a common sight during the heat of the day basking on the road surface--scorpions, and tarantulas can be found under rocks and shrubs, and Pronghorn are occasionally seen grazing near the road.  The main reason for using the road isn't for birding, but to get to Lucin quickly for birding purposes.

Birding:
I didn't create this hot spot till years after my last visit to Lucin.  Although I would love to visit here every spring and fall, there just aren't enough weekends to make it happen.  Driving the road at night or day there will be different things worth seeing.  At night during the spring through fall it is not all that uncommon to see COMMON POORWILL sitting on the road.  SHORT-EARED OWL and BURROWING OWL may also be perched on the roadsides and flush as you pass.  During the day species like WESTERN MEADOWLARK, HORNED LARK, SAGEBRUSH SPARROW, LARK SPARROW, and SAGE THRASHER are found here.  There are actually quite a few more species you might come across so its worth submitting a list if you ever find yourself going to Lucin.

Directions:
From I-80  exit 4 just before you reach Nevada, go north on Leppy Pass Road toward the Bonneville Speedway for 1.9 miles.  Take a slight left to stay on Leppy Pass Road and continue 2.4 miles.  After the pass the road will split at a small building.  Stay to the left here.  The road will loop west out into Nevada before arching back to the east and into Utah.  You will be going 19.5 miles until you reach TL Bar Ranch on your right--the hot spot continues on this road from here for 24 miles to Lucin.  The road is dirt and can be hazardous if you go too fast.  Stay under 40 to avoid any serious issues with your tires, and make sure you have a spare.

Bloomington Hills North Park from Google Street View

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Description:
This large urban park is sparse on habitat.  Comprised mostly of open grass, there are a few scattered trees around the park which is surrounded by walking paths.  A small playground sits on the south end, while the park is completely surrounded by neighborhoods.

Birding:
This is another local city park that doesn't get a ton of visits.  The lack of habitat and water features int eh desert doesn't bode well for birding.  MOURNING and EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE are found here, while WHITE-WINGED DOVE is present during the warmer months.  WESTERN KINGBIRD, WHITE-THROATED SWIFT and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE might be seen in the summer, while NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD and SAY'S PHOEBE are present year round.  Desert sites without water don't provide nearly the species list as nearby parks or golf courses where water is prevalent.  For this reason out of the way parks like this are usually more popular with locals, or if a rarity shows up.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 8  on St. George Blvd go east . 1mile to South River Road.  Turn right and go south 2.5 miles. Turn right onto Fort Pierce Drive and go .9 miles.  Turn left onto Vermillion Avenue and continue .2 miles to the parking area.

Sparks Spring from Bing Birds Eye View

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Description:
Very little information to go on about this location.  It appears to be on the Locomotive Springs Loop Road, so in most cases is probably entered as part of the hot spot. The small spring provides open water, and some wetland habitat in an otherwise shrubsteppe surrounded desert in just about the middle of nowhere.

Birding:
Currently the location list has just 5 species.  TUNDRA SWAN, NORTHERN HARRIER, COMMON RAVEN, HORNED LARK, and notably SAGEBRUSH SPARROW--all from a single mid February Checklist.

Directions:
Getting to this location take some planning and choosing the best route to suit your needs.  Instead of trying to list out step by step directions, we have created a a Google search with 3 different options for driving here: View Google Map and Directions.  Good Luck!

Mounds Reservoir from Google Satellite View

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Description:
Mounds Reservoir is a tiny reservoir in the middle of an otherwise arid and barren desert.  The apparently intermittent lake can be dry in some years, or parts of the year, while having small amounts of water, or being completely full at other times.  The area around the lake is shrubsteppe and barren desert, with  railroad track passing to the north.  A small amount  of poor riparian habitat, as well as wetland habitat is present here, as well.

Birding:
This apparent oasis in the desert has a small list of waterfowl including GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, CINNAMON and GREEN-WINGED TEAL, and NORTHERN SHOVELER.  AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN and PIED-BILLED GREBE have been reported as well.  The surrounding desert provides habitat for GOLDEN EAGLE and PRAIRIE FALCON which may be seen soaring overhead.  HORNED LARK, LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE, SAY's PHOEBE, SAGE THRASHER, and LARK SPARROW are commonly encountered.  BLACK-THROATED SPARROW, PINYON JAY, and COMMON NIGHTHAWK have all been recorded as well.  The riparian habitat at the lake has turned up BLUE GROSBEAK and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER and might attract some interesting migrants in spring and fall given its desolate location.

Directions:
From the intersection of Main and Center Street in Wellington, take Main Street east 2.3 miles. Turn right onto Ridge Road and go .3 miles.  Take a left onto Farnham Road and got 8.7 miles.  You will arrive at the reservoir on your right.

No Photo At This Time photo by Utah Birders

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Description:
Managed by the BLM, Montezuma Canyon is situated in San Juan County about 6 miles east of Monticello, and 13 miles east of Blanding.  There are no officially established trails, campsites, or other facilities in Montezuma Canyon. For the most part, the graded dirt road is suitable for 2 wheel drive vehicles however, after a rain or snow storm it can become impassable in some locations. The canyon is about 38 miles long from north to south, and the Montezuma Creek drainage eventually flows into the San Juan River near Aneth.  The creek is intermittent and lacks water most of the year outside of spring run off and during flash floods.  The canyon is dry desert and cliffs, with a wide flat bottom in most places desert scrub covers most open spaces.  Greasewood and Rabbitbrush are common, while along the creek huge Fremont Cottonwood follow the canyon bottom for its entire length.  In some places the trees are very thick while in others they can be sparse.  Willows and other understory can be found in may places--there are seeps and springs that produce water at a number of places in the canyon year round--even when the creek isn't flowing.  Numerous side canyon jut off the main canyon and any can be worth exploring.  The are also several large ponds and dams creating small bodies of water at various points in the canyon--some are large enough that wetland and marsh habitat is present.  Various small ranches and farms dot the landscape and oil pumpjacks can be found randomly throughout the area.  Notably the area is home to numerous rock art sites, cave dwellings, and native artifact dumps.  This varied location is currently split into 4 hotspots:

Montezuma Creek Rd -- Lower
Montezuma Creek Rd -- Middle
Montezuma Creek Rd -- Upper
Montezuma Creek Rd -- Ranch & Pond

Remember to take plenty of water. Watch the weather and stay on the designated roads if you visit in the summer months.  Spare tires, and emergency supplies are always a good idea in remote locations like this where you may potentially not see another person for several days if you end up on a back road or deep in a side canyon.

Birding:
In working to create more valuable data by splitting the canyon into sections we can have more specific data.  The lower stretch of the canyon is more open, has fewer trees, and is by far the driest section. This means the species found here are going to differ slightly than what's up canyon--mainly in respect to the riparian species.  I need to go break some older lists out, but I know BLACK-THROATED SPARROW and both ROCK and CANYON WREN are easy finds here.  HORNED LARK are often seen along the road, while RED-TAILED HAWK, NORTHERN HARRIER, and other raptors can often be seen hunting the open areas.

Directions:
From the intersection of Main and Center Streets in Blanding head south on Main Street for 1.8 miles.  Turn left onto 1800 South/Browns Canyon Road. After 1.1 miles turn right onto Perkins Rd/Rte 2416/Universe Road. Follow this for 4.2 miles then keep right at the split on CR-206/Around the World Road for 14.3 miles till you reach Montezuma Creek Road. The lower section is everything south from here to Hatch Trading Post for for 9 miles.

No Photo At This Time photo by Utah Birders

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Description:
Managed by the BLM, Montezuma Canyon is situated in San Juan County about 6 miles east of Monticello, and 13 miles east of Blanding.  There are no officially established trails, campsites, or other facilities in Montezuma Canyon. For the most part, the graded dirt road is suitable for 2 wheel drive vehicles however, after a rain or snow storm it can become impassable in some locations. The canyon is about 38 miles long from north to south, and the Montezuma Creek drainage eventually flows into the San Juan River near Aneth.  The creek is intermittent and lacks water most of the year outside of spring run off and during flash floods.  The canyon is dry desert and cliffs, with a wide flat bottom in most places desert scrub covers most open spaces.  Greasewood and Rabbitbrush are common, while along the creek huge Fremont Cottonwood follow the canyon bottom for its entire length.  In some places the trees are very thick while in others they can be sparse.  Willows and other understory can be found in may places--there are seeps and springs that produce water at a number of places in the canyon year round--even when the creek isn't flowing.  Numerous side canyon jut off the main canyon and any can be worth exploring.  The are also several large ponds and dams creating small bodies of water at various points in the canyon--some are large enough that wetland and marsh habitat is present.  Various small ranches and farms dot the landscape and oil pumpjacks can be found randomly throughout the area.  Notably the area is home to numerous rock art sites, cave dwellings, and native artifact dumps.  This varied location is currently split into 4 hotspots:

Montezuma Creek Rd -- Lower
Montezuma Creek Rd -- Middle
Montezuma Creek Rd -- Upper
Montezuma Creek Rd -- Ranch & Pond

Remember to take plenty of water. Watch the weather and stay on the designated roads if you visit in the summer months.  Spare tires, and emergency supplies are always a good idea in remote locations like this where you may potentially not see another person for several days if you end up on a back road or deep in a side canyon.

Birding:
The middle section of Montezuma Creek Canyon is in the heart of the best habitat here.  It is also the area that has been most visited by birders.  It's a shame that more birders don't trek out here to the desert--some good finds would inevitably happen in this riparian stretch, that I liken to the Beaver Dam Wash--just in the southeast corner of the state!  In January 2007 a handful of SCALED QUAIL were reported in this section of the canyon and many Utah birders traveled here and saw the birds.  I made several trips for this species and to conduct riparian counts here--and never found the quail; making it a Utah nemesis!  But the other birding here is fantastic.  BLACK-THROATED SPARROW are easy to track down along with both CANYON and ROCK WREN. I have flushed GAMBEL'S QUAIL on several occasions here, while WILD TURKEY are seen along the river form time to time.  GREAT HORNED and BARN OWL have both been seen, and WESTERN SCREECH-OWL are almost certainly present year round.  PRAIRIE FALCON is reported with some frequency while PEREGRINE have also been seen soaring over the cliffs.  Lots of flycatchers call the canyon home.  BLACK PHOEBE can be found here at various points along the river.  GRAY and DUSKY FLYCATCHER inhabit the juniper areas of the canyon, while ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER are common along the creek in the summer.  CASSIN'S KINGBIRD are also found here in small numbers.  PLUMBEOUS and GRAY VIREO have both been reported from the canyon. YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, LUCY'S and YELLOW WARBLER nest along the creek, while BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER can be found on the edges where juniper meets riparian.  COMMON YELLOWTHROAT have been observed--there are several ponds and springs in the canyon where this species is easily found in the marsh edges.There are no shortage of sparrows with CHIPPING, BREWER'S, LARK, and VESPER SPARROW all in habitat various parts of the canyon and flats.  During the summer there can be some great color i the trees with both INDIGO and LAZULI BUNTING nesting here, and BLUE GROSBEAK being reported occasionally.  BULLOCK'S ORIOLE and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK are usually easy finds as well.  I have a feeling that SUMMER TANAGER probably nests here and would imagine the species list would be well over 100 given more attention from birders.  You can get here form the north via the directions below, or from the south via the directions on the Ranch & Pond page.  Either way the birding is easy and can be done from the road stopping at various points that look good for birding.  You can wander up side draws and canyons as well to explore a little bit.  No matter where you go here you will see something!

Directions:
From the intersection of Main and Center Street in Monticello head south on US-191/Main Street for 5.1 miles.  Turn Left on to Montezuma Creek Road.  From here is is 5.3 miles till you reach the creek and are down in the canyon. From here the road continues 10.6 miles south in the "upper section" of the canyon.  At 10.6 miles you reach a small ranch on the west side of the road--this is the end of the upper section of the canyon.  If you continue south the next 18.1 miles are the "middle section" until you reach Around the World Road.