Helper City River Parkway photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
The Price River Parkway winds its way through Helper following the Price River. Along the Parkway you will find quiet places to sit, beautiful natural areas and pieces of history. Located along the Parkway in downtown Helper is a pavilion with a sand volleyball court. You may reserve the pavilion by calling Helper City.  A nice riparian habitat dominated by cottonwood and willow lines the river providing great habitat.  The actual walking path along the river starts at Martin Road on the northwest end and goes to Janet Street at the south.  This walking path is 3/4 of a mile one way.  From here you can keep going north on Martin Road for .6 miles till you reach a large pond on the east side of the road lined with cattails and surrounded by some open fields before rising to the cliffs on the east side.

Birding:
There has been a decent amount of visitors to the area for the first half of the year, but only one checklist after July.  Species typically found here include AMERICAN ROBIN, MALLARD, COMMON RAVE, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, HOUSE FINCH, EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE and the more common introduced urban species typically found in cities.  Some of the more notable reports include FRANKLIN'S GULL, AMERICAN DIPPER, TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE, VIRGINIA'S WARBLER, VESPER SPARROW, and several reports of EVENING GROSBEAK.  Like most desert riparian habitat in Utah lots of birds are attracted by the plentiful food associated with this habitat, so anything can show up.  PINE SISKIN and CASSIN'S FINCH have been reported as well as HERMIT THRUSH, an BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK.  During spring and fall migration this stretch of river might see some good migrants moving through along he natural corridor of the river.  If you are passing through Helper this is absolutely worth a quick stop to see if anything interesting is around.

Directions:
From Main Street in Helper take US-191/6 north for .3 miles and take the exit onto Martin Road on your right. This is where the pathway heads southeast from (not sure about parking but you can probably park along the street).  If you continue north another .6 miles you will reach the pond on your right.

Lodge Pole Campground from Google Street View

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

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

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

Daniel's Summit from Google Street View

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

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

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

Copperton Park from Google Street View

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Description:
Copperton Park is a lush tree covered park in the middle of tiny Copperton.  The park is lined with large deciduous and coniferous trees, as well as a number of smaller trees as well.  The southern edge of the park has a playground, basketball courts, and tennis courts.  The rest of the park is open spaces, but dominated by the large old trees here.  A walking path loops through the park, while sidewalk surrounds it.  There are neighborhoods on 3 sides while a ravine is to the south.  In an otherwise obscure town the park is a very interesting habitat.

Birding:
Copperton Park is one of those places where if more birders went, the list for the area would be a lot bigger.  It absolutely would act as a migrant trap in the spring and fall, while it has great winter habitat for mountain species.  The summer months are likely slower, but most of the year there is some decent birding here.  The only issue is that it is just out of the way on the west side of the valley set back in a tiny town.  Winter visits to the park have the potential to turn up some good birds. Both GREAT HORNED and BARN OWL have been found roosting here in the thick tree cover, while RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, HAIRY & DOWNY WOODPECKER, and NORTHERN FLICKER have all been reported.  MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE, CASSIN'S FINCH, and PINE SISKIN have all been observed here.  During migration it's no surprise that WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, WESTERN TANAGER, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK have been found.  COMMON NIGHTHAWK have been reported in mid-summer as a bonus.  This park absolutely is underbirded and potentially is a super hot spot during migration.  It would be very interesting to see what really passes through in May and September.

Directions:
From the intersection of Bacchus Highway and New Bingham Highway, take New Bingham Highway 1.9 miles west into Copperton.  Turn left onto Apex Road and go .2 miles. The road turns 90 degrees right here and becomes Hillcrest Street. Go .2 miles till you reach the parking lot on your left.

Upper Beaver Canyon from Google Street View

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

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

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

The 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".

Yankee Meadows from Google Maps User

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

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

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

Powder Mountain photo by Mike Hearell

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

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

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

Thanks to Mike Hearell for this location submission.

Beaver Mountain Ski Area from Google Street View

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

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

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

View at 5600 West looking east from Google Street View

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Description:
A paved bicycle/pedestrian trail runs for 2.1 miles along the Utah and Salt Lake Canal Trail, which can be extended as it links with Welcker Memorial Park for an additional 0.8 miles. Park on 5600 W. and Peggy Ln., across the street from Hunter High School. The trail starts on 5600 W. and just slightly North of Peggy Lane, heading in a South Eastward direction. As the canal and trail system is narrow, the habitat consists of developed trees in residential backyards, agricultural and horse properties, two schools and a park--and the canal with a riparian component.

Birding:
NORTHERN FLICKERS are found throughout the trail, though in higher frequency and with more regularity the further East you travel.  A large murder of COMMON RAVENS is found near the LDS Seminary for the John F. Kennedy Jr. High.  The most frequent species encountered is most likely the EURASIAN-COLLARD DOVE. Other species typical of urban sites like AMERICAN ROBIN, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, and AMERICAN GOLDFICH can be found here, while migration will bring a number of passerine species for just a few weeks each spring and fall.  More information about this area will be added as it becomes available.

Directions:
The trail can be accessed via numerous points. Midway Drive at 4700 South and 4140 West; Dartmouth Drive at 2575 South and about 4400 West; 4800 West at 4400 South; 5400 West at 4200 South, and 5600 West at Peggy Lane just south of 4100 south. The quickest point form I-215 west side Belt Route is taking exit 15 west bound along 4700 South for 1.9 miles.  This put you in the southeast most point. You can continue along 4700 West another 1.8 miles to 5600 West. Go .9 miles north and you have reached the Peggy Lane entrance.

Thanks to Mark Patterson for this location submission.

Bald Knoll at Sunrise photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Center Creek Canyon follows Center Creek out of Center Creek city on the east end of Heber to the summit of Bald Knoll.  Bald Knoll is one of the furthest south and west "peaks" over 10,000' in the Uinta Mountain Range.  With continuous strings of forest, and tree line a number of species typical of the High Uinta's can be found here at what is basically the extreme southwest of their range from this mountain group.  For birding purposes the canyon above Timber Lakes, following Lake Creek out of Heber is also included in this hot spot with the center point being about Bald Knoll.  The habitat is typical of the higher elevation sites consisting predominantly of coniferous forest, with a good mix of aspen.  The tree line can be found here around 10,000' so there are lots of open "tundra" sections comprising mostly of tall grasses, rock outcroppings, cliffs, and open meadows.  Numerous small springs, creeks, beaver ponds, and other man made holding ponds provide ample water sources.  To date I am the only birder to submit checklists from here, as it is a rather out of the way location, but unique in where it sits in relation to the other peaks in the Uinta range.

Birding:
There really is no right or wrong way to bird this location, or exact spots to go.  One highlight here is the summit of Bald Knoll which can be hiked to as part of your birding.  Another option is to just drive Lake Creek and Center Creek in a loop out of Heber birding along the way.  There are various locations you can stop and hike in the woods looking for birds.  The area is mostly National Forest so open to you for exploration.  The road is closed during the winter, and mostly accessible from June through October.  The summer birding is going to be your typical high Uinta birding.  I have only been in the fall when the leaves are turning and the drive is a nice get away from the valleys.  The birding is fantastic this time of year and a lot of high elevation species are very active and easy to find.  Early in the morning and during the night NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL are encountered on most days.  GREAT HORNED OWL has also been heard.  RUFFED GROUSE are an easy find on the shrub covered hillsides near springs.  In 2014 I was surprised to also find DUSKY GROUSE here for the first time.  During the fall at height of the day when temperatures are up and bird activity is at a lull, the open sky line provides a great opportunity to hawk watch.  RED-TAILED HAWK are common while, NORTHERN HARRIER, GOLDEN EAGLE, SHARP-SHINNED and COOPER's HAWKS, and TURKEY VULTURES fill in as well.  NORTHERN GOSHAWK have been observed several times in the forest here and are occasionally heard calling.  One of the most notable birds found here is GRAY JAY.  There are several other sites where it has been reported nearby including one further south--but it is found with good consistency on and around Bald Knoll. This represents the extreme southwest range of this species in the mountains here. Other corvids including STELLER'S JAY and CLARK'S NUTCRACKER are also present, and even BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE at this high elevation. Mountain finches are in no short supply with CASSIN'S FINCH being common, and PINE GROSBEAK and RED CROSSBILL are found on most outings.  EVENING GROSBEAK has also been recorded here,and during fall migration large flocks of GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCHES have been observed along the ridge lines of Bald Knoll.  During the height of junco migration 1,000's of DARK-EYED JUNCO of varying sub-species are observed in the meadows here along with other sparrows including WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, LINCOLN'S SPARROW, and GREEN TAILED-TOWHEE. Resident woodpeckers include both HAIRY and DOWNY WOODPECKERS, and more notably AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER which are relatively common at this site.  The species list here only numbers about 50 but the birding is fantastic and close to Salt Lake.  It is also wide open spaces where few people visit making it a great birding location!

Directions:
To reach this specific location a high clearance vehicle is recommended.  From the intersection of Main Street and Center Street in Heber, take Center street east.  Shortly after leaving town it will turn into Lake Creek Road.  Follow this 13 miles past Timber Creek. Here the road will turn into Forest Road FR096 for about a 1/2 mile before turning into FR083. Keep fol owing for 2.2 miles till you reach a junction.  Turn right staying on FR083 for another .5 miles. Here take a slight right onto FR094 which will wind over the tree line on a rocky not-well-maintained road.  Continue for 2.2 miles till you see a pull off on your right.  Pull in here and drive to the trees to park.  The trail continues west form here along a ridge line and continues to Bald Knoll to your northwest. You can also reach this area from Center Creek Canyon, but the Lake Creek Option provides birding through better habitat and a nicer road.

Dalton Springs from Bing Birds Eye View

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

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

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

Bair Park from Google Street View

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Description:
This tiny city park sits on the east side of Cottonwood Heights sandwiched between Wasatch Blvd and the Wasatch Mountains.  The park is mostly open lawn but is surrounded by coniferous trees on 3 sides. Up until several years ago the park was completely surrounded by trees but everything on the west side was removed in recent years. A cement path leads around the entire park for an easy walk.

Birding:
This pinch point at the base of the mountains likely draws a good number of migrants which is why despite limited visits by birders there has been a good variety of birds seen here including plenty of migrants.  The conifers provide great food sources for winter finches, and PINE SISKIN are reported here from time to time.  EVENING GROSBEAK is perhaps the most notable find here, while various warblers, WESTERN TANAGER, LAZULI BUNTING, CASSIN'S FINCH, and TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE have all shown up.  A GREAT HORNED OWL has also been heard here at night. Although this isn't a mega birding stop it is worth a quick stop if you are traveling between the two Cottonwood Canyons.  The trees closest the parking lot can be birded in 5 minutes making for a a quick check.  Just across the street and a block to the north is a UTA Park and Ride with a small "Wetland" with lots of cattails.  RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD can usually be found here singing in the spring and summer.

Directions:
From the intersection of Wasatch Blvd at 7000 S/E Fort Union (the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon), travel south on Wasatch Blvd for 1.4 miles till you reach the park on your left.

Dimple Dell Park from Google Street View

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Description:
Dimple Dell Park is a large equestrian park that stretches 25 blocks from west to east in  a river drainage in south Sandy.  The habitat is mixed oak woodland and riparian habitat with some open fields, and shrubsteppe.  There is a small pond located near the east end at approximately 2800 east surrounded by cattails.  Miles of trails pass through the Gambel's Oak and along the river bottom beneath Cottonwood Trees.  In the winter the creek is dry but during the spring and early summer it provides a nice addition to the park.

Birding:
There are numerous areas from which you can bird the park.  Since the habitat is generally the same the species you will encounter aren't going to differ from one location to the next.  Walking the trails through the oak you will encounter SPOTTED TOWHEE, MAGPIES, SCRUB-JAYS, and BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE year round.  During the winter months DARK-EYED JUNCO are a common sight.  In the spring and summer LAZULI BUNTING, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and YELLOW WARBLER dominate the habitat.  Various other warbler pass through during migration. VARIED THRUSH has been observed once, while other notable species that have been seen here include: NORTHERN GOSHAWK, LEWIS'S WOODPECKER, and EASTERN KINGBIRD. Despite the possibilities here Dimple Dell remains fairly underbirded and with more coverage the species list should easily top 100 during a typical year.

Directions:
There are 2 really good options to enter the park on the east end.  One on the north side at Granite Park can be reached from 2000 East (Highland Drive) and 9400 South in Sandy go east on 9400 south for .5 miles. Turn right on 2300 East/Eastdell Drive for .7 miles. Turn left onto 10000 south and drive .5 miles till you reach the parking area on your left.  From here various trails drop into the park. The other option to enter from the south at the main parking area is to come from 1300 East and 10600 south in Sandy going east on 10600 south for 1.1 miles. The road will head southerly and turn into 10720 S/Dimple Dell Road.  At the stop sign turn left. The road will jog to the right after a couple hundred feed and continue for 1.2 miles till you see the large dirt parking are on your left.  Park here and head into the park to the east or west via the trails.  If you go east and follow the path you will reach the pond in about 1/4 mile.

Salt Lake City Cemetary Photo by Conrad Jensen

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Description:
A large green space in the middle of the Avenues of Salt Lake City, the Salt Lake City Cemetery offers some peace and quiet from the business of the city and prime opportunities to find birds, especially in winter and migration with its many trees and food sources.

Birding:
Birding is best done in the cemetery by driving around and looking and listening for birds.  The cemetery can act as a migrant trap in spring and fall drawing in birds with its urban "forest" habitat bringing in flycatchers, warblers and other neotropics.  Winter can bring some of the best birding however with variety of mountain species like RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE and TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE finding their way down with the possibility of many different types of finches like CASSIN'S FINCH, RED and WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS, PINE SISKIN and EVENING GROSBEAKS possible as well.  All this bird activity can act as a magnet for raptors particularly accipiters like NORTHERN GOSHAWK and SHARP-SHINNED and COOPER'S HAWKS and falcons such as MERLIN and AMERICAN KESTREL all being recorded here.

Directions:
There are multiple entrances to the cemetery with the easiest ones on the south side from 4th Ave and on the north from 11th Ave

University of Utah Photo by Kenny Frisch

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Description:
The University of Utah campus is located in the northeast area of Salt Lake City and represents an urban oasis with between the rest of the city and the foothills to the east.  Ornamental plantings like flowering pear around President's Circle offer birds food and shelter while many large trees draw birds in.  Trails from east side of campus lead to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and adjacent foothills and offer additional birding opportunities.

Birding:
Many birds nest on campus including CALIFORNIA QUAIL, COOPER'S HAWK, KILLDEER, AMERICAN KESTREL, WESTERN KINGBIRD, COMMON RAVEN, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE and CLIFF SWALLOW.  The area near the foothills contain additional birds like WESTERN MEADOWLARK and migrating raptors like GOLDEN EAGLE, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, RED-TAILED HAWK and PRAIRIE FALCON.  Fruiting trees in winter draw in CEDAR WAXWINGS and the occasional BOHEMIAN WAXWING.  Both spring and fall migration bring new birds to the campus, drawn in its sea of green with COMMON NIGHTHAWK, hummingbirds, flycatchers, warblers, WESTERN TANAGER and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE.  Red Butte Creek flows through the southern part of campus and attracts LAZULI BUNTING, YELLOW WARBLER and WARBLING VIREO.

Directions:
The University of Utah campus can be reached by taking the 400S east from 1-15 or by going north on Foothill Drive from I-80. Mario Capecchi Dr, North Campus Dr and East Medical Dr all bracket the campus and offer ways to visit different areas.

Alta By-Pass Road photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Includes the Alta Ski Resort, town of Alta and the by-pass road. After 3/4 of a mile drive through Snowbird Resort, a 1/2 mile of road loops back to the main canyon road.  The entire stretch has houses and condos and various side streets.  There are feeders all along here, but you have to do a little looking. Powder Ridge Drive off of the by-pass road is often a good street to check.  Mixed Conifer and Aspen forest dominate the mountains around the building here.  Be mindful of where you park--the entire area is private property and we don't want to upset any owners and residents. In the winter of 2014-15 feederswere added at the Alta Town Offices off the main road next to Our Lady of the Snow Church.  The feeders have been very productive for rosy-finches.

Birding:
The by-pass road has long been known as a spot to look for Rosy-Finches during the winter months until the addition of the feeders at the town offices.  Historically a home along the road called the Ben Hame Home had been the go to spot.  But in recent years the feeders here have been left empty, and this hasn't been reliable--but check when you visit as in 2015 the feeders were stocked nicely.  Other houses in the area have feeders, as do some of the large condos.  Finding birds here takes some luck, but days following storms are often a good time to look.    You can drive the road slowly or find a place to park out of the way and walk looking for activity.  aside form both BLACK ROSY-FINCH and GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCH, you can also see PINE GROSBEAK, RED CROSSBILL, siskins, finches, jays, chickadees, and other mountain birds here most of the winter.

Screen Grab form Feeder Cam on 1/29/15 showing Rosy-Finch Flock

In the winter of 2014-15 at least 2 BROWN-CAPPED ROSY-FINCHES were found here, representing the furthest west this species has been recorded, and only the 2nd and 3rd sightings for Utah. The by-pass road doesn't get mentioned much during other times of year, but the birding is probably similar to nearby mountain locations.  At the town offices there are several feeders that can be watched from a few feet away.  A live cam was put in place in January 2015 and can be viewed below:



Directions:
From exit 295 on I-15 head east along 9000 South.  9000 south turns into 9400 south and continues all the way into Little Cottonwood Canyon.  From I-215 east side belt route, take Exit 6 east onto Wasatch Blvd heading south.  Follow Wasatch Blvd till it Y's.  At the Y go left to head up the canyon.  Once in the canyon, from either direction continue east.  From the parking lot at the bottom of the canyon it is 6.8 miles to Snowbird Resort, and the Alta By-Pass Road.  For the by-pass road,take a right onto the by-pass road and follow it as it loops for 1.25 miles back to the main canyon road. You can also continue straight 1.2 miles and will hit the town offices on your right slightly up hill to the right of the church.