Mosquito Cove from Google Street View

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

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

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

Talons Cove from Google Street View

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Description:
Talons Cove borders the northwest corn of Utah Lake, and provides an interesting set of habitats for birding while golfing.  You could technically bird the streets along the course here, but much like other courses in the area, this is more of a golfing destination than a birding destination, although for birding it is an excellent golf course! 18 holes of mostly open terrain, surrounded by minimal grasslands and shrubsteppe.  Small trees can be found along the course in various locations, with a few areas of thick russian olive.  2 ponds i the northeast corner of the course provide wetland and marsh habitat, and the lake is visible form the course.  Wetlands along the shore are close enough that with binoculars you could make out some species on the lake.  The front 9 is much birdier than the back from my experience here.

Birding:
Talons Cove really is a great course for birding.  The mix of habitats provides great opportunities for various species.  During the summer months is the best time to visit the course, and you'll likely encounter HORNED LARK, WESTERN KINGBIRD, and CLIFF & BARN SWALLOWS through out the course.  At the marshy areas on the ponds, you can expect YELLOW-HEADED and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS.  COMMON YELLOWTHROAT and MARSH WREN can usually be heard at these spots as well.  Along the lake front areas scanning you will likely see and or hear CASPIAN TERN, WESTERN GREBE, NORTHERN HARRIER, and AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN.  In the riparian areas, and the spots with dense russian olives songbirds are abound.  YELLOW WARBLER, LAZULI BUNTING, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE are common.  BLUE GROSBEAK have been observed at the course, and prefer these area on the east edge.  Like most golf courses the access is limited to the edges, unless you're golfing--luckily here there are a lot of edges that can be birded.  If you are passing through during the summer, stop in for a few minutes and see what's singing!

Directions:
From the intersection of Redwood Road and Pioneer Crossing in Saratoga Springs, head south on Redwood Road for 3.9 miles.  Turn left onto Fairway Blvd and go 225'.  Turn left and go .1 miles to the parking lot and club house.

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.

The Pond from Google Street View

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Description:
The pond along lower Kolob Terrace Road has long been a stop on the drive to Lava Point and Kolob Reservoir.  This large pond doesn't freeze, and provides an excellent stop for wintering and migrant waterbirds here in the middle of the desert.  The riparian habitat provides great viewing opportunities on the road side of the pond, while the cottonwoods on the back side can be scanned with binoculars.  A large set of farm fields lies to the north, while the east and west sides are red rock and dry hillsides.  Although some birds from the surrounding desert can be seen/hear here--the focus is the pond and riparian habitat.

Birding:
If you're driving up to Lava Point or Kolob Terrace you have to stop here even if just for 5 minutes.  Any time of year there is something to be seen/heard for birders.  From November through April various species of waterfowl have been observed here--in all 12 species have been recorded including WOOD DUCK, CANVASBACK, and HOODED MERGANSER.  One of the most common waterfowl species encountered here are RING-NECKED DUCK all winter Several grebes have been sighted here, but the most interesting waterbird reported was an AMERICAN BITTERN.  With little in the way of shorebird habitat only SPOTTED SANDPIPER has been reported.  Raptor there are scattered reports of both species of EAGLES, a couple accipiters, and not much else.  From spring through summer there are some good birds that can be picked up here on most outings.  BLUE GROSBEAK and YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT can usually be found along with SUMMER TANAGER, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, LUCY'S WARBLER, and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT.  During spring and fall migration various warblers and sparrows are reported here--with LARK SPARROW, LAZULI BUNTING, VIRGINIA'S WARBLER, and WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE being reported.  SAY'S and BLACK PHOEBE, along with ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER and WESTERN KINGBIRD are usually easy finds here.  BLACK-THROATED SPARROW, and CANYON and ROCK WREN can be found here as well straying in from the bordering habitats.

Directions:
From the Post Office in Virgin, Utah, go east on SR-9 for .1 mile.  Turn left onto Kolob Terrace Road.  Drive 3.4 miles and the pond will be on your left.