Big Willow Canyon photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Originally this location was created for the canyon; but the canyon is actually closed to people because it is a watershed.  Which sucks for birding because the hike looks really easy and the habitat ranges from mixed oak, to aspen, with cliffs, and mixed conifer, willows, etc.  You can bird the trail from Hidden Valley Park up to here which passes mostly through mixed oak woodland.  You can bird around the "No Trespassing" sign as there is plenty of visible habitat here.  Trying to make this hot spot viable it now includes the Sawmill Trail which actually does drop into upper Big Willow Canyon, so it makes sense.  This trail follows the south wall of the canyon up and around before dropping back down, with the same habitats mentioned above (directions for hike below).

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

Directions:
From the north taking Wasatch Blvd from I-215 at 6200 South head south past both Cottonwood Canyons.  At 9800 South continue straight another 3.5 miles till you arrive at the park on your left. Pull in to the lot and keep right to go to the parking area for the park.  From the south follow 12300 South in Draper east as it loops north and becomes Draper Parkway just past 1300 East. Eventually turning into 1700 east, take a right on to Wasatch Blvd at about 11700 south.  Follow the road east 1.7 miles till you reach the park on your right.  From the parking lot follow the paved trail 100 yard southeast to a bench and sign pointing the way to the "Bonneville Shoreline Trail".  Follow the sign and 4 wheel drive track as it climbs the mountain 300 yards to a red gate.  At this point a sign points the way south to continue on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail but to reach the Sawmill Trail you must pass around the red gate and climb the hill for 250 yards.  At the top of the hill the road will flatten out and turn sharp to the right.   Ahead you can see the gate that marks the watershed.  As you approach you will notice a tiny sign on your right that points right and says "Sawmill Trail". From here, after one mile you will reach an avalanche warning sign and a junction in the trail.  The Right (East) Fork leads 150 yards down to a stream with a small waterfall and cascades. The Left (North) Fork climbs over the ridge into Big Willow and climbs to the top of the canyon.

Hidden Valley Park from Google Street View

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Description:
Tucked up against the base of the Wasatch Mountains between Big and Little Willow Canyons in Draper, Hidden Valley Park has an expansive tract of native shrubsteppe habitat covering 2/3 of its grounds with trails leading through the sage. With a parking lot at the north end, a large gazebo/picnic area, playground, and large grassy section this looks like a typical park--but these areas are completely surrounded by shrubsteppe to the east, west, and south.  Further east and south the hills become oak woodland; while to the west houses border the park.  Aside from various paved trails looping both the grassy area, and further out into the sage, tails to both Big Willow Canyon and Little Willow Canyon can be accessed along the east end. The close views of the mountains could potentially be good for hawk-watching.

Birding:
Over the years I have driven by this park countless times. I always wondered what birds might pop up in the sagebrush areas in the spring and early summer but never managed to make it over to check it out,  This year I am planning on stopping by 1 day every week in April, May, and early June to see what's here.  Resident species that can be seen and heard here or along the east side in the oak includes WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, SPOTTED TOWHEE, and CALIFORNIA QUAIL.  Birds typical of east side suburbia in Utah pass through the park as well and can be heard in the neighborhoods, including LESSER GOLDFINCH and BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE.  During migration birds moving along the hills could easily come in contact with the park, and given the oak habitat some breeders likely include BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, LAZULI BUNTING, and probably VIRGINIA'S WARBLER.  While I've spent time here I have thought the hawk watching could be pretty good from this location with several low peaks close in view.  A small hike might also put you on a good ridge line to see what passes by.  Just north at Bell Canyon in September, BROAD-WINGED HAWKS have been seen among the more common buteos, accipiters, and GOLDEN EAGLES.  This interesting park might be a diamond in the rough worth checking out.

Directions:
From the north taking Wasatch Blvd from I-215 at 6200 South head south past both Cottonwood Canyons.  At 9800 South continue straight another 3.5 miles till you arrive at the park on your left. Pull in to the lot and keep right to go to the parking area for the park.  From the south follow 12300 South in Draper east as it loops north and becomes Draper Parkway just past 1300 East. Eventually turning into 1700 east, take a right on to Wasatch Blvd at about 11700 south.  Follow the road east 1.7 miles till you reach the park on your right.