Price Canyon Recreation Area photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
The Price Canyon Recreation Area, which is administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), offers visitors a chance to enjoy cooler temperatures and the shade of large ponderosa pine trees during the summer.  The recreation area is located on a ridge high above Price Canyon.  The entrance road, a scenic overlook accessible by automobile, and a hiking trail, provide excellent views of rugged canyon country. Amenities include large, well-spaced campsites are available.  Facilities at the campground include picnic tables, fire pits, vault toilets, trash receptacles, and parking spaces. The Price Canyon Recreation Area is a U.S. Fee Area.  A nominal fee of $8 is charge for overnight camping and reservation of the group picnic areas. As a side note, lightning frequently strikes the ridge tops near the campground.  Avoid open, exposed areas when lightning is a possibility. The road is closed in the winter. The dry hillsides here and canyon walls are accentuated by mixed oak woodland and conifer forest dominated by Ponderosa pines and a small mix of juniper woodlands.

Birding:
Birding along the road to the top passing through the forest you should be able to track down birds like DUSKY FLYCATCHER, PLUMBEOUS and WARBLER VIREO, both RED-BREASTED and WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, ORANGE-CROWNED, VIRGINIA'S, and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, and both SPOTTED and GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE.  One of the specialty species here is GRACE'S WARBLER which is probably a regular breeder, but goes unnoticed since birders don't visit that often.  I have a feeling GRAY VIREO is probably also regularly occurring, and PYGMY NUTHATCH probably are found int he general vicinity as well. Spending some time looking here and all 3 of these might actually be regular breeders. As you get higher in the forest things like WESTERN TANAGER, CASSIN'S FINCH, RED CROSSBILL, and CLARK'S NUTCRACKER can all be found.

Directions:
From the on ramp at Exit 240 on US-191/6 in Price, head north on US-191 for 15.7 miles till you reach the turn off to Price Canyon Recreation Area Road on your left.  Turn here and you can follow the road 3.1 miles to the top and several parking areas, camping sites, and picnic tables.

Southside of Town from Google Street View

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Description:
Beaver isn't a destination, its just a pass through area--but if you are passing through and see some birds its worth submitting a checklist.  The interesting thing about small towns like this, is that in general the habitat in town is going to be the same throughout or in most places so that a location list for the city is accurate enough to cover the whole area.  Some things might be seen in certain areas of the city, but the area list for a town like Beaver seems okay in my opinion.  Beaver was settled in 1856 and has a population of around 3,000. Interesting side note, Beaver is the birthplace of two well-known persons: Philo T. Farnsworth and Butch Cassidy. Farnsworth was the inventor of several critical electronic devices that made television possible, including the cathode ray tube. He was also the first to create table-top nuclear fusion. Cassidy was a notorious western outlaw.  Habitat wise the city is generally suburban, with tree lines streets and neighborhoods--but farming is popular and in the outlying areas, large fields meet shrubsteppe. The large farms extend west to Minersville Reservoir, while the mountains lay on the east side with juniper covered foothills, and an oak lined riparian habitat at the mouth of Beaver Canyon.

Birding:
Typical urban fare can be found in the center of town with HOUSE FINCH and ROCK PIGEON being prevalent.  EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE probably outnumber MOURNING DOVE now and are present year round.  During the summer months BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, SAY'S PHOEBE, and WESTERN KINGBIRD are common around town.  YELLOW WARBLER, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, WILSON'S SNIPE, and KILLDEER might be found in wet areas along one of the creeks in town, or wet pastures.  During the winter months large flocks of PINYON JAY occasionally make their way into town--and they are seen sporadically the rest of the year.  I have a couple of hot spots I stop at in and around Beaver, but I'm not sure about anything city specific that's not a hotspot.  Take a drive through Beaver next time you pass through and see what you turn up!

Directions:
From I-15 northbound south of Beaver take Exit 109 then a right onto Main Street and follow it north in to town.  From I-15 southbound, north of Beaver take Exit 112 and make a left at the bottom of the on ramp, following the road in to town.

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.

Downtown Annabella from Google Street View

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Description:
This small central Utah town was originally called Omni Point, and Richfield was called Omni. The "Point" was a high rise in the terrain, five miles directly south of Richfield. The town name was later changed to Annabella, after two of the first two children born in the area: Ann S. Roberts and Isabella Dalton. Sitting a mile high the town has a population of around 700 and the tiny streets are lined with deciduous and coniferous trees.  To the north are mostly farms while the southern hills are shrubsteppe, leading to the mountains.  There is a small city park on the east end of town and a tiny pond just a couple blocks south of town on a dirt road between 200 and 300 east.

Birding:
Annabella is one of those places you just pass through going somewhere else.  The entirety of the checklists for this location are form one week in December 2013.  So in mid winter you might see your typical urban fare with WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW and DARK-EYED JUNCO joining the fray.  EURASIAN COLLARD-DOVE are present year round while various raptors can be seen here. In the winter ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, and BALD EAGLES,  In the summer GOLDEN EAGLE and SWAINSON'S HAWK--although goldies are present year round.  In the hills around town keep an eye out for CHUKAR and PINYON JAYS that pass through going form habitat  to habitat--feeders in town may attract this species in winter.

Directions:
From I-70 Exit 40 in Richfield head south onto Main Street for 2 miles.  Turn left onto 400 South which after .2 miles becomes Annabella Road and will curve south.  Continue 4.3 miles till you reach the edge of town.

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.

Yellowpine Campground from Google Maps

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Description:
Not to be confused with Yellow Pine Campground on the Mirror Lake Highway, Yellowpine is located at 7,500' in elevation  in a scenic, heavily forested canyon next to Rock Creek and is surrounded by mountains. Large Ponderosa pine trees shade the campground, and aspens dot the landscape. Rock Creek Trail begins nearby for equestrian use and connects with the wheelchair-accessible, paved interpretive nature trail along  Rock Creek.  Shrubsteppe, mountain meadows, and riparian habitat are also present creating a nice mix of mid-elevation habitat typical of many south slope birding locations.

Birding:
As with most Uintah Mountain birding locations, June through September are prime for birding here.  Species typical of the Uinta's can be found here including CLARK's NUTCRACKER, STELLER'S JAY, and OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER.  The mid-elevation site mean you will get a mix of species you wouldn't get at higher elevations, including birds like: WARBLING VIREO, CEDAR WAXWING, YELLOW WARBLER, WESTERN MEADOWLARK, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK.  Along the river you can find AMERICAN DIPPER--and WILD TURKEY have been reported from here as well.

Directions:
 From Highway 40 in Duchesne, Utah, turn north onto Highway 87. Go 15 miles to Mountain Home turnoff. Continue 2.5 miles toward Mountain Home. Turn left at the Rock Creek Store. Proceed about 15 miles to Yellowpine.

Yellowstone Group Campground from Bing Birds Eye View

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Description:
Yellowstone Group Campground lies along its pretty namesake, The Yellowstone River in an aspen forest dotted with mixed oak and Ponderosa pines on the south slope of the Uinta Mountains. The campground can accommodate up to 80 people, and 8 vehicles. The surrounding habitat includes shrubsteppe, and of course the riparian habitat with a willow component just east of the campground. The areas to the south and east are part of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation.

Birding:
To date there isn't enough information to be really helpful for telling you what and when you might see here.  Ironically the 2 checklists for this location are from January and April, when getting here might be difficult due to the roads.  Like most Uinta Mountains campgrounds and birding locations, summer is the optimal time to go--between June and September.  GRAY JAY can be found here, and other species like MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, and TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE have been recorded.  The habitat likely is home to YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, HOUSE WREN, DARK-EYED JUNCO, DUSKY FLYCATCHER, RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, and other species typical of mid to high elevation mountain sites in northern Utah.  If you happen to find yourself in the area, please help build this otherwise small list by submitting a checklist!

Directions:
From the intersection of US-40 and Center Street in Duchesne, go north on Center Street for 15.6 miles. Turn left onto 21000 West and go 8 miles heading north. Turn right and go .4 miles, crossing a creek.  Turn left onto Yellowstone Road and go 4.2 miles.  Stay right onto FR-119 and go another 2.5 miles till you reach the pull off to the campground on your right.

Mouth of Yellow Fork Canyon from Google Street View

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

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

Directions:
From I-15 Exit 291 at 12300 south in Draper head west for 6.3 miles as the road becomes 12600 south.  Turn Left on to Main Street in Herriman and follow it as it heads southwest for 2 miles. Turn Left on to 6400 West/Rose Canyon Road for 1 mile.  Turn right--this is a continuation of Rose Canyon Road.  After .8 miles you will arrive at a pond to your left at "The Cove At Herriman Springs". From here the road continues 2.6 miles till the trailhead at Yellow Fork Canyon is on your right.

Rose Canyon Road from Google Street View

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

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

Directions:
From I-15 Exit 291 at 12300 south in Draper head west for 6.3 miles as the road becomes 12600 south.  Turn Left on to Main Street in Herriman and follow it as it heads southwest for 2 miles. Turn Left on to 6400 West/Rose Canyon Road for 1 mile.  Turn right--this is a continuation of Rose Canyon Road.  After .8 miles you will arrive at a pond to your left at "The Cove At Herriman Springs". This is usually where birding for Rose Canyon Road begins as the road continues 2.6 miles till the trailhead at Yellow Fork Canyon.

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.

Cherry Canyon Logging Trail from Google Street View

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Description:
Also known as "Bear Canyon", the sign at the trailhead reads "Cherry Canyon Logging Trail".  This route to the summit of Lone Peak is an easy to follow alternative to the more popular Draper Ridge and Jacobs Ladder trails. Although the route involves more elevation gain than these two more popular routes, it offers several advantages. Frequent switchbacks eliminate most of the brutally steep sections which are found on the other two trails. A much larger portion of the trail passes through coniferous forest, and the presence of a perennial spring provides a year-round water source.  The lower reaches of the trail pass through dry hillsides and mixed oak woodlands before gains in elevation pass through aspen and mid elevation conifer.  If you were to hike all the way to Lone Peak you would eventually end up above tree line on rocky crags above 11,000'.  From 4,850' at the trailhead, the trail runs for about 6 miles and goes up 6,400' in elevation to 11,253' at the very top.  This is an average of 1,070' per mile of elevation gain making this a very difficult hike.

Birding:
This post is long due to the directions.  Very few birders have submitted checklists so I won't spend too much time saying what you'll see here.  Do this hike for the hike--not the birds--the birds will come as you pass through various habitat belts and be similar to what you would see starting at the mouth of either Cottonwood Canyon and driving to the very top--only it's all on foot.  I think it's safe to say that you could easily have a 30-50 species day here anytime between mid May and September if you did the entire hike.  If you just did lower portions, you would only see the birds typical of the oak belt; and so on up through the habitats.  If you do this hike, please submit a checklist for it, and share comments in the section below.  As more lists become available the birding information will be updated here.

Directions:
From the intersection of 12300 south and 1300 east in Draper, head south on 1300 east for .2 miles. At the traffic circle take the 3rd exit onto Pioneer Road.  Follow this east for 1.1 miles. Turn right on 2000 east and go .2 miles. The road becomes Highland Drive and after about 125 yards there will be a left turn into the Orson Smith Trailhead.

And the actual hike directions taken from summitpost.org:  hike up the small dirt road, passing two large concrete vaults on the left 250 yards up the road. Approximately 100 yards beyond these vaults look for a trail heading steeply up the slopes on the right (east) side of the road. Follow this trail for 0.2 mile until it intersects the north-south Shoreline Trail at a signed 4-way junction at 5,200'.

Continue east at this junction on the trail identified as "Cherry Canyon Logging Trail". From the signed junction the trail meanders a bit and makes numerous small switchbacks as it slowly climbs through scrub and sagebrush up the lower west facing flanks of Lone Peak.

At 7,200' the trail crosses onto the Cherry Canyon (to the south) side of the ridge for a pleasant .25 mile stretch of fairly level hiking before beginning to climb again. The trail then makes a few more switchbacks but continues climbing in a generally eastward direction.

At 8,485' a spur trail, marked with a cairn, joins from the south (this spur trail traverses south .25 mile to the Draper Ridge Trail). After passing this junction the trail descends slightly and enters a forested stretch as it continues east for .3 mile, where it reaches the perennial spring at 8,440'. The spring is located in the Bear Canyon drainage.

From the spring the trail continues climbing through pines, steeply at times, turning northward for a brief period before turning back eastward as it enters the South Fork of Little Willow canyon. The trail winds through a number of large granite outcrops before arriving in an open meadow. In the trees on the right (south) side of the meadow is the Outlaw Cabin at 9,275 ft.', a small log cabin complete with a wood stove.

From the Outlaw Cabin it is possible to traverse south .25 mile and intersect the standard Draper Ridge/Jacobs Ladder trail. However, it is shorter and just as easy to continue east up the South Fork Little Willow drainage.

There is no trail beyond the Outlaw Cabin but it is a simple matter to follow the drainage east, staying on the left (north) side of the drainage as it begins rising more steeply. Near the top the drainage narrows, rimmed on the east and south by granite cliffs and spires.

Begin veering left and route find your way through the rocks. Soon after you will find yourself on the west wall of the cirque, and the summit of Lone Peak will pop into view for the first time. This is a good spot to note a few landmarks for navigation on the return, since it would be easy to incorrectly begin descending into the drainage immediately to the north, which is the North Fork of Little Willow.

From the west rim of the cirque climb over a short rise, then descend a bit as you route find your way north-east through rocks and low alpine trees. Occasional cairns may be spotted to help guide the way. Regain the ridge which slowly curves east, becoming the summit ridge of Lone Peak. This is another good spot to note a few landmarks for the return hike down.

Follow the summit ridge staying initially on the left (north), then crossing over to the south side of the ridge. The final few hundred feet to the summit involves class 3 scrambling with exposure.

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.

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.

Woodlot @ 9800 S 1900 E from Google Street View

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Description:
This locations consists of 2 separate locations across the street from one another.  The original location was for a woodlot at the corner of 9800 South extending 2 block north along 1900 East on the west side of the road.  The habitat consists of mostly open fields, with a small wetland near the south end.  There are several cottonwoods and other deciduous trees and shrubs sporadically found on the south end.  Near the north end of the lot is a patch of Gambel's Oak.  On the east side of 1900/2000 east (the road curves east here) and slightly north (~100') is Alta Canyon Park which consists of 2 baseball fields, in an overflow basin, with a .4 mile path that follows the perimeter.  There are various ornamental conifer and deciduous trees along the path.  At the northeast corner lays Alta Canyon Sports Center and Pool.  Along the south side is a hill leading to private property that is sparsely covered with sage and other native shrubs.  A small patch of Gambel's Oak sits at the west end.  I combined the 2 locations into one since they are easily birded together, and the better native habitat was at the Woodlot--while the park was a more notable public location.

Birding:
For several years I have pulled over at the Woodlot at 9800 S and 1900 E on my way home form work and listened to what is singing, or just to scan the trees, and fences.  I have never seen a lot of birds here but haven't really taken the time to extensively fell out the trees during migration. This spring I am going to make a better effort. Notably a pair of AMERICAN KESTREL can often be seen perched in the trees, or on the houses, or fences at the woodlot.  Occasionally a RED-TAILED HAWK is also seen here, but far less frequently than the kestrel.  During the winter months keep an eye out for MERLIN which might be seen passing over as most winters there are several in the east Sandy area.  BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE and WESTERN SCRUB-JAY are usually seen as well.  During migration there are probably a few passerine species present.  The park has your typical urban fare with CALIFORNIA QUAIL being heard on the slopes and in surrounding neighborhoods with some frequency.

Directions:
From 9400 South and 2000 East in Sandy, head south along 2000 East/Highland Drive.  After 1 block you can turn left and then a quick right into the parking lot for Alta Canyon Sports Center to park.  From here you have easy access to the park path.  Alternatively you can stay straight on 2000 East as it curves west to the light and turn in to park in the Home Depot parking lot.  From here you can walk south along Highland Drive to the Woodlot.  From either parking location you can reach both birding destinations.

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.

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.

Satellite View of Utah Hill from Google Maps

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Description:
Utah Hill is a pull off along Old Hwy 91 in the Beaver Dam Mountains with mixed Pinyon-Juniper and Gambel's Oak woodlands, dominated by dense understory.  This is one of the last remaining tracts of this habitat accessible in the Beaver Dams.  Many birders consider everything form Lytle Ranch Road north to the north end of the Beaver Dam Mountains along Hwy 91 as "Utah Hill", although the main location is located around the antennae at the summit.

Birding:
Utah Hill has for some time been the go to place during the breeding season for several specialty birds in Utah, most notably BLACK-CHINNED SPARROW and GRAY VIREO.  Other birds typical of juniper and oak habitats are found here as well, including JUNIPER TITMOUSE and WESTERN SCRUB-JAY year round.  BUSHTIT are occasionally recorded here too.  During the summer months it is also possible to pick up SCOTT'S ORIOLE, GREATER ROADRUNNER, BLACK-THROATED GRAY-WARBLER, and CASSIN'S KINGBIRD here.  The location despite its limited habitat type has a list of over 70 species.  Birding can be done right along the sides of Hwy 91 on the north side of the summit.  It can also be done taking the side road to the east here, or the side road a little further north that goes west.

Directions:
From the Corner of Bluff Street and St. George Blvd in St. George go north on Bluff Street for 1.1 mile.  Turn left onto Sunset Blvd and follow through Santa Clara for 4.1 miles.  After passing the Jacob Hamlin Home on the west side of town it is approximately 14.4 miles on Hwy 91 to Utah Hill--the summit of Hwy 91 in the Beaver Dam Mountains.

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.