Grove Creek Canyon from Google Street View

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Description:
Grove Creek Canyon is located at the extreme east end of 500 North in Pleasant Grove (Utah County).  Scrub oak, rabbit brush, sagebrush, and thickets of squawbush make up most of the habitat at the mouth of the canyon.


Birding:
The mix of bird species at Grove Creek Canyon changes with each season. Spring and summer are, by far, the most productive seasons for birding the canyon. Common spring and summer species include COOPER'S HAWK, WHITE-THROATED SWIFT, BLACK-CHINNED and BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD, a variety of FLYCATCHERS and VIREOS, HOUSE WREN, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, WARBLERS, CHIPPING SPARROW, WESTERN TANAGER, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and LAZULI BUNTING.  COMMON POORWILL are often heard singing right at and just after dusk during summer evenings. Fall brings migrant raptors and feisty RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS as they make their southward migration.  Winter can be slow in the canyon, but ROSY FINCHes are sometimes seen moving in flocks along the hillsides and above the canyon.

Some of the year round species include NORTHERN FLICKER, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, SPOTTED TOWHEE, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, AMERICAN KESTREL, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE and GOLDEN EAGLES which are regularly seen soaring above the canyon and its surrounding peaks.

Directions:
If driving south on I-15 from Salt Lake County take SR 92 (Timpanogos Highway) east to the mouth of American Fork Canyon and turn south on North Canyon Road. Follow this road south into Pleasant Grove and turn left (east) at 500 North. Follow 500 North all the way to the parking lot at the mouth of Grove Creek Canyon.  Alternatively, from State Street in Pleasant Grove head north on Canyon Road. Turn right (east) at 500 North and follow the road to the parking lot at the mouth of the canyon.

Battle Creek Canyon from Google Street View

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Description:
Battle Creek Canyon is located at the extreme east end of 200 South in Pleasant Grove (Utah County). The parking area at the mouth of the canyon is a mix of dirt and gravel. Dirt trails lead from the parking area in several directions. Crossing the foot bridge to the north, over a stream bed, leads to a small park and pavilion called Kiwanis Park. The trail straight east from the lot goes into the canyon. This trail will lead you to a nice waterfall that is about 40' high and a little less than a mile from the trail head. It is a great hike for families and small children as it follows the stream up the canyon to the waterfall with slight elevation gain. Additional trails go south from the parking lot and are primarily used by hikers and cyclists. Scrub Oak is prominent with a mix of maple and other trees.


Birding:
The mix of bird species at Battle Creek Canyon changes with each season.  Common spring and summer species include COOPER'S HAWK, WHITE-THROATED SWIFT, BLACK-CHINNED and BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD, a variety of FLYCATCHERS and VIREOS, HOUSE WREN, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, WARBLERS, CHIPPING SPARROW, WESTERN TANAGER, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and LAZULI BUNTING.  COMMON POORWILL are often heard singing right at and just after dusk during summer evenings.

Fall brings migrant raptors and feisty RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS as they make their southward migration.

Winter can be slow here, but some specialty birds can be found.  The faint, high-pitched calls of BROWN CREEPER are often heard as they forage along the trunk and main branches of the mature trees around the pavilion. ROSY FINCH are sometimes seen moving in flocks along the hillsides and above the canyon.  WESTERN SCREECH and NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL inhabit the trees at the mouth of the canyon and along the foothills during winter as well. The Saw-whets are pushed down from their preferred habitat during hard winters.

Some of the year round species include CHUKAR on the hillsides, CALIFORNIA QUAIL, NORTHERN FLICKER, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, SPOTTED TOWHEE, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, AMERICAN KESTREL, GREAT HORNED OWL and GOLDEN EAGLES which are regularly seen soaring above the canyon and its surrounding peaks.

Directions:
If driving south on I-15 from Salt Lake County take SR 92 (Timpanogos Highway) east to the mouth of American Fork Canyon and turn south on North Canyon Road. Follow this road south into Pleasant Grove and turn left (east) at 200 South. Follow 200 South all the way to the parking lot at the mouth of Battle Creek Canyon.  Alternatively, from State Street in Pleasant Grove head north on Canyon Road. Turn right (east) at 200 South and follow the road to the parking lot at the mouth of the canyon.

Comb Wash photo by Google Maps User

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Description:
Comb Wash is a valley in southeastern Utah that runs from Elk Ridge in the north approximately 35 miles to the south, where it merges with the San Juan River at an elevation of about 4200'. The eastern edge of the wash forms steep cliffs of Navajo Sandstone, rising in places to 1000' above the valley floor. On the western edge of Comb Wash is a series of canyons draining Cedar Mesa. To the north is Arch Canyon, which has Texas Canyon as an upper tributary. In the central section are Mule Canyon, Dry Wash, and the combined outlet of Fish and Owl Canyons. To the south are McCloyd's Canyon (containing the Moon House ruin) and Road Canyon. Scattered throughout these canyons are cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans.  State Route 95 crosses the northern part of Comb Wash, while U.S. Route 163 crosses further south. Running along the wash is a primitive road, often impassable after floods. Nearby are the Natural Bridges National Monument, the Grand Gulch Primitive Area, the Valley of the Gods scenic area, and Goosenecks State Park.   Tha habitat in the wash bottoms is desert riparian dominated by Fremont Cottonwood and and understory of willows.  Shrubsteppe borders the floodplain which leads to some juniper woodlands and then the cliffs.

Birding:
Comb Wash is another area that could be considered the Beaver Dam Wash of southeast Utah.  It's remote, and few birders go there, so the species list is still relatively small.  But the potential for major rarities during migration seems high.  The desert habitat makes the tree line in the wash a bit of a migrant trap, and the whole area somewhat of a migrant highway. Birders that have visited generally are between April and October when the tourist season is at its height here.  If you are passing between Natural Bridges and parts east you pass through the wash so its worth even a quick stop. As with most riparian strips in southeast Utah this is a good and reliable location for LUCY'S WARBLER. Two other warblers are also rather common with YELLOW WARBLER and YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT being found on most summer visits.  BLACK-THROATED SPARROW inhabit the river bottom here and can often be heard singing along the road.  BLUE GROSBEAK and LAZULI BUNTING can both be found usually, and I suspect there might be localized Indigo Buntings here given their prevalence at such sites in southern Utah.  Other common breeders include: BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, PLUMBEOUS VIREO, and ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER.  ROCK, CANYON, and BEWICK'S WREN are all found here year round.  Occasionally things like BUSHTIT, PINYON JAY, and CASSIN'S KIGBIRD are reported. Fall migration definitely brings migrants through with early to mid September looking like a real good time to visit.  Some migrants recorded here include: ORANGE-CROWNED, MACGILLIVRAY'S, and WILSON'S WARBLER; BREWER'S, VESPER, LINCOLN'S, and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW; WESTERN TANAGER and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK.  During the summer at night you can find COMMON POORWILL, and possibly COMMON NIGHTHAWK which are occasionally seen during migration.  WESTERN SCREECH-OWL are year round residents of the wash as well.  I like birding south of the highway where some very thick patches of cottonwood can be found.  There are also great sites to the north though.  You could spend days here and not cover all the great spots as there is lots to discover.  Birding can be done form the road, or by walking int he river bed; or a combination of both.  The road can become impassable after flash floods, so keep that in mind when visiting.

Directions:
From the intersection of Center and Main Streets in Blanding head south on Main Street for 4 miles.  Turn right onto SR-95 and go 14.1 miles dropping into the wash.  Here you can turn left and follow a dirt road south through the wash.  Alternatively you can continue .1 mile west then turn right and take a dirt road north in the wash.

Springs Park from Google Street View

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Description:
Seegmiller Marsh is a large wetland complex on the Virgin River that is mostly private property.  The south side of the marsh is adjacent to Springs Estate Park and Pond--and 8 acre public park.  Most birders access just Springs Park, but some birding can be done along the north edge at the marsh.  The large pond at the park is the main attraction, and is surrounded by mostly salt cedar, but some other desert scrub as well.  A paved walkway goes all the way around.  A small dirt wash on the north side leads to the marsh which has several access views at the edge of the tamarisk.  Typical wetland habitat in the marshes here make for a great wild habitat.   Future improvements include trail connection to the regional trail system via the Virgin River Trail South Trail.

Birding:
Most birders are unfamiliar with Seegmiller Marsh, but if you mention Springs Park, Springs Pond, or Springs Estate most birders who have been to St. George know what you're talking about.  No visit to the south is complete without at least one stop here most of the year--although summer months are brutally hot, there are still some birds you can see easily here.  Speaking specifically about the pond, during the winter months waterfowl from the north can be found here, with overwintering geese often present.  SNOW GOOSE can be found here most winters, while ROSS'S and CACKLING have also been recorded.  MUTE SWAN are usually found here, but the free flying swans do move around a bit.  Diving Ducks including RING-NECKED DUCK are regulars, while CANVASBACK, HOODED MERGANSER, and GREATER SCAUP show up less frequently.  Year round with some looking you might be able to track down an ABERT'S TOWHEE or CRISSAL THRASHER.  GREEN HERON are resident as well but detected far less.  In the spring, fall, and summer, LESSER NIGHTHAWK are often seen flying over in the evening. The marsh side brings a whole other level of birds with a great riparian habitat that can attract various passerine species.  WILLOW FLYCATCHER, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, and BLUE GROSBEAK can all be found here during the breeding season.  COMMON GALLINULE can often be heard here at night, and for years this was the go to place in Utah to find this species.  BARN, BURROWING, and GREAT HORNED OWL have all been reported from here, while SAY'S and BLACK PHOEBE are easy finds year round.  This unassuming park is essentially one of the best urban birding sites in St. George, and very easy to bird whether you have 15 minutes or a few hours.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 8/St. George Blvd go east to River Road just off the freeway. Turn right and head south for 1.8 miles across the Virgin River.  At the light, turn left and continue on 1450 South for 1.1 mile. Turn left onto Springs Drive for .2 miles.  The park will be on your left; turn in here and park.

Thanks to Suzi Holt for contributing on this location submission.

Looking up Dalton Wash Road from Google Street View

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Description:
Dalton Wash Road is a small dirt road that passes through Dalton Wash--a mix of red rock "canyon", dry desert slopes, juniper woodlands, and arid shrubland.  Most birding occurs on the first 1.5 miles of road before the wash levels out on top of a plateau.

Birding:
Dalton Wash has really only popped onto the map for birders in the past few years; most notably for the ease of finding the resident RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW.  This location has been one of the most consistent locations for finding this species which inhabits similar habitat across the southwest corner of Utah.  Arriving early in the morning in the spring and listening for the sparrow is the best way to find it. Driving the road and stopping every 1/2 mile to listen should provide good opportunities to find it.  You will also likely encounter other specialty sparrow species like BLACK-THROATED SPARROW, and if you're lucky BLACK-CHINNED SPARROW.  These 3 desert specialties at one location makes this a truly unique area.  You will also hear plenty of ROCK and CANYON WRENS singing form the hillsides. Various other species are present during the winter and migration.  The hot summers really limit what can be found in this arid hot spot. Nocturnal birding here has turned up a few goodies as well, with LONG-EARED, GREAT HORNED, and WESTERN SCREECH-OWL all being found.  COMMON POORWILL are commonly heard in the dark and occasionally GREATER ROADRUNNER as well. When heading from St. George to Zion National Park, this quick stop is well worth it--just make sure you get there early before things warm up for the day!

Directions:
From the U.S. Post Office in Virgin, go east on SR-9 for 1.4 miles till your reach the turn off to Dalton Wash Road on your left. Turn here and you are in the wash.

East Canyon from Google Street View

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Description:
The upper section of East Canyon runs from East Canyon Reservoir along SR-65 up to Big Mountain Pass at the Salt Lake County line.  The canyon is primarily mixed conifer and aspen forest but also contains riparian habitat, and mixed oak habitat. The main canyon portion is about 5.5 miles in length form the pass down, before opening up into a valley above the reservoir.

Birding:
Upper East Canyon is most notably popular for nocturnal birding and the breeding population of FLAMMULATED OWL that are very common here from May to August.  These birds can be found through the entire length of the upper section and are usually associated with the aspen habitat, or areas where the aspen mixes with conifer or oak.  NORTHERN SAW-WHET, NORTHERN PYGMY, LONG-EARED, and GREAT HORNED OWLS have all been recorded here as well.  Both COMMON NIGHTHAWK and COMMON POORWILL are found here with some frequency as well.  During late summer in July and August, the hummingbird feeders at Hatcreek Outfitters at the mouth of Drouby Canyon (near MM 10) are very active and all 4 of Utah's northern hummers can be found including RUFOUS and CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRDS.  If you want to view the feeders ask permission and please respect the rights of the property owners.  Bret Heiner owns Hatcreek and has been very accommodating to birders in the past--I suggest donating a bag of sugar, or leaving a tip if you take advantage of the great opportunity his property provides.  The habitat in the canyon is like elsewhere along the Wasatch Front, so the birds are similar.  DUSKY FLYCATCHER, HOUSE WREN, MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD, VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW, WESTERN TANAGER, CHIPPING SPARROW, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER and RUFFED GROUSE are all seen here regularly as well.

Directions:
From I-80 take exit 134 north on to SR-65 towards East Canyon.  Follow this road over Big Mountain Pass.  From Big Mountain Pass you drop into Upper East Canyon.

Jeremy Ranch Road photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Jeremy Ranch Road is a dirt road connecting SR-65 just above East Canyon Reservoir, to Jeremy Ranch on the south end and I-80.  The road follows East Canyon Creek and provides riparian habitat along with agriculture, shrubsteppe, and Gambel's Oak woodlands.  The Morgan County portion on the north end is covered here, while the southern portion in Summit County has its own page here.

Birding:
Jeremy Ranch Road is often used as a shortcut to East Canyon from Park City, as well as a side trial for birding in East Canyon.  The riparian habitat near SR-65 is great for YELLOW WARBLER, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD, and  HOUSE WREN .  There are often AMERICAN DIPPER found here near the bridge on the left after the parking area.  Dipper can be found along the entire stretch.  Some of the specialty species found here include SWAINSON'S THRUSH, often heard singing near SR-65; FOX SPARROW on the hillsides along the creek; GRAY CATBIRD and YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT along the creek; and COMMON NIGHTHAWK at dusk over the fields and riparian tracts.  The most notable sightings include BULLOCK'S ORIOLE which can be difficult to get--and an early June record of TENNESSEE WARBLER.  Birding is best between May and September, especially walking the north end of the road along the creek.  If you head south along the road you will eventually reach the Jeremy Ranch Road -- Summit County hot spot.

Directions:
From I-80 take exit 134 north on to SR-65 towards East Canyon.  Follow this road over Big Mountain Pass into Upper East Canyon, for 13.6 miles.  As you come out of the canyon there will be a dirt road on your right.  Take this and you are on Jeremy Ranch Road--you can park at a round turnout on the right after a hundred feet. Alternately if you come from Jeremy Ranch Road -- Summit County, you will eventually reach Morgan county coming from the south.