Sunnyside Park photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Sunnyside Park is a small community park in Sunnyside, just east of East Carbon, with the Book Cliffs bordering town on the east.  The park is made up of a large grassy area bordered on the south by a riparian area and intermittent creek.  South of the riparian area is an overgrown tract including russian olives.  The riparian area is primarily cottonwoods and willow with a dense understory.  The park has scattered tall deciduous trees as well.  There are restrooms in the southeast corner and a large picnic area/pavilion in the middle of the grassy area.  During hte spring and fall, this park should be a bit of a migrant trap in the desert.  A quick stop here is only a minute or two out of the way if driving the loop from US-191 through the Sage Flats, East Carbon WTP, the foothills and junipers, and Horse Canyon Road back to US-191.

Birding:
Another out of the way location that has a lot of potential.  May and September are probably the best time of year here, when migrants heading north or south are looking for places to spend their days.  The large trees and natural funnel of the riverway probably lead to quite a few passerine species using the park.  Various warblers have been recorded here including YELLOW-RUMPED and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER during early spring migration. YELLOW WARBLER are probably found here most of the summer, while YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT are possible.  Any of the typical warbler migrants in Utah probably show up annually.  WESTERN TANAGER, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and LAZULI BUNTING can probably be found as well.  The potential for a big find here is huge given the location, especially in relation to the Book Cliffs during migration.  In the winter months NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL has been observed here.  The habitat looks like it might be good for WESTERN SCREECH-OWL as well.  Given there are only a handful of checklists from here any stop will likely turn up new species for this current list!

Directions:
From the on ramp at Exit 243 in Price, head south on US-191/6 for 13.3 miles. Turn left onto SR-123 and continue 9.7 miles. Take a right on to Valley View Drive/the parking area for the park.

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.

The West Desert from Google Street View

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Description:
Pilot Mountain Road follows the historic west shore of the Lake Boneville and now the Bonneville Salt Flats.  Currently the road is in a vast wasteland with dry lake bed stretching for miles to the east, and shrubsteppe and desert stretching to the west. The long road is miles from any services and can often wreak havoc on tires.  Rattle Snake are a common sight during the heat of the day basking on the road surface--scorpions, and tarantulas can be found under rocks and shrubs, and Pronghorn are occasionally seen grazing near the road.  The main reason for using the road isn't for birding, but to get to Lucin quickly for birding purposes.

Birding:
I didn't create this hot spot till years after my last visit to Lucin.  Although I would love to visit here every spring and fall, there just aren't enough weekends to make it happen.  Driving the road at night or day there will be different things worth seeing.  At night during the spring through fall it is not all that uncommon to see COMMON POORWILL sitting on the road.  SHORT-EARED OWL and BURROWING OWL may also be perched on the roadsides and flush as you pass.  During the day species like WESTERN MEADOWLARK, HORNED LARK, SAGEBRUSH SPARROW, LARK SPARROW, and SAGE THRASHER are found here.  There are actually quite a few more species you might come across so its worth submitting a list if you ever find yourself going to Lucin.

Directions:
From I-80  exit 4 just before you reach Nevada, go north on Leppy Pass Road toward the Bonneville Speedway for 1.9 miles.  Take a slight left to stay on Leppy Pass Road and continue 2.4 miles.  After the pass the road will split at a small building.  Stay to the left here.  The road will loop west out into Nevada before arching back to the east and into Utah.  You will be going 19.5 miles until you reach TL Bar Ranch on your right--the hot spot continues on this road from here for 24 miles to Lucin.  The road is dirt and can be hazardous if you go too fast.  Stay under 40 to avoid any serious issues with your tires, and make sure you have a spare.

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.

Mountain Dell Canyon from Google Street View

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Description:
For 5.2 miles Mountain Dell Canyon follows Clear Creek along SR-65 from Little Dell Reservoir to Big Mountain Pass.  The canyon bottom is a lush riparian habitat dominated by cottonwood and other deciduous trees.  The shrubsteppe and mixed oak covered hillsides line the canyon walls extending up into the hills on both sides.  As you ascend past the Affleck Park Campground about 1/2 way to Big Mountain Pass, the road becomes windier with several switchbacks.  The habitat also changes when large stands of Aspen become a dominant part of the south side of the canyon.  Small patches of coniferous trees dot the landscape, while some cliff habitat joins the scenery on the north side.  There is often some confusion with regards as to what Mountain Dell Canyon actually encompasses.  The area has been referred to as East Canyon, Upper Emigration Canyon, and Mountain Dell Canyon in the past.  Maps show Mountain Dell Canyon starting below Little Dell Reservoir, but don't specifically list a name for the area above the reservoir.  Over time this name has fallen into place, and may or may not be geographically correct.

Birding:
Mountain Dell Canyon is a beautiful short drive on the way to Big Mountain Pass.  The birding isn't phenomenal, but it can be very good.  There are a few very specific species that you will find on almost any trip birding here in the summer months.  Both HERMIT and SWAINSON'S THRUSH can usually be heard at dusk, while YELLOW WARBLER is a common sight.  Both GREEN-TAILED and SPOTTED TOWHEE are expected, and CHIPPING SPARROW are in no short supply.  SONG and FOX SPARROW can usually be turned up while a colorful contingent of species are often encountered including: WESTERN TANAGER, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, LAZULI BUNTING, and AMERICAN GOLDFINCH.  Almost any trip here will produce that list of species, while with a little work you may turn up ORANGE-CROWNED and MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER--and even VIRGINIA'S.  GRAY CATBIRD have been reported, as have AMERICAN DIPPER on the creek. DUSKY FLYCATCHER are occasionally encountered higher up, while RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER might be found in the aspen patches.  The canyon is also particularly good for owling.  FLAMMULATED OWL and NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL can often be found in the summer months with some searching.  GREAT HORNED and LONG-EARED OWL have both been observed as well.  COMMON POORWILL can be heard at night, but are much harder to pick out.  The road is closed from mid-November, usually till about May.  It depends on how much snow is present.  The canyon can often be a popular evening drive so it can be busy in the summer, but usually not too bad.  It is a popular spot for bikers, and at night deer are often on the road coming to water, so be very careful on the windy road.

Directions:
From I-80 exit 134 take SR-65 north for 2.9 miles past Little Dell Reservoir.  Once you pass the reservoir you enter the canyon.  It continues another 5.2 miles till you reach Big Mountain Pass.

The Canyon Course from Google Street View

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Description:
Mountain Dell Golf Course is one of the few northern Utah courses you can go birding at and not have to be golfing.  Now if you were to go golfing there would be more habitat accessible, but you can effectively bird the course edges year round, and actually bird on the course during the winter months.  This 36 hole course sits at 6,000' and is bordered on the west by Mountain Dell Golf Course/  The northern perimeter is formed along Parleys Creek, where a trail on the north side of the creek allows for the best birding opportunities here.  Following the riparian habitat to the south, and a mixed oak and shrubsteppe hillside to the north, eventually the trail leaves the course and meanders to the northeast up a small canyon.  There are a few small ponds on the course, but they aren't much for birds given the nearby reservoir.  The south side borders I-80--while the course is mostly open fairways, the mixed oak woodland is the predominant habitat bordering the holes. There are also some deciduous and coniferous trees mixed in.  In the middle of the course is George Washington Memorial Grove--and the Washington Terrace Picnic Area.  This road is accessible year round and passes through some great habitat.  If you are a golfer, try an early tee time on the mountain course in mid-summer--the birding is spectacular while you golf!

Birding:
I often visit the riparian area along Parley's Creek during the summer months.  It provides a nice easy to bird area, with some great habitat and birds.  Right at SR-65 it is possible to get GRAY CATBIRD, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, and FOX SPARROW alongside the more common YELLOW WARBLER, LAZULI BUNTING, and AMERICAN GOLDFINCH.  On the hillside to the north SPOTTED TOWHEE can usually be heard, while GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE occasionally pop up.  HOUSE WREN are usually hear trilling below, and BELTED KINGFISHER occasionally appear along the creek. More than 50 species have been recorded along this stretch, but these are just the notables.  During the winter months NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL are occasionally reported form the course--and TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE, CASSIN'S FINCH, and other high elevation species might be found along the road to Washington Terrace.  EVENING GROSBEAK flocks have been reported from the course occasionally as well. The walk along the creek is an easy way to bird and get the most out of the area.

Directions:
To get to the course take I-80 Exit 134 for Sr-65 north.  As soon as you exit the freeway there will be a frontage road on the right following the north side of the I-80.  If you turn here you will reach the club house in .7 miles, and the turn off to Washington Terrace on your left in 1.3 miles. To access the riparian area along Parley's Creek, don't turn on the frontage road and instead go .3 miles north on SR-65 till you reach the pull out on the right.

Beryl from Google Street View

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Description:
Beryl is an unincorporated community in Iron County that was originally established as a Union Pacific Railroad siding.  Now it is more of a ghost town.  If you look on Google Maps, it looks like a city was laid out here, with perfectly rectangle blocks for streets--but there is nothing there--just sagebrush, rabbit brush, and greasewood surrounded by desert. The 1 mile by 1 mile grid does have a few birding features, like a small patch of trees in the northeast corner around some old shacks--this is where the water tower is located, and where the road crosses the tracks going north and then west. In the northeast corner of the quadrant is a small compound where someone lives, and there are about 6 or 7 small deciduous trees here as well.  If you were to go north on 800 West you would eventually reach a large farm, with a huge field on the west side of the road, several small fields on the east side of the road, and a ton of trees.  The drive is lined with them for about a 1/4 miles, and the housing area is also surrounded.  This looks like some of the best migrant trap birding i Beryl, but I am not sure who owns it, or how welcome they would be to birders, so tread lightly if you choose to go here.  In general shrubsteppe is the habitat throughout the area aside form the 3 spots mentioned above.  There are other scattered farms for miles in every direction as well.

Birding:
There aren't a lot of reasons to go to Beryl--its dusty, dry and in the middle of nowhere.  There is potentially some migrant trap possibilities here but it would be a long way out here, if there were no migrants.  Some of the breeders here are good local birds though.  SAGEBRUSH SPARROW is notably common at this locations, while BLACK-THROATED, LARK, and BREWER'S SPARROW are also found. SAGE THRASHER, WESTERN KINGBIRD, SAY'S PHOEBE, and WESTERN MEADOWLARK are also expected.  COMMON POORWILL and BURROWING OWL have been reported, while the most abundant species present is HORNED LARK.  Judging the checklists that have been submitted I am guessing that lists have been submitted from nearby juniper habitat, far from Beryl, as some of the species are directly associated with that habitat, and not the habitat found in Beryl.

Directions:
From I-15 Exit 59 in Cedar City head west on SR-56 for 35.3 miles to Beryl Junction. Turn right and go north 11.9 miles on the Beryl Highway.  At this point you are in the southeast corner of a 1 mile by 1 mile set of streets for what was Beryl.  There is nothing there currently. If you continue a mile north you will hit a crossroad.  Here if you turn left then immediately right over the tracks you will end up on 10400 north and can drive about a mile west to take a right on 800 west and head north to a farm along a tree lined drive.  Otherwise, where every you drive in the area, it is all considered Beryl.

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.

The Big Fill from Bing Birds Eye View

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Description:
The Big Fill was an engineering project on the First Transcontinental Railroad now located in Golden Spike NHS. To avoid a costly 800 feet tunnel through mountainous terrain east of Promontory Summit, Central Pacific engineers mapped an alternate route that still needed to span a deep ravine. In February 1869, the construction firm of Benson, Farr, & West began construction on a raised bed across the ravine. Over two months, 500 workers hauled more than 10,000 cubic yards of material to build the rail bed. At its extent, the fill extended for 500 feet and up to a depth of 70 feet. A walking trail allows visitors to see the Big Fill via an easy hike.  The habitat is mostly shrubsteppe set in a rocky canyon/ravine.

Birding:
The Big Fill doesn't get a lot of birders.  As mentioned on the Golden Spike NHS birding page, most birding is centered around the visitors center and the west grade loop.  But a hot spot was created for this specific location which is small and has a very distinct habitat. ROCK WREN are a staple here, and the habitat probably is suitable for CANYON WREN.  CHUKAR can be found on the slopes while BURROWING OWL are known to nest here.  Other species typical of the area year round include GOLDEN EAGLE, PRAIRIE FALCON, WESTERN MEADOWLARK, and COMMON RAVEN.  In the summer months look for LARK SPARROW and SAGE THRASHER here as well.  The bird list is small, but its super easy to make a quick stop here on your way into or out of the park.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 365 head west on UT-13 for 2.5 miles to Corinne.  Continue straight onto UT-83 for another 17.4 miles. Turn left following signs onto 7200 North for 2 miles.  Follow the slight right as the road turns into 18400 West/Golden Spike Drive for 1.6 miles till you reach the fill on your right.

Golden Spike photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Golden Spike is a U.S. National Historic Site located at Promontory Summit, north of the Great Salt Lake that  encompasses 2,735 acres.  It commemorates the completion of the first Transcontinental Railroad where the Central Pacific Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad met on May 10, 1869. The final joining of the rails spanning the continent was signified by the driving of the ceremonial Golden Spike.  The park is a fee area and a 7 day pass in the summer is $7 while it costs $5 in the winter.  The park opens at 9:00am daily.

Birding:
Golden Spike mostly gets birders passing through to other nearby sites.  The species list of over 100 is a little confusing given the range of habitat in the site.  I would guess some of the additional waterbirds that have been reported weren't actually from within the park limits--possibly from nearby Blue Creek which has recently been added as a hot spot. There does appear to be some water along the west grade though, so this might be where some of the water birds are being reported.  There are several tour routes one can drive through the area which consists mostly of shrubsteppe, grasslands, farms, and some rocky out croppings.  In general this is the extent of the habitat here.  My birding exploits here have only taken me to the area around the visitor center, the Big Fill, and the East Grade Auto Tour Loop--so I can't lend a ton of info.  Three specialty game birds are located in the park limits though with SHARP-TAILED GROUSE, GRAY PARTRIDGE, and CHUKAR all possible.  A Sharp-tailed Grouse lek location was recently shared about a mile southwest of the visitor center on the north side of the road and can be scoped from the road here.  Other birds typical of the area year round include NORTHERN HARRIER, GOLDEN EAGLE, HORNED LARK, and WESTERN MEADOWLARK.  In the summer SAGE THRASHER, BREWER'S and LARK SPARROW, BURROWING OWL, and WESTERN KINGBIRD are a common sight.  SHORT-EARED and BARN OWL are found year round with a little luck as well.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 365 head west on UT-13 for 2.5 miles to Corinne.  Continue straight onto UT-83 for another 17.4 miles. Turn left following signs onto 7200 North for 2 miles.  Follow the slight right as the road turns into 18400 West/Golden Spike Drive for 4.6 miles. Turn left here and go south for 1.1 miles passing the welcome sign for the park to the Visitor's Center on your right.

Sunset at Highland Glen photo by Jeff Cooper

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Description:
Highland Glen is a community park situated between North County Boulevard (4800 W) and Alpine Highway (Hwy 74) in the city of Highland (Utah County). The park's main feature is a pond that is maintained as an urban fishery by the Division of Wildlife Resources. Paved walking trails allow visitors to stroll through the entire park and several habits. A creek called the American Fork River along the west side of the park provides riparian habitat.  A small grove of mostly scrub oak on the northeast corner of the pond and a mix of trees and shrubs on the south end of the pond and park invite a wide range of bird species. Agricultural fields border the east and southeast edge of the park.

Birding:
The peak birding season for the park is during spring migration when waterfowl gather on the pond and hummingbirds, warblers, tanagers, flycatchers, and grosbeaks pass through and breed in the park. Common migrants during spring and often during fall migration include a variety of flycatchers, CASSIN'S, PLUMBEOUS, AND WARBLING VIREOS along with an array of warblers including ORANGE-CROWNED, NASHVILLE, MACGILLIVRAY'S, YELLOW, BLACK-THROATED GRAY, and WILSON'S.

Some of the breeders in the park are MALLARD, CALIFORNIA QUAIL, MOURNING DOVE, BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD, NORTHERN FLICKER, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, SPOTTED TOWHEE, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK. 

The agricultural fields east of the park are home to WESTERN MEADOWLARK year round. CASPIAN TERNS and OSPREY are commonly seen hunting over the pond during the spring and summer months. The songs and appearances of LAZULI BUNTINGS add color to the park during the summer. SPOTTED SANDPIPERS can be seen making their twitchy, low-level flights from one side of the pond to the other when park visitors draw near as they enjoy their summer strolls around the pond.

The park is relatively quiet from a birding perspective during winter months, but those who are attentive may discover the winter roost of a WESTERN SCREECH-OWL if they scope out holes in the larger deciduous trees in the park.  SHARP-SHINNED and COOPER'S HAWKS regularly hunt for the year-round residents during early morning hours in the park. The pond often presents open water during winter months where less common WOOD DUCKS and RED-BREASTED and COMMON MERGANSERS may be found. The agricultural fields south of the east entrance to the park welcome large flocks of CANADA GEESE which have included CACKLING and white geese. HORNED LARKS are also regularly seen alternatively foraging and taking short flights in the same fields during the winter.

Directions:
The park can be accessed from the east and the west sides. Take W Cedar Hills Drive heading west from North County Boulevard (N 4800 W) to enter from the east side of the Park. Lone Peak High School will be on your right just before you drop down into the park. Go left through the small roundabout and drive down into the park.  You can also enter the park from Alpine Highway (Hwy 74) by turning east on 10130 N and parking in the lot at the west entrance to the park.

Bell Canyon Gulley from Google Street View

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Description:
Bell Canyon Gulley is a small gulley that follows the course of Big Willow Creek as it winds its between neighborhoods toward Hidden Valley Golf Course. Sloping hills on either side of the creek create different habitat from the riparian section below. The upper slopes mostly consist of tall grass, but there are also fairly large patches of gambel's oak and sagebrush as well. Trails run through all these areas as well as paths that follow the creek. The gulley is mostly dry except for during runoff and following rains. Tall cottonwoods cover the sides of the creek with some thickets mixed in as well. Dog walkers can occasionally be seen on the trails here but for the most part this location receives little traffic.

Birding:
Birding is likely most productive here on both spring and fall migration as migrants would be attracted to the fairly unique habitat for the area. WESTERN TANAGER, GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE, WARBLING VIREO, LINCOLN'S SPARROW, GRAY and DUSKY FLYCATCHER  have all been seen on migration here. All 4 regularly occurring Utah HUMMINGBIRD species (CALLIOPE, RUFOUS, BROAD-TAILED, and BLACK-CHINNED) have been observed as well, the latter likely resident throughout the summer. CALIFORNIA QUAIL, SPOTTED TOWHEE, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, and COOPER'S HAWK can be seen year-round in addition to other expected species in the area. Raptors such as AMERICAN KESTREL, and RED-TAILED HAWK, as well as GREAT HORNED and WESTERN SCREECH-OWLS have also been seen. Breeders here include species such as BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, YELLOW WARBLER, and LAZULI BUNTING.

Directions:
From I-15, take exit 292 for 11400 S and proceed east for about 3 miles. Make a right on to 1700 E and head south for .25 miles. Make a left onto Wasatch Boulevard and continue east for .5 miles. Parking is available on the north side of the road in a large dirt lot across from highland drive. To access the gulley from here, walk down the large dirt area between neighborhoods to the trails.

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.

Salt Lake County Side from Google Photo Sphere

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Description:
Big Mountain Pass is located on the Salt Lake and Morgan County lines along SR-65.  At 7,420' it sits right in a belt where numerous habitats meet.  Among Utahns it is known for two things. It is on the original route of the Mormon pioneers who crossed it in 1847 on their way to the Salt Lake Valley; and it is a great place to watch the sunset over a sliver of Salt Lake visible from the area.  Where the highway tops out there is a large gravel parking area on the south side of the road.  The Great Western Trail coming from the north crosses the road here, and continues to southeast from the east side of the parking area.  There are restrooms and several benches here.  Aside from the trail heading southeast, there is also one that follows the southwest slope down into Mountain Dell Canyon, and another going northeast into Upper East Canyon.  Down the west side and on the hills to the north the habitat is generally mixed oak woodland; some aspen and conifer can be found as well.  To the south and southwest is a huge patch of aspen that stretches for miles both directions. On the northeast and east sides are mid elevation coniferous forest.  Some willow and riparian like habitat exists here minimally.  There is also shrubsteppe on the west slope leading down the canyon.  The county line splits the parking area in half and is marked along the road.  For a while this was one spot but in order to accurately split the data there are not spots on both side of the county line--this matters because generally you are birding on one side or the other.  The details for the the Salt Lake County side are below--the MorganCounty birding information can be found here.

Birding:
Big Mountain is one of my favorite birding locations in Salt Lake County.  The birding on the way up, while there and down the other side into East Canyon makes for a great span of habitats and locations and although nothing terribly out of the common really shows up here, the resident breeding birds are easy gets on almost any trip.  Form mid May through July early in the day or in the evening SWAINSON'S and HERMIT THRUSH can both be heard singing in the woods here.  WESTERN TANAGER, LAZULI BUNTING, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK add some bright color to the trees.  MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD are often heard calling overhead, or seen on the north side of the road.  HOUSE WREN chatter is a constant, while DUSKY FLYCATCHER can usually be found calling in the woods.  MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER can be found in the dense thickets on the slopes here.  Both GREEN-TAILED and SPOTTED TOWHEE are present at the pass as well. Overhead VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW are usually seen as well.  Hiking the trails into the hills you can access other habitat and species typical of the conifer.  Both species of KINGLET, AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER, PINE GROSBEAK, and STELLER'S JAY have all been observed.  The pass is often used for owling and 5 species have been found between both sides of the pass.  FLAMMULATED OWL is a common breeder here, while NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL is occasionally found.  NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL show up from time to time, and are encountered more often south of here on the Great Western Trail.  Finally, COMMON POORWILL can usually be heard on the west slopes here after dark.  The pass can be a busy location with city slickers coming up for a quick drive away from the city; bikers taking a break; or various other people that show up here.  I like to hike the trails even just a few hundred yards to get away from the pass if there are people around. Most of the birds mentioned above are easy get on any trip here.

Directions:
From I-80 exit 134 in Parley's Canyon head north onto SR-65 and follow this 8.2 miles past Mountain Dell and Little Dell Reservoir through Mountain Dell Canyon.  The road switchbacks and has a couple sharp turns before eventually reaching the pass with a parking area on your right.

Morgan County Side from Google Street View

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Description:
Big Mountain Pass is located on the Salt Lake and Morgan County lines along SR-65.  At 7,420' it sits right in a belt where numerous habitats meet.  Among Utahns it is known for two things. It is on the original route of the Mormon pioneers who crossed it in 1847 on their way to the Salt Lake Valley; and it is a great place to watch the sunset over a sliver of Salt Lake visible from the area.  Where the highway tops out there is a large gravel parking area on the south side of the road.  The Great Western Trail coming from the north crosses the road here, and continues to southeast from the east side of the parking area.  There are restrooms and several benches here.  Aside from the trail heading southeast, there is also one that follows the southwest slope down into Mountain Dell Canyon, and another going northeast into Upper East Canyon.  Down the west side and on the hills to the north the habitat is generally mixed oak woodland; some aspen and conifer can be found as well.  To the south and southwest is a huge patch of aspen that stretches for miles both directions. On the northeast and east sides are mid elevation coniferous forest.  Some willow and riparian like habitat exists here minimally.  There is also shrubsteppe on the west slope leading down the canyon.  The county line splits the parking area in half and is marked along the road.  For a while this was one spot but in order to accurately split the data there are not spots on both side of the county line--this matters because generally you are birding on one side or the other.  The details for the the Morgan County side are below--the Salt Lake County birding information can be found here.

Birding:
Big Mountain is one of my favorite birding locations in Morgan County.  The birding on the way up, while there and down the other side into East Canyon makes for a great span of habitats and locations and although nothing terribly out of the common really shows up here, the resident breeding birds are easy gets on almost any trip.  Form mid May through July early in the day or in the evening SWAINSON'S and HERMIT THRUSH can both be heard singing in the woods here.  WESTERN TANAGER, LAZULI BUNTING, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK add some bright color to the trees.  MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD are often heard calling overhead, or seen on the north side of the road.  HOUSE WREN chatter is a constant, while DUSKY FLYCATCHER can usually be found calling in the woods.  MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER can be found in the dense thickets on the slopes here.  Both GREEN-TAILED and SPOTTED TOWHEE are present at the pass as well. Overhead VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW are usually seen as well.  Hiking the trails into the hills you can access other habitat and species typical of the conifer.  From the east/northeast side of the parking lot I like to stand and listen and watch down the gulley here.  I will also often head up the Great Western Trail going southeast.  100 yards up the trail you are in forest away form the parking area noise.  At the radio tower here is a great spot to look for most of the species mentioned above as well.  RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER are often in the trees here, while WARBLING VIREO make a racked in the woods. At night FLAMMULATED, LONG-EARED, and NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL have been heard here.

Directions:
From I-80 exit 134 in Parley's Canyon head north onto SR-65 and follow this 8.2 miles past Mountain Dell and Little Dell Reservoir through Mountain Dell Canyon.  The road switchbacks and has a couple sharp turns before eventually reaching the pass with a parking area on your right.

Kuhni Wetlands from Google Street View

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Description:
The Kuhni Wetlands is an interesting little hot spot, tucked away just south of the East Bay golf course. These wetlands were preserved as mitigation property during the construction of the Provo airport. At one point this area was at least somewhat open for visits and field trips as evidenced by the now cracked concrete remnants of a parking lot and a fallen wooden sign welcoming visitors. It consists of a decent-sized wooded area surrounded by swamps and some open waters. To access, one should park outside the metal gate and walk around to explore. Be cognizant as the area has become overrun in recent years with indigent people and you should only proceed with caution to explore any areas beyond the gates.

Birding:
All the standard swamp species are well represented here during the breeding season. You'll hear a chorus of MARSH WRENS, and COMMON YELLOWTHROATS interrupted by the shrill cries of  SORAS and the "laughter" of VIRGINIA RAILS. During spring and fall migrations the area acts as a solid passerine trap, likely drawn to the towering Cottonwoods. WARBLERS, VIREOS & SPARROWS abound. Every time I go here I am usually the only one there and I almost always find something interesting. I'll always remember my close encounters with GREAT HORNED, WESTERN SCREECH & LONG-EARED OWLS. The water appears to be a natural spring that doesn't freeze in winter along with many of the waters around East Bay and hosts RING-NECKED DUCKS and AMERICAN WIGEON. The occasional EURASIAN WIGEON has been seen mixed in as well. Flocks of COMMON GRACKLES have visited Kuhni Wetlands in October. I highly recommend if you're in the area you explore Kuhni and the nearby East Bay golf course ponds.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 263 in Provo head east on 1860 South for .6 miles.  Turn right onto E 1910 South and follow this .2 miles.  The road curves right here and continues due south another .6 miles.  You can park here and walk to the west down the dike/closed road and Kuhni is to your south.  TO bird on the property drive another .2 miles south.  Turn right and park outside the gate here.

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.

Antelope Island from the South from Google Street View

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Description:
This hot spot location is a little confusing as it appears quite a few people use it for checklists anywhere south of the loop road and White Rock Bay.  Although technically the Road to Garr Ranch and the actual ranch are on the south part of the island, the hot spot was created technically to list birds south of Garr Ranch. But others, also use it in the mountains, and on the trails in the back country of the island.  It may be worth splitting this location into "South of Garr Ranch" as well as "Backcountry" to be more specific and clean things up.  The habitat in these 2 areas is very different.  South of the ranch the habitat mirrors that of the road to Garr Ranch where primarily grasslands and mixed shrubsteppe make up the majority of the habitat.  Some riparian habitat around springs is present, while the dry lake bed is visible from the island.  The backcountry differs in that near the mountain range base it includes the above mentioned habitats, but is primarily more canyon based, with some mixed oak woodlands in the canyons  Several springs in the back country actually create quite impressive riparian habitats in said canyons.  The backcountry generally follows a spine down the west side of the island but is more centrally based and doesn't really reach the real south end.

Birding:
For the past few years Steve and Cindy Sommerfeld have conducted a monthly bird survey and a good portion of it has focused on south of Garr Ranch creating a great list of at least 100 species occurring there.  Unfortunately for most birders the area is hard to access, or closed all together. For right now I will be leaving this open to add details later.

Directions:
In Layton, take I-15 exit 332 west bound onto Antelope Drive for about 7 miles to the entrance station to the park.  After paying an entrance fee continue about 6 miles across the causeway to the island. At the sign where the road splits stay left and continue up the hill till you see the turn off on your left to Garr Ranch.  Turn left and follow this road 10.6 miles.  The road ends here at parking areas for Garr Ranch on your left, and for some of the back country trails to the south on your right.

Park HQ and Corrals from Bing Birds Eye View

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Description:
White Rock Bay is a campground on the north end of Antelope Island.  The exposed land here is predominantly grassland with mixed shrubsteppe.  Shoreline is also visible from here.  The Buffalo Corrals are used for the annual Buffalo Roundup and are located just behind the park offices.  The habitat here is like a "farm" given the corrals, stables, etc.  There is also a hay barn.  The surrounding habitat is predominantly grassland and shrubsteppe..  The area is generally open year round, although a gate to the corral area is occasionally locked.  Lots of visitors make their way here year round thinking they will see Buffalo.  You do occasionally see them along the road here, but they are only in the corrals during the roundup.

Birding:
Birding wise there are a couple birds found here that draw birders.  Namely both BARN OWL and GREAT HORNED OWL nest in the hay barn near the corrals.  Please if you go to see these birds DO NOT GO IN TO THE BARN!  Stay on the perimeter viewing form your vehicle, or as far out as you can to give the birds space.  They have been using this site for years and have grown accustomed to visitors, so please respect the space and keep this a reliable spot for these species for years to come.  SAY'S PHOEBE are often seen here during the warmer months along with SAGE THRASHER, BREWER'S SPARROW, and LARK SPARROW.  HORNED LARK can be found year round along with WESTERN MEADOWLARK.  The most notable sighting in the area was from April 2013 when a pair of MOUNTAIN PLOVER showed up near the campground for 2 days. Just going to show you never know what might turn up, even in the most likely of places.

Directions:
In Layton, take I-15 exit 332 west bound onto Antelope Drive for about 7 miles to the entrance station to the park.  After paying an entrance fee continue about 6 miles across the causeway to the island. At the sign where the road splits stay left and continue south for 1.6 miles till you reach a turn off on your left to the White Rock Bay.  Turn here and continue straight.  There will be a turn to your right after about 100'--this goes to the campground.  If you want to go to the corrals don't turn and instead continue straight till you reach the park offices.  Continue around the south side of the offices following the road.  It will hit a fence after about 150 yards.  To the left are the corrals, and a small dirt road to the right leads to the barn.