Central Lehi Fields from Google Street View

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Description:
The Central Lehi fields are everything west of the Jordan River to Redwood Road between 2100 North and Lehi Main Street on the south end.  Typically birding is confined to 3600 West form the north till you reach the go leg mid way and the road turns into 400 East until it hits Main Street.  Allred's Pond is found along the southern portion of the road while the North Lehi Fields are located on the north side of 2100 North.  The area is predominantly farm land, with several mink and hog farms as well.  At the dog leg there are two patches of trees, one running north-south, the other east-west where songbirds, and migrants can be found.  The fields here are often flooded in the spring creating a great wet habitat for the birds.  The biggest down side to this area is that the road can be busy and it is really narrow making it dangerous at times--and the smell is often unbearable because of the farms.

Birding:
I have definitely submitted about 90% of the checklists for this location as I pass from the North Lehi Fields to Powell Lake or back.  The irony is the birding here is good enough to make it worthy of its own hot spot.  I've really only birded here in the early spring through May, and then a couple times in the early winter.  During the spring and winter there are often huge flocks of CALIFORNIA GULLS that have RING-BILLED mixed in.  The Ring-billed number drop dramatically as spring wear on and they are replaced by hundred of FRANKLIN'S GULLS in mid April through May.  On a couple occasions in April I have have BONAPARTE'S GULLS flyover here headed north.  The only other odd gull I have found is a HERRING GULL mixed in once.  Other off flybys include a flock of FORSTER'S TERNS likely leaving Powell Lake to head north. One of the main draws for me is when the fields flood in mid April usually through early May.  This is not natural and is done by the landowners for their crop.  It benefit birders though as generally 100's, if not 1,000's of WHITE-FACED IBIS flock in to feed.  I have found both GLOSSY IBIS and hybrid Glossy X White-faced Ibis mixed in with these flocks.  And these flocks often create a feeding frenzy which other birds join in to.  CATTLE EGRET and SNOWY EGRET have both been seen mixed in.  The crazy thing is the shorebirds that join--dozens of MARBLED GODWITS can be seen, while the occasional AMERICAN AVOCET and LONG-BILLED CURLEW show up.  At the dog-leg I have had several SOLITARY SANDPIPER--and in the early summer SANDHILL CRANE have been observed here as well.  One of the better finds here was a RUSTY BLACKBIRD near the north end among 1,000's of starlings and BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS in November.  These huge winter flocks are a common sight near the farms.

Directions:
From I-15 Exit 282 in Lehi take 2100 North westbound for 1.8 miles. Turn left onto 3600 West and cross the east bound lanes of 2100 North. You are now in the Central Lehi Fields.  After 1 mile the road dog legs and becomes 400 East before continuing another mile south to Lehi Main Street.

Cedar Fort from Google Street View

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Description:
Cedar Fort is a small town west of Eagle Mountain with a population of around 400 people,  This rural farming community is made up mostly of farms, and surrounded by some grasslands and shrubsteppe.  Established in 1852 many of the trees around town are mature and tall providing excellent perches for raptors.  Various roads head east out of town through the farms while the slopes leading west into the hills are covered in juniper. There are two canyons accessible directly west of town which lead into more riparian and high elevation habitats.

Birding:
The Cedar Fort area has long been a raptor hot spot in Utah--year round.  GOLDEN EAGLE, NORTHERN HARRIER, and RED-TAILED HAWK can be found year round.  During the winter months both FERRUGINOUS and ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK are usually easy find here, while species like BALD EAGLE and MERLIN are occasionally reported.  In the summer months SWAINSON'S HAWKS fill in for the winter raptors.  Other species found year round include EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE, COMMON RAVEN, and BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE.  Summer resident include MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD, WESTERN KINGBIRD, and occasionally EASTERN KINGBIRD.  The list in eBird has a few too many high elevation species on it, leading me to believe that some of the checklists include birding into the mountains to the west.  The lower environs where the junipers are present are worth checking for WILD TURKEY year round, while GRAY and DUSKY FLYCATCHER, PLUMBEOUS VIREO, VIRGINIA'S WARBLER, and LAZULI BUNTING might be present during the warmer months. I primarily visit here int he winter months for easy raptor viewing and photography.  From downtown Cedar Fort take 100 North and go east into the fields.  You can drive the back roads on this side of town and usually be the only person around!

Directions:
From I-15 Exit 278 in Lehi go west on Pioneer Crossing--it will eventually turn into UT-73/Cedar Fort Road. The town is 16.6 miles from the exit off I-15.

5th West from Google Street View

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Description:
This trail leads from the southwest edge of Provo along a canal into a marsh and wetland area on the edge of Utah Lake.  The first part of the walk passes through degrades farm and grassland, with a riparian component--dominated by Russian Olives.  Further south the area consists of mostly marsh and wetland, with some riparian habitat--and the lake to the south and west.  During the summer month it is a mosquito haven, so be prepared for lots of bugs.

Birding:
Although this location can be visited year round, the bugs like deter most folks in the summer and early fall.  Most visits are from winter, through May when a variety of waterfowl are present including: GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL.  There is a mid-winter report of WOOD DUCK from here as well.  CALIFORNIA QUAIL can be found along the northern section of the trail, while RING-NECKED PHEASANT can be found throughout.  NORTHERN HARRIER might be seen hunting here, and a variety of other raptors are possible.  VIRGINIA RAIL and SORA can be found--often heard during the spring in the wet areas.  NORTHERN FLICKER, AMERICAN KESTERL, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, AMERICAN ROBIN, and SONG SPARROW are common year round here.  During the winter flocks of WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS and DARK-EYED JUNCOS fill the bushes here.  During migration warblers can be found in the trees, and MACGILLIVRAY'S, WILSON'S, and YELLOW have all been seen here.  COMMON YELLOWTHROAT and MARSH WREN can be heard singing in the marsh all summer long. GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE are occasionally see here, straying from the parking lots across the freeway to likely breed nearby. In the past there has been an OSPREY nest in the trees 1/4 mile to the west and a trail to the south that leads to the lake shore.

Directions:
From I-15 Exit 263 in Provo go north on University Avenue for .4 miles.  Turn left at the 1st cross street onto Towne Centre Drive and go .6 miles.  Turn left onto 1200 South and follow it for 700' as it bends north.  Take the sharp left onto 500 West and go south for .6 miles till you reach the end of the road and the access point.

16-16 Pond Fields from Google Street View

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Description:
Just north off 2200 South along 1600 West in Logan there are a couple of ponds, and a river.  One pond sits about a block east closer to US-89 with a  canal running west then south to the intersection of 2200 south and 1600 west.  At what would be about 2000 South a creek goes under the road with a marsh/wetland and riparian habitat bordering it.  This loops to the west creating a long "pond".  South of the is a larger pond which is completely surrounded by farm fields.  I am not sure what access is like to the actual ponds, but the riparian and marsh area at 200 south on 1600 west is along the public road and can be birded easily.

Birding:
Not nearly as popular or well known as nearby 20-20 Ponds, 16-16 access appears to be more limited with the actual ponds in the area all being back from the roads and not visible without permission to enter the private property surrounding them.  However, there is no public information on birding here, so this is just an assumption.  From 1600 West as mentioned there is a creek, and riparian habitat visible along with the obvious farm land.  WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, SONG SPARROW, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, and BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE are all found here relatively easily.  It looks like most visits happen form fall through spring.  MARSH WREN, BELTED KINGFISHER, and MOURNING DOVE are also reported frequently while variety of waterfowl and a small number of other species are occasionally seen here.

Directions:
From US-89 at 1000 West south of downtown Logan, go south on US-89 for .4 miles. Turn right onto 2200 South and go .3 miles.  Turn right onto 1600 West and continue .3 miles till you reach the pond.

20-20 Ponds from Google Street View

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Description:
To the northwest of the intersection of 2000 West and 2200 South in Logan is 20-20 Ponds.  It is actually just one large horseshoe shaped pond, with the tails on the south side and the loop on the north.  The best viewing is on the large southeast corner of the pond from 2000 West just up a little bit from 2200 south.  The pond has a small amount of riparian habitat at various locations, but specifically here.  There is some marsh/wetland type edges, and the areas surrounding the pond are all farm land.

Birding:
20-20 is a popular fall through spring stop to look for waterbirds.  Notably 24 species of waterfowl have been recorded here including TRUMPETER, MUTE, and TUNDRA SWAN.  A winter record of BLUE-WINGED TEAL is noteworthy, while GREATER SCAUP, HOODED MERGANSER, and BARROW'S GOLDENEYE have all been reported.  NORTHERN SHOVELER, CANVASBACK, GADWALL, and RING-NECKED DUCK are fairly common finds here.  The open farm lands here are great for raptors and in the winter you might find NORTHERN HARRIER, BALD EAGLE, or ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK.  SANDHILL CRANE are often seen here in the spring, while a various assortment of other species and passerine birds have been observed over the years.  This location is unique with a lot of seen once or twice species int eh songbird column.  AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, SONG SPARROW, and BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE are regularly occurring year round.

Directions:
From US-89 at 1000 West south of downtown Logan, go south on US-89 for .4 miles. Turn right onto 2200 South and go .8 miles.  Turn right onto 2000 West and continue .1 miles till you reach the pond on your left.

South end of Boots Cox Park from Google Street View

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Description:
Boot Cox Park is a small park in the middle of St. George, that you would never know existed if you didn't stumble upon or be pointed to it by someone else.  The tiny park is surrounded on the north, east and west sides by homes--utter suburbia.  To the south are pastures that are part of a farm. In the southeast corner are tennis courts, while a small pavilion and playgrounds are just north.  The west half ant eh area north of the playground are all open grass, but the park is entirely surrounded by deciduous trees.  There have been several conifers around the north end as well as the tennis courts, but I think some may have been removed recently.  The large pasture directly south has a seep so the field is often wet.  There is a fence line separating the park form the private property, and a road that is also private going directly south form the tennis courts.  A paved path follows the perimeter of the park.

Birding:
About 5 years ago someone found a pair of VERMILION FLYCATCHERS here, and ever since this has been a regular stop for birders visiting St. George.  The flycatchers are typically found along the south edge of the park bordering the pastures to the south.  Often they are found in the trees here, along the fence line, along the road heading south or i any of the small trees or shrubs in the fields.  As many as 5 have been seen here at once--presumably a breeding pair and offspring.  Sometimes they just aren't present and may just not be here some years.  Other birds often seen here year round include BLACK PHOEBE, SAY'S PHOEBE, NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, and EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE.  During the winter months WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, and AMERICAN PIPIT can usually be found .  In the summer WESTERN KINGBIRD and BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD can be found.  In late May migrants pass through the park and WESTERN TANAGER, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK are all possible.  YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK have both been found here and the potential for other good migrants and over wintering birds are really good here.

Directions:
From south of St. George, take I-15 exit 6 north for .25 miles and turn right at the 1st light onto Main Street.  Go .7 miles north then turn right onto 700 south.  Go 1.1 miles--just after you go under the freeway take a right onto 900 east and go .5 miles.  The parking lot is on your right--you can also drive to the end of the road and park on the street. Alternatively, form the north you can take I-15 exit 8 and turn left on to St. George Blvd crossing the freeway for .2 miles. Turn right onto River Road and go 1.2 miles. Turn right onto 900 south and go .4 miles.  Turn left onto 900 east and make your way .2 miles to the parking lot on your right.

Kolob Creek Waterfall from Google Street View

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Description:
The Kolob Creek Waterfall location is on the Kolob Terrace just south of Kolob Reservoir, slightly north of Lava Point, and amid some of the best high elevation scenery in Washington County.  To the north of the road here, Kolob Creek meanders through open meadows dotted with willows, before going under the road and plunging, rolling, and spilling through the gorge to the south.  From the road, the falls make there was several hundred feet down before disappearing out of site in the canyon and forest below.  There are 2 dirt parking areas one directly looking down on the falls, and another 150' west looking back at the falls.  The cliff habitat below is dotted with small aspen, and some mixed oak woodlands.  Coniferous forest with some aspen lines both sides of the gorge heading south, and a thick ponderosa forest can be seen to the south leading to Lava Point.  The land around this area is all private, but the parking areas and roads are open to the public.

Birding:
The first time I drove up to Kolob Terrace, I was drawn to the waterfall. It isn't a spectacular waterfall, but the area is beautiful.  The view to the south is incredible, and for birding you have wide open views of various habitats in every direction.  At one point this was the go to spot for CALIFORNIA CONDOR, with the birds often perching in the trees below the falls, and on the cliffs and trees on either side.  Now they are mostly seen high in the sky riding the thermals here.  Encounters on the cliffs seem to be limited lately, but it still can happen.  The same currents that bring the condors also bring lots of other birds of prey.  TURKEY VULTURE are common during the summer months and keep a close eye on them and you might find a ZONE-TAILED HAWK.  Although this species also seems to have recently become more scarce here, for some time this was also the go to place to find this bird in Utah.  Other really good raptors seen here include NORTHERN GOSHAWK and PEREGRINE FALCON.  Not surprisingly WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS are usually seen soaring out over the gorge or overhead.  If you take some time to scan the falls below you might just pick up an AMERICAN DIPPER.  The habitat along the creek here is ideal for MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER as well as GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE.  Across the road to the north in the pastures you will likely see both MOUNTAIN and WESTERN BLUEBIRDS.  The willows here are a good spot to check for DUSKY FLYCATCHER and YELLOW WARBLER.  From time to time ACORN WOODPECKER is spotted here but is far more likely in the sub divison to the northwest and further north along the road near the reservoir.

Directions:
From I-15 north of La Verkin, take exit 27 southeast toward La Verkin on Route 17.  From I-15 south of Hurricane, take exit 16 onto SR-9 East bound and follow to La Verkin. From La Verkin, take SR-9 east about 6 miles into Virgin and look for Kolob Terrace Road on your left as you get towards the end of town. Turn left onto Kolob Terrace Road and follow it 21.5 miles till you reach the falls pull off on your right.