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.

Point of The Mountain from Google Street View

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Description:
This side of the mountain is almost entirely private property, comprising mostly of a large gravel pit.  A frontage road follows the mountain from the county line northeast to 14600 South.  The hot spot encompasses everything south and east of these two streets to the county line.  The habitat is mixed grasslands and shrubsteppe, along with some oak woodlands on barren hillsides.  The pit is the dominant feature, and several companies operate along this stretch.  You can pull over at various sites, but in general the road is quite busy.

Birding:
Point of the mountain has traditionally been a good location to look for raptors.  Most birding here happens when winter raptors use the area to look for food.  However, in the last few years massive expansion on both sides of the county line have really seemed to push most of the raptors from the area.  The occasional RED-TAILED HAWK or GOLDEN EAGLE may be seen soaring overhead, while AMERICAN KESTREL and COMMON RAVEN are still common.  The most abundant birds here are starling and pigeons by far.  MERLIN are occasionally seen hunting the area, and HARLAN'S RED-TAILED HAWK have been seen in the past.  During spring and fall migration occasionally large flocks of birds are seen migrating out over the Jordan River.  Flocks of FRANKLIN'S GULL, WHITE-FACED IBIS, SNOW GOOSE, and various other waterfowl have been spotted from here.  Although this isn't a destination birding location, you certainly will pass it and may pick up something new for the area list if you spend a few minutes looking around.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 288 on 14600 south go south and turn right onto the frontage road headed southwest.  The road will hit the Utah County Line in 2.3 miles.

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.

TL Bar Ranch from Bing Birds Eye View

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Description:
North of Wendover on the road to the Lucin migrant trap there are a handful of off the grid farms and ranches.  Like Lucin, these places often have springs, and therefore a riparian habitat that is in turn a great migrant trap.  TL Bar Ranch has several springs and consists of two main locations.  The south area is the main compound and the location of Munsee Cabin.  A few miles north there is another patch of trees.  I was the only person with checklists outside of the cabin area, so I merged my list and the hot spot for this location is just called TL Bar Ranch.  Most birders don't visit this area of Utah, but if you find yourself headed to Lucin, its worth it to stop and ask if you can bird the property.  The main compound consists of several building--one being Munsee Cabin.  This is what is known as Donner Spring.  There is also a pond here, as well as some farm fields and even an orchard.  To the east is sage flats and desert, and to the west the salt flats and nothing.  2 miles to the north sits a small patch of trees just off Pilot Mountain Road--this is also on the property and represents the most substantial grove south of Lucin in the desert.  Between the main location and this patch there are no less than 8 springs along the hillsides that flow into--nothing.  But the habitat created is a savior for birds migrating over the desert. THIS IS PRIVATE PROPERTY. So as mentioned before please ask top bird the property.

Birding:
TL Bar Ranch is one of those places that if you didn't stop to look for birds, you might pass it off as just a weird ranch in the desert--I mean that is what it is--but it is also an incredible migrant trap.  The first time I visited I was curious of what we would find, after all i was several tiny springs, and random groves, with nothing for miles around--I should have known we would find some great birds.  There are two times of year to visit the area--the latter half of May and the middle of September.  These are the heights of north and southbound migration in Northern Utah and that is when the most birds are going to be passing through.  Birding here is easy--go to the nearest patch of trees and look for birds.  Meander around the springs and look for birds.  Do this until you think you've found every bird in a patch and move to the next one.  During the spring flycatchers and warblers, and anything else passing through stop here for food and water.  OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, and WILLOW, DUSKY, and CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER have been recorded. 8 species of warbler in the spring including multiple sightings of NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH and AMERICAN REDSTART.  I wouldn't say these are expected species here, but if I were birding here in the spring, I would kind of expect to find them as the habitat is great for both. LAZULI BUNTING, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, WESTERN TANAGER, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK and GRAY CATBIRD have been observed here as well.  Passerine species will find these springs so the odds of a mega rarity showing up here are good.  HARRIS'S SPARROW and BOBOLINK have both been reported--maybe the latter a breeder in this hostile patch of habitat.  The breeding species of sparrow include SAGEBRUSH, BLACK-THROATED, and LARK SPARROW in the surrounding desert. Some of the more interesting things to show up here are birds like AMERICAN BITTERN, SORA, AMERICAN AVOCET, BLACK-NECKED STILT and both GREEN-WINGED and CINNAMON TEAL. These waterbirds are drawn to the little bit of water here, a life saver.  The fall is equally good, if not better for migrants--fall migration typically consists of more birds due to the fresh young off the summer breeding season--more birds means more migrants and possibly more opportunities to find something amazing.

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 the ranch on your left.  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.  The drive should take 30-40 minutes to get here.  Pull in on your right and proceed to the corrals.  Try to find someone form here before you go anywhere else on the property.  To get to the northern section, hop back on Pilot Mountain Road and drive north 2 miles till you see the grove on your right.

Draper Pond from Bing Birds Eye View

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Description:
Also known as Brown's Pond this location is mostly surrounded by private property.  Homes on most sides with the National Guard having property on the rest.  There are several points you can view into the pond form and even one drive that seemed to welcome visitors if they park on the street.  The large pond is the biggest body of water in Draper making it somewhat of an important stop over site for migrant waterbirds.  Some riparian habitat can be found along the edge, but it is mostly like a city park.

Birding:
This is one of those under-birded urban locations that might hold some gems.  I have always had a hard time trying to Bird here because the south end although open to view is on a private road leading into the National Guard property--with signs saying no trespassing.  I haven't attempted to talk to the folks on the northeast corner, but it looks like they might welcome visitors--but ask if you do try to enter the pond grounds from here.  What I have found best is to park on the south side of the LDS ward parking lot to the east just past the south end of the entry gate to the National Guard.  Form here you can scope the water and see what is roosting on a large spit of land on the west side of the pond.  If you go explore please comment below if you find other vantage points.  Waterfowl are the main draw with HOODED MERGANSER begin found here in the past.  AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, terns, grebes, and other diving birds use the pond during migration.  During Fall through spring large numbers of CANADA GEESE Are often seen coming and going to this location, so they are worth checking for something mixed in.  Otherwise this location needs some love in terms of whats found here.

Directions:
From 12300 South in Draper turn south onto 300 East for .8 miles till you reach the church on your left--this is the location I mentioned to scan the pond from.  The pond is actually northwest of here on the west side of 300 east between 12800 south and 13000 south. Alternatively you can take 300 east north from 13800 south until you reach the church at 13000 south.

Looking East at the Canal from Google Street View

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Description:
Woodland Hills is a small community in the foothills on the south end of Utah Valley.  Comprised primarily of small family farms and mixed oak woodlands the area is typical of many foothill habitats in the area.  Numerous country roads criss cross the farmland and hillsides int he community.  The Gambel's Oak here along the Highline (Salem) Canal are quite mature, providing a type of oak woodland that isn't found in many other locations nearby.  This habitat is the main reason birders visit the area.

Birding:
The Woodland Hills area (including east Salem) is popular for its resident clan of LEWIS'S WOODPECKER.  For more than 20 years birders have been visiting Woodland Hills (usually between October and May) to see this species in what is the most reliable northern Utah location to find it.  Where 400 East runs into the Highline (Salem) Canal at 9650 south is the general area to look.  Driving 9650 south east for about a mile provides ample habitat to scan for the woodpeckers that can usually be found with some patience.  SPOTTED TOWHEE are also common here year round along with BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE, and AMERICAN KESTREL.  During the winter months DARK-EYED JUNCO and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW are often found along the road.  Occasionally high elevations species end up here during the winter and BROWN CREEPER, TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE, and EVENING GROSBEAK have all been reported.  If you stop by please be respectful of the the popularity of this location and refrain form using tapes for any birds--but especially the woodpeckers.  If you are willing to put in some effort they are always here.  Also, please be mindful of the fact that everything off the road is private property.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 257A in Spanish Fork go south on Main Street for 3.1 miles. Turn left onto Woodland Hills Drive for .7 miles.  Turn left onto 8800 South for .5 miles.  Turn right onto 400 east and go south for 1.1 miles till you go up the hill.  The oak belt is here and the canal passes under the road.  9650 South will be on your left at the top of the hill.

Bluffdale Ponds from Bing Birds Eye View

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Description:
Originally the hot spot was made to encompass two ponds in the area--one south of UT-140 and the larger main pond north of it.  There are actually a couple small springs here north of 140 but only the large one is viewable.  The locations south is rarely visited and often the pond is dry, but a great riparian habitat is here creating an interesting migrant trap.  With current construction in the area these ponds and their access may become more and more difficult.

Birding:
The large north pond is an easy scan and open year round due to the warm springs that actually fill it.  During the winter months diving ducks are a common sight, usually anchored by a decent number of RING-NECKED DUCKS.  COMMON GOLDENEYE, RUDDY DUCK, and LESSER SCAUP are often present as well.  Both GREATER SCAUP and HOODED MERGANSER have been observed as well.  With a limited number of checklists the waterfowl species found here are probably much greater. During spring and summer the riparian habitats at both locations is good for BULLOCK'S ORIOLE and WESTERN KINGBIRD.  A short stop off the freeway and with a little coverage I suspect some good birds might turn up here. Currently this is one of many under-birded locations in the state.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 288 (14600 South) go west/northwest on 14600 South/UT-140 for .7 miles. Turn right onto 790 West between the two businesses and follow the road till it dead ends behind the buildings.  The ponds are to your right and can be scoped from the edge of the no trespassing signs. To reach the south pond go back to 14600 and turn right going .3 miles taking a slight left onto 1000 West going south for .3 miles.  The pond will be on your left as the road dead ends at the East Jordan Canal.

5600 West Traps from Google Street View

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Description:
The 5600 West Traps in Salt Lake County are actually comprised of two locations.  The main location is at 700 South and about 4800 West.   The other location is an L-shape, following two roads--150 South from 5600 West to 5200 West; then 5200 West form 150 South to 300 South.  The first location is a large patch of trees at a power company substation.  A canal runs along the west end here and provides a nice water feature.  The property is private so you can only bird from the road here.  The other location along the L-shape, follows two canals that have a few Russian Olives and other trees.  Both can be birded by foot, or from car.

Birding:
These two areas aren't birded often, but the remote patches of trees can be good during big migration days at nearby locations.  If you are birding the International Center or Lee Kay Pond during spring and fall migration it's worth a short drive out of your way to check these traps.  The main location to the south is by far the best habitat and has had WILLOW FLYCATCHER, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, NASHVILLE WARBLER (a rare spring record), CHIPPING SPARROW, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE among other migrants.  CALIFORNIA  QUAIL can be found in the cover here or further west along 700 south.  The secondary location typically has some ducks or other waterbirds, but during migration migrant songbirds have been seen here.

Directions:
From SR-201 in West Valley City, take the 5600 West north bound to 700 South and turn right.  Drive several blocks till you come to the large patch of trees on your left at the power company property.  To get to the second area drive back to 5600 West and turn right.  Follow 5600 West to 300 South and turn right.  Go till 5200 West then turn left.   You can also access it from I-80 on the north using the 5600 West exit and going south to 150 South.  Follow 150 south to 5200 West around the RC Willey building to bird the secondary location.  After getting back to 5600 West turn left and go to 700 South.  Turn left and after a few block the main location will be on your left.

Zions Gate RV Park from Google Street View

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Description:
This tiny private RV park sits just off SR-9 in west Hurricane.  Gravel lots lined with trees and several large conifers are surrounded by arid desert fields.  The residents have been friendly to birders for years, so please be courteous and don't walk into their yards.

Birding:
The reasons that birders come to Zions Gate is simple--INCA DOVES.  For the better part of the last 20 years this has been the go to spot in Utah for this species.  However, in recent years as collared-doves have moved in and their population has exploded the doves have become harder to find here, and are seen more often in nearby neighborhoods.  They are still reported form time to time, so if you are searching it's worth stopping here to check.  Walking the streets through the park and scanning the trees and ground are your best bet.

Directions:
From SR-9 between I-15 and Hurricane, turn north onto 3700 West (opposite the entrance to Sand Hollow State Park).  Drive one block to the RV park on the right, turn in and park in the lot in front of the club house.

Road to Whites Valley from Google Street View

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Description:
Whites Valley is agricultural land and shrubsteppe northeast of I-15 between Tremonton and the Idaho Border.  The land is all privately held, but the roads cutting across them are open to the public.  The habitat here is the southern extent of the typical agricultural and shrubsteppe habitats found throughout Idaho.  Please do no walk off the roads and into any of the private property.

Birding:
Whites Valley has long been the go to spot in Utah to get both SHARP-TAILED GROUSE and GRAY PARTRIDGE in the same day.  There are several locations like this on the northern fringe in Utah, but Whits is the most popular.  SHORT-EARED and BURROWING OWL both nest here. During the winter months northern sparrows and songbirds like SNOW BUNTING and LAPLAND LONGSPUR might be present. There have also been COMMON REDPOLL here during their irruption years.  During Snowy Owl irruption years this is one of the locations birders often check.

Directions:
Take I-15 north to I-84 west. Follow I-84 to Ranch Exit 32. Turn right. The pavement ends after .3 miles and the road is gravel thereafter. Continue north. You'll reach Whites Valley after approximately 4 miles. The road zigzags west and north across the valley until it ends at two silos; however, the last half mile is marked, "No Trespassing".

ISSR at Sunset photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Rio Tinto Kennecott has transformed acreage once dominated by over-grazed lands, salt evaporation ponds and illegal dumps into a 3,670-acre shorebird and waterfowl reserve along the south shore of Great Salt Lake. It was created under a mitigation plan developed in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to offset the loss of 1,000 acres impacted when the company expanded its tailings impoundment in 1996. Over 120,000 birds use the reserve annually. In 2004, the area became an Important Bird Area (IBA) and is now part of BirdLife International's IBA Program. The reserve is generally closed to the public and can only be accessed via guided trips, during bird festivals, and other public events.

Birding:
Since this location is closed to the public, if you have the opportunity to go here you will be with a guide that knows the area.  The ponds on the property are a haven for migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, and waders, and plays hosts to a number of migrant songbirds as well.  The unique location on the south shore of the  Great Salt Lake put it right in the patch of many waterbirds that otherwise would never be recorded in Salt Lake County.  Some of the more notable sightings form here include DUNLIN, RED KNOT, AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, SABINE'S GULL, and surprisingly dozens of neotropical migrants that show up in the salt cedars during migration.

Directions:
The ISSR is reached via the North Temple Frontage Road between 7200 West and Saltair in Salt Lake County.