Recapture Reservoir photo by Tim Avery

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
At 6,100 feet in elevation, Recapture Reservoir lies in the shadow of the Abajo Mountains to the west.  The once large reservoir has seen its water level dwindle in recent years, and currently the reservoir may only be 3-4 football fields long.  Surrounded by canyons covered in pinyon juniper woodland, and Ponderosa pine, the shorelines have a desert feel too them.  The juniper habitat on the east side of the reservoir is very thick.  When the water is higher, a wetland habitat is often found near the inlet at the back of the reservoir, while there are usually plenty of beaches and sandbar habitat as well.

Birding:
In this part of the state Recapture was the biggest open body of water east of the Colorado--but now with it's receding water level, its days as a waterbird migrant trap might be numbered.  Historically in late March through May the lake attracted a variety of waterbirds.  Notably more than 20 species of waterfowl have been observed here including WOOD DUCK, BLUE_WINGED TEAL, GREATER SCAUP, and HOODED MERGANSER.  Diving birds like COMMON LOON and WESTERN GREBE are usually present as well.  A decent shorebird list has built up with most species being reported just once or a few times. SNOWY PLOVER, MARBLED GODWIT, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, and both RED-NECKED and WILSON'S PHALAROPE have all been observed.  BONAPARTE'S and FRANKLIN'S GULL have been seen during migration along with CALIFORNIA and RING-BILLED GULL. A spring wears on and breeders arrive its not uncommon to see large numbers of WHITE-THROATED SWIFT and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW soaring near the dam.  The juniper along the east side are usually good for a number of passerine species including both GRAY and DUSKY FLYCATCHER, BLACK-THROATED GRAY-WARBLER, and JUNIPER TITMOUSE. Other specie that are reported form here include BUSHTIT, GRAY VIREO, PINYON JAY, and one report of a LEWIS'S WOODPECKER.  The area list spans over 100 species and on a late spring day you can have a very productive morning of birding here.

Directions:
From the intersection of Main and Center Streets in Blanding, take Center Street/U-191 east for 1 block then continue to follow it as it turns north for 4.2 miles across Recapture Dam.  After the dam take the first left.  At .2 miles you can turn left and follow the road down to the water here.  You can also continue straight around the backside of the reservoir on this road.

The Canyon Course from Google Street View

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

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.

Mountain Dell Reservoir from Google Street View

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
Salt Lake County doesn't have a lot of big freshwater lakes or reservoirs.  In the valley there are several small lake, and a few even tinier ones in the mountains.  But 2 reservoirs give the county mid-high elevation mountain reservoirs that attract a great deal of waterbirds when not frozen.  This typically means March through November on most years.  The reservoir is closed to the public but viewable from a couple overlooks along  SR-65 headed towards East Canyon.  The reservoir is a water storage location for Salt Lake City and the main watershed.  The hills here are covered with oak woodlands and shrubsteppe, while Mountain Dell Golf Course sits on the southeast corner bordering the lake for several holes.  At the inlet from Little Dell Reservoir, and Parley's Creek there is lush riparian habitat as well.

Birding:
No summer trip up to East Canyon is complete without a stop at least at the Mountain Dell inlet to scan the water for birds.  It's quick an easy to scope the north arm of the reservoir from here, as well as a 1/2 miles south at the Parley's Creek inlet.  Various waterbirds and waterfowl are usually present with GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, and often big flocks of RING-NECKED DUCKS present in the spring and fall.  These species are often present in the summer in small numbers as well. In all 23 species of waterfowl have been seen here including: WOOD DUCK, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, CANVASBACK, BARROW'S GOLDENEYE, and HOODED MERGANSER.  One spring a cooperative TRUMPETER SWAN spent a couple weeks near the inlet providing great looks. Spring and fall bring COMMON LOONS and WESTERN GREBES to the water.  Occasionally other grebes pop up as well. There has been a NEOTROPIC CORMORANT reported, and AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN have been seen a few times.  OSPREY nest along the reservoir and can often be seen flying over in search of food.  During the summer YELLOW WARBLER, LAZULI BUNTING, and FOX SPARROW can be found in the riparian inlets--various species of empidonax flycatchers have been seen, and the area boasts a list of more than 125 species. 5 species of SWALLOW are often present overhead.  BUSHTIT, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, an HARRIS'S SPARROW have all been reported rounding out the more notable species found here.  As mentioned the 2 spots above are the best places to bird--since they don't require trespassing, and you have good views at the water with them--a scope is highly recommended.

Directions:
From I-80 take exit 134  and go north on SR-65 for .3 miles to the Parley's Creek Overlook on your left.  Continue another .5 miles to the Mountain Dell Creek Overlook on your left.

No Photo At This Time photo by Utah Birders

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
Upper Sand Cove Reservoir is a small round reservoir in the canyon just outside Gunlock.  Surrounded by open desert, shrubsteppe, and cliff habitats the reservoir is a small oasis in a barren land. It smaller sister reservoir Lower Sand Cove is just down the road.  Small patches of riparian habitat are present as well, and the open water here is ice free year round.

Birding:
This small off the beaten path reservoir doesn't get a ton of visitors but if you check it out you might find something interesting.  During the winter AMERICAN WIGEON, REDHEAD, RING-NECKED DUCK, BUFFLEHEAD, COMMON GOLDENEYE, RUDDY DUCK, and HOODED MERGANSER have all been seen here.  NORTHERN HARRIER and ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK have been found during the winter months as well.  Spring migration brings shorebirds--while only AMERICAN AVOCET has been reported, other species definitely come through.  WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, DUSKY, and GRAY FLYCATCHER have been reported during fall migration along with a variety of warblers including: MACGILLIVRAY'S, YELLOW, BLACK-THROATED GRAY, and WISLON'S.  The best bird to ever be found her though is obvious--in 2002 Rick Fridell found a KENTUCKY WARBLER here in August when the reservoir was empty and the migrants were feeding on flies and ants in the mud.

Directions:
As you are about to enter the town of Gunlock from the south--before you go over the river, take the immediate right onto Lower Sand Cover Road and drive 6.5 miles to the reservoir on your left.

Yankee Meadows from Google Maps User

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
Yankee Meadow is a popular 53-acre lake located east of Parowan, Utah.  The lake is generally not accessible during the winter, except by snowmobile. About the time the lake become accessible in April, the ice is starting to come off.  There are two Forest Service campgrounds in the area. Camping is not allowed in the immediate vicinity of the lake. A restroom and gravel launch ramp are available at the lake. There are no garbage facilities at the lake so please pack out what you pack in.

Birding:
Birding is best here during the summer months when the reservoir is accessible.  Species typical of higher elevations in the southern part of the state are common here, including: HAIRY WOODPECKER, CLARK'S NUTCRACKER, MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, HERMIT THRUSH, and CASSIN'S FINCH.  There are very few checklists for the area, given where it is and the small number of birders in the area.  The actual species list is probably much higher than that in eBird, but it needs a little help in the checklist department.

Directions:
From the intersection of Main and Center Streets in Parawon head east for .3 miles on Center Street. Continue straight across 3rd East as the road veers south and becomes SR-143. Go 3.3 miles then turn left onto Bowery Creek Road.  Go 1.4 miles, then continue onto Yankee Road for another 3.1 miles.  Take the slight right onto FR-049 and go another 2.4 miles to the reservoir.

Sand Hollow Reservoir from Google Street View

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
The sprawling 20,000-acre park, which rests mostly on USDI Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, rivals Utah's two largest state parks - Wasatch Mountain and Antelope Island. Sand Hollow already one of the most visited destinations in the Utah State Park system, with recreation opportunities for nearly every user from boaters to bikers, and OHV riders to equestrians. A favorite destination for local off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, Sand Mountain provides 15,000 acres of perfectly sculpted dunes. The red sand is an incredible backdrop for Sand Hollow reservoir. At nearly twice the size of nearby Quail Creek Reservoir, Sand Hollow offers boating and other water recreation in a spectacular setting.  The park opened in 2003 and sits at roughly 3,000' in elevation.  The reservoir comprises 1,322 acres of the park and is the main draw for birders.  As a state park this is a fee area.  Along the west edge of the park is the headquarters, campground, enormous parking area, boat launch and to the south the dam.  From here you can take the park road around the south end which is mostly beaches and flats, leading into the dunes to the south.  Most of the north and east end of the park is only accessible by boat.  Outside of the park gates you can take an old highway around the south end of the park into mostly sagebrush covered hills before flattening out in desert with a small cholla collective.  Being a popular destination for weekend warriors it is often crowded, loud, and not ideal for birding. During the week and early in the day however it is fantastic!

Birding:
When Sand Hollow was built it really changed the face of water birding in Washington County.  It replaced Quail Creek as the largest body of water, and out in the open desert to the south, became the location for migrant waterbirds to use.  With more than 175 species being recorded here it has an impressive list of rarities. 31 species of waterfowl have been seen here including all 3 SCOTERS, LONG-TAILED DUCK, 5 species of GEESE, and TRUMPETER SWAN.  Large flotillas of ducks converge here during the winter months and often number in the 1,000's.  PACIFIC LOON, RED-NECKED GREBE, NEOTROPIC CORMORANT, and BROWN PELICAN are a nice list of vagrant divers that have been observed here.  NORTHERN HARRIER are present around the edges of the reservoir, and in the fields adjacent.  GOLDEN EAGLE is seen fairly often soaring high over the desert here.  During the winter BALD EAGLE can usually be found as well.

The shorebird list is almost as impressive as the waterfowl list with 26 species being recorded.  The big treat here was a PURPLE SANDPIPER several years ago that was the first time the species have been observed west of the Mississippi.  SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, WHIMBREL, SANDERLING, DUNLIN, PECTORAL SANDPIPER, and RED PHALAROPE have all been seen here, showing jsut about anything can show up in the desert at this oasis.  POMARINE JAEGER to date is the only species to show up here, but I imagine all 3 will be recorded eventually.  With 10 species of gulls being recorded, its no surprise that vagrants are in the mix with HEERMANN'S, SABINE'S, WESTERN, GLAUCOUS-WINGED and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS all being found here.  5 species of tern have been seen with LEAST, BLACK, and COMMON TERN all being notable. During the winter months SAGEBRUSH SPARROW, SAGE THRASHER, and CACTUS WREN can be picked up driving around the south end of the reservoir and checking the sagebrush and cholla patches. During migration various sparrow species may be seen, as well as all 6 regularly occurring species of SWALLOWS in Utah.  LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE can be seen year round, and NORTHERN SHRIKE has been recorded in the winter.

When birding at Sand Hollow I like to start at the entrance station where GREATER ROADRUNNER has be seen and head up to the parking lot stopping on the north end of the west dam.  From here you can scope the deeper areas of the reservoir near the dam.  You can also drive down a small dirt road here for closer viewing of the beach for shorebirds--this is usually only worth while in the morning or mid week when the water sports folks aren't out yet.  Continuing along the road in the parking lot headed north you can scan more beach, water, and the large rocks near the marina.  After working to the boat launch I head back towards the entrance and will take the park road south around the lake to the beaches for more scanning.  Gulls and shorebirds often roost here so these beaches are a good spot to spend some time  As you work east the water gets further away and you can drive to it in some areas.  Towards the east end is where many dabbling ducks are often found.  You can't really go wrong birding here from fall through late spring (May). The summer months are hot, and the place is packed.  But the rest of the year its a must stop while birding the area.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 16 head east on SR-9 for 4.6 miles.  Turn right onto Sand Hollow Road and go 4 miles till you reach the left turn onto Sand Hollow Parkway and into the entrance station.  Alternatively from Exit 10 in Washington, head south to the first light form the freeway and turn left onto State/Telegraph Street and go 1.1 miles.  Turn right on to 300 east and go 1.6 miles.  Turn left onto Washington Dam Road and go 2.8 miles.  Turn right onto Washington Dam Exit and go .2 miles to turn left to enter the Southern Parkway.  Follow this for 3.3 miles then turn left on to Sand Hollow Road.  After .8 miles turn right into the entrance to the park.

Quail Creek State Park from Google Street View

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
Quail Creek Reservoir is a 600 acre man made body of water that was completed in 1985 to provide irrigation and culinary water to the St. George area. Most of the water in the reservoir does not come from Quail Creek, but is diverted from the Virgin River and transported through a buried pipeline. Two dams form the reservoir with a maximum depth of 120' .  The surrounding red rock desert and dry slopes create an oasis in the desert.  There is a campground along the main road with a number of deciduous trees creating a migrant trap.  The shore line provides numerous beaches, sandbars, and exposed rocks.  Near the inlet there are often mudflats when there is low water, and an overgrown riparian habitat created  a lush environment in this otherwise arid location.

Birding:
Quail Creek really is an oasis in the desert.  For over a decade it was the only major body of water in the area and attracted a fair share of amazing birds.  With the addition of Sand Hollow just to the south there is some competition, but the rare birds still find their way here.  For birders this is often a better location due to there being fewer water sports enthusiasts than Sand Hollow.  In any event, the bird list here is approaching 200 species and from October through April just about anything can show up. With 27 species of waterfowl on record the list is impressive.  EURASIAN WIGEON, BLACK, SURF, and WHITE-WINGED SCOTER have all been seen here.  Quail Creek is one of the few lakes in Utah where all 4 Loon species found in Utah have been seen.  RED-THROATED, YELLOW-BILLED, and PACIFIC LOON in addition to COMMON have all been seen here on multiple occasions. All regularly occurring grebes have been seen here as well as RED-NECKED GREBE.  During January 2015 a BROWN PELICAN was here for less than 24 hours and NEOTROPIC CORMORANT has been seen here a handful of times.  During the winter it is not uncommon to see all 3 MERGANSER species here, as well as WESTERN GREBE, and large rafts of gulls that are usually mostly RING-BILLED with some CALIFORNIA GULLS. With these gulls there have been some great finds. MEW, THAYER'S, LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL have all been seen, while HERRING GULL is reported occasionally.  During fall migration SABINE'S GULL are reported form time to time; while in the spring FRANKLIN'S and BONAPARETE'S GULLS are often reported.  All 4 regularly occurring Utah TERN species have been seen as well.  In October 2007 a very confiding LONG-TAILED JAEGER provided a lot of Utah Birders with their state lifer for this species here.

While waterbirds are the focus here, the shoreline boasts its own impressive species list.  Migrant shorebirds can't help but use this location--and that means a variety of species have been seen.  Notably PECTORAL SANDPIPER, BAIRD'S SANDPIPER, MARBLED GODWIT, and LONG-BILLED CURLEW. Moving away from the shore the campground is a great spot to look for migrants in May and during the fall. What is actually expected here is up to interpretation.  The campground host in the past has had feeders for hummingbirds and songbirds.  ANNA'S and COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD have been seen, as have WHITE-THROATED and HARRIS'S SPARROW.  Some of the best passerine birding though is by the inlet.  The thick riparian habitat here attracts various warblers--with YELLOW and LUCY'S breeding here.  YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, PACIFIC WREN, and WILLOW FLYCATCHER have been seen here.  One of the better finds here has been a PRAIRIE WARBLER!  The cliffs at the inlet are a good location to look for both CANYON and ROCK WREN.  BLACK-THROATED SPARROW can be found here and RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW has been observed as well.  The list goes on and on--really the best way to learn more about the birds here is to go birding at Quail Creek.  You won't be disappointed.

Birding here is all done along the west edge form the main road.  There is a pullout at the dam which is good for scanning the lower reaches of the reservoir for waterbirds. In the spring keep an eye out for BLUE GROSBEAK here.  You can scan the middle portions of the reservoir from the campground, as well as the main beach.  Walking here is easiest by parking in the campground area and walking the trees, and also in the boat launch area to walk or scope.  Near the inlet there are numerous pullouts to scan the upper reaches of the reservoir, and to park and walk into the riparian areas.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 16 for Hurricane/Zion head east on UT-9 for 2.5 miles. Turn left at the light and follow the road 1.1 miles tll you reach the dam on your right.  There is a viewpoint here where you can park.  You can also continue on the road another .9 miles to the campground on your right.  From here is is another .9 miles till the inlet.  Alternatively from southbound I-15 north of Leeds you can take ext 23 and go left under the freeway. Turn right onto N. Main Street and follow this road south for 3.8 miles.  Turn here and youare at the inlet and can follow the raod along the reservoir.

No Photo At This Time photo by Utah Birders

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
The "south end" of Yuba Lake State Park is everything south of Painted Rocks on the "Yuba Lake" section of the reservoir.  This open water area is surrounded by desert, shrubsteppe, and juniper woodlands in the hills to the east and west.  A large floodplain where the Sevier River enters the lake on the south end creates various amounts of wetland, mudflats, beaches and otherwise unique habitats depending on the water levels of the lake.  Due to its dry surroundings this area is an oasis for waterbirds.

Birding:
Another under-birded hot spot the south end of Yuba doesn't get a ton of visits from birders.  In order to get here you would have to be on the west side of the lake for one reason or another and make an effort to bird the lake as you pass.  That being said it looks quite enterprising and could hold some interesting waterbirds especially during migration.  The fall might be exceptionally interesting given that this is the south end of the water, and nothing but open desert lies to the south.  The current eBird list consists of just a a few species.  CANADA GEESE, MALLARD, NORTHERN SHOVELER, and GREEN WINGED TEAL to name a few of the waterfowl. AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN and DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS for diving birds, and even SANDHILL CRANE.  I would image the bird list could potentially look something like Chicken Creek Reservoir if it were birded more often.  The surrounding desert is prime for LARK SPARROW, SAGE THRASHER, and of course HORNED LARKS.  Once upon a time I remember seeing BURROWING OWLS in the area, and GOLDEN EAGLES hunting on the prairie here.  IF you find yourself passing Yuba and have a day to spare, it might be worth exploring this and all the other locations at this unique and isolated state park!

Directions:
You have to make a concerted effort to reach this campground isolated on the east side of the lake.  There are numerous ways to get here, and if you are birding on the the east side of the lake the best route is to drive to the north end of the reservoir and turn right onto Old Botham Road and go east 5.7 miles.  Turn right onto Hwy 28 and go 3.4 miles.  Everything south of this point on the west side of the road within the state park boundaries is part of this hot spot.  Alternatively you could take Hwy 28 all the way from Nephi south to Levan and then continue till you pass the turn off to Painted Rocks--then as mentioned above you are in the south part of the park.

No Photo At This Time photo by Utah Birders

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
 The Painted Rocks area is located on the east side of the lake off Highway 28 between Levan and Gunnison.  This area offers a large day use area, three lane concrete boat ramp, a group campsite and 41 individual campsites with covered tables.  This campground also includes tent pads, restrooms, a garbage collection point, security lighting, potable water system, dump station, and fire pits.  This campground is easily accessible off Highway 28 between Levan and Gunnison. It is controlled from one entrance station.  Day use fees are $7 and $8 for overnight camping. For what Painted Rocks lacks in habitat, it makes up for in species.  Despite being relatively low quality habitat with very few trees for migrants, the shrubsteppe and desert here have isolated the few trees enough to make them work as a trap.  There is also a juniper woodlands component bringing in a variety of birds that would otherwise not be present.

Birding:
Although this area also receives very few birders, a few intrepid individuals have built a decent species lists with just a few visits.  As with other campgrounds on the lake the list here includes a lot of waterfowl.  I would suggest including this on a separate checklist for the Yuba Lake SP (incl. Sevier Bridge Reservoir) hot spot to keep the waterbirds on the water and the land birds as part of the campground list.  Of course this is purely a recommendation and in the end birders can make their own assumptions based off what's on the lists.  VIRGINIA'S and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER along with WESTERN TANAGER and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK have been observed during migration, while DUSKY and GRAY FLYCATCHER, JUNIPER TITMOUSE, PINYON JAY, and BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER can be found during the breeding season in the juniper.  ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER has been observed in this isolated hot spot, while LARK SPARROW and SAGE THRASHER Are typical of the shrubsteppe. Take a look at the checklist to see the waterbirds observed here, as well as various raptors which use the open hunting grounds year round.

Directions:
You have to make a concerted effort to reach this campground isolated on the east side of the lake.  There are numerous ways to get here, and if you are birding on the the east side of the lake the best route is to drive to the north end of the reservoir and turn right onto Old Botham Road and go east 5.7 miles.  Turn right onto Hwy 28 and go 3.4 miles.  Turn right and drive .2 miles before taking a slight left another .4 miles till you reach the campground. Alternatively you could take Hwy 28 all the way from Nephi south to Levan and then continue till you reach the signs for the run off on your right.

No Photo At This Time photo by Utah Birders

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
The main campground on the west side of the reservoir, Oasis is a 19-unit campground with 7 overflow sites, covered group pavilions with picnic tables, a group camping area, drinking water, modern restrooms and showers, an RV sewage disposal station, loading docks, and boat launching ramp.  Accessible rest rooms, showers, electrical hookups and a campsite are available for campground patrons with special needs.  With shrubsteppe and dry hillsides surrounding the campground on 3 sides, and the reservoir on the 4th, the large and numerous deciduous trees creating a riparian area here are definitely a migrant trap.  Yuba is seldom visited by birders, but anyone traveling north or south along I-15 in the spring or fall should detour here to look for birds.

Birding:
Truth be told I have only birded here once--and at the time I mistakenly submitted a checklist for the lake--not the campground because the hot spot did not exist.  That being said the habitat is ideal for warblers, and other passerine migrants.  YELLOW WARBLER, LAZULI BUNTING, HOUSE FINCH, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE should be present while the surrounding hill sides usually have LARK and BREWER'S SPARROW, SAGE THRASHER, and plenty of HORNED LARKS.  Really just about anything could show up here, and with some coverage the list could probably creep towards 100 species.  The reservoir can easily be scoped form here, but I suggest creating a separate checklist using the Yuba Lake SP (incl. Sevier Bridge Reservoir) hot spot since it was created specifically for the whole park.  Once there are some more checklists, I will update this to reflect what kind of birds you should see on a typical morning or afternoon here.  Birding can easily be done walking the campground roads.  The whole campground could be covered in 10 minutes, and with an hour you could thoroughly find all the birds using the area.

Directions:
From points north of Scipio, Utah take I-15 exit 202 go east soon turning south and follow the road 1.9 miles on Old State Route 78.  You'll arrive at the reservoir on your left and keep going straight another 2.1 miles on County Road till you reach the campground on your left. From points south of Scipio the campground can be reached by taking I-15 exit 188 west bound towards the gas station/rest stop.  Turn right onto the Frontage Road and continue 3.9 miles.  Turn right going under the freeway staying straight  and continuing 5.9 miles crossing the dam at the reservoir you'll continue another .4 miles till you reach the campground on your right.

Pineview Reservoir photo by Mike Hearell

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
Pineview Reservoir is a 2870 acre body of water located approximately 10 miles east of Ogden in Weber County. At 4900' above sea level it was constructed in 1937 when the Ogden River was dammed. It is surrounded by agricultural, shrub steppe, and riparian habitats. Although the camping areas and the Cemetery Point Picnic Area require fees, the vast majority of this reservoir can be birded at no charge.

Birding:
Birding is at its best in early Spring and late Fall when the water isn't frozen but, the water temps are too cold for recreational boating. The best way to look for birds is scanning the waters surface from one of the many pull-offs with a spotting scope or viewing birds in the areas surrounding the reservoir. Nesting OSPREY on the north arm and BOBOLINK in the surrounding agricultural fields are birds to be expected during late spring,while such rarities as PACIFIC LOON, TRUMPETER SWAN, RED-NECKED and HORNED GREBE, WHITE-WINGED and SURF SCOTER have all been reported. BLACK ROSY-FINCH might be found during colder months.

Directions:
From the 12th Street exit off I-15 take SR-39 (12th Street) east for approximately 10 miles.

Thanks to Mike Hearell for this location submission.

East Canyon Reservoir from Google Street View

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
East Canyon Reservoir is a 608 acre lake sitting in East Canyon State Park, open year round.  The park sits at about 5,700' in elevation in a valley/canyon in the Wasatch Mountains.  The reservoir is mostly surrounded by shrubsteppe, with some cliffs, and some conifer and other habitat.  SR-65 follows east side of the south leg, and the south side of the east leg, while SR-66 follows the north shore to the dam in the northwest corner.  There is a campground and picnic area where a day use fee is imposed.

Birding:
The reservoir is ice free usually form March through November and during spring and fall migration it is a popular birding location to look for migrating divers and waterfowl.  COMMON LOON and WESTERN GREBE are both common here during migration.  HORNED GREBE are seen occasionally while PACIFIC LOON is recorded almost annually.  RED-THROATED LOON have been reported on multiple occasions as have RED-NECKED GREBE. Diving ducks like COMMON MERGANSER and HOODED MERGANSER can often be found, and all 3 SCOTERS and LONG-TAILED DUCK have been recorded..  BALD EAGLE are a common sight during the late fall through spring here.  NORTHERN SHRIKE are infrequently encountered along SR-65.  On September 10, 1981 there was a reported Parakeet Auklet.  However unlikely this sounds, the observer described the birds perfectly.  This unprecedented report is generally regarded as a mis-identification of a scoter, grebe, or some other waterbird--but was worth mentioning here due to its magnitude.

Directions:
The reservoir can be reached from 3 different directions, via SR-65 from the south and the northeast, and from SR-66 from the northwest.  The most direct route from Salt Lake is to take I-80 east bound and take exit 134 north on to SR-65 towards East Canyon. It's about 15 miles to the reservoir, on your left.  This road is closed during the winter.

First Dam from Google Street View

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
First Dam is a small reservoir at the mouth of Logan Canyon along the Logan River.  The reservoir is just off Hwy 89 and has some deciduous trees along the shore.  The area is otherwise fairly open.  This is a popular stop when birding in Logan Canyon, but also for other day trippers using the canyon.

Birding:
First Dam is best known as a very reliable location for BARROW'S GOLDENEYE during the winter.  Over 100 species have been recorded here, and some of the more notable sightings include both PACIFIC and WINTER WREN, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, and MERLIN.

Directions:
From Hwy 89/91 in Logan go east on 400 North/Hwy 89 for 2.5 miles.  Turn right on Canyon Road and park anywhere along the "reservoir".

Yuba State Park from Google Street View

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
Yuba State Park is comprised of a number of specific birding locations that include: Sevier Bridge Reservoir, Oasis Campground, Painted Rocks, and the Yuba Lake at the South End.  The main feature of the park is Sevier Bridge Reservoir, the easiest section of the lake to look for birds.  The surrounding hills are mostly shrubsteppe with some Pinyon-Juniper habitat as well.  The Oasis Campground is a migrant trap in an otherwise treeless landscape.

Birding:
COMMON LOON and rafts of WESTERN GREBES are often seen here during migration.  Decent numbers of waterfowl use the lake, with divers in the deeper areas, and lots of dabblers in the shallows.  The shrubsteppe surrounding hill are good for SAGE THRASHER, LARK SPARROW, BREWER'S SPARROW, HORNED LARK, and occasionally VESPER SPARROW.  ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, PINYON JAY, and BEWICK'S WREN have all been observed here.  The riparian areas attract a variety of migrants, including the usual warblers, WESTERN TANAGER, empids, and other songbirds.  Notable sightings form here include a November TRUMPETER SWAN and PACIFIC LOON.

Directions:
From I-15 north of Scipio, take Exit 202 South/East about 2 miles to the reservoir on your left.  You can continue south along the west side of the lake, or go east to points on the north and east side of the reservoir. Alternatively, from the south and the town of Scipio, take I-15 exit 188 and go west/north towards the gas station.  Turn right on to the Frontage Road and go 3.9 miles.  There will be "underpass"  to your right that goes under I-15, turn here and go 5.7 miles to the reservoir on your right.

Mantua Reservoir from Google Street View

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
Mantua Reservoir is a small lake at the town of Mantua.  The reservoir has a walking path around the entire lake and provides excellent viewing for waterfowl, divers, and other waterbirds.  There are also riparian patches around the lake that provide great cover for migrants and other songbirds.  The surrounding land is mostly agricultural.

Birding:
The easiest birding at Mantua is to park at the parking area below the dam and walk up on to it to scan the water.  During spring and fall migration COMMON LOON and HORNED GREBE can be found here.  WESTERN, CLARK'S, and EARED GREBE can also be found here during migration and the summer.  Various waterfowl and other waterbirds are common here.  The riparian habitat gets some interesting birds including EASTERN KINGBIRD, WESTENR TANAGER, and LAZULI BUNTING.  The two most notable sightings include a summer record for LEAST FLYCATCHER that was singing away here for multiple days.  In January of 2002 a flock of up to 70 COMMON REDPOLL were seen nearby in town, and included a reported HOARY REDPOLL.  Mantua is an easy stop when going between Logan and Brigham City and always worth checking out.

Directions:
From Hwy 89/91 between Brigham City and Logan, take the exit onto 600 North in Mantua. Turn right at the fork and then left into the parking area below the dam.  There are other access points around the reservoir as well.

Hite Crossing at Lake Powell photo by Tim Avery

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
Lake Powell is a reservoir on the Colorado River, straddling the border between Utah and Arizona. It is the second largest man-made reservoir, by maximum water capacity, in the United States behind Lake Mead, storing 24,322,000 acre feet of water when full. Lake Powell was created by the flooding of Glen Canyon by the controversial Glen Canyon Dam, which also led to the creation of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. It lies in parts of Garfield, Kane, and San Juan counties. The northern limits of the lake extend at least as far as the Hite Crossing Bridge. A map centered at the confluence of the Escalante River with the Colorado River gives a good view of the extent of the lake. Besides the Colorado, several smaller rivers flow into the reservoir, including the Escalante, the Dirty Devil, and the San Juan river.  There are 100's of canyons with smaller springs and water sources.  The reservoirs is surrounded by red rock and desert, and trees and other brush are scarce.  Where springs and rivers are present there are usually Fremont Cottonwoods, willows, and other deciduous brush and trees.  In some area Salt Cedar is quite prevalent providing food and cover for migrating songbirds.  There are numerous access points and birding location at the reservoir including:

Birding:
Various waterbirds use the lake year round.  Migration sees an influx in the number of species and total amount of birds.  The overall species list for the reservoir isn't very big, and as a birding destination it isn't very popular.  This is unfortunate, as the reservoir is likely one of the major catchalls in the southwest ofr vagrant waterbirds, including pelagic species not normally found inland.  Other reservoirs in the Colorado River drainage are proof of this, but unfortunately the distance from most people and sheer size make it an underbirded location.  Some of the notable birds to show up here include: ROSEATE SPOONBILL, GLOSSY IBIS, YELLOW-FOOTED GULL, RED-THROATED LOON, the majority of Utah's YELLOW-BILLED LOON sightings, BROWN PELICAN, and LITTLE BLUE HERON.  Aside from the rarities the birding is very typical of southeast Utah and the Colorado Plateau deserts.  CANYON and ROCK WREN, BLACK-THROATED SPARROW, WHITE-THROATED SWIFT, and HOUSE FINCH are all common here.  The various rivers, canyons, and small migrant traps here could turn up just about any songbirds during migration.

Directions:
There are various access points on the lake.  The major ones include Hite Crossing, Bullfrog Marina, Halls Crossing, and Wahweap Marina.  Aside from these, there are dozens of small dirt roads that access various side canyons, bays, and out of the way spots.  The reservoir can be accessed from the north, south, east and west via various roads.  Please consult Google maps for the best directions to the area you are interested in birding.

Gunlock Reservoir photo by Tim Avery

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
Gunlock State Park is home to Gunlock Reservoir, a 266-acre reservoir. The park is located approximately 15 miles northwest of St George. It is a primitive area and there are no facilities aside from bathrooms. The park offers camping, swimming, boating, and fishing.  There are view points over the reservoir at the damn, from the campgrounds, and several spots near the inlet.  A scope is useful for scanning the lake.  There are some trees around the reservoir, but it is mostly arid hillsides.  From the inlet up river along the Santa Clara river is excellent riparian habitat.  Below the dam the Santa Clara River also provides excellent riparian habitat as well.  Desert/Black willow and Fremont Cottonwood are the primary deciduous tree types present.

Birding:
The reservoir is used by migrant waterfowl and diving birds and can be fairly productive at the right time.  There are often numerous COMMON LOON on the water in late March and November.  As of recent years there have been free flying MUTE SWAN present near the inlet quite often.  Occasionally LONG-TAILED DUCK and Scoters show up during the winter months. In 2003 a REDDISH EGRET spent about a month at the lake.  Various shorebirds may be present in spring and fall and there is a record for RED PHALAROPE here as well.  SABINE'S GULL occasionally use the waterway during fall migration.  The riparian area above the reservoir is known for nesting COMMON BLACK-HAWKS, SUMMER TANAGER, LUCY'S WARBLER and has had BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER.  The riparian stretch below the dam also hosts some of the same species as above and acts as a decent migrant trap during migration.  The arid hillsides around the reservoir are inhabited by BLACK-THROATED SPARROW and more notably, RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW.  The canyon walls play host to both CANYON and ROCK WREN, as well as WHITE-THROATED SWIFT.  During spring migration in early May, VAUX'S SWIFTS have been observed over the dam on multiple occasions.

Directions:
From I-15 in St. George, take exit 6 at Bluff Street and go north 3 miles to Sunset Boulevard.  Turn left and stay on Hwy 91 for 11 miles to the fork.  Take the right fork and go another 5.3 miles to the state park, which will be on your left.

Strawberry Reservoir photo by Tim Avery

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
Strawberry Reservoir is a large mountain reservoir, southeast of Heber City in the southwest edge of the Uinta Mountains.  The Reservoir is actually made up of two reservoirs, with Soldier Creek Reservoir being a smaller eastern arm of the lake.  The reservoir is surrounded on all sides by mid-elevation shrubsteppe, as well as patches of Aspen.  Some areas of mid-elevations conifer and mixed Aspen woodland are also accessible immediately from the reservoir.  There are day use fees to go into some of the marina areas, but in general most locations around the lake are open to the public.

Birding:
The reservoir is an important migration stopover for divers, waders, waterfowl, shorebirds, gulls, and terns.  You can check out a number of hots pots on the lake including: Chicken Creek Road, Haws Point, Strawberry Marina, West Strawberry Road, Renegade Point, and the Northeast side along US-40.  All of these areas generally have similar habitat and bird lists, but depending on weather conditions and viewing conditions these locations may have advantages over one another. The lake is generally ice free from April through November, and there are birds present all year when the water is open.  Spring and fall bring the most activity.  If more birders visited this area there would likely be more notable sightings, but the most notable bird from the lake was a SABINE'S GULL.  Rarer loons, grebes and waterfowl likely pass through in October and November as well as May.  The surrounding mountains have a number of high elevation specialties including AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER, NORTHERN GOSHAWK, and RUFFED GROUSE.  GREATER SAGE-GROUSE can be seen in the surrounding shrubsteppe, while there is a small breeding population of PURPLE MARTIN in the area.

Directions:
From Heber City take US-40 south for 23 miles.  The reservoir will be on your right.  There are access points from the west, north, east sides.

Koosharem Reservoir from Google Street View

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
Small reservoir surrounded by shrubsteppe and agricultural land.

Birding:
Koosharem isn't a birding destination, but a stop off on the road from Richfield to Loa, Torrey, and Bicknell before heading into Capitol Reef, or south towards Boulder.  It's definitely worth a stop if there is open water which is typically from around March till November.  Lots of migrating waterfowl, divers, gulls and terns, and some shorebirds use the lake--as well as a number of breeders.  COMMON LOON, all 3 Mergansers, GREATER SCAUP, CANVASBACK and 7 CACKLING GEESE (1 sighting) make up the notable waterbirds here.  While VESPER, LARK, and BREWER'S SPARROW as well as SAGE THRASHER can be found in the surrounding shrubsteppe.

Directions:
From I-70 take exit 48 south .2 miles to the T-intersection at UT-24.  Take a right here and go .4 miles and take the left on to UT-24 south for 21 miles.  The reservoir will be on your left with several places you can pull in to park and scope from.

Lloyd's Lake photo by Tim Avery

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
Lloyd's Lake is a small reservoir southwest of the town of Monticello.  It is surrounded by mixed Pinyon-Juniper and Gambel's Oak Woodlands on all sides.  The inlet in the southwest corner of the lake comes form a small canyon/ravine that is packed full of Cottonwoods and other deciduous trees and brush.

Birding:
You can scope the lake from the north end near the dam as well as several spots along the road on the west side of the lake. Various diving birds and waterfowl can be seen here during spring and fall migration.  COMMON LOON are seen here from time to time.  JUNIPER TITMOUSE is common in the mixed woodlands around the lake.  At the inlet WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH is very reliable.

Directions:
From Hwy 191 in Monticello, go west on 200 South.  After 2 blocks the road Y's--take the left hand road that forks to slightly to the south.  This turns into Abajo Drive and goes for about 4 blocks to the edge of town.  Here the road turns into North Creek Road.  After the last house on the left the next road on the left is South Creek Road, which is .9 miles from Hwy 191 where you started.  Turn left on to South Creek Road and follow it to the Reservoir which will be on your left.  If you continue along this road you'll eventually hit the inlet, before the road veers sharply to the left.