Silliman Lane looking south photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Silliman Lane is the road that leads from the town of Green River, to the Green River WTP (waste water treatment ponds) on the south side of town.  The gravel and dirt road passes through farm land for its entirety, and is bordered on the east side by a canal.  This creates a descent riparian habitat with large cottonwood trees, various shrubs including willow, and russian olive.  A large tree line going east from the road near the south end is very thick habitat.  At the end of the road you reach the WTP on your left.

Birding:
Although birders submit lists from the WTP here on occasion, where birders generally look from is not clear.  In the past you could dangerously look from the edge of the interstate, but wanting better and safer looks we found the way tot he ponds through town--via Silliman Lane.  The lane is a great birding spot on the way into the ponds, and provides a very different habitat with the open farmland and riparian.  Various raptors might be encountered along this stretch including RED-TAILED HAWK and either SHARP-SHINNED or COOPER'S HAWK.  During the winter months DARK-EYED JUNCO along with flocks of WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW can be found.  These flock might include the rare zonotrichia found in Utah and are worth looking through.  Int he summer months WESTERN KINGBIRD, SAY'S PHOEBE, and YELLOW WARBLER can be found along the road, while the habitat looks really good for YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT and BLUE GROSBEAK.  Various migrants can probably be found in the spring and fall given the habitat.  If you are here anytime and want to check out the WTP, I highly recommend doing so via Silliman Lane and seeing what non-waterbird species you can find on your way in.

Directions:
From the intersection of SR-19 and Broadway in Green River, head south on Broadway for .2 miles. Turn left on to Green River Avenue for .3 miles. Turn right onto Airport Road for .2 miles. Here there will be a left turn onto Silliman Lane.  The lane continues for .7 miles to the Green River WTP.

Crescent Junction photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Crescent Junction (or Brendel) is a small unincorporated community located at 4,882' on I-70 at exit 182 named for the crescent-shaped formation of the Book Cliffs in the area. Most highway maps use the name Crescent Junction, as the name given to the junction of Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 191. Most railroad maps use the name Brendel, the name of the rail siding and junction at the same location.  The town came to be when the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad constructed its main line through Eastern Utah in 1883.   Over time two buildings were constructed, a gas station and restaurant.  There are several small patches of trees surrounded completely by arid desert and shrubsteppe.  The trees act as a mini-migrant trap, while the open habitat surrounding is similar throughout the area.  The rest stop to the west on the south side of the interstate is only accessible to east bound traffic and sits on a bluff overlooking the junction.  The habitat here is dry desert and is mostly used as a bathroom stop for tourists using the interstate.

Birding:
Between the two locations making up this "hot spot" over 20 species have been observed.  Year round COMMON RAVEN, WESTERN MEADOWLARK, and HORNED LARK may be encountered in the open desert.  At the junction starlings, House Sparrows, and House Finches are a common sight.  During the summer LARK SPARROW, SAY'S PHOEBE, WESTERN KINGBIRD, and SWAINSON'S HAWK might be seen.  During migration in the spring and the fall various passerine species could be encountered at the tiny patches of trees at the junction.  WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, CHIPPING SPARROW, VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW, and LESSER GOLDFINCH have all been observed.  Most birders skip over a stop here, if heading to Moab and parts south.  If you happen to be on your way to or from the southeast, a quick stop to check the trees might turn up something interesting in the spring or fall.

Directions:
From I-70 Exit 164 in Green River head east on I-170 for 16.3 miles.  Here you can take the off ramp to the rest area on the bluffs to the south. If you stay on I-70 and continue another .9 miles take Exit 182, then turn left at the bottom of the off ramp.  Crescent Junction is on the north side of the interstate here.

East Carbon Sage Flats photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
SR-123 goes west to east for almost 7 miles from US-191/6 to the town of East Carbon.  The sagebrush flats along this road range form stunted and mixed with greasewood to huge patches of Big Sagebrush.  The open, and arid habitat is ideal for sagebrush specialists, and easy to bird on the way to the East Carbon WTP.  If making the loop from US-191 out to East Carbon, and Sunnyside Park, then down SR-124 through the junipers and foothills, and eventually on to Horse Canyon Road and back to US-191, there are several nice stops along this road on the side roads.  About 1/2 way to the WTP there is a road on the south side that goes over the railroad track before dead ending at private property in some tall sagebrush.  This is a great place to spend a few minutes early or late in the day looking around.  The road has a 65 MPH speed limit, and there aren't wide shoulders, so finding a pull off is advisable for birding here.

Birding:
During the breeding season there are a few easy to get sagebrush specialties here. SAGEBRUSH SPARROW, VESPER SPARROW, and SAGE THRASHER are all possible.  Keep an eye on fence posts and power poles for GOLDEN EAGLE, RED-TAILED HAWK and other raptors.  WESTERN MEADOWLARK and COMMON RAVEN are present in decent numbers and will probably be the majority of the birds you see.

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.  For the next 6.9 miles you are in the Sagebrush Flats.

East Carbon Junipers photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Driving south out of East Carbon on SR-124 you will find yourself in rolling hills covered with Juniper woodlands and shrubsteppe.  The rarely traveled road is ideal for birding, with wide shoulders, and side roads to access the various patches of trees.  Large intact tracts of juniper like this in an unbirded area provide an opportunity to wade into uncharted waters. Status and distribution of even common species are often assumed based on available habitat--but actual status of many species is unknown.  Then take into account the less common species using the habitat--what species are found in this area of the state?  The almost 8 mile road can be driven in about 10 minutes--so an hour birding here  can easily be fit into a trip.  Out of Price taking the loop on SR-123 to East Carbon, you can bird the Sagebrush Flats on SR-123, the East Carbon WTP, Sunnyside Park, this road, and then Horse Canyon Road on the way bay to SR-191/6.  The whole loop make for some great birding in an otherwise desolate area.

Birding:
New to birding this area looked ideal for juniper specialists--and it made making a loop out to East Carbon worth while on the drive form Price to Green River.  During the winter months it may be very quiet out here.  DARK-EYED JUNCO roam the hillsides, but not a whole lot else is around.  During migration things pick up, and species using the foothills to move north might be encountered.  Arriving breeders include MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD, CHIPPING SPARROW, and SAY'S PHOEBE.  In the more open areas, keep an ear out for BLACK-THROATED SPARROW, along with other shrub land species.  You might hear ROCK WREN, WESTERN MEADOWLARK and others along the road. Some year round species that might be encountered include JUNIPER TITMOUSE, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, and SPOTTED TOWHEE.  The large tracts of habitat are probably home to PINYON JAY as well.  Breeding season potentially holds some of the best birds--based on similar habitat in the eastern part of the state SCOTT'S ORIOLE, GRAY VIREO, BUSHTIT, GRAY and DUSKY FLYCATCHER, and BLACK-THROATED GRAY-WARBLER are probably found here.

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 8.6 miles.  Turn right onto SR-124 south.  For the next 7.9 miles you will be in the junipers and foothills till you reach Horse Canyon.

US-6 south of Woodside from Google Street View

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Description:
US-191/6 travels north-south for 21.5 miles from Woodside south to I-70.  The habit is barren desert, with some shrubsteppe components.  Mostly open and sparsely vegetated the land is not a great type of habitat.  Many birders travel this route to get between southeast Utah and the Wasatch front.  To the east lay the Book Cliffs and to the west the San Rafael Swell.  Two very interesting areas with this low lying valley between.  This stretch of road can be very dangerous due to the amount of traffic, and semi usage.  There are plenty of places to pull off, onto side roads if you are interested in birding.

Birding:
The eBird checklist for this location at the time of writing shows just COMMON RAVEN from here--so you will probably see this species.  On the side roads there are certainly more birds, and things like HORNED LARK, LARK SPARROW, and SAY'S PHOEBE can be found relatively easily.  The barren desert here isn't ideal for much, but you may also come across ROCK WREN, BLACK-THROATED SPARROW, and WESTERN MEADOWLARK.  If you take the time to bird the side roads, be sure to put in a checklist for this middle of nowhere stretch of road!

Directions:
Driving on US-191/6 out of Price, continue south to Woodside.  Once you cross the Price River it is 21.5 miles to I-70 on this location.

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.

Old Highway from Google Street View

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Description:
From Ucolo Road, driving back to Monticello on the loop from Hickman Flats you will take Old Highway which parallels US-491 just to the south for about 10 miles east to west.  Old Highway goes through shrubsteppe, disturbed grassland, farmland, and fragmented mixed juniper and oak woodlands.  This road seldom sees traffic except for locals, and you will probably have the drive to yourself.  You can stop and go as you'd like, making sure not to wander off the road as most of the land around is private property.  Luckily the birding form the road is fantastic.

Birding:
The Old Highway drive back to Monticello from Ucolo Road makes for some nice late morning birding after spending a morning on Hickman Flats.  In the past LEWIS'S WOODPECKER have been seen along this route amongst the more common NORTHERN FLICKER.  A real surprise find here in April 2013 was a WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER.  The patches of juniper ware excellent for finding JUNIPER TITMOUSE, and in the spring DUSKY FLYCATCHER are usually present.  BEWICK'S WREN, CHIPPING SPARROW, and MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD can be seen while a couple more unexpected finds include: RED CROSSBILL, NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, and MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE.  Since this location doesn't get really any birders, its worth checking out to see what you might find.


Directions:
From the intersection Main and Center Streets in Monticello, head east on Center Street for 5.3 miles.  Turn left onto Hallers for .3 miles at which point you will turn right onto Old Highway.  From here Old Highway continues 9.8 miles till it turns north into Ucolo Road.

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.

The Pond from Google Street View

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Description:
The pond along lower Kolob Terrace Road has long been a stop on the drive to Lava Point and Kolob Reservoir.  This large pond doesn't freeze, and provides an excellent stop for wintering and migrant waterbirds here in the middle of the desert.  The riparian habitat provides great viewing opportunities on the road side of the pond, while the cottonwoods on the back side can be scanned with binoculars.  A large set of farm fields lies to the north, while the east and west sides are red rock and dry hillsides.  Although some birds from the surrounding desert can be seen/hear here--the focus is the pond and riparian habitat.

Birding:
If you're driving up to Lava Point or Kolob Terrace you have to stop here even if just for 5 minutes.  Any time of year there is something to be seen/heard for birders.  From November through April various species of waterfowl have been observed here--in all 12 species have been recorded including WOOD DUCK, CANVASBACK, and HOODED MERGANSER.  One of the most common waterfowl species encountered here are RING-NECKED DUCK all winter Several grebes have been sighted here, but the most interesting waterbird reported was an AMERICAN BITTERN.  With little in the way of shorebird habitat only SPOTTED SANDPIPER has been reported.  Raptor there are scattered reports of both species of EAGLES, a couple accipiters, and not much else.  From spring through summer there are some good birds that can be picked up here on most outings.  BLUE GROSBEAK and YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT can usually be found along with SUMMER TANAGER, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, LUCY'S WARBLER, and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT.  During spring and fall migration various warblers and sparrows are reported here--with LARK SPARROW, LAZULI BUNTING, VIRGINIA'S WARBLER, and WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE being reported.  SAY'S and BLACK PHOEBE, along with ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER and WESTERN KINGBIRD are usually easy finds here.  BLACK-THROATED SPARROW, and CANYON and ROCK WREN can be found here as well straying in from the bordering habitats.

Directions:
From the Post Office in Virgin, Utah, go east on SR-9 for .1 mile.  Turn left onto Kolob Terrace Road.  Drive 3.4 miles and the pond will be on your left.

Looking east towards Universe Road pfrom Google Street View

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Description:
Universe Road, or Perkins Road, or Route 2416, or CR-206 are a series of roads that lead form Blanding out into Montezuma Creek Canyon.  The specific hot spot however is for the first 1.1 miles of what is actually Universe Road south of 1800 South in Blanding.  The land here is all private and consists of dry desert, shrubsteppe, some grasslands, and also farms.  The land is mostly red dirt and arid with little in the ways of "good" habitat.  But two really good birds have been seen here of the years.

Birding:
This nondescript road passing the rocky juniper covered out cropping owned by the Redd Family has long been a pass by location for birders dropping into Montezuma Creek Canyon to the east.  Most birders wouldn't give a second thought to stopping here as the habitat looks like most of the surrounding areas.  But for some reason a couple of really good finds have popped up here.  The first was on November 9, 1997 when Jim and Jeanne Redd spotted 3 SCALED QUAIL on their property.  Several other reports not attributed to a location also are likely from here in the following years.  The second notable was on June 7, 2007 when I found Utah's 1st EASTERN MEADOWLARK along this route.  The diagnostic photo of the bird is still the only record for Utah, but this corner of the state likely sees this species on a more regular basis--if not as a permanent breeder in very small localized areas.  Species typical of the area year round include: WESTERN MEADOWLARK, RED-TAILED HAWK, COMMON RAVEN, and GOLDEN EAGLE.  During the breeding season BREWER'S and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS can be found along this stretch, as well as BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD, WESTERN KINGBIRD, and KILLDEER.  The bird list form here is seriously lacking and although there probably aren't a ton of species to be found, this spot is worth checking if you stop by the Blanding WWTP nearby.

Directions:
From the intersection of Main and Center Street in Blanding head south on Main for 1.8 miles.  Turn left onto 1800 South/Browns Canyon Road for 1.1 mile.  At the intersection turn right--this is Perkins Road/Rte 2416/Universe Road.  The hot spot is the road for the next mile on either side.

Horseshoe Sloughs from Google Street View

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Description:
Horseshoe Sloughs are a series of "oxbows" on the east side of the Bear River south of Promontory Road near Corinne.  They get their names from... their horseshoe shape.  The furthest east horseshoe is found along 2700 West and can be birded for about 1/2 a mile. It is about 60 yards across and deep enough for diving birds.  To the west there are several other bodies of water in between marsh and wetland.  Along the east side there is a little bit of riparian habitat along the road.  To the east of the road is farm land.  Once you pass the south end of the water it is farm fields on either side of the road all the way to Forest Street.

Birding:
Birders have been birding the sloughs for years.  Back in the 90's while Forest Street was under constant construction, this road was the route into Bear River MBR and received a lot of traffic.  If you are going between anywhere west of Corinne and Bear River MBR, this is a shortcut to the refuge, and there always seem to be birds here.  Checklists are scant as this was just made a hot spot recently.  From spring through fall AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN and DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT are often seen here.  FORSTER'S and CASPIAN TERN can be seen fishing here, while various waterfowl are usually on the water edges.  CLARK'S and WESTERN GREBE use the area to fish, while MARSH WREN, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD are common on the marsh side.  During the fall and winter, all 3 MERGANSERS can be found here at one time or another.  BALD EAGLE are occasionally see perched in the trees in the area.  The fields and open land here are good for raptors, while RED-TAILED HAWK is found year round, ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK are often here in the winter.  In the fields to the south RING-NECKED PHEASANT can be found, and SANDHILL CRANE are reliable from March through early summer.  Next time you bird the refuge swing along 2700 west and submit a checklist here to help build the species list!

Directions:
From I-15 exit 365 go west on UT-13 for .5 miles.  Hang a left onto 2600 West.  The slough is located on your right for about .5 miles.  You can continue south along 2600 West for another 1.5 miles after the slough and will eventually hit Forest Street and the Road to Bear River MBR.

Entrance to Swede Lane from Google Street View

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Description:
Swede Lane is a road adjacent to River Lane, that passes through mostly agricultural land, as well as marsh and wetland, with some riparian habitat, eventually leading to Utah Lake.  Swede Lane doesn't have nearly the riparian habitat that is found right next door, but the mix of open habitats, disturbed land, and adjacent wetlands makes for a good drive. Like River Lane the first mile follows farm land, before hitting marsh and wetland.  The riparian habitat can be found in patches along the entire road, all the way to the lake, but it's not continuous, and mostly consists of russian olive. There is actually a connecting road between the two locations making for a quick jump from one to the other instead of having to drive back to the highway.

Birding:
Birding here often has the feel of being at a WMA or other wetland habitat--around 20 species of waterfowl have been observed here including ROSS'S GOOS, TUNDRA SWAN, and BLUE-WINGED TEAL.  From the end of the road viewing the lake its not uncommon to see AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, and both WESTERN and CLARK'S GREBES.  All three White egrets in Utah have been observed here.  During the spring when the fields near the entrance are sometimes flooded CATTLE EGRET are often seen with large flocks of WHITE-FACED IBIS.  Scan those ibis carefully, as in recent years GLOSSY IBIS have been found mixed in.  The open habitat here is usually a pretty good spot for raptors.  During the winter months BALD EAGLE, ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, and MERLIN can usually be found here.  During the summer SWAINSON'S HAWK are common here.  With nearly 20 species of shorebird being reported here this location has turned up some great birds like PECTORAL SANDPIPER and BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER. SOLITARY SANDPIPER show up occasionally during migration in the wet areas along the road as well.  During the summer months both WESTERN and EASTERN KINGBIRD can be found on the drive--other passerine species are less plentiful i the summer months, but YELLOW WARBLER is quite common; while BLUE GROSBEAK, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT are also found.  One of the best finds at Swede Lane has to be the BAIRD'S SPARROW on September 9, 2011.  I found this bird, then relocated it once and got a decent shot of it.  During the fall sparrow flocks here present a great opportunity to find rarities mixed in.  VESPER, LARK, and BREWER'S SPARROWS are plentiful and LARK BUNTING has been found in the mix.  Swede Lane isn't the hot spot that River Lane is, but it certainly has its fair share of good birds.  Birding here by car is easiest; getting out at various points to walk the road work as well.  Parking at the end of the road and walking back is a good way to bird the best riparian habitat as well.

Directions:
From I-15 Exit 260 in Springville go west on Rte 77 for 3.9 miles. Take the sharp turn on your right heading due north.  This is the start of Swede Lane. Follow this road for till it turns left and then comes to a T--about .4 miles.  If you were to turn left here this little side road would connect you to River Lane--but to continue birding Swede Lane, turn right and follow this road as it continues another 1.1 mile till it dead ends at a parking lot at the lake.

Sandy Beach from Bing Birds Eye View

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Description:
River Lane is probably the most well known (or top 2) birding location in Utah County.  River Lane follows the Spanish Fork River for a couple miles until it dumps into the south end of Utah Lake.  This area is more known for the migrant trap birding along the road than the birding here at the end of the road.  Most birders don't think of the two locations as separate--as they are birded in the same trip usually.  But the habitat at the river "delta" is quite different, and if you were focusing on waterbird then the list you would have here is going to be quite different than on the road--with some overlap.  The actual beach isn't much of a beach anymore--as year after year it seems to erode more and more to the point where there isn't a ton of beach shoreline.  But the waterbirds are still on the water, and the wide open views of the lake for here could make for a potentially great lake watch site.

Birding:
During the winter months when the lake freezes over there isn't much bird activity--but during migration and the summer months there can be quite a bit of bird activity on the water.  Fall migration seems to be the real high point for things here when both CLARK'S and WESTERN GREBE are present in good numbers, along with AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, and CASPIAN TERN.  Other birds end up mixed in including HORNED GREBE, BLACK TERN, SABINE'S GULL, and CATTLE EGRET.  Waterfowl can often be seen passing and about 15 species have been recorded including TUNDRA SWAN and RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. The shorebird list form here is actually quite impressive with almost 20 species and some real nice rarities including: AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, STILT SANDPIPER, DUNLIN, and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER.  Here at the end of the road its not uncommon to find EASTERN KINGBIRD during the summer, and various migrant songbirds in spring and summer. WESTERN TANAGER are often foraging at the tree edges here.  huge flights of all 6 species of swallows are often seen out over the water here during questionable weather.  Check out the River Lane hot spot for more information about the birding here--and next time you stop by try creating a checklist for both locations!

Directions:
From I-15 Exit 260 in Springville go west on Rte 77 for 4.2 miles.  At the stop sign turn right and go another .2 miles to River Lane.  Turn right here and you are on River Lane.  Follow this north for 1.3 miles. It will jog to the left and then right again about half way.  At the 1.3 mile mark you have to turn left onto a dirt road.  After .2 miles you're along the river and continue straight till the road dead ends at the beach.

River Lane from Google Street View

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Description:
River Lane is probably the most well known (or top 2) birding location in Utah County.  River Lane follows the Spanish Fork River for a couple miles until it dumps into the south end of Utah Lake.  The first mile of road passes through agricultural and private land. Some grassland  along with riparian habitat along road edges creates an interesting mix of habitats.  Once you reach the end of the pavement and hit dirt road you will drive right on the rivers edge for about a mile to the lake.  The river is on the southside of the road with thick riparian habitat on both sides of the river, as well as on the north side of the road.  Aside from the cottonwood and other deciduous tree canopy there is a large russian olive component, as well as willow, and various other deciduous bushes and shrubs creating a thick understory.  The habitat is truly unique and everything to the south and northeast is primarily agricultural land, lake shore, or marsh.  At the end of the road, the river mouth open up and an old road follows the lake shore north.  Following this you can continue in riparian habitat as well.  Views of the lake form here add an open water habitat.  Someone created a separate hot spot for this location called River Lane -- Sandy Beach.  This is probably a good thing to take note of birds just at the end of the road.  This area is heavily used by the public for fishing, and various other activities.  Unfortunately, some people that visit don't have any respect for the area leaving their garbage, and in some instances dumping large amounts of trash here.  There have also been incidents of poaching various birds here, and dead migrants found on several occasions with obvious trauma. But the birding is incredible, and these sorts of things are the exception to what is an otherwise amazing place.

Birding:
River Lane has long been a popular migrant trap amongst Utah Birders.  From late April through May and again in August through October passerine migrants can be found in decent numbers in the riparian habitat along the road.  It has had major fallout in the past--and has had some great rarities.  There is no such thing as a bad day of birding here--some just are slower than others.  In reality you can park at one end of the road and walk the entire length and back to bird it; but usually the best method is to pick a spot, park and walk around until you feel you've birded the area good, then driving further down the road and repeating.  Usually you can make 4 or 5 stops by the time you hit the end of the road. So lets talk about the birding here.  Common residents here include RING-NECKED PHEASANT, NORTHERN HARRIER, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, and SONG SPARROW.  During spring migration things seem to come in waves here with a nice mix of ORANGE-CROWNED and VIRGINIA'S WARBLERS, and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT in late April.  May is by far the time of year that most birders visit.  On May 30, 2011 an incredible fallout occurred across parts of central and northern Utah, and River Lane saw its fair share of incredible sightings.  An estimated 200 WESTERN TANAGERS painted the trees, while dozens of OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS mingled with various empids, dozens of warblers, grosbeaks, and buntings.  Species that usually show up in minimal numbers were everywhere.  Notable spring migrants here include SAGEBRUSH SPARROW, LARK BUNTING, INDIGO BUNTING, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, and LONG-EARED OWL.

The breeding season although hot and muggy along the river can turn up some birds that aren't all that common elsewhere in the county or northern part of the state. GRAY CATBIRD and YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT are both found here fairly easily.  Historically YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO were reported here infrequently in the summer leading some to believe they may have nested in the area.  But in recent years they have been a no show. Another interesting bird that shows up here on the tail end of migration through the middle of June are PURPLE MARTIN.  BLUE GROSBEAK and EASTERN KINGBIRD also tend to get noticed here during the summer as well as the early fall. The summer can be a real slow time here, and birders usually stay away until August and September when things pick up again.

Fall brings all kinds of great birds--potentially even greater diversity than in the spring.  CASSIN'S VIREO, TOWNSEND'S WARBLER, NASHVILLE WARBLER, and various sparrows pop up here during fall migration. Interesting note, there are no spring records for SAVANNAH SPARROW here--only fall.  The fall rarity pool is impressive as well.  ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, BLACK-AND-WHITE-WARBLER, YELLOW-THROATED VIREO, RED-EYED VIREO, NORTHERN PARULA, YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER, AMERICAN REDSTART, and TENNESSEE WARBLER are some of the very noteworthy species that have been observed.  It's not uncommon in spring and fall to be able to see all 6 regularly occurring swallows here in one day--and if you're lucky you can tack on the martin.  Fall also brings COMMMON NIGHTHAWKS, which are often flushed form perches while you walk the side roads in search of migrants.  The list goes on and on. A typical day here in the fall could turn up 40-50 species in just a couple hours.

The winter doesn't get quite the attention as migration, but sparrow flocks can be found along the road.  While predominantly WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS and DARK-EYED JUNCO are found AMERICAN TREE, WHITE-THROATED, and HARRIS'S SPARROW have all been observed here.  MERLIN are also seen with some regularity in the winter months; while NORTHERN SHRIKE are rare here but fairly regular nearby on Swede Lane.

River Lane is a premier Utah birding destination.  With a location list of over 200 species this trap is the kind of place where just about any bird might show up in Utah.  Any time you pass through Springville, take an hour and swing out and bird River Lane--you might just find something great!

Directions:
From I-15 Exit 260 in Springville go west on Rte 77 for 4.2 miles.  At the stop sign turn right and go another .2 miles to River Lane.  Turn right here and you are on River Lane.  Follow this north for 1.3 miles. It will jog to the left and then right again about half way.  At the 1.3 mile mark you have to turn left onto a dirt road.  After .2 miles you're along the river and the best birding until you reach the lake.

Willard Bay NW Playas photo by Mike Hearell

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Description:
The majority of this hotspot is the playas to the NW of Willard Bay, also known as the Willard Spur. It is flooded from Fall through early Summer. The road between the Reservoir and Spur can be quite rough, and muddy when raining. The two jetties, dike and roadside are lined with wheatgrass, phragmite, greasewood, and pickleweed. During late Summer the NW playa is dry.

Birding:
This location holds large numbers of waterfowl when flooded and not frozen. During Spring migration, large numbers of Marbled Godwit, White-faced Ibis, Black-necked Stilt and American Avocet use the shallow waters of the Spur. Most common species of waterfowl, shorebirds and waders can be found on the Spur as long as it holds some water. The roads are rough and at times only passable with a vehicle with higher clearance but, if you make the trip you might be rewarded with Snowy Plovers, HORNED GREBE, EURASIAN WIGEON, LEAST and BLACK TERN, BAR-TAILED GODWIT, sea duck or even the occasional JAEGER.

Directions:
This hotspot is located on the NW corner of Willard Bay SP in Box Elder County. From I-15 take exit 351 and turn south onto HWY126 (2000 W). Head south on HWY 126 for 0.3 miles and turn right onto 4000 N. Approximately 2.3 miles west turn right off of 4000 N onto dirt road (4150 W), this road will eventually bring you parallel to the south dike of Willard Bay Reservoir. Follow this road past Harold S Crane along the west side of Willard Bay until you reach the NW corner with the light tower.

Thanks to Mike Hearell for this location submission.

Jeremy Ranch Road photo by Tim Avery

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

Birding:
Jeremy Ranch Road is often used as a shortcut to East Canyon from Park City, as well as a side trial for birding in East Canyon. The southern portion of Jeremy Ranch Road in Summit County is very similar to the northern half in Morgan County.  This section seems to get a lot more birders, but I have a feeling that many lists submitted to eBird are for the entire road and don't take into consideration the two counties.  In the Summit County section it is not uncommon to find WILLOW FLYCATCHER during the summer months along the river; while on the northern section in Morgan County this species seems mostly absent. During the summer one can expect to find SPOTTED SANDPIPER, DUSKY FLYCATCHER, various species of SWALLOW, HOUSE WREN, GRAY CATBIRD, YELLOW WARBLER, and GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE among other common breeders.  FOX and SONG SPARROW are both common along the river corridor as well. AMERICAN DIPPER Can be found at various points along the river, and during the winter months are often seen very close to the south end of the.  Birding is extreme easy here and can be done by car, foot, or on bike.  This makes a great morning or evening summer outing and can be covered in a couple hours quite thoroughly.  

Directions:
Take I-80 exit 141 in Jeremy Ranch and go north onto Homestead Road. Take your first left onto Rasmussen Road after getting off the interstate.  Go for .1 mile into the traffic circle and take the first right onto Jeremy Road.  From here the road heads north and turns from Jeremy Road, into East Canyon Road, then into Jeremy Ranch Road. All in all it's 8.6 miles long until SR-65--with the northern half being a separate hot spot location in Morgan County.

Antelope Drive from Google Street View

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Description:
Antelope Drive is the road leading from I-15 to the entrance station at Antelope Island State Park.  The road is a high traffic route that most birders traveling to the causeway use to get there.  Historically the western reaches of the road were predominantly agricultural.  In recent years the rapid expansion of Syracuse has encroached on most of this leaving very little grassland, agriculture, and open habitat.  However there remains a little bit of habitat here west of 3000 West.  Glen Eagle Golf Course is also found along this route, where several ponds and wet areas visible from the road.  Within the next decade it is possible the surrounding farm land will all be replaced with urban sprawl.

Birding:
This location isn't really a hot spot--but it gets a lot of birders.  The term hot spot is actually a poor choice of terminology that eBird adopted and we use because of them.  This is however a birding location, that lots of birders submit checklists for because of the birds they see on the way to the causeway.  Most birding done here is simply from the car.  Occasionally there are sightings of note that make it worth a quick pull to the side to scan or scope. Interestingly almost all checklists are from the spring migration period form here while summer, fall and winter checklists are rarely reported.  Spring is when the island is most visited by birders, but undoubtedly there are birders on this road every week of the year.  The most notable bird seen along the route is usually the AMERICAN CROW. Sometimes numbering in the 1,000's this species is reliably seen along this route year round. EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE are also omni-present, as are the typical urban fare.  During the spring it is not unusual to see large flocks of WHITE-FACED IBIS in flooded fields--but that may be a thing of the past with the development happening.  These same fields are often good spots for migrant CANADA GEESE.  Various raptors can be seen along the route.  During the winter months MERLIN is possible.  RING-NECKED PHEASANT is occasionally seen from the road, as are flocks of RED-WINGED, YELLOW-HEADED, and BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS.  Near the intersection with 1000 west GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE are often seen near the 7-11, McDonald's, or in the Smith's parking lot.  If you notice birds while traveling to or from the island, its worth submitting a checklist to help add to the data pool for this not-so-hot-hot-spot.

Directions:
From I-15 in Davis County take exit 332 for Antelope Drive to Antelope Island. Heading west the road continues 7 miles till you reach the state park entrance.

Henefer Lek from Google Street View

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Description:
The Henefer Lek is a well known Greater Sage-Grouse Lek on the Morgan and Summit County line.  The lek site has historically been right on SR-65 and this has caused mortality among the birds each breeding season.  In recent years special fencing has been put up along the highway and the birds are generally now seen in the fields to the west of the road.  The habitat is shrubsteppe on both sides of the highway and county lines.

Birding:
The reason people go to the Henefer Lek is to view strutting GREATER SAGE-GROUSE typically between March and May every year.  This lek site is the most well known and most visited in Utah and very accessible form Salt Lake City.  Other birds are also present but not the focus.  Birds typical of shrubsteppe like WESTERN MEADOWLARK, MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, COMMON RAVEN, BREWER'S SPARROW, LARK SPARROW,and HORNED LARK may be present depending on what point in the season you visit.

Lek Etiquette:
by Mark Stackhouse, Westwings, Inc.

1. Arrive early—preferably while it’s still dark, or at very low light.

2.  Drive up slowly, park, and turn off your motor and lights.

3.  Stay in your car. This is probably the most important! —until the birds have finished displaying and left the lek. Even if you need to leave before the display is ended (it’s better to stay in a parked car throughout), don’t leave your vehicle, but simply drive off slowly.

4.  If you open your windows, keep your voices low, and movements slow.

5.  Avoid driving too close to any birds next to the road.  Grouse in the throws of their mating displays often seem oblivious to everything around them, and it’s easy to imagine that what we’re doing isn’t even noticed. However, perhaps because they are so pre-occupied, the choice of a safe lek-site is very important, and the birds do notice if there are things around which make them uneasy. If this disturbance is frequent, then the lek is likely to be abandoned.

Directions:
From Salt Lake take I-80 east bound past Park City towards Cheyenne.  Take exit 168 for I-84 towards Ogden.  Go 3.7 miles to exit 115.  At the end of the on ramp turn left onto SR-65. Follow the road through town and take the left to stay onto SR-65 into East Canyon.  Go approximately 6 miles to the Summit/Morgan County line and the lek.  Drive slowly as you approach in case any birds are in the road.  Historically parking on the east side of the road was a best practice, but with the birds in the fields to the west, most observers, now park on the west side of the road.  I'm not sure if this is effecting the birds or not, so please be mindful when you visit.

9180 West from Google Street View

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Description:
This small side road off of SR-201 goes south 2 blocks along the west side of Magna-Copper Park.  The habitat is great deciduous trees along with large numbers of Russian Olives.  You can walk the entire length of the road and back to bird all the trees in less than 15 minutes.

Birding:
This location sits just to the south of the Kennecott Tailings pond, so migrants coming south in the fall over the tailing pond will immediately hit these trees.  For this reason this trap can have a decent number of migrants in it.  However, birders rarely stop at this out of the way location. A few species of warbler have been recorded here including WILSON'S and TOWNSEND'S WARBLER.  With more birders checking this location while birding Lee Kay Ponds and Saltair the list could grow considerably.  Work it in with visits to The IC, the 5600 West Traps, and the 8000 West Trap for a nice trip to the best known traps in this area.

Directions:
From SR-201/2400 South in West Valley City turn south onto 9180 West, just to the west of Magna-Copper Park/Copper Golf Club.