Recapture Reservoir photo by Tim Avery

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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.

Looking south from Mission Road photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
If you happen to be in Bluff during spring take a quick drive to the east along Mission Road/SR-162 towards Montezuma Creek. For the first couple miles the road is borders on the north by red rock cliffs, and on the south by agricultural fields.  Further south is the San Juan River.  There are a couple locations to access the river where lush riparian habitat dominated by cottonwood, willow, and russian olive provide great habitat.  The fields along the road are often flooded in the spring providing wetland type habitat even if just for a few weeks.  During the rest of the year birding along the river is also possible, but the fields won;t be as productive.

Birding:
This quick drive is mostly birding by car, but you can get out and scope the fields to look for waterbirds during migration.  If the fields are wet in April you will usually see a handful of WHITE-FACED IBIS, and may snag some shorebirds like MARBLED GODWIT, or even gulls like FRANKLIN'S GULL.  Along the road there are usually SAY'S PHOEBE, WESTERN KINGBIRD, ROCK WREN, and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW.  CHIPPING and BREWER'S SPARROW might be present, while LUCY'S WARBLER can usually be heard in the trees along the river.  Overhead keep an eye out for WHITE-THROATED SWIFT and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW.  One thing to keep an eye out for here is CHIHUAHUAN RAVEN which have been found mixed in with large flocks of COMMON RAVEN in the fields.  The much smaller cousins are quite easy to pick out in a flock if present.  Migrants along the river, as well as waterfowl can be found. Apparently during the winter, large numbers of WOOD DUCKS have been seen but are unreported here in eBird.

Directions:
From the intersection of Red Rock Rd and Main Street in Bluff, head east on Main Street for .8 miles.  Turn right onto Mission Road which you can take for 2.9 miles to the turn off to old swinging bridge on the right.

Green River Crossing photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
The Main Street River Crossing is a quick stop to scan the river for waterbirds, and others in town.  The easiest location to view is from behind the trading post on the north side of Main street and east of the river.  Here you can see a large sandbar in the river (unless there is very high water).  From the south side of Main, also on the east side of the river you can also try to get a vantage point on the river and sandbars there.  The surrounding land is arid desert and sparse farmland--it's not great habitat.  The river provides shoreline, and obviously water ranging form shallow near the sandbars, to relatively deep stretches.  The riparian habitat bordering the river here is dominated by russian olive, with a variety of willow, cottonwood, salt cedar, and other shrubs and trees mixed in.  Since all the viewing locations are on business property please be mindful of the owners.

Birding:
A small list of species has been built up here in recent years.  Since the view locations aren't really in view, most birders skip through without making a stop. From the view on the river you will probably see CANADA GOOSE on most visits, while GADWALL, MALLARD, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL are also reported occasionally.  During migration keep an eye out for mergansers--COMMON MERGANSER are reported with some frequency.  Both GREAT BLUE HERON and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON are seen from time to time.  Although there are no reports of GREEN HERON, it certainly could be found skulking here.  OSPREY and NORTHERN HARRIER may be seen hunting along the river in the summer months, while BALD EAGLE are present in the winter.  Shorebirds use the sandbars on the river when available--with SPOTTED SANDPIPER being seen regularly during migration.  Keep an eye out for other waterbirds. FORSTER'S TERN have been reported as well--but in general the few visits haven't produced a hug number of species that are known to use the waterway.  BLUE GROSBEAK, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, and WESTERN KINGBIRD can be found here in the summer, while swallows swarming over the water during migration can produce all 6 regularly occurring species. As with the other 3 birding locations in Green River, just about anything could show up here.

Directions:
From the intersection of Broadway and SR-19/Main Street in Green River, head east on Main Street for 1.3 miles.  Once you cross the river you can get to two different view points.  Turn left and drive to the north end of the parking lot behind the trading post and park.  Here you can walk behind the building to the west back to the river over look.  You can alternatively turn right into the parking lot at the restaurant and hotel and try to access a view from various locations here.

Green River WTP photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
The Green River WTP (waste water treatment ponds) are located on the south side of town, and accessed via Silliman Lane. There are actually 4 ponds on the location, with the largest one being the northwest pond visible form Silliman Lane covering 12.7 acres. The northeast pond is the second largest at 7.3 acres, while the southeast pond covers 4 acres, and the southwest just 3.7 acres.  Since only the northwest pond is visible from Silliman Lane the others are much harder to find access to.  Although you can view all the ponds from the west bound lanes of I-70, this is a dangerous area to scan from as there are no pullouts.  At the end of Silliman Lane a dirt road continues through a fence and actually wraps all the way around the south end, possibly giving view to the other ponds.  I am not sure of whether or not this is private property or who to contact for access.  To the south of the ponds are barren desert slopes and then the interstate.  The north and west sides are bordered by farms, while the east side is bordered by the Green River. Like waste water treatment ponds through rural Utah, these provide some of the best birding in Green River, and are the only still water in the area making them a haven for waterbirds of any kind--especially during migration.

Birding:
Most visits to this location are during the spring and fall when birders are headed between the southeaster part of Utah and the Wasatch Front.  The WTP is a must stop if you pass through as there will invariably be something unexpected for the location in the middle of the desert.  In the spring as waterfowl migrants head north you can make a pretty good list here with a short stop.  While GADWALL, NORTHERN SHOVELER, and CINNAMON TEAL are present in good numbers you might also find AMERICAN WIGEON, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, REDHEAD, and LESSER SCAUP.  A hybrid MALLARD x GADWALL (Brewer's Duck), was seen her in April 2015.  Although some divers like PIED-BILLED GREBE and DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT have been observed they aren't as expected. WHITE-FACED IBIS may be here, or along the river, or in the fields along Silliman Lane.  Perhaps the biggest draw for birders is shorebirds.  With the Green River being a natural north-south migration route--the standing water here provides excellent feeding grounds.  LESSER YELLOWLEGS, MARBLED GODWIT, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, LEAST SANDPIPER, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and WILSON'S PHALAROPE have been seen here.  4 species of Gulls have also been recorded--with large flocks of FRANKLIN'S GULLS using the ponds during migration, and BONAPARTE'S GULLS popping up mixed in.  All 6 species of regularly occurring swallows show up here during migration, while species like WESTERN KINGBIRD, SAY'S PHOEBE, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, and NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD are reported form the summer months.  GRAY CATBIRD are occasionally reported, as well as BLUE GROSBEAK, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE.  Most of these passerine species are more likely to occur along Silliman Lane to the north and are likely from earlier checklists before this location was created. Needless to say the entire area is a migrant trap for lots of species.  With enough birders stopping to check the ponds out on a regular basis some big finds would come form here in the desert where standing water is at a premium.

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.

East Carbon WTP photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Let it be said--waste water treatment ponds in rural Utah are some of the best birding locations.  If you read over Utah Birding Spots pages, you will hear this theme again and again when we talk about the ponds in any little town or remote corner of the state.  The large pond visible at East Carbon is no exception--the only open water for miles around on the arid desert this is a trap for migrating waterbirds who find themselves in need of a place to land and refuel.  The ponds are surrounded by fences, but can be viewed from a turn off at the northeast end where the gate onto the dike around them starts.  Surrounded by shrubsteppe and desert the water can be buzzing with activity in the spring and fall. It is well worth any trip the 7 miles out here from US-191/6 to check out what's on the water.  You can make a morning out of it by birding the sage flats on the way out, nearby Sunnyside Park, the junipers and foothills to the south, and Horse Canyon Road on your way back to US-191.

Birding:
For years I have missed out on this location.  I can't count the number of trips to southeast Utah where I drove past and never ventured out to East Carbon to check things out.  The potential misses are huge.  On two visits here during mid-April our group was treated to some great hard to get Carbon County birds like COMMON LOON, LONG-BILLED CURLEW, WHITE-FACED IBIS, WESTERN GREBE, and a variety of waterfowl including big numbers of RING-NECKED DUCK and LESSER SCAUP.  Lists from others during fall migration include great shorebirds like BAIRD'S and WESTERN SANDPIPER, and both WILSON'S and RED-NECKED PHALAROPE.  The surrounding sagebrush is good for SAGE THRASHER and LARK SPARROW, while migrating flocks of blackbirds sticking to the edges of the ponds and sage might include YELLOW-HEADED, BREWER'S, and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS. I challenge you to make it out here if you are headed from Price to parts south--you shouldn't be disappointed!

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 6.9 miles till you reach the ponds on your right.

Central Lehi Fields from Google Street View

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

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

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

Public Shooting Grounds WMA photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
The WMA was established in 1928 in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management to specifically manage for waterfowl. Public Shooting Grounds is 11,758 acres and serves as important nesting, resting, and feeding habitat for a variety of waterfowl and shorebird species. The WMA is reported as being the first area set aside for public hunting of waterfowl in the United States.  Public Shooting Grounds WMA is a freshwater wetland complex consisting of uplands, mudflats, emergent marshes, and open water habitat. The North Entrance is accessed on 7200 North southwest of Salt Creek.  The South Entrance consists of five accesses occur along SR-83 beginning approximately 8 miles west of Corinne.  Access on the area is allowed the Thursday prior to the youth waterfowl hunt and throughout the waterfowl season. Permission to enter the area outside of these dates must be requested from the area manager prior to entering the area by calling 435-854-3610.  For birding purposes almost all birding at this location is done along UT-83 at various pull offs to view ponds visible from the roadway.

Birding:
The WMA really is known for its waterfowl.  Between October and March (especially in October and March) large numbers of waterfowl use the area during migration.  Enormous flocks of TUNDRA SWAN are found here on northbound migration in March most years. At least 14 other species of waterfowl have been found here, and big numbers of AMERICAN WIGEON, NORTHERN PINTAIL, and GREEN WINGED TEAL are not uncommon during migration.  Shorebirds are also often seen in the shallow waters just off the highway.  Among the more notable finds here are SNOWY PLOVER, BAIRD'S SANDPIPER and a RUFF in December 2001.  AMERICAN AVOCET, BLACK-NECKED STILT, both species of YELLOWLEGS, WILLET, MARBLED GODWIT, and WESTERN SANDPIPER are all seen here annually. Both SHORT-EARED and BARN OWL can be found here as well.  In the drier habitats look for WESTERN KINGBIRD, SAGE THRASHER, and LARK SPARROW during the summer months.  GRASSHOPPER SPARROW has been observed and likely breeds here or nearby.  During the breeding season AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, CLARK'S GREBE, and FORSTER'S TERN can be found on the water, while MARSH WREN and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT are common in the reeds. and The Shooting Grounds has a nearly 100 species list and is growing.  If you're passing on your way west or east, its worth a quick stop to see what's on the water.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 365 head west on UT-13 for 2.5 miles to Corinne.  Continue west onto UT-83 for 8.9 miles till you reach the Public Shooting Grounds located on both sides of the highway.  There are various entry points along the road, as well as water viewable from the highway.

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.

Springs Park from Google Street View

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Description:
Seegmiller Marsh is a large wetland complex on the Virgin River that is mostly private property.  The south side of the marsh is adjacent to Springs Estate Park and Pond--and 8 acre public park.  Most birders access just Springs Park, but some birding can be done along the north edge at the marsh.  The large pond at the park is the main attraction, and is surrounded by mostly salt cedar, but some other desert scrub as well.  A paved walkway goes all the way around.  A small dirt wash on the north side leads to the marsh which has several access views at the edge of the tamarisk.  Typical wetland habitat in the marshes here make for a great wild habitat.   Future improvements include trail connection to the regional trail system via the Virgin River Trail South Trail.

Birding:
Most birders are unfamiliar with Seegmiller Marsh, but if you mention Springs Park, Springs Pond, or Springs Estate most birders who have been to St. George know what you're talking about.  No visit to the south is complete without at least one stop here most of the year--although summer months are brutally hot, there are still some birds you can see easily here.  Speaking specifically about the pond, during the winter months waterfowl from the north can be found here, with overwintering geese often present.  SNOW GOOSE can be found here most winters, while ROSS'S and CACKLING have also been recorded.  MUTE SWAN are usually found here, but the free flying swans do move around a bit.  Diving Ducks including RING-NECKED DUCK are regulars, while CANVASBACK, HOODED MERGANSER, and GREATER SCAUP show up less frequently.  Year round with some looking you might be able to track down an ABERT'S TOWHEE or CRISSAL THRASHER.  GREEN HERON are resident as well but detected far less.  In the spring, fall, and summer, LESSER NIGHTHAWK are often seen flying over in the evening. The marsh side brings a whole other level of birds with a great riparian habitat that can attract various passerine species.  WILLOW FLYCATCHER, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, and BLUE GROSBEAK can all be found here during the breeding season.  COMMON GALLINULE can often be heard here at night, and for years this was the go to place in Utah to find this species.  BARN, BURROWING, and GREAT HORNED OWL have all been reported from here, while SAY'S and BLACK PHOEBE are easy finds year round.  This unassuming park is essentially one of the best urban birding sites in St. George, and very easy to bird whether you have 15 minutes or a few hours.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 8/St. George Blvd go east to River Road just off the freeway. Turn right and head south for 1.8 miles across the Virgin River.  At the light, turn left and continue on 1450 South for 1.1 mile. Turn left onto Springs Drive for .2 miles.  The park will be on your left; turn in here and park.

Thanks to Suzi Holt for contributing on this location submission.

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.

Blanding WWTP from Google Street View

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Description:
The Blanding Wastewater Treatment Ponds (WWTP for short) are 4 ponds used for treating the waste water from the town of Blanding, Utah.  Situated on the south end of town the ponds are the only notable bodies of water and marshland in Blanding creating an oasis in the otherwise barren desert here on the Colorado Plateau.  The ponds have rock banks with some exposed mud flats as well as cattails and other reeds and cover creating a great habitat for migrating waterbirds.  The ponds are private property and must be viewed from public roads around them on the north and east sides.  Some sparse farm land is also nearby but for the most part the surrounding area is arid desert.

Birding:
Sewage ponds + barren desert = some of the best birding in the area.  This equation holds true throughout the desert southwest and in Blanding it is no different.  These ponds get birds that would otherwise not be seen very often in San Juan County.  Given that there is no one regularly reporting birds from Blanding the actual productivity and true status of many of the birds that use these ponds is really unknown.  If you are passing through Blanding this is a must stop for birds--after all it may be the only location away from Lake Powell that gets a decent variety of waterbirds in the desert here.  For started the waterfowl list is very impressive with 17 species including WOOD DUCK, CANVASBACK, HOODED MERGANSER, and BLUE-WINGED TEAL all being recorded.  EARED, WESTERN, and CLARK'S GREBE in addition to PIED-BILLED GREBE have been found here.  GREAT and SNOWY EGRET along with BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON have been observed while WHITE-FACED IBIS use this location in good numbers throughout spring migration.  This oasis is a saving grace for shorebirds and during spring migration GREATER YELLOWLEGS, WILLET, LONG-BILLED CURLEW, MARBLED GODWIT, and WILSON'S PHALAROPE have been observed here among others.  Both BONAPARTE'S and FRANKLIN'S GULL have been recorded during spring migration as well as CALIFORNIA and RING-BILLED GULLS. Passerine species are drawn to the green surrounding the water during migration and various warblers and sparrows have been seen here.  COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, LARK SPARROW, SAGE THRASHER, and SAY'S PHOEBE are all expected during the breeding season.  Currently there are no checklists for the winter and early spring here.  Winter and fall migration really might turn up some great birds, so don;t hesitate to scope things here if you are passing through.  I consider this the best birding location in Blanding.

Directions:
From the corner of Center and Main Streets in Blanding head south on Main Street/US-191 for 3.6 miles.  Turn left onto Shirt Tail Corner and go 200' til you reach the ponds.

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.

4400 West looking south from Google Street View

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Description:
The habitat here is primarily agriculture, shrubsteppe, and open fields.  It is not a high value habitat, but often floods in the spring providing wet fields for migrant waterbirds.  There are scattered shrubs and trees along the road as well. In all the road is typically birded for for 2 block south of 5200 south, but various roads in the area can provide more birding opportunities. There is a pond along 5400 South at 4800 west that often has waterfowl at it as well.

Birding:
Typically this location is not visited on its own, but is added on for those who are checking out 4000 West & Lakeshore, or River and Swede Lane.  The poor quality habitat is usually best in spring when flooded fields bring various waterbirds like WHITE-FACED IBIS to the fields. These flocks provide the opportunity to look for GLOSSY IBIS. One of the main features of this area is the private pond to the west along 5400 south where various waterfowl are found in the spring, especially diving ducks. GREATER SCAUP and CANVASBACK have both been reported here. If the fields in the area are flooded there is a good chance that migrant LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, LONG-BILLED CURLEW, MARBLED GODWITS, and WILSON'S PHALAROPE might be present. Notably large flocks of BANK SWALLOW have been recorded here in the spring as well. Birding can be done on foot or by car, and is generally more productive in the morning and evenings, but during migrations waterbirds are likely to be present throughout the day if the fields are wet.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 260 in Springville go west on 400 South for .4 miles. The road will jog to the left here--continue for another 3.5 miles. The road will go south another .3 miles.  Turn Right onto UT-77/440 South and follow this as it becomes 3200 West for another 1.4 miles before turning right on 5200 South.  Follow this for 1.5 miles till you reach 4400 West. From here you can bird south along 4400 West.

4400 West looking north from Google Street View

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Description:
4000 West is an access point for Rock Island Waterfowl Management Area.  All the birding here is done along the road which can be walked.  The habitat is typical wetlands on the south shore of Utah Lake, with some drier more grassland type habitat as well as shrubsteppe.

Birding:
Birding can be done very easily here by parking and walking at various points.  Theoretically you could drive into the north end, park, and walk back to the road birding by foot.  Waterfowl, shorebirds, divers, other waterbirds, and various neotropic migrants can be found here during the spring and fall.  Some notable species that have been seen here include HARRIS'S SPARROW, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, GLOSSY IBIS, and GREATER SCAUP. Potential for fallout here with some good Russian Olive patches--these trees have produces a multitude of unexpected songbirds here including OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, WESTERN TANAGER, VIRGINIA'S WARBLER, NASHVILLE WARBLER, and BLUE GROSBEAK.  If you're birding nearby Swede or River Lane, its worth a couple minutes extra drive to stop here and see what is around.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 260 in Springville go west on 400 South for .4 miles. The road will jog to the left here--continue for another 3.5 miles. The road will go south another .3 miles.  Turn Right onto UT-77/440 South and follow this as it becomes 3200 West for another 1.4 miles before turning right on 5200 South.  Follow this for 1 mile till you reach 4000 West. Turn Right here and you can look for birds for a mile as the road goes north until it dead ends at the lake.

Ponds at Glovers Lane from Google Street View

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Description:
The ponds at the west end of Glovers Lane in Farmington have traditionally been a stop for those birding Farmington Bay WMA.  A large pond to the west of end of the road is combined, with marsh and mudflats to the south, and a farmers field to the east that is often flooded.  This combination of habitats attracts a variety of birds.

Birding:
Birding is easy here.  Pull up to the corner, or to the parking area near the radar "globe", and set up to scan or scope the pond, mudflats, or fields form any vantage point along the road.  Typically during migration the pond hosts lots of waterbirds--similar to what you might find at Farmington Bay WMA just a few hundred feet to the south.  During late spring and breeding season CINNAMON TEAL are sometimes joined by BLUE-WINGED TEAL, whilst both CLARK'S and WESTERN GREBES can be observed.  A rookery on the edge of Farmington Bay and the south end of the pond is used by GREAT BLUE HERON.  If the water is low during the fall large flocks of shorebirds might be using the area.  LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER flocks here have had numerous SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER as well as STILT SANDPIPER mixed in.  COMMON TERN have been observed here, while FORSTER'S TERN are common.  EURASIAN WIGEON, NEOTROPIC CORMORANT, LEAST TERN, have all been observed here. The mega-rarity that is most notable was a CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR originally seen at Farmington Bay showed up here a few hours later in the middle of the road in December 2007.

Directions:
From I-15 south of Farmington take exit 322.  At the end of the on ramp take the first right onto 200 west/I-15 Frontage Road.  Drive a 1/2 mile to the stop sign at Glovers Lane.  Turn right onto Glovers Lane and drive until the road veers 90 degrees to the right at the ponds on the west end of Glovers Lane. Alternatively, from north of Farmington, take I-15 exit 325.  Turn right at the end of the off ramp onto 100 West.  Drive .6 miles to Clark Lane and take a right.  Continue for .5 miles to 1525 West and take a left.  Continue south 1.2 miles to Glovers Lane.  Take a  right onto Glovers Lane and drive until the road veers 90 degrees to the right at the ponds on the west end of Glovers Lane.

Antelope Island Causeway from Google Street View

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Description:
The Antelope Island Causeway is the lead in to Antelope Island State Park.  The 6 mile causeway is lined by the Great Salt Lake.  The first several miles in recent years have been dry on the south side, and dry and/or brackish water on the north side.  After the first bridge shallow water and mudflats appear on both sides of the causeway, eventually the water reaches the shore of the causeway for the remainder of the road to the island.  The 2nd bridge near the island had deeper water that flows rapidly from the south side into the north.   Besides the the primary habitat mentioned above the road is lined with short grass and some shrubs including Rabbit Brush that provide additional habitat for some prairie birds.

Birding:
The causeway is the go to spot for many birders week in and week out.  It has produced every species of shorebird recorded in Utah at least once.  The largest migrant flocks of WILSON'S PHALAROPE come through each July, numbering in the 100,000's.  Smaller numbers of RED-NECKED PHALAROPE also move through in spring and fall.  There are several records of RED PHALAROPE as well.  Large numbers of peeps--mainly WESTERN SANDPIPER come through, mixing in lesser numbers of birds that would otherwise be rare in Utah, including: SEMIPALMATED, PECTORAL, and BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS, DUNLIN, RED KNOT, and SANDERLING.  But those birds are jsut the tip of the iceberg.  Almost annually other shorebirds are recorded here including: AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, RUDDY TURNSTONE, WHIMBREL, and SEMIPALMATED PLOVER.  This congregation of shorebirds leads to the real rare stuff, including: CURLEW SANDPIPER, RUFF, WANDERLING TATTLER, BUFF-BREASTED and WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER, and the states only SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPER.  The list goes on and on.  But the spring and fall shorebird migration is augmented by the winter sea ducks that show up here.  All 3 SCOTERS and LONG-TAILED DUCK are usually recorded yearly as well.  Gulls are a sight here year round.  During the breeding season 1,000's of California and FRANKLIN'S GULLS line the causeway.  Each fall 100's and sometimes upwards of 1,000 BONAPARTE'S GULLS pass through.  Along with these tiny gulls, the occasional SABINE'S GULL is found and there are several records of both LITTLE GULL and BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE.  The causeway has also had several sighings of both PARASITIC and POMARINE JAEGER. The winter is also a good time to look for rare northern songbirds like SNOW BUNTING and LAPLAND LONGSPUR along the edges of the road.  There was a one day wonder SNOWY OWL here on December 2, 2011--a bird many suspect should show up at this location more often.  If you are going to be in Salt Lake City during the fall, winter, or spring, and have a day or even a half day, the causeway is the one place most birders would recommend you must visit.

Directions:
In Layton, take I-15 exit 332 west bound onto Antelope Drive for about 7 miles to the entrance station to the park.

Bear River MBR photo by Billings Brett

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Description:
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is a 74,000-acre National Wildlife Refuge established in 1928. Leased by the government from private property owners, the refuge encompasses the Bear River and its delta where it flows into the northern part of the Great Salt Lake in eastern Box Elder County. It includes a variety of habitats, such as open water, mudflats, wetlands, and agricultural property. The refuge hosts millions of migratory birds each year. There are more than 41,000 acres of freshwater wetlands.  There is a one-way 12 mile auto route through the Refuge, with an audio tour and map available for download through the official website.

Birding:
Bird Refuge Road takes you about 10 miles from the refuge headquarters and visitor center to the beginning of the Auto Tour loop.  You can look for birds on the entire drive out, and depending on time of year, and whether or not there is flooding the birding can be very good to very minimal.  And there are birds to be seen year round. Some of the best birding however is spring and early summer as well as all fall. Birding the refuge is as easy as driving the auto tour loop and stopping to look at birds along the way.  Pelicans, cormorants, grebes, waterfowl, raptors, sparrows, shorebirds, herons, egrets--you name it, and if it's supposed to be in a marsh you will find it here.  CLARK'S GREBE, CASPIAN TERN, SORA, VIRGINIA RAIL, AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, SNOWY PLOVER, LONG-BILLED CURLEW, and RUDDY DUCK are common breeders here.  During fall shorebird migration, 1,000's of shorebirds of dozens of species show up.  Flocks of WESTERN SANDPIPERS too big to count, LONG-BILLED DOWTICHERS and phalarope are all common sights.  Some of the MANY notable sightings here include: BRANT, AMERICAN BLACK DUCK, LITTLE BLUE HERON, RUDDY TURNSTONE, BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER, YELLOW-FOOTED GULL, LEAST TERN, YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, MCCOWN'S LONGPSUR, and PALM WARBLER.

Directions:
Take I-15 Exit 363 west bound on Forest Street for 10 miles to the beginning of the Auto Tour Route.

Strawberry Reservoir photo by Tim Avery

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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.

Dry north end of Quichapa Lake from Google Street View

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Description:
Quichapa Lake is a large lake jsut west of Cedar City that doesn't get birded very often.  The large lake is entirely surrounded by private land, but there are several access point where viewers can scan the water for waterbirds and shorebirds.  The surrounding land is mostly agriculture, with some shrubsteppe and other semi-arid habitat.  Depending on time of year the lake may be very full and flooded all the way north of UT-56 on the north end.  It may also be very low and hard to find a good place to look for birds from.

Birding:
The lake is an oasis in the dry and often hot valley during migration and the summer.  Waterbirds use this as they pass north and south during migration and for Iron County it can provide a lot of species that would otherwise not show up here--most notably shorebirds.  The most notable sighting from Quichipa was Utah's first NEOTROPIC CORMORANT in 2007 which stayed for several weeks.  Other notable sightings here include EURASIAN WIGEON, BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, WHIMBREL, DUNLIN, PECTORAL SANDPIPER, BAIRD'S SANDPIPER, SABINE'S GULL, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, and LARK BUNTING.  Although this site is often skipped wen heading between the north and St. George, it may well be worht a quick stop during migration given the remote location.

Directions:
From I-15 in Cedar City take exiu 59 and head west on UT-56/200 North.  Follow the road about 6 miles.  Turn left onto 6300 West and go south for 1.5 miles.  Turn Right onto Shirts Creek Road and go till the road comes to a a T with dirt roads going north and south.  You can try viewing from anywhere along the lake here.  There are also two roads on the west side of the lake that get pretty close, but this is the best viewing area.