Lower Price River Road photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
The road follows the Price River for about 3.5 miles across open desert before hugging the river and following it another 4 miles into the book cliffs at the canyon bottom.  Eventually the road hits the river and you can either go north up Trail Canyon, or cross the river and go south on another dirt road.  For birding purposes I suggest probably turning around here and heading back.  The combination of habitats can make for a descent morning of birding with the sparsely vegetated desert hitting marsh and wetland along the river--and a riparian habitat with cottonwood and willow.  As you hit the canyon the the desert turns to rocky hillsides, and cliffs bordering the riparian habitat of the river.  To the south several hillsides have juniper woodlands as well.  This area has been mostly ignored by birders and potentially could be a worthwhile stop along the way from Price to Green River.

Birding:
This one really might be a gem in the desert.  I've only stopped here twice on a whim to see what might be around.  The open desert for the first couple of miles of road isn't overly productive int eh early spring.  But things like SAY'S PHOEBE, ROCK WREN, and HORNED LARK can be found along the road with ease.  MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD are in the area, and notably BLACK-THROATED SPARROW can be found.  The are along the river is probably best during the spring and fall but some interesting breeders might occur here.  YELLOW WARBLER are probably the standard, but Yellow-breasted Chat, Blue Grosbeak, Willow Flycatcher, and other riparian specialists probably use the habitat in the canyon.  The wetland areas along the river on the flats can attract waterfowl, and possibly waders, shorebirds, and other waterbirds.  In the canyon look to the cliffs for CANYON WREN and WHITE-THROATED SWIFT.  In the skies above TURKEY VULTURE and other raptors can probably be found regularly. This stop could end up being a great hot spot one day, it just needs some attention.

Directions:
From the on ramp at Exit 243 on US-191/6 in Price head south on US-191 for 35.4 miles till you reach a dirt road and turn off on your left.  Turn here and you are on Woodside Lower Price River Road which continues 7.7 miles into the Book Cliffs.

Woodside from Google Street View

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Description:
Woodside is a ghost town located on the west bank of the shallow Price River in the nearly uninhabited eastern part of Emery County. Its fenced-in filling station is one of the only signs of human activity along the lonely stretch of U.S. Route 6/191 between Wellington and Green River.  At one point in the early 1900's the town had a population of over 300 and actually was a thriving small community.  Today the property is private and surrounded by fence.   The Price River sits to the south lined with cottonwood trees, while sparse desert is found on all sides.  Greasewood dominated the landscape, while some shrubsteppe habitat is also present. A cold-water geyser is on the property but is rarely seen from the road anymore. Along the river these is some marsh and wetland habitat as well.  Given the remote location in the desert the trees do act as a migrant trap.

Birding:
This location hasn't received a lot of coverage--most birders passing do just that--and pass without stopping to see what might be around.  The trees can be hard to access, but can be birded form the road--albeit dangerously.  A small road wraps around the north side of the ghost town through the desert and greasewood.  BREWER'S SPARROWS can be found here in the summer months, while WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS fill in during the winter.  SAY'S PHOEBE can be found in the area, and WESTERN KINGBIRD are present in the summer months.  RED-TAILED HAWK are often seen perching in the trees along the river.  Since there aren't a ton of checklists and visits the actual species list is probably much higher and numerous migrant species can probably be found here in May and September.  Given how isolated the are is the potential for a mega find here is very high.

Directions:
From the on ramp at Exit 243 on US-191/6 in Price head south on US-191 for 35.4 miles till you reach Woodside on your right.

Sparks Spring from Bing Birds Eye View

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Description:
Very little information to go on about this location.  It appears to be on the Locomotive Springs Loop Road, so in most cases is probably entered as part of the hot spot. The small spring provides open water, and some wetland habitat in an otherwise shrubsteppe surrounded desert in just about the middle of nowhere.

Birding:
Currently the location list has just 5 species.  TUNDRA SWAN, NORTHERN HARRIER, COMMON RAVEN, HORNED LARK, and notably SAGEBRUSH SPARROW--all from a single mid February Checklist.

Directions:
Getting to this location take some planning and choosing the best route to suit your needs.  Instead of trying to list out step by step directions, we have created a a Google search with 3 different options for driving here: View Google Map and Directions.  Good Luck!

5th West from Google Street View

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

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

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

1200 W 1700 N from Bing Birds Eye View

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Description:
In the northwest corner of Logan this area is a wetland and marsh area, surrounded by grasslands, and the city to the east.  There is no other information online about this location, so if you have been or can add anything, don't hesitate to comment below.  It appears there is some shorebird habitat based on the species found here and along with the marshy habitat this is the focus.

Birding:
Most visits to the area appear to be from May and August, assuming this is specifically for shorebirds and potentially passerine migrants it eh riparian areas.  In May look for SNOWY EGRET, WHITE-FACED IBIS, SWAINSON'S HAWK SORA, and WILLET.  WILSON'S SNIPE and KILLDEER are probably found year round, along with AMERICAN KESTREL NORTHERN HARRIER, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, and WESTERN MEADOLWARK.  During fall migration shorebirds appear to be the focus and in August you might see: SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, and BAIRD'S, SEMIPALMATED, WESTERN, SOLITARY, and PECTORAL SANDPIPERS.    This array of shorebirds is a nice grouping for such an area in Cache County.  A variety of songbirds have been reported in the fall as well including: AMERICAN PIPIT, YELLOW WARBLER, CHIPPING SPARROW, and LAZULI BUNTING.  Notably a mid-summer record for BOBOLINK suggest this species might breed in the area.

Directions:
From the intersection of Main Street and US-89 in Logan, head north on Main for .8 miles. Turn left onto 1000 North and go 1.3 miles. Turn right onto 1000 West and go .5 miles. Turn left onto 1400 North for .3 miles before turning right onto 1200 West and going another .2 miles and you reach the location on the left..

16-16 Pond Fields from Google Street View

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

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

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

20-20 Ponds from Google Street View

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

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

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

Talons Cove from Google Street View

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Description:
Talons Cove borders the northwest corn of Utah Lake, and provides an interesting set of habitats for birding while golfing.  You could technically bird the streets along the course here, but much like other courses in the area, this is more of a golfing destination than a birding destination, although for birding it is an excellent golf course! 18 holes of mostly open terrain, surrounded by minimal grasslands and shrubsteppe.  Small trees can be found along the course in various locations, with a few areas of thick russian olive.  2 ponds i the northeast corner of the course provide wetland and marsh habitat, and the lake is visible form the course.  Wetlands along the shore are close enough that with binoculars you could make out some species on the lake.  The front 9 is much birdier than the back from my experience here.

Birding:
Talons Cove really is a great course for birding.  The mix of habitats provides great opportunities for various species.  During the summer months is the best time to visit the course, and you'll likely encounter HORNED LARK, WESTERN KINGBIRD, and CLIFF & BARN SWALLOWS through out the course.  At the marshy areas on the ponds, you can expect YELLOW-HEADED and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS.  COMMON YELLOWTHROAT and MARSH WREN can usually be heard at these spots as well.  Along the lake front areas scanning you will likely see and or hear CASPIAN TERN, WESTERN GREBE, NORTHERN HARRIER, and AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN.  In the riparian areas, and the spots with dense russian olives songbirds are abound.  YELLOW WARBLER, LAZULI BUNTING, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE are common.  BLUE GROSBEAK have been observed at the course, and prefer these area on the east edge.  Like most golf courses the access is limited to the edges, unless you're golfing--luckily here there are a lot of edges that can be birded.  If you are passing through during the summer, stop in for a few minutes and see what's singing!

Directions:
From the intersection of Redwood Road and Pioneer Crossing in Saratoga Springs, head south on Redwood Road for 3.9 miles.  Turn left onto Fairway Blvd and go 225'.  Turn left and go .1 miles to the parking lot and club house.

Looking North from Inlet Park from Google Street View

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Description:
This is the southernmost point of the Jordan River Parkway where it meets up with Utah Lake in Utah county just north of Saratoga Springs. At Inlet Park there is a dam that controls the flow of water from Utah Lake into the Jordan River. The Parkway is paved the whole way and used by walkers, runners and bicyclists. The walk from Inlet Park to Pioneer Crossing Overpass is 1.2 miles. You can continue to walk the Parkway underneath the Pioneer Crossing Overpass--as with the rest of the Jordan Rive,r we have slit eBird into sections, and a new section begins from here and goes 1.4 miles to Lehi Main Street, where you will reach the north side of Powell Lake which is another great hotspot. Also once you return to your car consider taking a spotting scope to Pioneer Crossing Ponds which is another e-bird hotspot.

Birding:
This is a good place to bird all year long. There are trees, shrubs and the river that provide food and cover and nest sites. Birds to watch out for include: RING-NECKED PHEASANT, SANDHILL CRANES, GREAT EGRET,TURKEY VULTURE, BLACK-CAPPED and MOUNTAIN CHICKADEES, YELLOW-HEADED and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, NORTHERN FLICKER, GREAT BLUE HERON, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, EVENING and BLUE GROSBEAK, PRAIRIE FALCON, AMERICAN KESTREL, AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, COMMON and RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, BARN, NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED and CLIFF SWALLOW (nesting under Pioneer Crossing Bridge), and WILSON'S SNIPE.

Directions:
In Utah County, at the intersection of Pioneer Crossing and 2300 West head south where the road becomes 7200 North after .6 miles. Take a right into the parking lot after .2 miles. This is just before the bridge over the Jordan River. This parking area has signs for the Utah County Radio Controlled Airplane Park. The walk from this parking area to Pioneer Crossing Overpass is .9 miles. Instead of parking here there is a smaller parking lot further down at Inlet Park which is on Saratoga Rd from here.

Thanks to Rachel LeBlanc for this location submission.

Bountiful Landfill from Google Street View

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Description:
The Bountiful City Landfill is a large landfill in the city of Bountiful sitting on the southeast edge of Farmington Bay WMA, and just north of Bountiful Pond.  The landfill is bordered by several bodies of water, and mostly empty fields, with some marsh and wetland habitat.  The actual landfill is--a landfill, and is used very frequently by locals to dump their trash.  Access to the landfill proper has been hit or miss over the years.  In the 90's and early 2000's it was as simple as saying you wanted to go look at birds and they would usually let you drive in, just asking that you stay out of the way.  In recent years they have form time to time turned birders away.  You might even go so far as to pay the fee to dump if you want to get in.  The popularity of the location as a birding site has waned in the past decade, mostly due to better, safer access,  and gulling opportunities at other locations.

Birding:
If you were interested in gulls and lived in Utah in the late 90's or early 2000's, you probably spent some time at the Bountiful Landfill plugging your nose, while scanning the various gulls in the middle of winter. In 2004 when a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was found here, it became a go to location for birders to search.  Aside form the throngs of CALIFORNIA and RING-BILLED GULLS present there were always a nice mix of variously aged HERRING GULLS to look at.  THAYER'S GULL could usually be found in the mix, and occasionally GLAUCOUS and GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS were picked out.  There is even a record for WESTERN GULL.  Various other birds you normally find at dumps are here as well--flocks of starlings, blackbirds, pigeons, and ravens are not uncommon.  Various raptors hunt the perimeter, and birds form the marshes surrounding can often be heard and seen. I stopped going to the landfill after Lee Kay Ponds and Farmignton Bay really started being the gull magnets they are.  There are probably quite a few good gulls still using the dump, and if you live in the area, it might be worth checking from time to time in the winter.

Directions:
From the Legacy Parkway, take Exit 4 on to 500 South.  Head west towards the frontage Road, and continue 2.2 miles.  You will pass Bountiful Pond on your left and keep going straight until you reach the entrance to the landfill straight ahead.

Warm Springs from Google Street View

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Description:
Warm Springs is a series of shallow ponds along I-15 at 2300 North in Salt Lake City.  Most birding here is on the ponds west of the interstate south of 2300 North where as many 4 ponds are present.  The 2 most notable are directly south of American Building Components and Rocky Mountain Fabrication and can't be seen from 2300 North.  The only access is a tiy6 two track that allows you to scan looking east (see directions below). The shallow ponds often dry to nothing by later summer, but are usually quite full in the spring. The industrial complexes around really give the area a stark and "wasteland" type of feel.  There are some russian olives along a canal that borders the west end of the ponds.  Further west form here is a wetland observation area--ironically the view into it is often obscured by phragmites.

Birding:
What do a loud interstate, a industrial park, and a large playa with a shallow film of water on it have in common?  Not a whole lot, but it sure makes a great stop for birds i nan otherwise inhospitable area of the city.  More than a dozen species of waterfowl have been observed here. NORTHERN SHOVELER seems ever present, while in the fall winter and spring you might glimpse RING-NECKED DUCK or RUDDY DUCK.  WOOD DUCK and both GREATER and LESSER SCAUP have been observed.  GREAT and SNOWY EGRET along with WHITE-FACED IBIS may occasionally turn up here, while the main draw has always been shorebirds.  Salt Lake City despite having a large portion of Great Salt Lake shoreline is mostly devoid of good shorebird habitat--Warm Springs surprisingly fills the void to an extent.  Both GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS are common fall migrants here. SPOTTED SANDPIPER, KILLDEER, AMERICAN AVOCET, and BLACK-NECKED STILT are all easy finds.  Small numbers of peeps occasionally show up and LEAST, WESTERN. and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER have all been seen.  Due to the limited number of birders that go here, a lot probably goes unnoticed.  Occasionally good gulls are seen at this locale.  BONAPARTE'S GULL have been seen during migration while MEW, HERRING, and THAYER'S GULL have all been observed during the winter.  During migration all 6 regularly occurring Utah SWALLOW species can be found here.  Other species typical of marsh can be found here, mostly in the areas to the west.

Directions:
From I-15 southbound take exit 311 as it loops back 180 degrees and hits 2300 North.  Turn left here and go .4 miles.  On your left there will be a dirt road a small canal, another dirt road, then a big canal then another road.  Take the 1st dirt road (furthest east) and go south.  It degrades to two track and eventually dead ends at a fence between the north and south pond to your west. Form I-15 northbound taking exit 311 turn left onto Warm Springs Road for .4 miles.  After you pass under the freeway the road heads west becoming 2300 North.  Go another .4 miles till you reach the road on your left.

Pioneer Road Marsh photo by Mike Hearell

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Description:
This marsh complex is located in Marriott-Slaterville in the western portion of Weber County. It is surrounded by private property but can be viewed from a pullout along Pioneer Rd. It is a mudflat with a drainage of water running through the middle most of the year, but is flooded during irrigation season. The canal has water year round, but is much deeper during Summer months. During cold extreme cold weather the marsh itself will freeze up, but the canal stays mostly open.

Birding:
 During the Winter this is one of the very few locations to find gulls. Mixed in with the expected species, MEW GULLS and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS have both been observed here. During Spring this is a good spot to locate wading birds including AMERICAN AVOCET, BLACK-NECKED STILT, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, and both species of YELLOWLEGS. AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS also frequent the marsh during this time. Fall is the best time to visit as the migrating WATERFOWL use this area as a rest stop.  Depending on the time of year the canal can have multiple species of GREBES, DIVING DUCKS, BELTED KINGFISHER, and has even had a TRUMPETER SWAN.

Directions:
Take the 400 N (Weber County Fairgrounds) exit off of I-15 and head west 2.9 miles to the pullout.

Thanks to Mike Hearell for this location submission.

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.

Blue Creek looking North from Google Street View

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Description:
Blue Creek is a small stream that crosses Golden Spike Drive just outside the entrance to Golden Spike NHS.  Further south the creek meets several springs and forms a wetland habitat which is completely surrounded by farms, grasslands and shrubsteppe.  Blue Creek can be birded from the road, but I am not sure about access to the springs further to the south--there do appear to be some roads off of Promontory Road leading into the area, but I assume this is all private property.  The hot spot is the 2 mile stretch of road from UT-83 to the slight right into the historic site towards the Big Fill--and it can extend as far north or south as you can see or access from here I suppose.

Birding:
I just submitted the first checklist for this location and wanted to get it on the map.  Being that it is the only water source in this tiny depression/valley it seemed worth being a stop on the way into or out of Golden Spike NHS.  Given the habitat many of the birds you are likely to see here, you will also see in the park, but since it is a water source, there will likely be a few other notables here.  RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD were busy singing when I visited, and AMERICAN ROBIN were calling from the sagebrush here.  WESTERN MEADOWLARK are common, while other species you should expect to encounter year round include: HORNED LARK, COMMON RAVEN, RED-TAILED HAWK, and probably MALLARD.  Please take a moment while in the area to submit a list here to help build out this location--it has likely been birded many times before, but the species lists were just included in the Golden Spike NHS location.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 365 head west on UT-13 for 2.5 miles to Corinne.  Continue straight onto UT-83 for another 17.4 miles. Turn left following signs onto 7200 North/Golden Spike Drive. The road and this hot spot continues for 2 miles before entering Golden Spike NHS.  Blue Creek is 1.1 miles from the turn off of UT-83.

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.

Kuhni Wetlands from Google Street View

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Description:
The Kuhni Wetlands is an interesting little hot spot, tucked away just south of the East Bay golf course. These wetlands were preserved as mitigation property during the construction of the Provo airport. At one point this area was at least somewhat open for visits and field trips as evidenced by the now cracked concrete remnants of a parking lot and a fallen wooden sign welcoming visitors. It consists of a decent-sized wooded area surrounded by swamps and some open waters. To access, one should park outside the metal gate and walk around to explore. Be cognizant as the area has become overrun in recent years with indigent people and you should only proceed with caution to explore any areas beyond the gates.

Birding:
All the standard swamp species are well represented here during the breeding season. You'll hear a chorus of MARSH WRENS, and COMMON YELLOWTHROATS interrupted by the shrill cries of  SORAS and the "laughter" of VIRGINIA RAILS. During spring and fall migrations the area acts as a solid passerine trap, likely drawn to the towering Cottonwoods. WARBLERS, VIREOS & SPARROWS abound. Every time I go here I am usually the only one there and I almost always find something interesting. I'll always remember my close encounters with GREAT HORNED, WESTERN SCREECH & LONG-EARED OWLS. The water appears to be a natural spring that doesn't freeze in winter along with many of the waters around East Bay and hosts RING-NECKED DUCKS and AMERICAN WIGEON. The occasional EURASIAN WIGEON has been seen mixed in as well. Flocks of COMMON GRACKLES have visited Kuhni Wetlands in October. I highly recommend if you're in the area you explore Kuhni and the nearby East Bay golf course ponds.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 263 in Provo head east on 1860 South for .6 miles.  Turn right onto E 1910 South and follow this .2 miles.  The road curves right here and continues due south another .6 miles.  You can park here and walk to the west down the dike/closed road and Kuhni is to your south.  TO bird on the property drive another .2 miles south.  Turn right and park outside the gate here.

Provo River at River Road from Google Street View

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Description:
This spot is directly on the Provo River just North of Heber City near the intersection of Highway 40 and River Road.  Just East of the river on River Road, there is a gravel parking lot with restrooms.  There are also signs directing you to the fisherman access for the river.  There are no entrance fees, and this land that is open to the public. The land on either side of the river is marsh and wetlands, due to the Provo River Reclamation Project.  Tall trees line either side of the river creating a great riparian habitat, and beyond the marsh land are open fields that are mostly for agriculture.  This combination leads to a wide variety of birds being attracted to this spot and the immediately surrounding areas throughout the year.

Birding:
Directly along the river is an excellent place to view a number of interesting birds.  BELTED KINGFISHER are almost always perched in the trees at this location year round intently looking for fish in the river.  If you stay more than just a few minutes, you will be likely to see one swoop down in attempt to catch a fish.  Several songbirds commonly found near water also frequent the trees along the river. During the summer YELLOW WARBLER, AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE can be found.  In the winter months WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW and DARK-EYED JUNCO are found.  Year round SONG SPARROW are a common find. This portion of the river is loud, shallow, and fast moving.  As such, it is a perfect habitat for AMERICAN DIPPER, and they are seen here year round.  Take a good look near some of the large rocks that protrude from the river because they often use these rocks as a perch before diving into the water in pursuit of insects. Within approximately one hundred yards on either side of the river are platform nests where OSPREY generally return each summer.  There is at least one breeding pair to the East of the river near Highway 40, and another pair is also commonly found along River Road to the West of the river.

Directions:
From the Intersection of US-40 and River Road north of Heber, head west on River Road for .3 miles.  Turn left into the parking area and park here, following the directions to Fisherman's Access.

Thanks to Case Wade for this location submission.

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.

No Photo At This Time photo by Utah Birders

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

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

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

Oquirrh Lake from Google Street View

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Description:
Within the Daybreak community, man made Oquirrh Lake is approximately 67 acres (Because of its meandering shape, the perimeter of Oquirrh Lake is 3.4 miles.) Walking trails go all around the lake, around an island within the lake on the south end, and there are a couple of cutoffs across the lake to make walking a bit shorter. Parking is available all around the lake so there is good access. The lake is stocked with bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, rainbow trout so fishing is allowed. Boating for Daybreak residents is available during the summer. Small deciduous trees can be found all around the lake, and a small wetland is located in the southeast corner.  On the north end is an expansive beach and marina.  The master plan for the area will have the lake completely surrounded by homes on the opposite sides of the street from the lake, but the lake will be visible from all sides with no obstructed views.

Birding:
The best times to visit Oquirrh Lake are spring and fall during migration. In cold winters the lake freezes over and in the summer there are boats, kayaks, and kids playing in the water so there is little nesting activity along the shore. When I first started birding here a few years ago there were only houses on the east side of the lake. But suburbia is creeping in across all directions now so the makeup of the birding population will undoubtedly be changing. Typical waterfowl include CANADA GOOSE, AMERICAN COOT, MALLARD, RING-NECKED DUCK, CANVASBACK, REDHEAD, COMMON MERGANSER, AMERICAN WIGEON, GADWALL, RUDDY DUCK, CINNAMON and GREEN-WINGED TEAL.  Notable waterfowl sightings include: BLUE-WINGED TEAL,RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, TUNDRA SWAN, ROSS'S GOOSE, CACKLING GOOSE, LESSER SCAUP, WOOD DUCK and even both WHITE-WINGED and SURF SCOTERS.

While PIED-BILLED, EARED, and WESTERN GREBE are expected, there have been reports of HORNED GREBE as well.  CASPIAN and COMMON TERNS have been reported and gulls can be plentiful on the lake during late winter and may include CALIFORNIA, RING-BILLED, HERRING, THAYER'S, and even LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS.

The raptor list consists of AMERICAN KESTREL, MERLIN, PRAIRIE and PEREGRINE FALCON, RED-TAILED HAWK, SWAINSON'S and ROUGH-LEGGED  HAWK, GOLDEN AND BALD EAGLES. 

Other birds of note are WESTERN MEADOWLARK, HORNED LARK, BREWER'S BLACKBIRD, BELTED KINGFISHER, RED-WINGED and YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD, SAY'S PHOEBE, MOURNING DOVE and DARK-EYED JUNCO. Also there are BARN, CLIFF, ROUGH-WINGED and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS in the early summer morning hours.

The area can easily be birded by car, foot, or bike on the trails and various roads.

Directions:
From Bangerter Highway, turn west on either 10400 south/South Jordan Parkway or 11400 south/Daybreak Parkway. Continue west on either street about 1 mile until you arrive at the Lake. There are roads around all sides of the lake allowing for access from various points.

Thanks to Rachel LeBlanc for this location submission.