Helper City River Parkway photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
The Price River Parkway winds its way through Helper following the Price River. Along the Parkway you will find quiet places to sit, beautiful natural areas and pieces of history. Located along the Parkway in downtown Helper is a pavilion with a sand volleyball court. You may reserve the pavilion by calling Helper City.  A nice riparian habitat dominated by cottonwood and willow lines the river providing great habitat.  The actual walking path along the river starts at Martin Road on the northwest end and goes to Janet Street at the south.  This walking path is 3/4 of a mile one way.  From here you can keep going north on Martin Road for .6 miles till you reach a large pond on the east side of the road lined with cattails and surrounded by some open fields before rising to the cliffs on the east side.

Birding:
There has been a decent amount of visitors to the area for the first half of the year, but only one checklist after July.  Species typically found here include AMERICAN ROBIN, MALLARD, COMMON RAVE, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, HOUSE FINCH, EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE and the more common introduced urban species typically found in cities.  Some of the more notable reports include FRANKLIN'S GULL, AMERICAN DIPPER, TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE, VIRGINIA'S WARBLER, VESPER SPARROW, and several reports of EVENING GROSBEAK.  Like most desert riparian habitat in Utah lots of birds are attracted by the plentiful food associated with this habitat, so anything can show up.  PINE SISKIN and CASSIN'S FINCH have been reported as well as HERMIT THRUSH, an BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK.  During spring and fall migration this stretch of river might see some good migrants moving through along he natural corridor of the river.  If you are passing through Helper this is absolutely worth a quick stop to see if anything interesting is around.

Directions:
From Main Street in Helper take US-191/6 north for .3 miles and take the exit onto Martin Road on your right. This is where the pathway heads southeast from (not sure about parking but you can probably park along the street).  If you continue north another .6 miles you will reach the pond on your right.

Lower Price Canyon photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
The lower portion of Price Canyon in Carbon County follow US-6 along the Price River along the floor of the canyon.  The sometimes steep cliffs are interspersed with canyons, ravines, and in some places rolling hillsides covered with a  variety of habitats including: shrubsteppe, mixed oak woodlands, juniper woodlands, and various coniferous woodlands, dominated by Ponderosa pine.  Some small deciduous patches of aspen and cottonwood may be found along the river along with willow for some riparian habitat.  Most birding int he canyon is done by car, with few birders stopping to explore along the road.  It can often be loud making for a hard time hearing birds.  You can venture into some of the side canyons for more dense habitat and to get away form traffic.

Birding:
There are only a handful of checklists form the canyon.  This lower stretch is often hard to bird in, but if you make your way into a small side canyon you might be able to find a few things.  Species like ROCK WREN can be found on the cliffs, and CANYON WREN are probably also present.  Along the river during the summer months FOX and SONG SPARROW along with YELLOW WARBLER might be tracked down.  There are probably AMERICAN DIPPER in the river, but there are no reports.  Various waterfowl have been reported, but I think some of this is actually from higher up the canyon in a different county where the river flows across wide open spaces littered with beaver dams making large ponds.  The habitat in the canyon in Carbon County doe not have nay of this.  COMMON RAVEN and RED-TAILED HAWK are seen on a regular basis as are BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE and AMERICAN ROBIN.  GOLDEN EAGLE may be seen soaring over the ridge year round, while BALD EAGLE are present in the winter months.

Directions:
From the on ramp at Exit 240 on US-191/6 in Price, head north on US-191 for 8.4 miles till you reach the mouth of the canyon.  From here you can continue another 9-10 miles in Carbon County in the lower portion of Price Canyon along US-191/6.

Price Canyon Recreation Area photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
The Price Canyon Recreation Area, which is administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), offers visitors a chance to enjoy cooler temperatures and the shade of large ponderosa pine trees during the summer.  The recreation area is located on a ridge high above Price Canyon.  The entrance road, a scenic overlook accessible by automobile, and a hiking trail, provide excellent views of rugged canyon country. Amenities include large, well-spaced campsites are available.  Facilities at the campground include picnic tables, fire pits, vault toilets, trash receptacles, and parking spaces. The Price Canyon Recreation Area is a U.S. Fee Area.  A nominal fee of $8 is charge for overnight camping and reservation of the group picnic areas. As a side note, lightning frequently strikes the ridge tops near the campground.  Avoid open, exposed areas when lightning is a possibility. The road is closed in the winter. The dry hillsides here and canyon walls are accentuated by mixed oak woodland and conifer forest dominated by Ponderosa pines and a small mix of juniper woodlands.

Birding:
Birding along the road to the top passing through the forest you should be able to track down birds like DUSKY FLYCATCHER, PLUMBEOUS and WARBLER VIREO, both RED-BREASTED and WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, ORANGE-CROWNED, VIRGINIA'S, and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, and both SPOTTED and GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE.  One of the specialty species here is GRACE'S WARBLER which is probably a regular breeder, but goes unnoticed since birders don't visit that often.  I have a feeling GRAY VIREO is probably also regularly occurring, and PYGMY NUTHATCH probably are found int he general vicinity as well. Spending some time looking here and all 3 of these might actually be regular breeders. As you get higher in the forest things like WESTERN TANAGER, CASSIN'S FINCH, RED CROSSBILL, and CLARK'S NUTCRACKER can all be found.

Directions:
From the on ramp at Exit 240 on US-191/6 in Price, head north on US-191 for 15.7 miles till you reach the turn off to Price Canyon Recreation Area Road on your left.  Turn here and you can follow the road 3.1 miles to the top and several parking areas, camping sites, and picnic tables.

The Castle Gate photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
The Castle Gate is a rock formation near the mouth of Price Canyon. This formation features two sheer sandstone walls on either side of the Price River, which appear to open like a giant gate as travelers approach this narrow section of the canyon. The hot spot here includes Bear Canyon on the southwest side of the highway, which is the best location to bird int he area.  A small road winds up the canyon and it can be walked passing through a variety of habitats including mixed oak woodland, aspen, and conifer.  Birders rarely stop in Price Canyon, which really has some potentially amazing birding sites--like the Castle Gate.

Birding:
Given the sparse habitat in the area and limited birder visits there isn't a lot of data here.  The habitat in lower Bear Canyon should hold SPOTTED TOWHEE year round, with LAZULI BUNTING, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and AMERICAN GOLDFINCH during the warmer months.  I would assume VIRGINIA'S WARBLER probably breed here.  ROCK and CANYON WREN can probably be found on the cliffs year round. During the summer months looking to the sky WHITE-THROATED SWIFT and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW likely ride the currents here.  Keep an eye out for raptors like GOLDEN EAGLE and even OSPREY along the river here.  Higher up the canyon as the habitat become more forest species typical of aspen and conifer forest should be present as well. With a few more checklists from other times of the year, a better picture of the birding here can be put together.
Directions:
From the on ramp at Exit 240 on US-191/6 in Price, head north on US-191 for 11.7 miles till you reach Bear Canyon on your left and the Castle Gate on your right.

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 State Park photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Green River State Park is located in the town of Green River and consists of a nine-hole golf course, a campground shaded with cottonwood trees, and a boat ramp into the actual Green River which borders it on the east side. The campground which covers the southwest 1/3 of the park is a huge migrant trap with the biggest trees is the area.  Along the river the dominant species of tree is russian olive, with various other trees and shrubs including: willow, salt cedar, cottonwood, and other deciduous trees.  The riparian habitat is along a natural north-south migrant route following the river.  Sand bars, and beaches here provide more habitat, along with the obvious river habitat which ranges form shallow to deep enough to accommodate diving birds.  There are actually 5 ponds on the golf course as well, all of which can be viewed from roads or trails.  While the boat ramp provides the best views of the open water on the river, you can walk along the shoreline north and south as well to bird the river.  As this is a state park there is an entrance fee.

Birding:
Of the 4 public birding locations in Green River, the State Park as of this writing has the biggest species list, and the most number of visits.  It is also the biggest location, and easiest to access with the most varied habitats.  On the flip side it is also the busiest site due to the campers, golfers, and other outdoor enthusiasts that want to venture far enough form the big city, but not quite to the great outdoors.  In any event the bird species here are varied, and the biggest draw in my opinion is that the camp site is a huge migrant trap.  The large stand of trees is a centerpiece to the park.  Year round you'll find AMERICAN ROBIN, HOUSE FINCH, both LESSER and AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, and NORTHERN FLICKER.  Other species that are present year round may include HORNED LARK, COMMON RAVEN, and WESTERN MEADOWLARK. Both GREAT HORNED and WESTERN SCREECH-OWL call the woodlands here home.  During the winter months DARK-EYED JUNCO and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW move in.   On the river in the winter months COMMON and HOODED MERGANSER are present, while other waterfowl might be seen as well.  During spring and fall migration a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and waders are possible along the river. During spring and fall migration you could put together a pretty good day list with the combo of the waterbirds and the migrants.

Even with the birders that have visited the migrant list isn't enormous.  There are a handful of surprise species that have shown up here late during the fall months including BROWN CREEPER, MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE, WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, and RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER.  During the breeding season there are a few species that make a stop here worthwhile, including BLUE GROSBEAK, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, along with the more common LAZULI BUNTING, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE.  I suspect September into October could be very productive here for migrants.  Spending some time scouring the grounds could easily push the area list over 100 species by adding various sparrows and warblers that absolutely pass through.

Directions:
From the intersection of SR-19/Main Street and Broadway in Green River, head east on Main Street for .4 miles. Take a right on Green River Blvd and go south for .5 miles to the park entrance.  Take a left into the park and you can continue .2 miles to the parking area at the boat ramp and go birding from here.

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.

Silliman Lane looking south photo by Tim Avery

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

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

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