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GSL BIRDING MAP & KEY |
AREA
DESCRIPTIONS: |
1-10 | 11-20 | 21-25 | 26-30 | 31-40 | 41-49 | ||
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GREAT SALT LAKE BIRDING TRAILS:
AREA DESCRIPTIONS FOR SITES 31 - 40 |
| [31] MILL CREEK |
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Mill Creek canyon is good for owls and many other birds. If birding in the dark
for owls, the use of recorded calls is discouraged. Just listen and enjoy the
natural night sounds. In early spring, Northern Saw-whet Owls have been heard
calling near the Terraces Picnic area. A favorite walk is up Desolation Lake
trail. The trailhead is 3.3 miles east of the road junction with Wasatch
Boulevard.
Look for Northern Goshawk, Golden Eagle, Blue Grouse, White-throated Swift, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Swainson's Thrush, Hermit Thrush and Western Tanager. Higher elevation birds (these often winter at low elevations) include Clark's Nutcracker, Steller's Jay, and Townsend's Solitaire. HABITATS: Steep-walled stream with cliffs, mountain shrub, and riparian habitats FEATURED BIRDS: Great-horned Owl, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Flammulated Owl SEASON: All year with fall, winter and spring best LOCATION: Exit from I-215 at 39th South (South Salt Lake City) and head east. Turn left at Wasatch Boulevard and travel to 3800 South, then east into the canyon. LAND OWNERSHIP: Public land managed by the Wasatch-Cache National Forest NOTES: Accessible restroom, fee area |
| (You will find more information on the Wasatch-Cache National Forest HERE ) |
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| [32] BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON |
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This canyon offers ski areas in the winter and cool relief in the summer.
Birding is good all along the canyon, but favorite spots include the Spruces
Campground, Silver Lake trail, and Desolation Lake trail.
The Spruces is located about 10 miles up the canyon and good for Red-naped Sapsucker, Western Wood-Pewee, Hammond's Flycatcher, Mountain Chickadee, Townsend's Solitaire, Cassin's Finch, and Fox Sparrow. From the Spruces parking lot (where there is a restroom) cross the road to the north side of Mill D to begin the Desolation Lake Trail. The Silver Lake trail is near the Brighton Village store and provides an opportunity for Three-toed Woodpecker, Pine Grosbeak, Blue Grouse, and Red Crossbill. HABITATS: Riparian, aspen, spruce-fir, and steep slopes FEATURED BIRDS: Williamson's Sapsucker, Three-toed Woodpecker, Spotted Sandpiper, Olive-sided Flycatcher, White-breasted Nuthatch, Lincoln's Sparrow, Calliope Hummingbird, MacGillivray's Warbler, and Black Rosy-Finch (rare) SEASON: All year (some areas accommodate ski areas in winter) LOCATION: From the southeast corner of Salt Lake City (7200 South), take UT-152 toward Brighton. LAND OWNERSHIP: Private lands mixed with public lands managed by the Wasatch-Cache National Forest NOTES: Accessible restroom |
| (You will find more information on the Wasatch-Cache National Forest HERE ) |
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| [32a] ALBION BASIN |
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Little Cottonwood Canyon goes from low riparian and montane vegetation (4500
feet) to high elevation alpine vegetation with Albion Basin being at the top of
the canyon. Birding opportunities are similar to Big Cottonwood Canyon. Albion
Basin is probably better known for its spectacular wildflower display in early
August than for its birding opportunities.
HABITATS: Variable, low to high elevation FEATURED BIRDS: Gray-crowned and Black Rosy-Finch (at the resorts in winter), Red Crossbill, Clark's Nutcracker, and numerous Rufous Hummingbirds during the August flower season SEASON: All year (ski area in winter) LOCATION: Drive east of Sandy on UT-209 to the junction with UT-210 and then up Little Cottonwood Canyon. LAND OWNERSHIP: Mixed private and public, the public land managed by the Wasatch-Cache National Forest NOTES: Some access restrictions during peak summer use |
| (You will find more information on the Wasatch-Cache National Forest HERE ) |
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| [33] ROCK CLIFF NATURE CENTER & UPPER PROVO RIVER |
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Birding is good on the many trails associated with the Rock Cliff Recreation
Area and Nature Center. This area is along the Provo River just before it
enters Jordanelle Reservoir. Check out the bird feeders at the Nature Center
for hummingbirds, Cassin's Finch, and American Goldfinch before strolling along
the many trails and boardwalks looking for Gray Catbird, American Dipper,
Spotted Sandpiper, Hermit Thrush, Belted Kingfisher, Bullock's Oriole, Song
Sparrow, and many swallows.
Check out Jordanelle Reservoir for Osprey, Western Grebe, Clark's Grebe, Common Merganser, Common Loon (migration), Bald Eagle (winter), and many waterfowl. The upper Provo River is reached by going east through Woodland then toward Wolf Creek Pass on UT-35. Bird from the road through the private land and then walk trails from the road after reaching the National Forest property sign. HABITATS: Stream, cottonwood riparian, and small ponds, then coniferous forest on the Upper Provo River FEATURED BIRDS: American Dipper, Cassin's Finch, and Belted Kingfisher SEASON: Spring, summer, fall LOCATION: On US-40 drive 2 miles north of Heber, then take UT-32 east, travel 6 miles to the entrance of Rock Cliff Recreation Area. The area can also be reached by going 2 miles south of Kamas, then west to the nature center, or east to the upper Provo River area. LAND OWNERSHIP: Public Land managed by Utah Parks and Recreation Division; much of the upper Provo River area is public land managed by the Uinta National Forest. NOTES: Accessible restroom, fee area, nature center |
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(You will find more information on the Jordanelle Reservoir
HERE
)
(You will find more information on the Uinta National Forest HERE ) |
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| [33a] JORDANELLE HAWKWATCH STUDY SITE |
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The Jordanelle Raptor Migration Project began in the spring of 1997 when
HawkWatch International conducted a standardized migration count on a hilltop
adjacent to the Jordanelle Reservoir near Heber City, Utah. In 1998 and 1999,
HawkWatch expanded the project to include an observation team, on-site
education activities, and an experimental banding station. Weather permitting,
counts occur daily from February 24 to May 5 each year and visitors are welcome
at any time. Because the success of the experimental banding station was
limited, no banding occurred during the 2000 season. However, HawkWatch plans
to explore future banding options.
HABITATS: Scrub-oak shrublands FEATURED BIRDS: Turkey Vultures, Bald Eagles, accipiters, and Red-tailed Hawks SEASON: The seasonal activity at the site typically includes two peaks. The first, modest peak occurs from mid-to-late-March, when passage of eagles and Red-tailed Hawks is highest. The second, higher peak occurs in mid-to-late April when passage of most other species is highest. LOCATION: Turn east on UT-32, 2 miles north of Heber. Take the first left and travel 1.1 miles towards Jordanelle Reservoir Dam to Cottonwood Canyon Access Point. Park in the lot and proceed on foot across the gated bridge and continue uphill on the main roadway. After about 1/4 mile, the road passes under US 40. About 50 yards after passing under US 40, leave the road and follow the primitive flagged trail north. After going over a small hill, follow the primitive flagged trail up the hill to the study site (approximately 1.5 miles). LAND OWNERSHIP: Public land managed by the Bureau of Reclamation NOTES: No facilities |
|
(You will find more information on the Hawkwatch International
HERE
)
(You will find more information on the Jordanelle Reservoir HERE ) |
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| [34] PROVO RIVER RESTORATION PROJECT |
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This restoration project is part of the mitigation effort for the wetlands lost
with the creation of Jordanelle Reservoir. Good for many western riparian
birds, the area continues to improve as restoration projects develop. The area
was recognized as a place of special importance for birds and bird watchers
through a joint project of the Bureau of Reclamation and the American Birding
Association that identified one outstanding site per state on property managed
by the Bureau of Reclamation. This was the outstanding site chosen in Utah.
Acknowledging the partnership, a sign at the site reads: "An outstanding
riparian corridor and adjoining wetlands combine to make this one of Utah's
most attractive areas for birds. A variety of neotropical migrants breed here,
and an even greater number descend on this site during spring and fall
migration. At these times the birds provide a brief, but dazzling, burst of
color."
HABITATS: Stream, riparian, and marsh FEATURED BIRDS: Least Flycatcher, American Dipper, and Cedar Waxwing SEASON: All year LOCATION: Turn east on UT-32, 2 miles north of Heber. Take the first left and travel 1.1 miles towards Jordanelle Reservoir Dam to Cottonwood Canyon Access Point. LAND OWNERSHIP: Public land managed by Bureau of Reclamation NOTES: Accessible restroom and walking trails |
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| [35] MIRROR LAKE HIGHWAY |
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The Mirror Lake highway is heavily used during the summer. There are many
recreation areas along the highway. Lower elevation pine stands are good for
Western Tanager, Townsend's Solitaire, Brown Creeper, and Red-breasted
Nuthatch. At higher elevations, Gray-crowned and Black Rosy-Finch are most
likely viewed near Bald Mountain overlook and picnic area. Look along the base
of Bald Mountain, north and east of picnic area, or up the Bald Mountain trail.
Also at higher elevations look for Three-toed Woodpecker, Williamson's
Sapsucker, Mountain Bluebird and more. The lower elevation meadows along the
Bear River before reaching Evanston, Wyoming are good for Sandhill Crane,
Mountain Bluebird and more.
HABITATS: Pine forests at lower elevations, then high mountain meadows with small tree clumps (Krummholz). Several small lakes are near the road. Stream, riparian, and wet meadows are found on the Evanston side of the trip. FEATURED BIRDS: Three-toed Woodpecker, Gray Jay, Pine Grosbeak and Gray-crowned and Black Rosy-Finch. SEASON: Summer only, road closed in winter LOCATION: Take UT-150 east from Kamas. The road ends in Evanston, Wyoming. LAND OWNERSHIP: Public land managed by Wasatch-Cache National Forest NOTES: Accessible restroom, fee area |
| (You will find more information on the Wasatch-Cache National Forest HERE ) |
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| [36] STRAWBERRY RESERVOIR AND VALLEY |
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There are many opportunities for birding in the Strawberry Valley. Featured
species are not always found, but there is a possibility for Sage Grouse,
Northern Pygmy Owl, Northern Goshawk, Yellow-breasted Chat, Fox Sparrow, and
Sandhill Crane. We recommend stopping at the Strawberry Reservoir visitor
center for more specific information and maps.
HABITATS: Open water, riparian, shrub, juniper, spruce-fir, aspen, and mountain meadow FEATURED BIRDS: Sage Grouse and Swainson's Hawk SEASON: Summer. LOCATION: Approximately 23 miles southeast of Heber on US-40 (Daniels Canyon) LAND OWNERSHIP: Public land managed by Uinta National Forest NOTES: Accessible restroom, visitor center |
|
(You will find more information on the Strawberry Reservoir
HERE
)
(You will find more information on the Uinta National Forest HERE ) |
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| [37] DIAMOND FORK/HOBBLE CREEK LOOP |
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A scenic drive through several habitat types. This road offers a variety of
scenic views with opportunities to observe many of the common Wasatch Mountain
birds.
HABITATS: Riparian woodland, Gambel Oak, Bigtooth Maple with aspen and Douglas fir at higher elevations. FEATURED BIRDS: Wild Turkey, Ruffed Grouse, Blue Grouse, Fox Sparrow, and Gray Catbird. SEASON: Spring, summer, and fall (road closed in winter) LOCATION: Turn north from US-6/US-89 ten miles southeast of Spanish Fork, continue to Diamond Fork, then proceed down Hobble Creek to Springville. [NOTE: Diamond Fork Canyon road is open to the campground; however, until approximately 2006, the road beyond the campground as far as Springville Crossings will be closed to construct a water pipeline. Ray's Valley Road and Hobble Creek Road will remain open. Contact the Uinta National Forest for alternative route information: (801) 342-5100.] LAND OWNERSHIP: Mixed ownership with public land managed by the Uinta National Forest NOTES: Accessible restroom |
| (You will find more information on the Uinta National Forest HERE ) |
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| [38] JORDAN RIVER |
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From 123rd South to Bangerter Highway a paved trail winds through floodplains
to the largest remaining wet meadow along the Jordan. While this area is some
of the best riparian breeding habitat in the Salt Lake Valley, only a small
portion of the over 200 species seen along the Jordan stay for the summer. Look
for Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Bank Swallow, Common Snipe, and
Savannah Sparrow. In winter the Jordan always holds surprises. Look along the
floodplain's eastern edge where chokecherry, skunkbush, and other shrubs are
found around the seeps that keep the old Galena canal sections wet year-round.
The trail currently ends at Bangerter Highway. .
HABITATS: Low elevation riparian woodland and meadowland SEASON: All year LOCATION: 123rd South is accessible from I-15 Exit #294 (Draper/Riverton/Highway 71), then right (west) on 123rd South across river to 1300 West, left (south) to Riverton Golf Course entrance, park just before golf course at Salt Lake South County Pool lot. Trail heads down hill and across the footbridge. Or access the site via Redwood Road (Highway 68 to 126rd South, left (east) to 1300 West then as above). LAND OWNERSHIP: Mitigation Commission, Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation, and State of Utah NOTES: Restroom availability unknown |
| (You will find more information on the Jordan River HERE and HERE ) |
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| [39] PROVO BAY |
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This is a rich area for marsh birds and waterfowl. The fresh water of Utah Lake
provides different habitat characteristics than the salt water of the Great
Salt Lake.
HABITATS: Open water and marsh FEATURED BIRDS: Abundant waterfowl and shorebirds SEASON: All year LOCATION: Drive west from I-15 at Exit #263 on Utah-77 to the Spanish Fork River bridge, then go north to the access point to Provo Bay. Many trails in the area allow marsh access. Another access point is at Exit #265 (Springville), go west of the interstate and instead of going south on the frontage road turn right (north), cross a cattle guard, and park in a small graveled lot. A third access point is at the Provo Airport Dike. LAND OWNERSHIP: Mixed state and private land NOTES: Restroom availability unknown |
| (You will find more information on Provo Bay and birding in Utah County HERE ) |
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| [39a] POWELL SLOUGH |
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More area is open during the fall hunting season than at other times of the
year. Water proof boots are needed. The preferred birding area is at the end of
the road and then birding north to the Orem City water/sewage treatment plant.
There is an elevated spot on the treatment plant property to better view the
marsh.
HABITATS: Cattail marsh FEATURED BIRDS: Waterfowl and marsh birds SEASON: All year LOCATION: From Provo, take the University Parkway exit from I-15, then go west through the industrial park to the end of the road. About 400 yards before the end of the road there is a parking spot on the south side of the road, then another parking spot on the north side of the road at the end of the road. Both are marked with UDWR signs. LAND OWNERSHIP: Public land managed by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) NOTES: Restroom availability unknown |
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| [40] UTAH LAKE WETLANDS PRESERVE |
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This area is constantly improving and will be a showcase wetland management
area in the future. The Preserve will include large areas of saltgrass playas
and shoreline habitats. The authors of this document would welcome additional
details about birding and bird species to see as this site develops.
If you have any information, send an e-mail to:
bkevans4@comcast.net
.
HABITATS: Marsh and open water FEATURED BIRDS: Snowy Plover, Bobolink, Long-billed Curlew and Bald Eagle (winter) SEASON: All year LOCATION: Travel west from I-15 on UT-6 from Santaquin. Take the Genola exit and proceed north through the orchards and farms toward the west side of West Mountain. LeBaron Point is accessed via a gravel road at the north end of the agricultural area and is signed by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Access to the south end of Goshen Bay Wetlands is obtained by turning north at Main Street in Goshen and continuing until the road ends. LAND OWNERSHIP: State owned land at LeBaron Point and checkerboard public and private land elsewhere -- if in doubt, seek permission NOTES: Restroom availability is unknown |
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| HOME |
GSL BIRDING MAP & KEY |
AREA
DESCRIPTIONS: |
1-10 | 11-20 | 21-25 | 26-30 | 31-40 | 41-49 | ||