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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 41 - 49 |
| [41] NEBO MOUNTAIN ROAD |
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This 38-mile scenic byway goes through many Wasatch Mountain habitat types and
tops out at over 9,000 feet in elevation with some of the most spectacular
scenery in the area. The fall colors are especially brilliant. Numerous
campgrounds and trail systems are along the route. Birding the route should be
combined with admiring the scenic overlooks. Look for Clark's Nutcracker,
Western Tanager, Violet-green Swallow, and other Wasatch Mountain birds.
HABITATS: Mountain shrub, aspen, conifer forests FEATURED BIRDS: Band-tailed Pigeon, Evening Grosbeak, Rufous Hummingbird, Blue Grouse, and Three-toed Woodpecker (rare) SEASON: Summer only LOCATION: Take I-15 Exit #254, go straight to the first light and turn left. Proceed to 600 East, turning right onto 600 East and traveling 3-4 miles to the mouth of Payson Canyon and the Nebo Scenic Loop. Follow the loop to Nephi. LAND OWNERSHIP: Public land managed by Uinta National Forest. NOTES: Not much is known about this loop as a birding route. Feedback from any birders on the best stops along the route is welcome. There are restroom facilities at camping and picnic spots. |
| (You will find more information on the Uinta National Forest HERE ) |
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| [42] MOUNT TIMPANOGOS LOOP |
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Starting at the mouth of American Fork Canyon, elevation about 5000 feet, Mount
Timpanogos Loop road crests at about 8,000 feet. An alternate name would be the
Utah Highway 92 loop as it is entirely on UT-92. As a scenic backway it is
called the Alpine Scenic Loop. The winding paved road goes through mountain
shrub, coniferous forest and aspen groves. The road passes on the east side of
Mount Timpanogos which towers to 11,957 feet. One particularly attractive hike
is along the first couple of miles of the Mount Timpanogos trail. The trailhead
parking lot is well signed. Interesting birds include Black Swift (rare),
White-throated Swift, Dusky and Hammond's Flycatcher, Lazuli Bunting, Hairy
Woodpecker, and Warbling Vireo.
HABITATS: Mountain shrub, aspen, and conifer forests FEATURED BIRDS: Black Swift (rare), Black Rosy-Finch (rare), and Blue Grouse plus several flycatchers SEASON: Summer months only LOCATION: Take I-15 Exit #287 (just south of Point of the Mountain), drive east and south on UT-92 until it junctions with US-189 in Provo Canyon, approximately 26 miles. LAND OWNERSHIP: Primarily public land managed by Uinta National Forest NOTES: Restroom facilities are available along the route at picnic and camping spots |
| (You will find more information on the Uinta National Forest HERE ) |
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| [43] BURRASTON PONDS (MONA) |
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Burraston Ponds are fed by warm water springs, so the water is very clear and
open (ice-free) all year. Many trees have grown up around the ponds, attracting
passerine birds and providing cool shade in the summer. Many water birds, as
well as passerines, use these ponds during spring and fall migrations. A birder
never knows what bird species will be traveling through the area. Look for
migrants like Evening Grosbeak, Caspian Tern, and Yellow-rumped Warbler. In
summer, look for Western Kingbird, Great Horned Owl, Great Blue Heron,
Black-crowned Night Heron and more. During winter months, many species of
waterfowl use the area. These small ponds, easily accessed from Interstate 15,
provide a welcome rest stop from interstate driving. A campground is available
for overnight visits.
HABITATS: Open water, grassland, and agriculture and trees surrounding the ponds FEATURED BIRDS: Cinnamon Teal, Snowy Egret and Bullock's Oriole SEASON: All year LOCATION: Exit I-15 at the Mona Exit, go west to the town of Mona, then south on the old highway for 1.7 miles. Turn west at the Burraston Pond sign to the area. Look for nesting Swainson's Hawk and Great Horned Owl in the trees near the road. LAND OWNERSHIP: Mixed private and state land NOTES: Restroom facilities available |
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| [44] LAKE MOUNTAIN RAPTOR LOOP |
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The Utah Lake west shoreline around Lake Mountain and into Cedar Valley is good
for raptors during all seasons. The best viewing with the most variety of
raptors is in the late fall and winter. This is primarily an auto route but
take time to stop and stretch while looking over the area for smaller birds not
often seen while driving by. Look for raptors perching on the power poles and
fence posts along the route. In winter look for Bald Eagles. In summer look
for the Burrowing Owls that nest in the area. A side trip up Ophir Canyon is
worth the effort. Near Fairfield take time to visit Camp Floyd and the
Stagecoach Inn State Park to learn more about Pony Express Trail history.
HABITATS: Desert shrub, agriculture, pinyon-juniper FEATURED BIRDS: Rough-legged Hawk, Prairie Falcon, and Golden Eagle SEASON: Best in late fall and winter LOCATION: Go west from Lehi to UT-68, then south to the junction with US-6 at Elberta. Then go west on US-6 to Tintic Junction and then north on UT-36. UT-36 will go through Tooele and junction with I-80 near the Great Salt Lake. A second option is to turn east on UT-73 (approximately 40 miles from Tintic Junction) and go through Fairfield back to Lehi. LAND OWNERSHIP: Mixed, mostly private NOTES: Restroom options are widely spaced, but available in the small towns and at Camp Floyd |
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| [45] PONY EXPRESS TRAIL |
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This remote trail mixes history with birding. Some of the areas will seem
bird-free as you travel over sparsely vegetated deserts. These stretches of
road help you appreciate the fact that you are not carrying the mail via
horseback. The birding is unique along the trail but the real highlight is Fish
Springs National Wildlife Refuge (see next site). Take time to visit the
historical sites such as the Stagecoach Inn that was established in 1857. The
trail is well marked, and more information can be obtained from the BLM or at
other visitor centers. Be prepared for travel in a very remote area with no
services for many miles. The word "prepared" means a full tank of gas, spare
tire check and extra food and water, in addition to birding materials such as
bird guide and binoculars.
HABITATS: Desert shrub, rock outcrops, grassland, pinyon-juniper woodland FEATURED BIRDS: Horned Lark, Brewer's Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, and Golden Eagle SEASON: All year, but best in spring and fall LOCATION: Start at Lehi's main street which becomes UT-73 headed west. Pass through Fairfield (at one time the third largest city in the territory with a population of 7000), then to Camp Floyd, stopping at the Camp Floyd Stagecoach Inn State Park to pick up information. The Utah segment of the trail ends at Ibapah near the Nevada State line. LAND OWNERSHIP: Mixed private and public, the public land is managed by the BLM. NOTES: This is an under-birded area so feedback to revise this document is welcome |
| (You will find more information on the Pony Express Trail HERE ) |
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| [46] FISH SPRINGS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE |
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This is one of the most remote of all the National Wildlife Refuges. Very few
birders spend much time at the refuge. Those who do are very impressed. Heat,
bugs, and road closures during the breeding season make this a better birding
spot during fall, winter, and spring (before May 15). Stop at the refuge
headquarters to pick up an auto tour map and find out what areas are open to
the public. This oasis is surrounded by relative barren mountains and deserts,
so is attractive to many birds -- some quite rare for Utah. Over 250 species
have been recorded at Fish Springs NWR, so look for the unusual. In addition to
the featured birds, look for other marsh birds like grebes, Tundra and
Trumpeter Swan, many diving and dabbling duck species, Virginia Rail, Sora,
Willet, Caspian and Forster's Tern, Marsh Wren, Savannah Sparrow, and more. You
may want to combine this birding spot with the Pony Express Trail, described
above, into one trip.
HABITATS: Open water, marsh, lowland riparian, and desert shrub. FEATURED BIRDS: Great Egret, Sage Thrasher, Black-throated Sparrow, American Tree Sparrow (winter). SEASON: All year with fall, winter, and spring best. LOCATION: The refuge is approximately 100 miles southwest of Tooele. From Tooele drive south for 25 miles on UT-36, then follow the Pony Express Trail signs for 75 miles to the refuge. LAND OWNERSHIP: Public land managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service NOTES: Accessible restroom |
| (You will find more information on the Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge HERE ) |
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| [47] WEST CANYON AND GRANTSVILLE |
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This roads gains elevation traveling through several habitats and provides an
opportunity to view many species of birds. Interesting possibilities are
Short-eared Owl, Loggerhead Shrike, and Vesper Sparrow. Most of the Great Basin
bird species are a possibility in this area. The road can be rough, but is okay
for a passenger car. The road ends at the West Canyon trailhead. More trees are
encountered as one walks up the trail. The lower half mile of the trail is
often very good birding even if one doesn't want to hike to the higher
elevations.
HABITATS: Desert shrub and pinyon-juniper at lower elevation to spruce-fir at higher elevation FEATURED BIRDS: Gray, Cordilleran, Dusky, and Hammond's Flycatcher and Prairie Falcon SEASON: Best in spring, summer, and fall LOCATION: Go west on UT-138 from Grantsville. When UT-138 turns north, go straight on well marked road to the West Canyon Trailhead. The trailhead is approximately 5 miles from UT-138. LAND OWNERSHIP: Mixed private and public, with the public land managed by the Wasatch-Cache National Forest NOTES: Availability of restroom facilities unknown |
| (You will find more information on the Wasatch-Cache National Forest HERE ) |
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| [47a] STANSBURY PARK WETLANDS |
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This small site is good for water birds and passerines all year as open water
remains throughout most winters. The authors are interested in birding feedback
on this site. It has been reported that the site has become less attractive for
birds in recent years.
HABITATS: Warm springs and open water FEATURED BIRDS: Ring-necked Duck SEASON: All year LOCATION: Exit 99 from I-80 then go south on UT-36 for four miles, then right (west) on UT-138, about .5 miles to entrance to park. LAND OWNERSHIP: Private land, respect private property rights by birding from the road. NOTES: Availability of restrooms unknown |
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| [48] SOUTH WILLOW CANYON |
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A good stand of pinyon-juniper occurs at the lower portion of the canyon. Bird
the stream and the surrounding woodlands for Western Scrub-Jay, Juniper
Titmouse, Rock Wren, Townsend's Solitaire, Cordilleran Flycatcher, and more.
There are ample opportunities for hiking and the trails are well marked. One
trail leads to Deseret Peak, the highest peak in the Stansbury Mountains at
11,031 feet. The South Willow Lake trail is also quite scenic. At these higher
elevations look for Blue Grouse, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl,
White-throated Swift, Western Wood-Pewee, Clark's Nutcracker, and Violet-green
Swallow. The topography of the Great Basin is often referred to as a Basin and
Range formation. Ranges like the Stansbury Mountains operate (ecologically) as
islands and provide a very different birding experience than the Wasatch
Mountains, which are part of the Rocky Mountain formation.
HABITATS: Riparian, aspen, and conifers FEATURED BIRDS: White-throated Swift and Townsend's Solitaire SEASON: Spring, summer, and fall LOCATION: From Grantsville, turn south on 400 west and follow signs. The Loop Campground is eight miles. LAND OWNERSHIP: Public land managed by Wasatch-Cache National Forest NOTES: Accessible restroom |
| (You will find more information on the Wasatch-Cache National Forest HERE ) |
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| [49] DEEP CREEK MOUNTAINS |
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This birding trail includes just the north end of the Deep Creek Mountains.
Many more opportunities are available in the Deep Creeks. This is an
under-birded area. The Utah Ornithological Society and the Utah Bird Hotline
are interested in observations. Typical Great Basin birds can be expected, like
Sage Thrasher, Sage Sparrow, and Brewer's Sparrow, but birding during winter
and migration might turn up some unexpected sightings. Hawkwatch International
maintains a raptor migration census site nearby .
HABITATS: Habitats include lowland riparian, desert shrub, and Pinyon-Juniper FEATURED BIRDS: Pinyon Jay, Juniper Titmouse, Chukar, and an endemic Blue Grouse subspecies SEASON: All year LOCATION: Start at Gold Hill and drive southwest to the road heading north from Ibapah (11 miles), then go north for 13 miles, then past Twin Peaks and back to Gold Hill (12 miles). LAND OWNERSHIP: Private land and public land managed by the BLM NOTES: No facilities |
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(You will find more information on the Utah Ornithological Society
HERE
)
(The number for the Utah Bird Hotline is 801-538-4730) (You will find more information on the Hawkwatch International HERE ) |
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| HOME |
GSL BIRDING MAP & KEY |
AREA
DESCRIPTIONS: |
1-10 | 11-20 | 21-25 | 26-30 | 31-40 | 41-49 | ||