3 replies to this topic

[BigSkyKen]

I know there are several Utah birders on this forum, so I thought I'd toss out a question. Fairly often I travel I-15 from Idaho to Orem, and sometimes further south. Because I am usually there for business, my birding time is limited to some degree. In the past I've toured through the Bear River NWR, and will likely continue to visit there, but I'm wondering if there are other good spots relatively close to the interstate along that route that I should check out. Thanks!

[Pat B.]

Ken - I never saw your post; if I had I would have given you a few ideas. Maybe you can still use them.

The 2 "other" best places close to I-15 (other than Bear River MBR) IMHO, are Antelope Island Causeway & State Park, and Farmington Bay.

Antelope Island is at the end of Antelope Drive, which is an offramp in Layton in Davis County (south of Ogden). Exit & go west to the end of the road. There is a fee ($9 per car for seniors, not sure otherwise). The causeway leading to the island is 7 miles long and is shorebird heaven at many times of the year. Millions of Eared Grebes in summer. 1000s of various Ducks in winter. The island itself has varied habitat and many, many birds (as well as Antelope and Bison). If you want to check eBird, look for reports on "Antelope Island SP" and Antelope Island Causeway," since many people split their reporting between the two.

Farmington Bay WMA is a state-run waterfowl management area in Davis Co. The main gate on Glovers Lane accesses driveable dikes, most of which are closed after hunting season. Winter there has close to the best Bald Eagle viewing in No. Utah (Salt Creek WMA is another - in Box Elder Co., north of Corinne). Waterfowl all the time. Again, check eBird, under "Farmington Bay WMA."

Also, Kaysville Ponds, in (!) Kaysville in Davis County is literally right on I-15. You can take a quick walk around 1 or both ponds in not too much time.

[BigSkyKen]

Thanks Pat. I will check these places out on my next trip to Utah.

[rindee]

Utah Lake also has some great birding. Go to the Lindon Boat Harbor and there is a walking trail that heads south past some cooling ponds that are always teaming with waterfowl.
If you are willing to go a bit farther south, there are some wetlands just south of the Golf course by East Bay in Provo. I spent a couple hours there yesterday and saw around 20 species of bird, and deer, too!