From state parks to private ranches, Brigham City is surrounded by outstanding birdwatching sites. The avid watcher, binoculars in hand, cannot afford to miss this plethora.
Willard Bay State Park
South of Brigham City off the I-15, this state park is a 9,900-acre lake formed by sanctioning off a section of the Great Salt Lake in 1964. Its freshwater environment plays host to a wide variety of birdlife.
Around the calm waters of this lake, the gray catbird, Bonaparte’s gull, hooded merganser, and common tern make their homes. In fall and winter, the common loon joins this throng. Winter also makes this park one of the premier places in the US to see the bald eagle.
Bear River Bay
Follow the I-15 to exit #363, and thirteen miles later you reach the start of the Auto Tour Route for this amazing site teeming with birdlife.
In this vast area of more than 142,000 acres, you are certain to see various species from waterfowl to wading birds. Swans, ibis, plovers, stilts, teals, and pelicans nest here. In winter the bald eagle, canvasbacks, and gulls arrive, and the snow goose and common tern visit on migration.
Hyrum State Park
A 450-acre reservoir, surrounded by 265 acres of park plays host to common and not so common seasonal visitors. Summer brings the western grebe and bank swallows, whilst winter is the time for the common loon, Pacific loon, and the Caspian tern.
Roadside viewing is recommended for spring and summer, but regardless of season, you will certainly find opportunities to enjoy this idyllic spot and its feathered visitors and residents.
Wellsville Mountain Raptor Migration
This ridged area is perfect for birdwatchers wanting to combine solitude and exercise. Peaceful and quiet, the 1/2 mile walk along the top of the west ridge provides excellent views. Rosy-finches and rock wrens can be seen, but from August to November, the true stars of the show are the eagles and migratory hawks to travel to these barren, chilly slopes.
Annual counts from 1977 have recorded 2,400 to 5,600 raptors visiting here on their migration from more than seventeen species.
Deseret Land and Livestock Ranch
A working ranch privately owned by the Church of the Latter-Day Saints, this 220,000-acre area encompasses a wide variety of vegetation and abundant water supplies. Amongst this beautiful landscape, approximately two hours east of Brigham, more than 260 species live and thrive.
Two thousand waterfowl from numerous species can be found here, together with a large population of the endangered greater sage-grouse, Additional species that have found sanctuary here include 30 bald eagle pairs and 3 ferruginous hawk pairs.
With these, and many other spots close by, birdwatchers are truly spoilt for choice. Although birds fly there, you need to drive to watch them. Visit us at Hansen today, and be spoilt for choice in your new or pre-owned vehicle to drive you to where your new adventure begins.
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