Birds in Utah

Birds in Utah

Utah has quite a lot to boast about in terms of habitats with its dry deserts and breathtaking forestry. The bird watchers remember Utah for its national parks, where they come across an abundance of birds along with the most known hotspot for birds in Utah , Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.

What Is The State Bird Of Utah?

California Gull or by the name you commonly know it, Seagull, is Utah’s state bird, which sounds strange at first. For one, the name doesn’t match up and the scavenger bird is both common and regarded as plain for its white body and dark, greyish wings.

It all adds up when you get acquainted with the Mormon folklore, which portrays seagulls as saviors of the crop of the pioneer’s in 1848 by, well, feeding on the crickets.

What Are the Top Bird Watching Spots In Utah?

If you’re to go to a state park for birds in Utah, you can’t miss out on Antelope Island State Park. Known for the Wilson’s Phalarop and Eared Grebe spotted here, you will come across at least a million birds during summer to fall period gathering at the Great Salt Lake, even if you never come across the main attractions.

On the chance you’re a duck person, Quail Creek State Park is where you will find 20 species of them. Famous among local birders, the reservoir attracts waterfowls.

Nothing quite compares to the beauty of Zion National Park though, partly due to the ecosystem which comprises Mojave Desert, Great Basin and Colorado Plateau. It also hosts three of the endangered species, California Condors, Peregrine Falcon and Spotted Owl.

If you’re looking for rare species of birds, Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge is your ultimate friend with Black-throated Blue Warble, Reddish Egret, Williamson’s Sapsucker and many others due to courtesy of being an oasis. Getting there is a problem though, what with having to brave a desert and rocky roads so be ready for an adventure even before reaching the hotspot. Ouray National Wildlife Refuge is also another good choice if you’re hoping for diversity in birds.

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How Many Birds Can You See in Utah?

At least 467 species of birds have been seen among the birds in Utah. Of them, among the counties, Washington experiences the widest range of feathery visitors with its count of 392 species, along with Davis, Utah, Salt Lake, and Cache which has 341, 340, 339, and 320 species respectively. You might spot some birds you won’t ever see in Washington in Cache and so on, so if you want the full ride, you might have to try visiting every county once.

If you want to catch the most diverse species in a single space though, hotspots like Fish Springs NWR, Lytle Ranch Preserve and Bear River MBR–Auto Tour Loop are your best options. You’re likely to find 288, 276, and 263 types of species here.

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Top Birds To See In Utah

Clark’s Grebe, which seems to prefer mingling with other Grebe species, is quite hard to come across, though it is a breeding resident among the birds in Utah. The white neck and the bright yellow bill should tip you off.

Snow Goose, along with more rare blue colored ones, pass by Utah during winter, though they’re not a resident there. For a bird watcher in Utah, it’s a great accomplishment to come across the Snow goose with blue wings. White-Faced Ibis and Chukar are also some of the beloved birds of the state.

Common Birds To See In Utah

Commonly seen in Northern Utah, Wilson’s Phalarope is as colorful as it is energetic. The Eared Grebe, also referred to as black-necked grebe is another common sight. You’re also likely to come across American Avocet and Red-necked Phalarope. Weirdly enough, the seagull is a less of a common sight than the listed species.

Final Thoughts

Birding in Utah is also dependent on how well you can plan your trip. Since there are so many attractions, plan wisely to get maximum enjoyment.

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