Salt Lake City(ABC4) — Want to see America’s national bird in Utah? Late January through February will be your best bet as bald eagles migrate south during the winter in search of food and to escape cold conditions.
According to the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), the state typically has hundreds of eagles during the prime winter months.
“Buzzards are iconic birds and it’s always exciting to see them in the wild,” said Adam Kavalunas, DWR Southern Region Outreach Manager. “They can fly at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour and dive at up to 100 miles per hour. Their wingspan is approximately 6-7 feet.”
During the prime winter months, there are often hundreds of eagles in the state. (Courtesy of Division of Wildlife Resources)
The DWR will host a free bald eagle viewing event outside of Cedar City in southern Utah on Friday, January 9, from 3 to 6 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to see bald eagles in the wild and learn more about them from biologists at the event.
“Attendees should dress warmly and bring their own binoculars or spotting scope,” the DWR said. “To access the viewing site from Interstate 15, take Exit 59 and head west on Highway 56. Travel approximately 3 miles and turn right onto N. 3900 West. Continue north approximately 3 miles to the viewing site.”
The event will be held curbside These coordinates. encourage participants Register in advance on Eventbrite.
There are many other places in Utah where you can see bald eagles in person. Here are some locations across the state provided by DWR:
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northern utah
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Around the Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area, near the Eccles Wildlife Education Center, 1157 S. Waterfowl Way. The education center will also host a number of events throughout February, including a coloring contest for children ages 3 to 18, guided bird walks every Friday at 11 a.m., shrinking art events every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and a live bald eagle show on February 21 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Education Center Calendar.
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In the woods along the River Weber (near Croydon) and below Echo Reservoir.
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Willard Bay Reservoir, west of Willard. Eagles are often seen in the trees near the reservoir.
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Compton’s Knoll is located in the Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area west of Colleen. You can view bald eagles and other wildlife at Compton Knoll Viewing Area on the south side of the WMA. The remainder of the WMA is closed to visitors.
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Northeastern Utah
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Follow the Green River to Ouray National Wildlife Refuge (19001 East Wildlife Refuge Road, Landlett).
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Midview Reservoir, northeast of Bridgeland. Eagles can often be seen hunting waterfowl on the ice.
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central utah
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Located in a tree about 3.7 miles south of Fountain Green State Fish Hatchery along West Side Road. There is a parking area where you can park and watch the eagles These GPS coordinates.
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To the south of Fountain Green (along the West Side Road into Wales), eagles are also often seen near Wales Reservoir.
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Area along the San Pitch River (among large poplar trees with dead branches) outside Mount Pleasant near 8250 E and 20500 N.
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Eagles are frequently seen around Utah Lake, especially near Utah Lake State Park, Lincoln Beach, and Lincoln Beach Road.
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In the Provo River Delta, a pair of nesting eagles can currently be seen from an observation tower.
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The entrances and exits of Deer Creek and Jordanelle Reservoir are also great places to spot bald eagles. The Lower Provo River, which flows into the Jordanelle River along State Highway 32, is covered with aspen trees and is frequented by eagles.
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Bald eagles are also frequented at Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge in Juab County.
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southeastern utah
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Huntington State Park has some bald eagles that are frequently seen.
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Reclaim the Reservoir, between Monticello and Blanding.
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Along the Colorado River, north of Moab.
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The public is asked to ensure that they only view the birds in public areas and do not trespass on private property.
“If you drive anywhere looking for eagles, please be safe,” the DWR said. “Don’t be distracted while driving and don’t stop in the middle of the road if you see an eagle. Instead, pull completely off the road before viewing. Your safety and that of other motorists comes first.”
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