February is one of the best times to see bald eagles in Utah. They fly to Utah to avoid the colder weather up north, and by the time February arrives, hundreds may be dotted around the state.
Even though there aren’t any formal spotting events, there are many places around Utah viewers can stop to look for these special birds. It’s recommended to bring binoculars to see the eagles better. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources asks that people stay in public locations and avoid trespassing onto private property.
The DWR will be providing a live stream of eagles during the week of Feb. 3 for those who may want to stay home. Also, the DWR offices and DWR’s George S. and Dolores Doré Wildlife Education Center will have special Bald Eagle Month pins while supplies last.
Here are some of the places eagles can be found in February:
Northern Utah
-The Eccles Wildlife Education Center at 1157 S. Waterfowl Way in Farmington. Crafts and bald eagle-related readings will be offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. during February.
-Along the treeline of the Weber River near Croydon and just below Echo Reservoir.
-West of Willard, eagles can often be seen in the trees near Willard Bay Reservoir.
-Compton’s Knoll at the Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area, west of Corrine. Compton’s Knoll is on the south side of the management center. The rest of the area is closed to visitors.
Northeastern Utah
-Along the Green River, at the Ouray National Wildlife Refuge, located at 19001 E. Wildlife Refuge Road in Randlett.
-Northeast of Bridgeland, eagles can often be found hunting waterfowl on the ice at Midview Reservoir.
Central Utah
-In a tree 3.7 miles south of the Fountain Green State Fish Hatchery, along West Side Road. There is a pull-off area found with these GPS coordinates.
-Near Wales Reservoir south of Fountain Green along West Side Road.
-Outside Mount Pleasant along the San Pitch River in the cottonwood trees near 8250 East and 20500 North.
-Eagles are often seen around Utah Lake, especially near Utah State Park, Lincoln Beach and Lincoln Beach Road.
-The inlets and outlets of Deer Creek and Jordanelle reservoirs often have eagles. The Lower Provo River which flows into Jordanelle along state Route 32, has cottonwood trees for eagles.
-The Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge in Juab County often has eagles.
Southern Utah
-12 miles north of Cedar City is Rush Lake Ranch, located at 9600 N. Minersville Highway on state Route 130, where eagles have been found.
Remember to be careful when driving in these areas. Don’t drive distracted or stop in the middle of the road if you see an eagle. Make sure to pull off to the side of the road to view the eagles.
Author: Maddi Munro
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Editor: Chevy Blackburn
outdoors@suunews.net
