Great Salt Lake Birding and Nature Adventure

It goes without saying, that any visit to Utah isn't complete with going to the Great Salt Lake. By and far the most requested destination for birders visiting Utah, we have come up with a few options to give any birder a nice introduction to the lake. The lake is the largest remnant of Lake Bonneville, a prehistoric pluvial lake that once covered much of western Utah. In terms of surface area, it is the largest lake in the United States that is not one of the Great Lakes.

No matter the time of year, we always start things off by visiting the actual lake via the Antelope Island Causway. Despite record low water levels the past few years the causeway still provides a great intro to the birds of the Great Salt Lake. Year-round we will see the Utah State Bird--the California Gull--ask us about the history and we'll happily share the story of this unique state bird! Moving on to the island we'll spend some time looking for American Bison, Pronghorn, Coyote, Burrowing Owl, and Great Horned Owl among other species!

Here where freshwater meets salt, the brackish areas create an incredible abundance of food, and in turn an increidble number of bird speceis. In the winter Bald Eagles congregate here along wiht gulls, and numerous species of waterfowl. During migration 50-60 species of birds can be seen in a rather short period of time as waterbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, waders, and divers fuel up on their wasy north and south. In the summer, breeders like Clark's Grebe, Western Grebe, Sandhill Crane, Common Yellowthroat, and Virginia Rail are all possible. If you only have a few hours to go birding and want a taste of what the lake has to offer, this excursion is a perfect way to get acquainted.