See swans migrating through Utah this March. Photo: Courtesy of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
UTAH — Two northern Utah spots will offer great views of wild swans as they migrate through the state this March.
Viewers will be able to see both tundra and trumpeter swans as they make their annual pit stops in Utah during their spring migration from wintering grounds in California, to nesting sites in Canada and Alaska.
“Swans are amazing birds to see in flight,” said Mark Hadley, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Northern Region Outreach Manager. “You’ll have no problem spotting them — they’re huge and almost pure white in color. I encourage you to take the opportunity to get out and see them during their migration this spring!”
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See swans migrating through Utah this March. Photo: Courtesy of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
The Utah Department of Wildlife Resources has shared the following two locations for prime swan spotting this spring:
Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area
The Compton’s Knoll viewing are is located on a small hill on the southeast side of the Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area, making it a great place to view swans and other birds.
The hill is located above the marsh, ideal for those with binoculars and spotting scopes, and there are also two bird viewing blinds located at the bottom of the hill.
“The Salt Creek WMA is about 12 miles northwest of Corinne. Except for Compton’s Knoll, the rest of the WMA is closed until September,” said a press release from the UDWR. “Please remain behind closed gates and only view the swans from Compton’s Knoll or the two bird viewing blinds at the bottom of the hill.”
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will be a great place to see migrating swans this spring.
The refuge is located approximately 12 miles west of Brigham City, and also offers an auto tour route.
“To reach the auto tour route, exit I-15 at exit 363, and travel west on West Forest Street until you come to a large parking area with an observation tower,” said a press release from the UDWR. “Stop at the tower to look for swans in the marsh to the north. You can then drive along the 12-mile auto tour route. The route will take you on a journey through the heart of the refuge. You could see thousands of swans in the wetlands along the driving route.”
Swan event at the DWR’s Eccles Wildlife Education Center
The UDWR is hosting a swan event on March 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1157 South Waterfowl Way in Farmington.
Although you probably won’t see any swans here, this event will provide an opportunity to learn more about them, participate in fun activities, and go on a nature walk at the DWR’s George S. and Dolores Dore’ Eccles Wildlife Education Center and Hasenyager Preserve.
“The DWR’s Eccles Wildlife Education Center is part of the Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area,” said a press release from the UDWR. “The WMA is closed to vehicle traffic from March 1 until September, but the education center is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. While the event is free, participants are asked to register for it in advance on the Eventbrite page.“
Ashtyn is a Utah native who loves ski towns, but has yet to try skiing. She has worked for several news publications throughout the state covering education, politics, and environmental issues. When she's not writing you can typically find her reading, baking, painting, or taking pictures of her two cats.
