Peak Bald Eagle viewing season begins in Utah

With a wingspan of up to 7 feet, bald eagles are a majestic sight during their annual winter migration to Utah. Photo: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Hundreds of America's national birds migrate to state through February

SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Bald eagles are descending on Utah for their annual winter migration, and wildlife officials say the best viewing opportunities are just ahead.

February typically offers peak sightings as hundreds of the iconic birds arrive in the state, seeking food and milder conditions than their northern territories. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is hosting a free viewing event this week to help residents spot the majestic raptors.

The agency will hold a bald eagle viewing event on Friday from 3-6 p.m. outside Cedar City. Wildlife biologists will be on hand to share information about the birds while participants observe them in their natural habitat.

“Bald eagles are iconic birds, and it is always exciting to see them in the wild,” said Adam Kavalunas, DWR Southern Region outreach manager. “They can fly up to 30 miles an hour, and when diving, they can reach 100 miles an hour. They also have a wingspan of roughly 6-7 feet.”

Attendees should dress warmly and bring binoculars or spotting scopes. Free collectible Bald Eagle Month pins will be available while supplies last. Though free, registration is encouraged through Eventbrite.

The viewing location is accessible from Interstate 15 by taking exit 59 west on Highway 56 for approximately 3 miles, then turning right onto North 3900 West and continuing north for about 3 miles.

Beyond the organized event, eagles can be spotted throughout Utah during the migration season. Wildlife officials recommend viewing only from public areas and avoiding trespassing on private property.

Northern Utah viewing locations

Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area near the Eccles Wildlife Education Center at 1157 S. Waterfowl Way in Farmington offers multiple February activities. The center will host a coloring contest for ages 3-18, guided bird walks every Friday at 11 a.m., shrink art activities Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and live bald eagle presentations Feb. 21 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Other northern viewing spots include trees along the Weber River near Croydon and below Echo Reservoir, Willard Bay Reservoir west of Willard, and Compton’s Knoll at Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area west of Corinne.

Northeastern Utah viewing locations

Eagles frequent the Green River at Ouray National Wildlife Refuge, located at 19001 E. Wildlife Refuge Road in Randlett, and Midview Reservoir northeast of Bridgeland, where they can often be seen hunting waterfowl on the ice.

Central Utah viewing locations

Central Utah offers numerous viewing opportunities, including a cottonwood tree 3.7 miles south of the Fountain Green State Fish Hatchery along West Side Road, areas south of Fountain Green along West Side Road into Wales, and near Wales Reservoir.

Eagles also congregate in cottonwood trees with dead snags along the San Pitch River near 8250 East and 20500 North outside Mount Pleasant. Utah Lake provides regular sightings, especially near Utah Lake State Park, Lincoln Beach, and Lincoln Beach Road.

The Provo River Delta currently hosts a nesting pair visible from the observation tower. The inlets and outlets of Deer Creek and Jordanelle reservoirs attract eagles, particularly along the Lower Provo River flowing into Jordanelle River near State Road 32. Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge in Juab County also regularly hosts bald eagles.

Southeastern Utah viewing locations

Southeastern viewing locations include Huntington State Park and Scofield State Park, both with consistent eagle populations, as well as Recapture Reservoir between Monticello and Blanding and the Colorado River north of Moab.

Free collectible pins are also available at DWR offices and the Eccles Wildlife Education Center while supplies last.

Wildlife officials urge motorists to prioritize safety while eagle watching, warning against distracted driving and stopping in roadways. Drivers should pull completely off the roads before viewing.