You can often see sandhill cranes at the Swaner Preserve and Ecocenter. Photo: courtesy Jim Shuler and DWR.

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — Spring migration is in full swing across Utah, bringing hundreds of bird species through the state. High elevations, wetlands, and reservoirs in Summit County will host many of these migratory birds in the coming weeks.

World Migratory Bird Day, observed Saturday, May 9, highlights the seasonal movement of more than 300 bird species traveling between North America and wintering grounds in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Wildlife officials say it’s one of the best times of year for residents to get outside and spot birds as they pass through Utah.

Summit County migratory birds

Many locations throughout Summit County are host to migratory birds, with some arriving here as their final destination and others only stopping by on their way north.

Nearby reservoirs like Echo Reservoir are prime locations to catch migrating waterbirds, including common loons heading north to breeding grounds.

Similar viewing opportunities can be found at other mountain reservoirs across northern Utah, where a mix of open water and shoreline habitat attracts a variety of species.

At the Swaner Preserve, sandhill cranes are returning to begin breeding in the expansive wetlands.

Round Valley, McLeod Creek Trail, and Jordanelle Reservoir are also nearby birding hotspots where you might see a Western Tanager, Lazuli Bunting, Wilson’s Phalarope, Common Nighthawk, Osprey, Yellow Warbler, and more.

Early morning hours — typically between 6 and 9 a.m. — offer the best chance to see and hear birds, according to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. During this time, birds are most active and vocal, making identification easier for both beginners and experienced birders.

Migratory birds in the Wasatch Front

For those willing to travel about an hour, larger migration hotspots along the Great Salt Lake host significantly higher concentrations of birds. Areas like Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area and Antelope Island State Park see hundreds of species pass through each spring and fall.

Upcoming events also offer guided opportunities to learn more about birding, including:

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will host a free World Migratory Bird Day event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 9 at the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Wildlife Education Center. Activities include bird walks, beginner workshops and demonstrations of birding apps like eBird.
The annual Great Salt Lake Bird Festival runs May 14–17 at locations across the Wasatch Front, offering field trips, workshops and family-friendly programming.

Wildlife officials recommend bringing binoculars and using bird identification tools such as the eBird or Merlin Bird ID apps to enhance the experience.

Whether close to home or at regional hotspots, spring migration offers a limited-time opportunity to see a wide range of species as they move through Utah skies.