This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The tundra swan migration, always an impressive sight in Utah, has begun.
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge spokesperson Kathi Stopher reports that favorable conditions at the refuge west of Brigham City is attracting hundreds of the beautiful birds into the area.
Visitors on the Auto Tour can see the swans in the deeper water of Unit 1, as they feed on sago pondweed. That makes this an ideal for bird watching and wildlife photography. Hunters who have permits can also hunt the birds through December 13.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources' weekly aerial swan surveys show peak numbers this week. The birds are known for their whistling calls before they on to their wintering grounds in California's Central Valley.
The Auto Tour Loop at the refuge is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
For information, go to the refuge website at http://www.fws.gov/refuge/bear_river_migratory_bird_regue or the Division of Wildlife Resources site at http://wildlife.utah.gov/waterfowl/swan/swansurvey.php.