This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Sometimes we take for granted the beauty in our own world.
Take, for example, the Great Salt Lake.
Despite the fact that the huge salty lake lies just to the west of the majority of Utah's population, many take its unique beauty for granted.
Yet, the lake offers many glimpses into the natural world. And Davis County and the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge will be celebrating the Great Salt Lake's role in providing a resting place, home and food for millions of migratory birds this weekend.
Davis County is hosting the Great Salt Lake Bird Festival this week that includes field trips, vendors, guest lectures, workshops and a general celebration of the lake's ecosystem.
The festival is headquartered at the Davis County Fairgrounds in Farmington, where vendors will be available Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is also the site of workshops and guest lectures.
This year's spotlight bird is the Franklin Gull.
For a complete listing of events, log on to http://www.daviscounty.utah.gov/greatsaltlakebirdfest.
The Bear River Refuge and Friends of the Bear River Refuge are hosting the free International Migratory Bird Day Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event includes family-friendly activities, crafts, exhibits and games. An award ceremony honoring Utah's Junior Duck Stamp winners will be held from noon to 3 p.m.
The refuge said this is the centennial celebration of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Activities include mask making, migration games and mapping techniques.
Refuge leaders have set a goal of spotting 100 bird species on Saturday.
Events will be centered around the Wildlife Education Center at 2155 W. Forest Street in Brigham City, one block west of Interstate 15 at Exit 363.
For details, visit the website at http://www.fws.gov/refuge/bear_river_migratory_bird_refuge/.