This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
Bald Eagle Day, one of Utah's most popular watchable wildlife events, is scheduled at locations throughout the state Saturday, offering a great chance to view these majestic birds up close and personal.
The event, sponsored by the Division of Wildlife Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is free. Spotting scopes are provided but bringing a good set of binoculars is a good idea as well.
"Biologists and volunteers will be on hand to help you spot the eagles and answer your questions," said Bob Walters, watchable wildlife coordinator for the DWR.
Visitors can pick up a button, handouts and information about bald eagles and other wildlife watching and viewing opportunities in Utah.
Late morning and early afternoon is the best time to get a clear view of the eagles. Best viewing times are between 2 and 4 p.m.
For information, call Walters at 801-209-5326.
Here are the six sites hosting events Saturday:
• Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area (Compton's Knoll) located about 10 miles northwest of Corrine: Viewing is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To reach the area, take Exit 365 off Interstate 15 and travel west on state route 83 through Corinne. State on that road until you get to 6800 West. Travel north to 6800 North. Travel west on 6800 North until you reach the area.
• Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge: This federal area west of Brigham City will offer a special live eagle meet and greet from 11 a.m. to noon. Visitors can view a live bald eagle from the Ogden Nature Center up close. In addition, there will be eagle-themed games, crafts and films for all ages to enjoy most of the day. The event also features guided tours behind the gates at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., each lasting about three hours. There is limited seating, so call the refuge at 435-734-6426 for reservations, which are required. The tour will offer views of bald eagles, northern harriers, rough-legged hawks and other winter birds. The wildlife education center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
• Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area: This area is located on the west side of Farmington at 1325 W. Glovers Lane. Viewing times run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Fountain Green State Fish Hatchery: Located east of Nephi, viewing will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free tours of the fish hatchery will also be offered. Once viewers reach the hatchery, they will be given a driving map of the Sanpete Valley that highlights the best areas in the valley to view eagles. Literature, displays and rest rooms will also be available at the hatchery. Spotting scopes will be set up at a viewing location about one mile from the hatchery where eagles often gather in a large tree.
• Split Mountain/Green River: Located north of Jensen and below the Dinosaur Quarry in Dinosaur National Monument, viewing will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Drive from U.S. Highway 40 in Jensen on the road to the Dinosaur Quarry. Stop at the staging area just inside the monument boundary. Displays and spotting scopes will be available at the staging area, and you might be able to see bald eagles and other raptors in the distance. From that area, biologists will direct you to other sites where you may have better views of eagles and other wildlife of interest. In past years, visitors have seen bald and golden eagles hunting and feeding as well as prarie falcons, hawks, mule deer, river otters, pheasants, turkeys, sandhill cranes, porcupines, mergansers, Canada geese and other wildlife. Melissa Wardel, a local falconer, usually brings her hawk to the staging area around mid-morning. And don't forget to see the dinosaur bones and exhibits at the monument.Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area: This area is located on the west side of Farmington at 1325 W. Glovers Lane. Viewing times run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Rush Lake Ranch: located on the Minersville Highway, State Route 130, about 12 miles north of Cedar City, viewing on this area will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.