With the split of the sage-grouse, Utah has five species of grouse. We couldn’t resist the temptation to try to get them all (and a few other good gallinaceous birds) in one trip! Our “gallinaceous schedule” will include Chukar at Antelope Island, Sharp-tailed Grouse and Gray Partridge near Brigham City, Ruffed Grouse, Greater Sage-Grouse, and Blue Grouse at Deseret Ranch, and Gunnison Sage-Grouse in southeast Utah. On the way, we’ll bird at the Great Salt Lake, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge (at the peak of the spring shorebird migration!) and many other great birding spots.

April 27 After an early afternoon arrival at Salt Lake City, we depart immediately for the heart of Utah’s spectacular red-rock country, stopping for dinner, and, if daylight permits, a bit of birding in Moab. Overnight in Monticello.

April 28 This morning finds us at a lek of the Gunnison Sage-Grouse at first light, where we watch the display of this newly recognized species. For the rest of the day, we explore the pinyon-juniper woodlands, pine-oak forests, and cottonwood bottoms of southeast Utah’s canyon country. In addition to many birds, such as Williamson’s Sapsucker, Pinyon Jay, Pygmy Nuthatch, Canyon Wren, and Western Bluebird, we’ll see some of the ancient rock art and ruins which are scattered throughout this area. Overnight in Monticello.

April 29 We spend the early morning enjoying more of the birds of these colorful canyons (or watching the Gunnison Sage-Grouse if weather interferes with our first day’s viewing). We begin our trek to northern Utah by mid-morning, so that we can enjoy some birding and sight-seeing on our way. Overnight in Brigham City.

April 30 Early this morning we make the short drive to White’s Valley, where our day begins with the display of Sharp-tailed Grouse, and continues with Gray Partridge and other grassland birds. Next, we make a short drive to the world-famous Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, where the incredible numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds mock Utah’s image as a “desert“ state. The afternoon will be spent visiting other birding hot-spots such as Antelope Island, the Great Salt Lake, and Willard Bay State Park, where we have an opportunity to see Chukar, shorebirds, and migrant songbirds. Overnight in Brigham City.

May 1 We leave Brigham City early this morning, and enjoy a day of leisurely travel and great birding as we make the short drive to Deseret Ranch. We’ll stop to bird in Cache Valley, the Bear River Mountains, and Bear Lake on the way. We’ll arrive at the ranch early enough in the afternoon to get a first look at one of Utah’s most spectacular birding places. Overnight at Deseret Ranch.

May 2 We spend the entire day on Deseret Ranch, starting with an early morning viewing of Greater Sage-Grouse strutting (noting how different they are from their southern cousins) and ending the day with displaying Blue and Ruffed Grouse. We will enjoy a seemingly endless array of bird and wildlife sightings, which leave little doubt that the ranch is home to some of the best birding in Utah. Overnight in Evenston WY, on the southeast corner of the ranch.

May 3  Today, we have a final morning to enjoy the solitude, spectacular scenery, and great birding of Deseret Ranch. After lunch, we start the short journey back to Salt Lake City, with plenty of time to visit some good birding places, such as Heber Valley, on our way. After an early dinner, we’ll head up to the canyons east of the city, where we’ll see some mountain birds, hopefully including the Black Rosy-Finch. Overnight Salt Lake City.

May 4 This morning, you’ll transfer from your hotel to the airport. If departure times allow, we can spend some time this morning looking for any other birds we haven’t yet seen. Soon you’ll be flying home full of memories of the birds, the wildlife and the scenery of Utah.