May 7  After an early afternoon arrival at Salt Lake City, we drive north to Brigham City, visiting Antelope Island, the Great Salt Lake, and Willard Bay State Park on the way, where we have an opportunity to see Chukar, shorebirds, and migrant songbirds. Overnight in Brigham City

May 8  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 drive to the North Promontory Mountains, where we enjoy a picnic lunch, and look for Juniper Titmouse, Pinyon Jay, Scott’s Oriole and other birds of the pinyon-juniper woodlands. We return to Brigham City for a brief rest before an early dinner. We spend the evening birding the world-famous Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, where the incredible numbers of waterfowl seem to mock Utah’s image as a “desert “ state. Overnight in Brigham City.

May 9   After an early breakfast, we leave Brigham City and travel through the mountains to Cache Valley, where wetlands, pastures and woodlots provide ample birding opportunities. We enter scenic Logan Canyon, where we have chance to view birds of the montane forests. As we cross over the crest of the Bear River Range, we enjoy the spectacular vista of the deep blue waters of Bear Lake. We bird our way around the lake, pass through a small canyon, and enter the upper Bear River Valley. Soon we arrive at Deseret Ranch. Overnight at Deseret Ranch.

May 10 Today, we spend the entire day on Deseret Ranch, starting with an early morning viewing of  Greater Sage-Grouse strutting and ending the day with displaying Blue and Ruffed Grouse. Throughout the day, the varied habitats of the ranch provide 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 at Deseret Ranch.

May 11 We spend the entire morning birding at Deseret Ranch. After lunch, we return to Salt Lake City for an early dinner at our lodge in the Wasatch Mountains above the city. In the evening, we bird the canyons nearby, looking for Black Rosy-finch and other mountain birds. We’ll finish after dark looking for Flammulated Owls and Western Screech-Owls. Overnight near Salt Lake City.

May 12 This morning, we leave early for the four-hour trip to southwestern Utah. After lunch, we get our first looks at Mohave Desert birds as we bird the St. George area, Washington Town, Quail Creek Reservoir, and the Virgin River. Following dinner, we bird in the forests of the nearby Pine Valley Mountains. Overnight in St. George.      

May 13 We spend most of today birding in the extreme southwest corner of Utah. Highlights of the day include Lytle Ranch in Beaver Dam Wash, one of the favorite birding places of Utah birders. We also bird the Joshua Tree “forests” of the Beaver Dam Slope, the pinyon-juniper woodlands of Utah Hill, and cottonwoods of the  Santa Clara River Valley. We may have a chance to visit nearby Zion National Park. Overnight in St. George.

May 14  This morning we have a last chance for birding in the St. George area. By mid-morning we will move up to higher elevations, where the birds of the Ponderosa Pine forests of the Pine Valley Mountains and the Pinyon Juniper woodlands around Pinto Junction will hold our attention until we begin the northward journey to Salt Lake City. We bird all the way to Salt Lake, arriving late to our hotel. Overnight in Salt Lake City.

May 15  Early this morning, we have one last chance to seek birds we still haven’t  seen in the Salt  Lake City area, before returning to the airport to meet your flight. Soon you will be on your way home, full with memories of the great Utah birding, the spectacular scenery, - and carrying a longer life-list!

Arrival and Departure information: The tour begins in Salt Lake City as soon as everyone arrives on May 4  (but not after 3 pm), and lasts through late morning on May 12. Flights to and from Salt Lake City should be arranged to arrive no later than 3 pm on May 4, and depart no earlier than 10 am on May 12. As an alternative, you may fly into Salt Lake City on May 3. You will be responsible for your own accommodations in Salt Lake City on the extra night (we can make a reservation for you, however). The tour price includes all non-personal expenses during the trip, such as transportation, lodging, meals, and admission fees.