a car driving through a flooded road

Bear River MBR - Auto Tour Loop

Utah · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Auto loop: sunrise to sunset daily; visitor center: Mon-Fri 8 AM - 5 PM, Sat 10 AM - 4 PM

About This Location

Bear River MBR - Auto Tour Loop is a productive birding destination in Utah, with 264 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Tundra Swan, American Avocet, and Black-crowned Night Heron among many others. Elevation changes create diverse habitats, from riparian valleys to alpine meadows, supporting a wide range of species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

4/18/2026Bird Refuge Rd.1 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

4/16/2026US-Utah-Brigham City-574 Cherry Dr - 41.522x-112.005 - Jan 12, 2016 21:472 observed

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Selasphorus platycercus

4/15/2026US-Utah-Brigham City-574 Cherry Dr - 41.522x-112.005 - Jan 12, 2016 21:471 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/11/20262218–2482 W Forest St, Brigham City US-UT 41.50985, -112.074211 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

4/11/20262218–2482 W Forest St, Brigham City US-UT 41.50985, -112.074211 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

4/9/2026Box Elder Creek Trail4 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/5/2026Willard Bay SP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

4/18/2026

Cinnamon Teal

4/18/2026

Northern Shoveler

4/18/2026

Gadwall

4/18/2026

Mallard

4/18/2026

Ruddy Duck

4/18/2026

American Coot

4/18/2026

Black-necked Stilt

4/18/2026

American Avocet

4/18/2026

Killdeer

4/18/2026

Long-billed Curlew

4/18/2026

Franklin's Gull

4/18/2026

California Gull

4/18/2026

Western Grebe

4/18/2026

Clark's Grebe

4/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

4/18/2026

White-faced Ibis

4/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

4/18/2026

American White Pelican

4/18/2026

Northern Harrier

4/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

  4. 4

    Arrive early in the morning for peak bird activity and to secure parking at popular viewing areas.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bear River MBR - Auto Tour Loop for birding?
The best months to visit Bear River MBR - Auto Tour Loop for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Bear River MBR - Auto Tour Loop?
Notable species at Bear River MBR - Auto Tour Loop include Tundra Swan, American Avocet, Black-crowned Night Heron, Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle, Cinnamon Teal, Virginia Rail, American Coot, Great Blue Heron, American Kestrel, Common Raven, Marsh Wren. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bear River MBR - Auto Tour Loop?
Birding at Bear River MBR - Auto Tour Loop is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Bear River MBR - Auto Tour Loop?
There is no entrance fee at Bear River MBR - Auto Tour Loop. Hours: Auto loop: sunrise to sunset daily; visitor center: Mon-Fri 8 AM - 5 PM, Sat 10 AM - 4 PM.
What amenities are available at Bear River MBR - Auto Tour Loop?
Bear River MBR - Auto Tour Loop offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.