Avocets and phalaropes on mudflats at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

Utah · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
WetlandMarsh
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily; auto tour route sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Bear River MBR at the northeast shore of Great Salt Lake is one of the most important shorebird staging areas in the Western Hemisphere. The refuge's vast marshes and mudflats attract millions of Wilson's Phalaropes, American Avocets, and other shorebirds during migration.

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

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

7/11/2026Bird Refuge Rd.5 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

7/8/2026Bird Refuge Rd, Brigham City US-UT 41.50438, -112.111231 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

17/19/2026

Blue-winged Teal

47/19/2026

Cinnamon Teal

27/19/2026

Gadwall

137/19/2026

Mallard

207/19/2026

Redhead

77/19/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

17/19/2026

Sora

17/19/2026

American Coot

7/19/2026

Black-necked Stilt

7/19/2026

American Avocet

37/19/2026

Snowy Plover

37/19/2026

Wilson's Phalarope

57/19/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

27/19/2026

California Gull

17/19/2026

Caspian Tern

47/19/2026

Forster's Tern

7/19/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

17/19/2026

Western Grebe

67/19/2026

Clark's Grebe

57/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Drive the 12-mile auto loop for easy viewing

  2. 2

    Late summer brings peak shorebird diversity

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Fall migration (September-October) brings waves of southbound warblers and raptors

  5. 5

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge for birding are April-May. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge?
Notable species at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge include Wilson's Phalarope, American Avocet, White-faced Ibis, Snowy Plover, Tundra Swan, Cinnamon Teal, Virginia Rail, American Coot, Great Blue Heron, Northern Harrier. The area supports wetland, marsh habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge?
Birding at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge?
There is no entrance fee at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. Hours: Dawn to dusk daily; auto tour route sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge?
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Auto Tour Route.