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

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

5/29/2026Bird Refuge Rd.2 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

5/27/2026Willard Bay SP3 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

5/25/2026Ogden Bay WMA--North Parking Lot (7500 W)1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/23/2026Bird Refuge Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

126/1/2026

Blue-winged Teal

46/1/2026

Cinnamon Teal

6/1/2026

Northern Shoveler

146/1/2026

Gadwall

6/1/2026

Mallard

6/1/2026

Redhead

86/1/2026

Common Merganser

16/1/2026

Ruddy Duck

166/1/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

26/1/2026

American Coot

6/1/2026

Black-necked Stilt

6/1/2026

American Avocet

6/1/2026

Killdeer

146/1/2026

Long-billed Curlew

46/1/2026

Wilson's Phalarope

6/1/2026

Red-necked Phalarope

16/1/2026

Forster's Tern

6/1/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

56/1/2026

Western Grebe

6/1/2026

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.