a group of animals standing on top of a dry grass field

Farmington Bay Wildlife Management Area

Utah · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Farmington Bay Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Utah, with 261 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, and Wood Duck 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

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/22/20263200 West (SLC Airport to 3200 N)3 observed

Gray Flycatcher

Empidonax wrightii

4/22/2026Antelope Island SP--Garr Ranch1 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

4/22/2026Antelope Island SP--Garr Ranch1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/22/2026Bonneville Shoreline Trail--South of I-801 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

4/22/2026Antelope Island SP--Causeway2 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

4/22/2026Antelope Island SP--Causeway2 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

4/22/2026Antelope Island SP--Causeway1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/22/2026Salt Lake County -- 2200 W & Cudahy Ln N of 3300 N1 observed

Western Gull

Larus occidentalis

4/22/2026Antelope Island SP--Causeway1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/21/20263200 West (SLC Airport to 3200 N)1 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

4/21/20265554 S 1900 W, Roy US-UT (41.1628,-112.0250)1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/21/2026Farmington Bay WMA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/21/2026

Cinnamon Teal

124/21/2026

Gadwall

44/21/2026

Mallard

24/21/2026

American Coot

44/21/2026

Black-necked Stilt

64/21/2026

Killdeer

44/21/2026

White-faced Ibis

284/21/2026

Snowy Egret

14/21/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

14/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

124/21/2026

Northern Harrier

24/21/2026

Black-billed Magpie

14/21/2026

Barn Swallow

14/21/2026

Song Sparrow

14/21/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

14/21/2026

Western Meadowlark

14/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

64/21/2026

Northern Shoveler

14/19/2026

American Wigeon

34/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

  5. 5

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Farmington Bay Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Farmington Bay Wildlife Management Area for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Farmington Bay Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Farmington Bay Wildlife Management Area include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Wood Duck, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, House Sparrow, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Rock Pigeon, American Kestrel. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Farmington Bay Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Farmington Bay Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Farmington Bay Wildlife Management Area?
There is no entrance fee at Farmington Bay Wildlife Management Area. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Farmington Bay Wildlife Management Area?
Farmington Bay Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.