Located in Brigham City, Utah, the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is part of the National Wildlife Refuge System best suited for visitors interested in birds and bird watching. The refuge also has a robust junior ranger program which will also engage kids during their visit.
Must See and Must Do at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
The first stop on any visit to the refuge should be to the visitor's center, where you can learn about the various types of birds located at the refuge. Following this visit, be sure and do the 12-mile driving tour of the refuge where you can stop and take pictures of the many bird species. This is the highlight of any visit to the refuge. Finally, if you have some extra time, be sure and check out the many fishing spots where visitors can fish for mostly channel catfish.
Best and Worst Time to Go to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
While the refuge is open year-round, the time of year you'll want to go will depend on the type of birds you are interested in seeing since the refuge is a resting spot for millions of migratory birds. In general, May through August is a great time to go when you'll be able to see the most variety of birds. Also, going early in the morning will allow you to see more birds than in the afternoon. Avoid October when the bugs are at their worst.
Admission to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
Admission is free to the refuge. Also, access to the park is relatively easy with the entrance to the refuge located right off Interstate 15 in Brigham City.
Wildlife at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
As the name suggests, the refuge boasts a wide variety of birds throughout the year. Most of the birds are migratory, such as geese, ducks, and swans. However, visitors can also expect to see falcons and bald eagles during the winter.
Insider Tip for Visitors to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
While it might seem obvious, be sure to bring binoculars so that you can see all the birds during the auto tour. However, if you don't have any or have forgotten to bring some, the visitor's center has a few pairs they will loan out to visitors.
Author's bio: Clint T. has lived in Utah on and off for the past 20 years and will never grow tired of the great outdoors.